Gulf of Mexico Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

The crystal clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico surround Civil War Historic Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas
The crystal clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico surround Civil War Historic Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas
The famous pink lakes of Mexico, Rio Lagartos. A magical sight! Pink waters and blue sky, It was like sunset reversed; a feast for eyes! There are plenty of colorful salt lakes near Las Coloradas/Rio Lagartos in the Yucatan peninsula. It is just 2 hours drive away from Chichén Itzá and around 3 hours from Cancun. Public transport is scarce in this part of Mexico. We took a rental car and it was an easy and comfortable journey for us :) Once we reached Las Coloradas, we were welcomed by giant white salt mountains. After driving around the salt mountains for some time, we finally found someone local who took us to this beautiful private salt lake. #nature
All graves are above ground in New Orleans because the city is build on a swamp and water levels are too high to bury coffins six feet under, making for some particularly gorgeous cemeteries.
This is where wild manatees come to spend the winter months. You can even go swimming with them!

Where to stay in Gulf of Mexico

Beach Living at Rosemary Beach, Florida; Shutterstock ID 432580411; Purchase Order: -

Rosemary Beach

Rosemary Beach is popular for its beaches, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Rosemary Beach or Alys Beach.

Rosemary Beach
French Quarter showing a city, street scenes and heritage architecture

French Quarter

4.5/5(113 area reviews)

Known for its fantastic nightlife and great live music, there's plenty to explore in French Quarter. Check out top attractions like Bourbon Street and Canal Street, and jump on the metro at Dumaine St Station or Ursulines Ave Stop to see more of the city.

French Quarter
Okaloosa Island which includes a sandy beach

Okaloosa Island

Okaloosa Island is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Wild Willy's Adventure Zone and Okaloosa Island Beach, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Fort Walton Beach.

Okaloosa Island
Seaside showing a coastal town and general coastal views

Seaside

Seaside is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Seaside Beach and Central Square.

Seaside
Grayton Beach...one of my favorites on 30A

Grayton Beach

You'll enjoy the beaches and bars in Grayton Beach. You might want to make time for a stop at Grayton Beach State Park or Grayton Beach.

Grayton Beach
Fort Walton Beach which includes a sandy beach and a sunset

Seagrove Beach

Seagrove Beach is popular for its beaches, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Seaside Beach or Seagrove Beach West.

Seagrove Beach
The Westin New Orleans

The Westin New Orleans

4.5 out of 5
100 Rue Iberville New Orleans LA
The price is AU$320 per night from 25 Jan to 26 Jan
AU$320
25 Jan - 26 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in New Orleans. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,400 reviews)
It was a lovey stay. The chocolate chip muffin was yummy!

Reviewed on 12 Jan 2026

The Westin New Orleans
Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach

Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach

4 out of 5
100 Coronado Drive Clearwater Beach FL
The price is AU$502 per night from 22 Jan to 23 Jan
AU$502
22 Jan - 23 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Clearwater Beach. Enjoy a full-service spa, 3 restaurants and a beach locale. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,992 reviews)
Great pool and located on beach.

Reviewed on 13 Jan 2026

Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach
Beachside Resort & Residences

Beachside Resort & Residences

3.5 out of 5
3841 N Roosevelt Blvd Key West FL
The price is AU$633 per night from 15 Jan to 16 Jan
AU$633
15 Jan - 16 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Key West. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and a private beach. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,902 reviews)
All very nice

Reviewed on 13 Jan 2026

Beachside Resort & Residences
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Tropical Beach Resorts

Tropical Beach Resorts

3.5 out of 5
6717 Sara Sea Circle Siesta Key FL
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Siesta Key. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (5,220 reviews)
Beautiful facility. Very relaxing. Staff is awesome. Beach is amazing!

Reviewed on 13 Jan 2026

Tropical Beach Resorts
Sunset Vistas Two Bedroom Beachfront Suites

Sunset Vistas Two Bedroom Beachfront Suites

3.5 out of 5
12000 Gulf Blvd Treasure Island FL
Stay at this beach condo in Treasure Island. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, a beach locale and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,433 reviews)
Loved the remodeled condo! Very clean and very comfortable!

Reviewed on 11 Jan 2026

Sunset Vistas Two Bedroom Beachfront Suites
Sailport Waterfront Suites

Sailport Waterfront Suites

3.5 out of 5
2506 N Rocky Point Dr Tampa FL
Stay at this aparthotel in Tampa. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a fitness centre and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in their ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (4,866 reviews)
Nice for a small stay. The room was old and dated. It was mostly clean. The area itself is perfect for transit purposes. The bartender was very funny and the pool was nice (and heated).

Reviewed on 9 Jan 2026

Sailport Waterfront Suites
See all properties in Gulf of Mexico
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Port of Tampa

Port of Tampa

Explore the waterfront in Tampa with a trip to Port of Tampa. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Port of Tampa
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Exotic animals and thrill rides all on the one site at this theme park and zoo designed for the whole family.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Caesars Superdome

Caesars Superdome

Catch an event at Caesars Superdome during your trip to New Orleans. Discover the top-notch restaurants and acclaimed art galleries in this walkable area.

Caesars Superdome
Canal Street showing signage

Canal Street

Get to the heart of New Orleans through Canal Street.

Canal Street
Bourbon Street showing street scenes and a city

Bourbon Street

The birthplace of jazz is a vibrant city boulevard where the history and music of New Orleans comes to life.

Bourbon Street
Siesta Key Beach

Siesta Key Beach

The soft, white sand on Siesta Key’s award-winning family-friendly beach is perfect for relaxing under a sun umbrella and taking part in a game of volleyball.

Siesta Key Beach

Activities

Picture 2 for Activity Panama City: Sunset Speedboat Tour with Dolphin Watching

Panama City: Sunset Tour with Dolphin Watching

AU$96
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Panama City: Sunset Tour with Dolphin Watching
The Big Kahuna

Big Kahuna Sunset Dolphin Cruise Experience

AU$82
per adult
Big Kahuna Sunset Dolphin Cruise Experience
Picture 1 for Activity Panama City Beach: High-Speed Speedboat Thrill Ride

Panama City Beach: Xtreme Jet Boat Thrill Ride

AU$95
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Panama City Beach: Xtreme Jet Boat Thrill Ride
Fear at the Pier Haunted Attraction

Fear at the Pier Haunted Attraction

AU$37
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Fear at the Pier Haunted Attraction
AXE Throwing

AXE Throwing

AU$43
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
AXE Throwing
The Forbidden Tomb Escape Game

The Forbidden Tomb Escape Game

AU$49
per adult
The Forbidden Tomb Escape Game
See all activities in Gulf of Mexico