Things to do in Gulf of Mexico

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

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!
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    One Key members save % or more on select activities, hotels, cars and vacation rentals.
    Learn about One Key

Gulf of Mexico must see attractions

1. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Busch Gardens is an African-themed adventure park featuring more than 2,000 exotic animals, roller coasters, thrill rides, shows and exhibits. The 335-acre (135-hectare) site is divided into eight themed areas. Each area has its own attractions, and animals living in natural-style habitats.
Learn more
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay showing rides

2. Canal Street

Come to Canal Street on the first day of your visit to New Orleans to get a great sense of what the city has to offer. Rich with history and full of interesting stores, theaters, museums and other attractions, this street offers enough to keep you busy for hours. And when you are ready to see another part of the city, Canal Street’s central location means you will be able to walk to many of the other highlights of the French Quarter and beyond.
Learn more
Canal Street which includes railway items, street scenes and a city

3. Bourbon Street

Located in the middle of the French Quarter, the oldest neighborhood in New Orleans, Bourbon Street saw the growth of jazz as a new and individual music genre. It was here in the early 1900s that local musicians such as Jelly Roll Morton and King Oliver experimented and developed a sound now known as jazz. Off-beat and full of energy, Bourbon Street has come to embody the qualities this music is famous for the world over.
Learn more
Colorful neon signs illuminate Bourbon Street's vibrant nightlife in New Orleans during twilight hours

4. Gulf Shores Beach

Alabama’s Gulf Coast is a blend of white-sand beaches, nature refuges, family activities and oceanside dining. Parasail or play beach volleyball in the sun, then spend the afternoon in a shady coastal marsh, looking for migrating birds. Between Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, the coastline offers 32 miles (51.4 kilometers) of beaches perfect for sunset strolls, yoga at sunrise, swimming and lounging in the sun.
Learn more
Gulf Shores Beach showing a coastal town, general coastal views and a beach

5. Siesta Key Beach

Siesta Beach has earned a reputation of being among the most beautiful in the United States. The beach is known for its crystal-clear water and powdery white sand, made almost entirely of pure white quartz. The soft, clean sands are reflective so it’s never too hot underfoot, despite the warm Florida sun. Siesta Key’s public beach is equipped with all the amenities necessary for a full day of relaxing on the soft sands and splashing around in the clear, shallow water.
Learn more
Southwest Florida featuring general coastal views and a beach as well as a large group of people

What to do in Gulf of Mexico

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Gulf of Mexico? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Gulf of Mexico

Aerial photo Port of Tampa Florida

Port of Tampa

4/5(1,773 reviews)

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 showing rides

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

4.5/5(1,674 reviews)

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
huge cruise liner stands off the coast of Vancouver Canada Place flag flying over the Pacific Ocean sails a beautiful view of the city on the water Canada 2023

Port of Galveston Cruise Terminal

4.5/5(828 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Galveston with a trip to Port of Galveston Cruise Terminal. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Port of Galveston Cruise Terminal
Canal Street featuring signage

Canal Street

4/5(7,943 reviews)

Start your exploration of New Orleans with the many attractions on this buzzing pedestrianized street, which is located right in the heart of the downtown area.

Canal Street
Vibrant atmosphere of Bourbon Street with shops, crowds, and greenery in New Orleans

Bourbon Street

4/5(8,025 reviews)

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

Bourbon Street
NewOrleans_MercedesBenzSuperdome_502026_02

Caesars Superdome

4.5/5(2,731 reviews)

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

Caesars Superdome
Gulf Shores Beach showing a coastal town, general coastal views and a beach

Gulf Shores Beach

4.5/5(1,223 reviews)

For the complete beach experience, visit this well-groomed swath of sand on the Gulf Coast, with thoughtful amenities and a convenient and central location.

Gulf Shores Beach
Southwest Florida featuring general coastal views and a beach as well as a large group of people

Siesta Key Beach

4.5/5(1,425 reviews)

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
Lifeguard lookout post at Navarre beach Florida

Navarre Beach

Head over to Navarre Beach, a favorite beach in Navarre to enjoy the surf and sand, along with fishing. Wander the seaside or discover the sunsets in this relaxing area.

Navarre Beach

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Gulf of Mexico

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

Rosemary Beach

4.5/5(40 area reviews)

Experience European Colonial charm in this Gulf Coast community, offering warm waters, beach activities, and a mixed-use town center with shops, restaurants, and live music at Peddler's Pavilion. Explore nearby parks and trails for a dose of nature.

Rosemary Beach
Vibrant atmosphere in the French Quarter showcasing culture and community on a sunny day

French Quarter

4.5/5(9,221 area reviews)

Historic buildings and lively atmosphere entice tourists and locals alike, offering live music, street performances, and vibrant nightlife. Must-see spots include Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, and Café du Monde.

French Quarter
Okaloosa Island which includes a sandy beach

Okaloosa Island

The perfect place for a romantic getaway or a family weekend retreat, this is an unforgettable shoreline delight.

Okaloosa Island
Seaside which includes a coastal town and general coastal views

Seaside

4/5(1 area review)

This unincorporated area on Florida's Panhandle boasts a Seaside Farmers Market and a picturesque interfaith chapel. Explore the town center and stroll along pedestrian alleys radiating from the heart of the community.

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

Seagrove Beach

4.5/5(27 area reviews)

On this shoreline on the Gulf of Mexico you’ll find a wonderful beachside hamlet and plenty of spots to play and relax.

Seagrove Beach
R3YH4J Vacation townhomes, Seacrest Beach, Florida, USA

Seacrest

Seacrest is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Alys Beach and Seacrest Beach.

Seacrest
See our Where To Stay guide

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.