Gulf of Mexico

Travel 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
This is where wild manatees come to spend the winter months. You can even go swimming with them!
This "Before I Die..." Wall has lots of good bucket list ideas!

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Where to stay 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
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
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

A noteworthy feature of Okaloosa Island is its stunning beaches. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Okaloosa Island Beach and Fort Walton Beach Park.

Okaloosa Island
Fort Walton Beach which includes a sunset and a sandy beach

Seagrove Beach

4.5/5(27 area reviews)

Travelers come to Seagrove Beach for its beaches, and you can see top attractions like Seaside Beach and Seagrove Beach East while you're in town.

Seagrove Beach
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
See our Where To Stay guide
Kompose Boutique Hotel

Kompose Boutique Hotel

3 out of 5
965 University Pkwy Sarasota FL
$144 nightly
The price is $163 total per night from Mar 1 to Mar 2
$163 total
Mar 1 - Mar 2
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Sarasota. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (5,076 reviews)
Beautiful place, great rooms however the bed wasn’t comfortable

Reviewed on Feb 24, 2026

Kompose Boutique Hotel
Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach

Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach

4 out of 5
100 Coronado Drive Clearwater Beach FL
$423 nightly
The price is $478 total per night from Mar 22 to Mar 23
$478 total
Mar 22 - Mar 23
Total with taxes and fees
Book a 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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (3,038 reviews)
Really nice hotel, front beach, good food, kid friendly, nice pool, nice gym and friendly staff.

Reviewed on Feb 23, 2026

Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach
RumFish Beach at TradeWinds

RumFish Beach at TradeWinds

4 out of 5
6000 Gulf Blvd St. Pete Beach FL
$292 nightly
The price is $330 total per night from Feb 25 to Feb 26
$330 total
Feb 25 - Feb 26
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach resort in St. Pete Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 outdoor pools, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,655 reviews)
Very clean room, a surprise upgrade, wonderful stafg

Reviewed on Feb 23, 2026

RumFish Beach at TradeWinds
See all 176,442 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.
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 center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (4,925 reviews)
The place is a work in progress. Staff helpful but accommodations dated and old

Reviewed on Feb 21, 2026

Sailport Waterfront Suites
California Building

California Building

2 out of 5
1111 Tulane Ave New Orleans LA
Stay at this hotel in New Orleans. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Canal Street and Caesars Superdome are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (95 reviews)
Staff was incredibly nice!

Reviewed on Feb 23, 2026

California Building
Happy Travelers RV Resort

Happy Travelers RV Resort

3 out of 5
9401 E Fowler Ave Thonotosassa FL
Stay at this cabin in Thonotosassa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Seminole Hard Rock Casino Tampa and Busch Gardens ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (415 reviews)
It was a nice stay. I recommend maybe a king sized bed and TV in one of bedrooms. Bigger stock of paper towels and toilet paper is necessary. Other than that, everything was great. A quiet, safe community and would stay here again.

Reviewed on Feb 23, 2026

Happy Travelers RV Resort
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

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
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
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
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
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

Things to do

Panama City: Sunset Dolphin Cruise in St. Andrews Bay

Panama City: Sunset Dolphin Cruise in St. Andrews Bay

$29
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Panama City: Sunset Dolphin Cruise in St. Andrews Bay
CRUISIN’, SWIMMIN’, FLOATIN’, PARTYIN’. You decide!

Original CRUISIN TIKIS 3 Hour Cruise, Snorkel, Swim/float Sandbar

$80
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
Original CRUISIN TIKIS 3 Hour Cruise, Snorkel, Swim/float Sandbar
Cheers to ...well any day on a tiki!

Original CRUISIN TIKIS 90 min Cruise - Grand Lagoon

$54
per adult
Original CRUISIN TIKIS 90 min Cruise - Grand Lagoon
Panama City Beach: Sunset Sail on the Privateer Catamaran

Panama City Beach: Sunset Sail on the Privateer Catamaran

$49
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Panama City Beach: Sunset Sail on the Privateer Catamaran
Picture 2 for Activity Panama City: Sunset Speedboat Tour with Dolphin Watching

Panama City: Sunset Tour with Dolphin Watching

$64
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Panama City: Sunset Tour with Dolphin Watching
Picture 1 for Activity Panama City Beach: High-Speed Speedboat Thrill Ride

Panama City Beach: Xtreme Jet Boat Thrill Ride

$64
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Panama City Beach: Xtreme Jet Boat Thrill Ride
See all activities in Gulf of Mexico