Title: Things to Do in Gulf of Mexico in 2026 | Expedia.com [Gulf of Mexico Travel Guide](https://expedia.com/Gulf-Of-Mexico.dx553248635989303400)[Hotels in Gulf of Mexico](https://expedia.com/Gulf-Of-Mexico-Hotels.d553248635989303400.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Flights to Gulf of Mexico](https://expedia.com/Cheap-Flights-To-Gulf-Of-Mexico.d553248635989303400.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Car Rentals in Gulf of Mexico](https://expedia.com/Car-Rentals-In-Gulf-Of-Mexico.d553248635989303400.Car-Rental-Guide)[Gulf of Mexico Vacation Packages](https://expedia.com/Gulf-Of-Mexico.d553248635989303400.Destination-Travel-Guides) # Things to do in Gulf of Mexico ## Find and book activities, attractions and tours ## Visit Gulf of Mexico Types of activities Where to stay [Gulf of Mexico Travel Guide](https://expedia.com/Gulf-of-Mexico.dx553248635989303400) ![The crystal clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico surround Civil War Historic Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635989303400/2363522f-2e51-4e19-90bf-e9db449072dd.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Gulf of Mexico](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6320352/6e633f4c-84fa-43b3-bec4-0bb91d0fb29a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Gulf of Mexico](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6085423/20c46ff2-d01b-4626-8074-cba43173f67b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Gulf of Mexico](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/2434/5ed1b97e-0a4b-4ce0-a4fd-a4dfc6858d6d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Gulf of Mexico](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6091118/d96f266b-8533-411a-8aa3-69aa87efacfc.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) --- - ![find price illustration](https://a.travel-assets.com/travel-assets-manager/pictogram-bex/light__find_price.svg) ### Explore activities Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer. - ![calendar shield illustration](https://a.travel-assets.com/travel-assets-manager/pictogram-bex/light__calendar_shield.svg) ### Book with ease Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities. - ![trophy illustration](https://a.travel-assets.com/travel-assets-manager/pictogram-bex/light__trophy.svg) ### Treat yourself One Key members save % or more on select activities, hotels, cars and vacation rentals. [Learn about One Key](https://www.expedia.com/welcome-one-key) --- ## Gulf of Mexico must see attractions ### 1\. 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 ](https://www.expedia.com/Gulf-Shores-Beach-Gulf-Shores.d6097624.Vacation-Attraction) ![](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6097624/2652f9ba-1a48-4359-ac9e-3306e9cdfb28.jpg) ### 2\. 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 ](https://www.expedia.com/Busch-Gardens-Tampa-Bay-Terrace-Park.d6048135.Vacation-Attraction) ![](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6048135/88f298de-d898-4d9e-b3c3-63644981d741.jpg) ### 3\. 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 ](https://www.expedia.com/Canal-Street-New-Orleans-Central-Business-District.d6263842.Vacation-Attraction) ![](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6263842/ae95d482-263e-4409-ba45-7a6fcda4a52c.jpg) ### 4\. 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 ](https://www.expedia.com/Siesta-Key-Beach-Siesta-Key.d6066003.Vacation-Attraction) ![](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6066003/ad6a01c6-1eea-49fa-a977-77719bf71f3d.jpg) ### 5\. 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 ](https://www.expedia.com/Bourbon-Street-French-Quarter.d6139836.Vacation-Attraction) ![](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6139836/6a201ae3-8f7e-43d5-a532-514d9fb6aee7.jpg) ### 6\. Duval Street Coming to Florida’s Key West and not experiencing Duval Street is missing one of the area’s most important commercial roads. It’s the main street on the island. Visit at any time. At the end of the day, when the heat abates and beachgoers have packed up, the street truly comes into its own. Being bored on Duval Street is a rarity. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.com/Duval-Street-Key-West-Historic-District.d6068616.Vacation-Attraction) ![](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6068616/5997ee0c-eca4-415b-b051-99f4d38fbc11.jpg) ## Recommended things to do in Gulf of Mexico | Number of things to do | 55 | | ------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Cheapest thing to do on Expedia | [Fear at the Pier Haunted Attraction](/things-to-do/fear-at-the-pier-haunted-attraction.a46405212.activity-details): $25 | | Top 5 things to do | [Panama City: Sunset Dolphin Cruise in St. Andrews Bay](/things-to-do/panama-city-sunset-dolphin-cruise-in-st-andrews-bay.a47706386.activity-details)[Original CRUISIN TIKIS 3 Hour Cruise, Snorkel, Swim/float Sandbar](/things-to-do/original-cruisin-tikis-3-hour-cruise-snorkel-swim-float-sandbar.a46372678.activity-details)[Original CRUISIN TIKIS 90 min Cruise - Grand Lagoon](/things-to-do/original-cruisin-tikis-90-min-cruise-grand-lagoon.a46191250.activity-details)[Panama City Beach: Shell Island Catamaran Snorkeling Tour](/things-to-do/panama-city-beach-shell-island-catamaran-snorkeling-tour.a44632513.activity-details)[Panama City Beach: Sunset Sail on the Privateer Catamaran](/things-to-do/panama-city-beach-sunset-sail-on-the-privateer-catamaran.a44627398.activity-details) | | Under $25 | | | With kids | [Panama City: Sunset Dolphin Cruise in St. Andrews Bay](/things-to-do/panama-city-sunset-dolphin-cruise-in-st-andrews-bay.a47706386.activity-details)[Original CRUISIN TIKIS 90 min Cruise - Grand Lagoon](/things-to-do/original-cruisin-tikis-90-min-cruise-grand-lagoon.a46191250.activity-details)[Panama City Beach: Shell Island Catamaran Snorkeling Tour](/things-to-do/panama-city-beach-shell-island-catamaran-snorkeling-tour.a44632513.activity-details)[Panama City Beach: Sunset Sail on the Privateer Catamaran](/things-to-do/panama-city-beach-sunset-sail-on-the-privateer-catamaran.a44627398.activity-details)[Fear at the Pier Haunted Attraction](/things-to-do/fear-at-the-pier-haunted-attraction.a46405212.activity-details) | ## What to do in Gulf of Mexico --- Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Gulf of Mexico? [Search event tickets](https://www.expedia.com/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 ![Gulf Shores Beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6097624/2652f9ba-1a48-4359-ac9e-3306e9cdfb28.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Gulf Shores Beach 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. [](https://expedia.com/Gulf-Shores-Beach-Gulf-Shores.d6097624.Vacation-Attraction) ![Busch Gardens Tampa Bay](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6048135/88f298de-d898-4d9e-b3c3-63644981d741.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### 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. [](https://expedia.com/Busch-Gardens-Tampa-Bay-Terrace-Park.d6048135.Vacation-Attraction) ![Aerial panoramic view of industrial area and port of Tampa, Florida.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6127884/c36a88a1-8928-4c7f-94f1-c8937c8b483a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### 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. [](https://expedia.com/Port-Of-Tampa-Downtown-Tampa.d6127884.Vacation-Attraction) ![Canal Street](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6263842/f7d59059-0d9b-4c0e-89ca-d394a004164b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Canal Street 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. [](https://expedia.com/Canal-Street-New-Orleans-Central-Business-District.d6263842.Vacation-Attraction) ![Galveston Island historic Pleasure Pier on the Gulf of Mexico coast in Texas.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/1341/d619e5ec-4ec9-4ee7-af86-3888294c52e7.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Port of Galveston Cruise Terminal Explore the waterfront in Galveston with a trip to Port of Galveston Cruise Terminal. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area. [](https://expedia.com/Port-Of-Galveston-Cruise-Terminal-Strand-Historic-District.d6257015.Vacation-Attraction) ![Siesta Key Beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6066003/ad6a01c6-1eea-49fa-a977-77719bf71f3d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### 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. [](https://expedia.com/Siesta-Key-Beach-Siesta-Key.d6066003.Vacation-Attraction) ![Bourbon Street](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6139836/75fad681-72ac-4154-b2e1-06b043b5b2bf.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Bourbon Street The birthplace of jazz is a vibrant city boulevard where the history and music of New Orleans comes to life. [](https://expedia.com/Bourbon-Street-French-Quarter.d6139836.Vacation-Attraction) ![Lifeguard lookout post at Navarre beach Florida](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/183109/45a69ffa-cdf6-4204-be58-aaaeca38e288.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### 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. [](https://expedia.com/Navarre-Beach-Navarre.d183109.Vacation-Attraction) ![New Orleans Skyline, Sunrise, Louisiana](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6162438/9366fd34-6c28-4539-ae2c-d461ae7fe6f2.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Port of New Orleans Explore the waterfront in New Orleans with a trip to Port of New Orleans. Experience the great live music and acclaimed art scene in this walkable area. [](https://expedia.com/Port-Of-New-Orleans-Lower-Garden-District.d6162438.Vacation-Attraction) ### Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Gulf of Mexico ![Beach Living at Rosemary Beach, Florida; Shutterstock ID 432580411; Purchase Order: -](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6139932/09b32d32-bffd-47f7-bf0e-a99766ec0476.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### 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. [](https://expedia.com/Panama-City-Beach-Rosemary-Beach.dx6139932) ![French Quarter](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/800072/d97dfdd9-81f2-4601-a10e-054fee1acd4f.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### French Quarter 4.5/5(9,341 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. [](https://expedia.com/New-Orleans-French-Quarter.dx800072) ![Sunset, Panama City Beach Florida](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635077613214/cee9febf-303a-4f6e-8ba4-33ed869d10a1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Seacrest Seacrest is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Alys Beach and Seacrest Beach. [](https://expedia.com/Panama-City-Beach-Seacrest.dx553248635077613214) ![Seagrove Beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/156147/691999ec-be31-4710-80cc-b6711724df8f.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Seagrove Beach 4.5/5(28 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. [](https://expedia.com/Santa-Rosa-Beach-Seagrove-Beach.dx156147) ![Seaside](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/183119/cd77d373-abdd-4889-919c-5bcd5e98845f.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### 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. [](https://expedia.com/Santa-Rosa-Beach-Seaside.dx183119) ![Okaloosa Island](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6065716/9c643978-58cc-4053-802f-593ff2fa5f9d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Okaloosa Island The perfect place for a romantic getaway or a family weekend retreat, this is an unforgettable shoreline delight. [](https://expedia.com/Fort-Walton-Beach-Okaloosa-Island.dx6065716) [See our Where To Stay guide](https://expedia.com/Gulf-Of-Mexico.dx553248635989303400.Where-To-Stay?rfrr=TG.LP..Neighborhoods) --- Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check [things to do near me](https://www.expedia.com/things-to-do-near-me) to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be. --- ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save even more - get up to 20% on select hotels when you book on the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. Scan the QR code with your device camera and download our app