What to do in Gulf of Mexico

Activities, attractions and tours

Gulf of Mexico
Photo provided by Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau
French Quarter featuring street scenes
French Quarter showing street scenes
French Quarter featuring a city, heritage architecture and street scenes

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Top places to visit

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

2. 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.
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Bourbon Street showing street scenes and a city

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.
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Canal Street showing signage

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.
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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.

5. 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.
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Along one of the southernmost streets in the continental U.S., enjoy a lively area filled with shops, pubs, restaurants and lots of sidewalk acts and vendors.

What to do in Gulf of Mexico

Popular places to visit

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
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
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
Canal Street showing signage

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.

Canal Street
Navarre Beach

Navarre Beach

Head over to Navarre Beach, a favourite 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
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
Port of New Orleans

Port of New Orleans

Explore the waterfront in New Orleans with a trip to Port of New Orleans. Experience the acclaimed art galleries and fascinating museums in this walkable area.

Port of New Orleans
Duval Street

Duval Street

Along one of the southernmost streets in the continental U.S., enjoy a lively area filled with shops, pubs, restaurants and lots of sidewalk acts and vendors.

Duval Street
Caesars Superdome

Caesars Superdome

Caesars Superdome is one of the more well-known attractions to visit during your trip to New Orleans. Experience the acclaimed art galleries and fascinating museums in this walkable area.

Caesars Superdome

Explore areas of Gulf of Mexico

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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
Seaside which includes a coastal town and general coastal views

Seaside

Sit at a seafood restaurant overlooking the white-sand beaches and speak with friendly locals in the lively farmers market.

Seaside
Fort Walton Beach which includes a sunset and a beach

Seagrove Beach

5/5(1 area review)

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
French Quarter featuring a city, heritage architecture and street scenes

French Quarter

4.5/5(151 area reviews)

One of New Orleans’ oldest neighborhoods is popular for an ecclectic blend of romantic history, stunning architecture, jazz and black arts.

French Quarter
Grayton Beach State Park showing a beach

Watercolor

While visiting Watercolor, you might make a stop by sights like Grayton Beach State Park and Seagrove Beach West.

Watercolor
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Seacrest

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

Seacrest