US Gulf Coast destinations you need to discover

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The US Gulf Coast refers to the coastline along the Southern United States, and includes all destinations along the Gulf of Mexico. This richly diverse and wonderfully scenic region stretches almost 1,900 miles (over 3,050 km) and encompasses the Gulf states of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. Characterizing the landscape is a collection of historic cities and a wealth of fabulous beach resorts, many set on the hundreds of unspoiled barrier islands that float parallel to the coastline. It's no wonder that exploring this astonishingly varied and compelling shoreline is one of America's most popular vacation options.

 

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Everglades City, Florida -

Everglades City is as good a place as any to commence a tour of the US Gulf Coast, not least because the Gulf Coast Visitor Center for Everglades National Park is located here. Explore the park before hitting the road and heading northwest.

 

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Naples, Florida -

Naples is an exclusive enclave, a wealthy city known for its world-class golf courses. Naples area beaches include the stunning Barefoot Beach County Preserve.

 

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Marco Island, Florida -

South of Naples and nestling on Marco Island—one of Florida's most popular islands—is Tigertail Beach. A wildlife hot zone, Tigertail is also a favorite watersports destination.

 

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Fort Myers, Florida -

Fort Myers is a major tourist destination within the state. The city is fringed by a huge strand of sand, effectively the coast of the barrier isle, Estero Island.

 

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Venice, Florida -

Venice, Florida, can boast its very own Venice Beach, landmarked by the Venice Jetty. Tourist amenities include a boardwalk and an inviting collection of bars and restaurants.

 

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Sanibel Island and Captiva Island, Florida -

Located 30 miles (48 km) off the coast of Fort Meyers, these two beautiful islands serve as a romantic escape for anyone seeking solace in a lush tropical environment.

 

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Siesta Key, Florida -

Anchored off the coast of Sarasota, Siesta Key features one of the best beaches in the United States. Siesta Key itself is a barrier island heaped with golden sand and fringed with limestone outcrops.

 

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St. Petersburg, Florida -

St. Petersburg, often referred to by locals as St. Pete, lures tourists with a number of visitor attractions, among them the Salvador Dalí Museum—home to more masterpieces of the Spanish surrealist artist than any other museum in the world.

 

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St. Pete Beach, Florida -

Another reason to linger in the vicinity is to explore St. Pete Beach. The resort is famous for its epic stretch of sand and the pink Moorish-style Don CeSar Hotel, a 1928 landmark.

 

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Anna Maria Island, Florida -

South from St. Petersburg across Tampa Bay lies Anna Maria Island. Two beaches stand out on this delightful barrier island—Bean Point Beach and Manatee Public Beach.

 

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Fort de Soto Park, Florida -

Moored in Tampa Bay about eight miles (12 km) south of St. Petersburg is Fort de Soto Park. Its eponymous beach is an inviting day-trip destination. The island's other band of sand, North Beach, is a haven for birdlife.

 

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Tampa, Florida -

Further north, Tampa is the third-most populous city in Florida after Jacksonville and Miami. This buzzing metropolis deserves a good few days of your time to take in sights such as the Museum of Science & Technology and the Florida Aquarium.

 

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Clearwater, Florida -

Lapped by the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay, Clearwater is known for its superb aquarium facility and the dazzling Clearwater Beach, a natural wonder set on Clearwater Beach Island.

 

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Cape San Blas, Florida -

For seclusion and communion with nature, head out to Cape San Blas. Connected to the Florida peninsula by a sliver of land, Cape San Blas is home to St. Joseph Peninsula State Park.

 

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Shell Island, Florida -

Shell Island is seven miles (11 km) of undeveloped paradise teeming with wildlife. The spectacular narrow finger of white sand known as Panama City Beach also lends its name to the resort town, a popular regional destination.

 

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Pensacola, Florida -

The westernmost city in the Florida Panhandle, Pensacola was first settled in 1559 by Spanish explorers. Pensacola's engaging history museum chronicles the city's fascinating timeline. Later, hit the beach on Santa Rosa Island, itself surrounded by the Gulf Islands National Seashore.

 

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Orange Beach, Alabama -

Head further west out of Pensacola and you cross the state line into Alabama's 60-mile (96-km) stretch of Gulf coast. Orange Beach will likely be your first port of call. This compact Gulf Shores city is, of course, named for its wonderful beach. But check out, too, the Orange Beach Indian & Sea Museum, which explores Native American and fishing history.

 

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Mobile, Alabama -

To the northwest across the bay lies Mobile, Alabama's only saltwater port. If you can, time your visit during Carnival: Mobile hosts the oldest organized Mardi Gras celebrations in the United States.