Best Gulf Of Mexico Day Trips & Things to Do

Sometimes called the United States' "Third Coast," this body of water is part of the Atlantic Ocean and is approximately 600,000 square miles. The Gulf of Mexico, which also is surrounded by the countries of Mexico and Cuba, was formed about 300 million years ago. The first European to explore the gulf was Amerigo Vespucci in 1497. The Gulf of Mexico is known for its warm and shallow waters. The Mississippi River drains into the gulf that is surrounded by the U.S. states of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas. Show All