PHOTO FABIO CHIKILINO PIXABAY
It’s no great news that the Gulf of Mexico is changing its name. Since Columbus’ arrival in the Americas, it has been renamed the “Gulf – or Sea – of the North” (with reference to the Spanish colonies of the time, in the Caribbean), the “Gulf of Nueva España”, the “Gulf of Cortés”, the “Gulf of Florida” and initially even the “Sea of Cathay” (i.e. of China) when people were still convinced they had landed on the Asian coasts, in India! Today someone calls it the “Gulf of America”, but the correct name is the current one, the Gulf of Mexico, because it recalls the Indian roots of the ancient Mexìco populations who inhabited it thousands of years before the arrival of any European. However you decide to call it today, this gigantic gulf that literally draws the profiles of the southern United States and eastern Mexico is a rich source of tourist itineraries. We suggest just a few of the many that you can organize.
Gulf of Mexico: when to go
The Gulf of Mexico is also nicknamed the “Mediterranean of America” because it has a basin shape that favors stagnation of the waters and therefore their heating. The heating of the waters of this gulf gives rise to the famous marine tide that bears the same name and that – traveling across the Atlantic – goes to bathe Northern Europe, bringing periods of spring weather to Ireland, England and Scandinavia. But the heat of the Gulf of Mexico also generates air currents that can evolve into very strong winds, and even hurricanes – which happens punctually every year between June and September. If you decide to experience a vacation in the Gulf of Mexico, therefore, prefer late spring (April and May) or autumn (October). Even winter, sheltered from strong winds and with a mild climate, can favour a nice vacation.
Gulf of Mexico: cities to visit in Mexico
The distances that cover the entire Gulf of Mexico are enormous. It is difficult to visit it thoroughly, even if you were equipped with a yacht! It is always a good idea to choose a specific itinerary, perhaps based on the wide choice of dream locations overlooking this sea. In an ideal “ring circuit”, we will take you to discover the most fascinating cities of the gulf.
Let’s start with Mexico, Yucatan region, and the famous tourist city of Cancun. Its beaches, its hotels, its delicious food but especially the panoramas are the main attractions here. The most popular things to visit in Cancun are: archaeological Maya sites of El Rey, El Meco, Chichen Itzà, the Underwater Museum and the Kabah Park. Cancun has its own international airport (CUN).
Instead, you will have to land in Mexico City (MEX) to visit places such as Veracruz where, in addition to the dream beaches, you can admire a historic center full of elegant colonial buildings, a large aquarium and a historic fortified village (San Juan de Ulùa).
Another pearl of the Mexican Gulf is Matamoros: here, the main attraction is the magnificent Playa Azul but the itinerary should also include the Casamata Museum, the Cross’ House and the city cathedral.
Itinerary in the USA
Crossing the border into the United States, the most famous locations overlooking the Gulf of Mexico are definitely the Texan seaside cities. Corpus Christi, a bright city with a great Spanish colonial past, today offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the south. Worth seeing here are definitely the Great Aquarium, the gigantic Lexington museum-ship moored at the port, the beaches of Padre Island, Whitecap, Oso Bay. The Aransas Protected Reserve is an absolute must-see on the way to another fabulous city on the Gulf.
Galveston is mainly summed up in its golden beach that continues for miles along the coast. But those who also venture into the city can admire spectacular Art Nouveau architecture such as The Strand or the Bishop’s Palace, or Casa Moody, buildings showing arches, towers and spires! If you want to visit both Galveston and Corpus Christi you can land in Houston Bush (IAH) and follow a single itinerary that combines both beaches in a journey in the beauty.
We certainly don’t need to describe the immense beauties of a famous city like New Orleans (New Orleans Airport – MSY), a splendid treasure chest that contains pearls such as the historic French Quarter, where cobbled streets are lined with wrought-iron balconies and the scent of Cajun spices waft from bustling eateries. St. Louis Cathedral, with its stunning architecture, overlooks Jackson Square, a lively hub for artists and street performers. As night falls, Bourbon Street comes alive with neon lights and lively bars, offering visitors a taste of New Orleans’ renowned nightlife. The serene Audubon Park or steamboat cruises along the Mississippi River offer picturesque views of the city’s skyline. The nearby lakes and swamps offer interesting eco-tours.
Tampa (Tampa Airport – TPA), Florida, is a city of stunning beaches and tropical architectures. Your itinerary here will include Old Town Ybor City, Sunshine Skyway Bridge, Tampa Theater, the Florida Aquarium, Busch Gardens, Hillsborough Riverwalk. Not far from Tampa, in a 2-hour drive on comfortable motorways, you can enjoy a visit to… Naples! With its incredible Spanish-like architectures and its beaches decorated by rich tropical forests, this is another incredible Gulf of Mexico jem to see.
Cuba
Our tour ends in Cuba. Havana, the capital city, is one of the most interesting places overlooking the Gulf’s sea. With dream beaches and wonderful climate, Havana invites you to visit its Cathedral, Plaza de Armas, Real Fuerza Castle, Plaza Vieja, the Real Tobacco Factory. And start from here your local tours to villages and beaches you will love to visit. Land at Havana Martì Airport.
Gulf of Mexico: Must-Do Activities
Don’t miss the excursions to the Indian sites departing from the Mexican coastal cities of the Gulf of Mexico: Tulum, Palenque, Cenotes, Uxmal, Chichen Itzà. Admire the sunrise rising on the horizon from Matamoros.
Take advantage of the “eco-safaris” that will take you to discover the swamps and ponds of New Orleans, the protected natural reserves of Alabama and Florida.
Must-Dos: Dolphin-chasing cruises off the coast of Texas, snorkeling along the coast of Tampa, Florida, excursions to the Keys Islands and boat cruises to admire the sunset off the coasts of Naples or Destin.