The Gulf of Mexico may not be at the top of your bucket list of must-visit places, but this amazing body of water and its surrounding locales definitely are worth learning about. Filled with beautiful blue waters, the Gulf of Mexico may become your new favorite vacation spot. But let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves.
Where is the Gulf of Mexico on a Map?
The Gulf of Mexico is on the southeastern coast of North America. A Gulf of Mexico map shows it’s surrounded by the Gulf Coast of the United States, including Florida, Texas, Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Formed around 300 million years ago, the Gulf of Mexico has continued to evolve and has so much to offer to residents and tourists.
5 Facts About the Gulf of Mexico:
- It’s the largest gulf on Earth
- It contains some of the planet’s oldest organisms
- Sharks love these waters
- It’s home to an underwater brine pool
- It has many shipwreck sites
1. It’s the World’s Largest Gulf
That’s right, folks. Pull out your Gulf of Mexico map to see the largest gulf in the world and the ninth-largest body of water on the planet. Spanning 600,000 square miles, the Gulf is a diverse ecosystem with a long and fascinating history.
2. It’s Home to Some of The Oldest Living Organisms on Earth
Black coral was found in the Gulf and has been categorized as one of the oldest living things on Earth. This is no surprise, as the Gulf is approximately 300 million years old. This was due to plate tectonics, which are oddly shaped slabs of solid rock that vary greatly in size.
3. Sharks Love the Gulf of Mexico
The Gulf of Mexico is home to at least 49 species of sharks. These predators have continued to maintain the food chain in the Gulf and keep the balance by ensuring there are diverse species in the water. The prime time to see some of these sharks is between May and September due to the warmer waters. Some of the Gulf’s most popular shark species include the bull shark, the hammerhead, and the tiger shark.
4. The Gulf of Mexico Has an Underwater Brine Pool
An underwater brine pool named the “Hot Tub of Despair” was discovered in 2014. Located about 3,300 feet under the surface, it holds four times the amount of salt as normal water and is much warmer than the water around it. Creatures that wander into the pool, usually drawn to the heat, tend to die. Brine pools are exceedingly rare.
5. Shipwrecks Are Popular in the Gulf
It is believed that over 4,000 shipwrecks are on the floor of the Gulf of Mexico. Remote sensor imaging has given us a glimpse into these ships and provided us with continued knowledge of shipping routes and how people made their living from the sea many years ago. The most recent discovery was a 64-foot whaling ship that sank in 1836!
Gulf of Mexico Wood Map
Our Gulf of Mexico wood map is a 3D depiction that highlights the depths of the Gulf. Each piece of the wood map is layered together to create a realistic visual.
The 7 most important points of interest on our Gulf of Mexico wood map are:
- Corpus Christi, Texas
- Galveston, Texas
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Pensacola, Florida
- Tampa, Florida
- Sarasota, Florida
- Sanibel Island, Florida
If you have been looking at your Gulf of Mexico wood map and wondering why we’ve highlighted these points of interest, it’s because we don’t want you to miss these unforgettable places and all they have to offer. Let’s dive in!
Plan a Trip to Corpus Christi
While exploring your Gulf of Mexico map points of interest, we highly recommend Corpus Christi. Corpus Christi is a Texas City on the Gulf filled with historic museums, the state’s aquarium, Padre Island National Seashore, and Laguna Madre. It is also home to several fine hotels and attractions and has continued to build itself as a popular destination.
Plan A Beach Getaway to Galveston
Galveston is another favorite spot of ours, which is why we made sure to highlight it on our Gulf of Mexico map. Galveston, just outside of Houston, is known as one of the most popular beach towns in the country.
After spending your day at one of the town’s charming beaches, spend your evening immersing yourself in the rich history and culture. Start by visiting the Galveston Naval Museum, 1892 Bishop’s Palace, and The Bryan Museum. Then, check out the Moody Gardens before heading over to Hendley Market. Finally, close out your trip with a visit to La King’s Confectionery on The Strand. And most importantly, don’t forget to commemorate your stay with our Galveston wood map.
Explore the Nightlife of New Orleans
While New Orleans is known for its nightlife, cuisine, and vibrant music, it is also known for its beaches. Right along the Gulf, there is a ton of sun and sand waiting for you. The most popular beach is Grand Isle, which features stunning sandy shores and activities for all ages! Our New Orleans, Louisiana wood map is a great gift for your travel buddies and offers a glimpse into everything New Orleans can offer.
Visiting Pensacola, Tampa, Sarasota, and Sanibel
If you are following your Gulf of Mexico map and driving along the coast, you can explore so much in Florida alone. The last four points of our Gulf of Mexico wood map are all in Florida, which could be an entire destination trip on its own.
Start with a drive through Mexico Beach and make a stop in Apalachicola for the town’s famous oysters. As you make your way to Tampa, stop at one of their breathtaking beaches but make sure to fit in a trip to the Manatee Viewing Center near Apollo Beach. You won’t regret it!
Sarasota is a prime retirement destination with several activities, including fishing, boating, and beach life. Finally, Sanibel Island is an oasis that has a little something for everyone. And don’t forget to stop and do the Sanibel Stoop to collect precious shells and beachy treasures of your own.
The Secret is Out: The Gulf is the Perfect Place to Visit
There you have it. The Gulf of Mexico is a place we recommend everyone visit at least once. Whether you plan it all at once or separate it into a few trips, you won’t be disappointed. The Gulf of Mexico almost feels like a secret that not enough people know about, but we are changing all that! So, book that trip and purchase your wood maps to decorate your home so you can always remember your travels along the Gulf!