Gulf Coast of the United States, Coastal region in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida, United States.
The Gulf Coast of the United States is a coastal region in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida that follows the shoreline of the Gulf of Mexico for roughly 1,600 kilometers (995 miles). The coastline alternates between wide sandy beaches in the east, shallow bays in the center, and rocky shores in the west, with warm gulf waters shaping the entire area.
Spanish sailors mapped the coast during the 16th century, followed by French explorers who established trading posts in the late 1600s. The five coastal states joined the Union between 1812 and 1845, with New Orleans emerging as the earliest major urban center.
Coastal towns bear names from three languages, left behind by Spanish explorers, French settlers and English colonists. Many fishing communities hold annual blessings of the fleet, where boats receive traditional ceremonies before heading out to sea.
Most sections lie at sea level and can be reached easily by coastal roads that run parallel to the water. Summer brings high humidity and occasional tropical storms between June and November, so spring and fall offer the most comfortable conditions for visiting.
The eastern tip of Florida receives warm ocean currents from the Caribbean, keeping the water warmer there than along the western sections. In some spots, dolphins can be seen from shore, swimming in small groups along the coastline.
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