The Gulf Coast: Harbors, Beaches, and Major Cities on the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico

The Gulf Coast region of the United States stretches along the Gulf of Mexico from Florida to Texas, encompassing:

• States: Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas.
• Features: Excellent natural harbors (e.g., Houston, New Orleans, Tampa, Mobile), warm subtropical climate, extensive sandy beaches, barrier islands, and wetlands.
• Major cities: New Orleans, Houston, Tampa, Mobile, Corpus Christi, Pensacola.

The region is a hub for energy (oil/gas), shipping, tourism, fishing, and aerospace. Its ports are among the busiest in the nation.