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Gulfport is a city of about 72,000 people on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the second-largest city in the state. It was founded in 1898 as a deepwater port and the southern end of the Gulf and Ship Island Railroad, and its harbor still ships bananas, lumber and goods around the world.
Gulfport sits on a long stretch of man-made sand beach that runs about 26 miles along the Mississippi Sound. The Mississippi Aquarium, opened in 2020 downtown, is the city's main attraction, with dolphins, an underwater tunnel and outdoor gardens. Jones Park by the harbor hosts festivals and is the departure point for ferries to Ship Island.
Ship Island, part of Gulf Islands National Seashore, has white sand beaches and the Civil War-era Fort Massachusetts. Downtown Gulfport has restaurants and historic buildings rebuilt after Hurricane Katrina, and neighboring Biloxi adds casinos, seafood and the Beauvoir mansion.
A large aquarium on Highway 90 in downtown Gulfport with indoor and outdoor habitats for dolphins, river otters, alligators, sharks and Gulf of Mexico fish, plus a walk-through underwater tunnel. Buy timed tickets online and arrive early, as outdoor exhibits get hot by midday in summer.
A hands-on children's museum in Gulfport set in a restored historic school building, with indoor play exhibits, art and science activities and a large outdoor play area with a treehouse and gardens. It suits kids up to about age 12; check the website for opening days before you go.
An outdoor water park north of Interstate 10 in Gulfport with tall slides, a lazy river, a wave pool and splash areas for small children. It is open seasonally from late spring to late summer, so check the calendar, bring sunscreen and expect the biggest crowds on weekends.
A long man-made sand beach running beside Highway 90 along the Mississippi Sound, with calm, shallow water, pavilions and a paved path for walking and biking. The water is brownish because of nearby rivers, but it is fine for wading; sunsets over the harbor are the best time to visit.
A barrier island about 11 miles offshore in Gulf Islands National Seashore, reached by seasonal ferry from the Gulfport harbor. Visitors swim on clear-water beaches and tour Fort Massachusetts, a Civil War era brick fort. Bring food, water and sun protection, since services on the island are limited.
A waterfront park at the Gulfport harbor with a playground, splash pad, picnic areas, walking paths and views of the Mississippi Sound. The Ship Island ferry departs nearby, and the park hosts festivals and concerts through the year. Parking is free and it makes a good stop before a ferry trip.
The historic center of Gulfport, a few blocks from the beach and harbor, with restaurants, bars, coffee shops, small galleries and older brick buildings around 13th and 14th Streets. It is easy to explore on foot and gets lively during evening events and the annual Mardi Gras parades.
A redeveloped campus on Beach Boulevard that once served as a Navy training station and later a Veterans Administration hospital. Its restored Spanish Colonial Revival buildings, lawns and oak trees face the Gulf, and the grounds are pleasant for a short walk while you visit the beachfront.
A historic estate site on Beach Boulevard in Gulfport where an 1830s antebellum summer home stood until Hurricane Katrina destroyed it in 2005. The house was later rebuilt and the grounds are used for events and weddings. Check ahead, as interior access depends on scheduled events.
A large beachfront casino resort on Highway 90 in Gulfport with slot machines, table games, several restaurants, a buffet and hotel towers overlooking the Gulf. Guests must be 21 or older to enter the gaming floor; free parking garages are available on both sides of the highway.
An open-air outlet mall just off Interstate 10 in Gulfport with dozens of brand-name clothing, shoe and home goods stores, plus a food court. It is a common stop for travelers on the interstate; weekday mornings are the quietest time to shop and summer afternoons can be very hot.
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