Looking for a beach vacation over spring break, a fishing trip in the Gulf of Mexico over the summer or simply an easy get away? Look no further than Gulfport, Mississippi. With a population of roughly 73,000, Gulfport is the second largest city in the state.
It takes its name from being a port on the Gulf Coast of the Mississippi Sound. Gulfport is rich with civil war history, claims six miles of sandy beaches, and is a marine enthusiast’s paradise.
Though quieter than coastal cities like Gulf Shores, Gulfport still has many things to do including dining, shopping, and gambling. The city is just over an hour drive from New Orleans, and its international airport supports over 800,000 travelers annually.
While visiting Gulfport, consider some of the following activities:
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Shop ‘Til You Drop
If you plan on a beach vacation in Gulfport and you forgot your hat, want new sandals, or need an outfit for a night on the town, the Gulfport Premium Outlets will fulfill your needs. With 70+ stores ranging from casual, adventure, luxury, and designer you are bound to find what you need at a bargain.
Columbia, H&M, Michael Kors, and Ralph Lauren are just a few of the popular brands with storefronts. Snatch up some sunglasses and pack a picnic in your new tote and head to the beach.
Be a Beach Bum
While the man-made beach isn’t going to compare to the sandy shores of Tulum or an island in the Caribbean like Anguilla, it is six miles of sand with opportunities to fish, birdwatch, kayak, SUP, swim, or just relax. For an affordable beach vacation on the gulf coast, Gulfport is the number one choice.
Explore Ship Island
If you want an island get away, hop on the Ship Island Ferry and spend a day on the barrier island soaking in the sun and exploring a civil war fort!
Ship Island is part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore operated by the National Parks Service. Located 12 miles off the coast of Mississippi, it is accessible only by boat. The ferry operates once or twice daily departures from mid-March to late October. Keep an eye out for dolphin during the hour journey.
Along with sandy beaches and Fort Massachusetts, Ship Island includes chair and umbrella rentals, a concession stand, restrooms, beach showers, water fountains, and a pavilion.
You can relax on a beach, search for shells, fish on the dock, and tour a civil war fort conveniently in one day!
Go Fishing
Speaking of fishing, I highly recommend a fishing charter. The Gulf of Mexico’s bountiful waters is home to over 200 species of fish. Redfish, shark, speckled trout, sheepshead, and cobia are just a few fellas you might hook.
Choose from several fishing-charter options including inshore or offshore and a half or full day. You can’t go wrong with fishing in Gulfport. Save a few fish and have a local restaurant cook up your catch.
Savor Fresh Seafood
Being on the coast, it’s no surprise that Gulfport features many seafood shacks. From shrimp po-boys to grilled mahi mahi to tuna poke bowls, you’ll find something that suits your fancy. Don’t like seafood, don’t worry there is almost always a chicken dish and burger option at every restaurant.
A few favorites include Half Shell Oyster House and Steve’s Marina Restaurant. If you eat at Half Shell’s, don’t miss the nearby Fishbone Alley to appreciate some graffiti art. While it isn’t as grand as Beco do Batman in Sao Paulo or Freak Alley Gallery in Boise, it is a quiet place tucked behind a few bars.
For a more comprehensive list of restaurants in Gulfport, see my article, Places to Eat in Gulfport.
Stroll Through Jones Park
After your delicious meal in Gulfport, take a stroll through Jones Park and along the marina. The park includes two pavillions, a splash pad, a marina with a fuel dock and bait shop, a replica lighthouse, and a lovely promenade. It received a huge make over after the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina.
Conveniently located between the beach and downtown Gulfport, Jones Park hosts festivals, concerts and an array of other events. It is particularly beautiful during the holiday season when lights drape the lighthouse and many trees.
Visit the Mississippi Aquarium
Located just north of the park is the Mississippi Aquarium. The non-profit institution supports aquatic education and conservation. Its twelve fresh and saltwater habitats provide homes to over 200 species of marine life.
The exhibits range from life on the Mississippi to Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins. Plan your visit which ranges from a daily entrance pass to becoming a VIP trainer for the day.
Hit a Horse Show
Marine life doesn’t float your boat? How about horses? The Harrison County Fairgrounds is a 640-acre multipurpose sports and entertainment complex. It hosts a dog park, concerts, model airplane flying, rugby matches, motorcross, rodeos and horse shows.
There are six weeks of hunter-jumper horse shows from mid-February to the end of March. They are free to watch, so pop in and enjoy the excitement of Grand Prix jumpers or the beauty of a classic hunter. Multiple rings operate at once from Wednesday to Sunday from about 8 am to 4 pm. On your way there keep an eye out for the world’s largest rocking chair!
Where to Stay in Gulfport
There is also an RV park at the fairgrounds, so if you are looking for a camper slot with shower rooms, you are in luck. Of course, you can find ocean front property with many more amenities at Gulfport Luxury RV Resort.
There are also several VRBO options near the coast as well as many hotels. Island View Casino and Resort and Beach View Casino Hotel offer luxury accommodations. The Beach View Casino Hotel is smoke-free! And of course, both feature restaurants and gaming facilities.
Go Gambling
The gaming facilities at the aforementioned resorts include 18 tables and 900 reel and video slots. While there are not as many casinos in Gulfport as there used to be due to the devastation from hurricane Katrina, there are a few more options in nearby Biloxi. In fact, while visiting Gulfport, it is worth taking a 45-minute side trip to Biloxi.
Take a Side Trip
Take the freeway or for more scenic route drive the coastal road to Biloxi. Stop at the Jefferson Davis Home and Presidential Library, check out the Katrina Memorial, take a shrimp boat tour, and try your luck or see a show at Beau Rivage Resort & Casino. Biloxi is a great day excursion from Gulfport.
Seek Out Some Civil War History
Beauvoir is the last home of Jefferson Davis and is also the location of his presidential library. The house, flooded by Katrina and restored, features details that suggest wealth during that historic period. The entry hall includes rounded corners, not square. Additionally, homeowners used to be taxed based on the number of doors. As a result, most homes had wardrobes and trunks instead of closets. This home has a useless closet that is only around a foot deep!
The library recounts the history of Jefferson Davis and the Confederacy. Davis was the first and only president of the Confederate States from 1861-1865. He was also the commander in chief during the civil war. When the Confederacy was defeated, he was imprisoned and was the only person from the Confederacy that was not offered citizenship into the United States. He was a man without a country until given citizenship posthumously.
In the research room, in typical southern fashion, you can “Pick up the muskets and play with them!”
Don’t miss walking to lovely grounds which includes a cemetery or seeing the horse statue that ended up in the Mississippi Sound after Hurricane Katrina.
Beauvoir is located in between Biloxi and Gulfport, so it is a good stop as you travel between these two Mississippi coastal towns.
Upon reaching Biloxi, you will find Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, the Hurricane Katrina Memorial, and the Biloxi Shrimping Trip at Biloxi Small Craft Harbor all within walking distance.
Remember Those Who Perished in Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina is the worst natural disaster to hit the United States. The memorial, which stands 12 feet tall (the approximate height of the storm surge), includes an inlayed wave and a glass case encompassing damaged items. It pays tribute to 170 lives lost in Mississippi.
Sail on a Shrimp Boat Tour
Just a stones throw away from the memorial, is the Biloxi Small Craft Harbor home to the Biloxi Shrimping Trip. This 70-minute excursion educates passengers on shrimping in Biloxi as the 16-foot trawl drags for shrimp on the bottom of the Mississippi Sound.
The net picks up shrimp, crabs, squid, and bait fish as the gulls sail around the stern in hopes of stealing some food. Though the commentary is a little corny, just being on a boat and interacting with the aquatic life is enjoyable. And who knew that shrimp migrate!
Explore the Gulf Coast from Gulfport
Other side trips from Gulfport under a 1.5 hour drive include Dauphin Island, Ocean Springs, the INFINITY Science Center and NASA Stennis Visitor Center, Covington, and New Orleans.
In all, there are many things to do in Gulfport, Mississippi and the surrounding area. So, spend spring break on Mississippi’s gulf coast, plan a weekend getaway at the beach this summer, or enjoy the Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival in December. There is something for every season in Gulfport. ETB
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This article is now available as a mobile app. To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Walking Tours and Articles in Gulfport on GPSmyCity.
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