Gulfport, Mississippi

Check Out Gulfport, MS for Miles of Waterside Fun

Gulfport is a lively Mississippi town that lies within reach of exciting or leisurely pursuits for every personality. The Gulf Coast spans 62 miles of shoreline, including 26 miles along scenic Highway 90 or Beach Boulevard, the world’s longest stretch of man-made beach.

Our guide will introduce you to the many remarkable attractions in this warm and quaint locale. Once you decide to roll up your towel, you’ll find plenty of outdoor activities, interesting cultural exhibits, and thrilling nightlife to round out your stay.

Water Fun

A chain of barrier islands provides shelter from ocean surf and winds, so visitors to mainland beaches typically enjoy gentle waves and calm waters that are safer for children and families and perfect for water sports. People who love to get on the water will find it easy to rent jet skis, aqua cycles, stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, and catamarans.

Long Beach Harbor, Jones Park, Courthouse Road and the Coliseum are popular with beachgoers. All four destinations offer convenient amenities such as showers & drink machines.

From March to October one-hour boat excursions from Gulfport’s Small Craft Harbor to West Ship Island bring visitors to bigger waves and a bit of area history. This barrier island twelve miles off the Mississippi coast is home to Fort Massachusetts and one of the nation’s most beautiful beaches. Chair and umbrella rentals, as well as food service, make this a relaxing day trip.

Family Friendly

The Lynn Meadows Discovery Center is a truly enchanting children’s museum. This indoor/outdoor wonderland has dozens of engaging art stations and areas for pretend play, including outrageous climbing structures and a kid-sized tree house.

Families will also have a blast at Yardos Raceway in Ocean Springs. This unique racetrack for remote controlled cars has a drivers’ tower that stands 10 feet tall.

For an authentic gulf-style adventure, spend a few hours at the Gulf Coast Gator Ranch. Take a fascinating walking tour of the ranch, or cruise the swamp by airboat. Either way, you will get a good look at some of the oldest and biggest alligators in the state, along with birds and other native wildlife.

In the summertime, Gulf Islands Waterpark offers more than a few exciting ways to cool off. Visitors of all ages will enjoy thrilling water slides, a wave pool, lazy river, and play areas for tots.

Outdoor Living

With nearly 20 scenic courses and plenty of good weather, golf is one this area’s top attractions. The Grand Bear Golf Club, designed by Jack Nicklaus, rolls through 650 acres of DeSoto National Forest. The historic Great Southern Golf Club has catered to golf lovers, and some of the game’s greatest players, since 1908.

Nature lovers will enjoy one of many fine eco-tours that provide a glimpse of the region’s unspoiled rivers or bayous. Otherwise, take a hike or paddle out on your own wildlife-viewing adventure. Bird watchers might be thrilled to spot a Bald Eagle, Prothonotary Warbler, Osprey, Blue Heron, Egret, Red Winged Black Bird, or Mississippi Sandhill Crane.

History & Culture

The Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art was designed by esteemed architect Frank Gehry. It houses many George E. Ohr originals, as well as historical and contemporary works of a number of noted artists. The Walter Anderson Museum of Art displays the paintings of the 20th century American master, as well as various works by his talented brothers (Peter and James).

History buffs should make a point to visit Beauvoir, the Jefferson Davis Home and Presidential Library. Five of the site’s seven buildings and many artifacts were damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Katrina, but this Mississippi and National Historic Landmark is open to the public while recovery continues.

Into the Night

The Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra presents a full season of world-class concerts from September through May, but that’s not the only live music to be found. From rock, blues or country to casual Karaoke, there’s usually a ticket for every musical taste.

Last but certainly not least, the Gulf Coast has become a tried-and-true gambling destination. There are currently twelve glitzy casinos complete with card rooms, table games, and slot machines.

Hurricane Katrina devastated Gulfport and much of southern Mississippi in 2005, but this fun-loving area is back on its feet and ready to welcome visitors. For more specific information about these and other attractions, please visit The Mississippi Gulf Coast Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau website.
 

» msshipisland.com
» lmdc.org
» theyardos.com
» airboatswamptoursofmississippi.com
» gulfislandswaterpark.com
» harrahs.com/golf/GrandBear
» georgeohr.org
» beauvoir.org
» gulfcoastsymphony.net
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