Gulfport

Gulfport is the second largest city in Mississippi, located on the Gulf Coast in Harrison County. The city serves as a gateway to the Gulf Islands National Seashore and offers white sand beaches, a major port, and a growing tourism industry. Gulfport's identity blends beach-town leisure with a working waterfront — the Gulfport Small Craft Harbor is a hub for recreational boating, fishing charters, and the Ship Island ferry.

The city's beachfront stretches along US-90 (Beach Boulevard), providing picturesque views of the Gulf of Mexico. The Mississippi Aquarium, opened in 2020, is a modern aquatic attraction on East Beach Boulevard. Gulfport also features the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies, where visitors can interact with dolphins and learn about Gulf Coast marine life. The Island View Casino Resort anchors the city's gaming scene, while nearby attractions include the Gulf Islands Water Park and several golf courses.

Gulfport's climate is subtropical: hot, humid summers with temperatures routinely above 90°F (32°C) and afternoon thunderstorms; mild winters with temperatures in the 50s–60s°F (10–15°C). Hurricane season (June–November) is a factor, as the city was heavily damaged by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The best time to visit is spring (March–May) or fall (September–November).

By Plane

Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT) is midway between New Orleans and Mobile, served by American Eagle, Delta, United, and Vision Airlines. The airport offers car rental services from Avis, Budget, Hertz, National, and Thrifty. Taxi and limousine services are also available.

By Car / Road

From New Orleans, take I-10 East for approximately 70 miles, exit at Exit 34A, and merge onto US-49 South — about 1.5 hours total. From Jackson, take US-49 South, then I-59 South toward New Orleans/Gulf Coast, and merge onto US-49 heading toward Gulfport — approximately 3 hours.

Car rental is the most practical option, with agencies at the airport and along US-49. The Coast Transit Authority (CTA) operates public transportation through Gulfport and along the Gulf Coast to Biloxi and Ocean Springs. Taxi and limousine services, as well as hotel shuttles, are available.

• Mississippi Aquarium (2100 E Beach Blvd, +1 228-241-1300): A modern aquatic facility featuring Gulf Coast marine life and interactive exhibits.

• TrainTastic (formerly Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum) (615 Pass Rd, +1 228-284-5731): Model train museum highlighting the railroad's role in Gulfport's 1898 founding.

• Mississippi Aviation Heritage Museum (429 Pass Rd, +1 601-299-2816): Aviation history of the area with planes on display.

• White Sand Beaches: Viewable from Beach Boulevard (US-90), with pull-over spots for photos along the Gulf of Mexico.

• Ship Island Ferry: Departs from the Gulfport Small Craft Harbor. Ship Island was named one of the top ten beaches in the US by USA Today. Perfect for picnics, surfing, and sunbathing.

• Gulf Islands Water Park (17200 16th St, +1 228-328-1266): Water park with slides, pools, and family activities.

• Institute For Marine Mammal Studies (10801 Dolphin Ln, +1 228-896-9182): Daily 9AM–4PM. Exhibits and encounters with marine animals, birds, and baby alligators. Prices vary.

• Bayou Vista Golf Course (13756 Washington Avenue, +1 228-868-9953): Public 18-hole course on 6,287 yards.

• Island View Casino Resort (3300 West Beach Blvd, +1 228-314-2100): Over 2,100 slots, 47 table games, live weekly entertainment, and extensive beverage menu.

• Catfish Charlie's (11419 Canal Road, +1 228-832-9195): Th–Sa 5PM–9PM. Specializes in fried and flaky catfish with a down-South family atmosphere.
• The Buffet (3300 West Beach Blvd, inside Island View Casino, +1 228-314-2100): Daily 7AM–11PM. Casino buffet with wide selection.
• Gulfport is famous for its fresh seafood — shrimp, snapper, tuna, flounder, and grouper bought from the ports every morning. Cajun, Southern, and international restaurants offer variety for every taste.

• Gulfport Elks Lodge No. 978 (12022 Klein Rd, +1 228-328-0660): Lounge and Friday fish fry.
• American Legion Post no. 119 (12320 Ashley Dr, +1 228-206-3201): Social venue with drinks and events.

• Budget: Best Western Seaway Inn (9475 Highway 49, +1 228-864-0050): Affordable roadside accommodation.
• Mid-range: Courtyard Gulfport (1600 East Beach Blvd, +1 228-864-4310): Marriott property near the beach. Fairfield Inn Gulfport (15151 Turkey Creek Drive, +1 228-822-9000): Clean, reliable rooms.
• Upscale: Island View Casino Resort (3300 West Beach Blvd, +1 228-314-2100): Full-service casino resort with Gulf views, dining, and entertainment. Holiday Inn Gulfport-Airport (9515 US 49, +1 228-679-1700): Comfortable rooms near the airport.

• Crossroads Center (Crossroads Parkway, Intersection I-10 & Highway 49): Shopping center with Cinemark, Barnes & Noble, Old Navy, and other retailers.

• Biloxi (15 minutes east on US-90): Casino resorts, Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art, and the Biloxi Lighthouse.
• Ocean Springs (20 minutes east on US-90): Artistic community with galleries and Walter Anderson Museum.
• Gulf Islands National Seashore (departure from Gulfport harbor): Ship Island ferry and barrier island beaches.
• New Orleans, Louisiana (1.5 hours west on I-10): French Quarter, world-class dining, and music scene.
• Hattiesburg (1 hour north on US-49): University of Southern Mississippi campus and Longleaf Trace trail.