The Best Things To Do In Gulfport, Mississippi

As a state, Mississippi is a treasure trove of small towns and undiscovered gems. The capital of Jackson is by far the state’s most populous place, but outside of that mid-sized city, Mississippi is all about smaller communities. The town of Gulfport, located on the state’s Southern coast abutting the Gulf of Mexico, falls somewhere in between. With around 70,000 full-time residents, Gulfport is the state’s second largest locale. Yet when compared to other Southern vacation hubs, it remains a lesser-known destination that offers plenty to do, yet won’t leave you feeling lost in the crowd. If you’re looking for a coastal escape that offers more than just sand, sun, and surf, Gulfport is an easy answer. Yes, there are dozens of opportunities to get out on the water, but there’s also a healthy art scene, a lively entertainment district, and plenty of delicious local restaurants where you can have a great meal. Here’s how to spend a weekend in Gulfport, Mississippi.

Things To Do

As the town’s name suggests, the main attraction in Gulfport is its easy access to the Gulf of Mexico. Coastal Mississippi encompasses 26 miles of white-sand shores, and Gulfport’s beaches make up six of them. Everyone’s first day in Gulfport should be a beach day. You can easily park at Gulfport Beach and unload everything you need for a day of fun in the sun—from a cooler of fruity drinks to chairs, umbrellas, and beach toys. The Gulfport Beach Waterfront Complex gives easy access to the Boca Ciega Bay beach, plus a fenced playground, pavilion, restrooms, volleyball net, and fishing pier.

Venture offshore to one of the area’s most notable attractions, Ship Island, located 12 miles off the coast of Mississippi. Ship Island Excursions offers a once- or twice-daily ferry between Gulfport and Ship Island during spring, summer, and fall. Once you get to the secluded barrier island, managed by the National Park Service, you can explore historic Fort Massachusetts, splash in the swimming area, or enjoy the pristine beaches. If the one-hour ride over is your favorite part of the experience, consider booking a second trip with Ship Island Excursions. In addition to the ferry, they also offer a Dolphin Watching Cruise and Starlight Cocktail Cruise.

True thalassophiles (also known as ocean lovers) will want to round out their water-centric trip with a visit to the Mississippi Aquarium or Institute for Marine Mammal Studies. The Mississippi Aquarium goes beyond the beach to tell the complete story of Mississippi’s waterways, from the Delta to the coastline and the Mighty Mississippi River to the marshy bayous. Home to 12 fresh and saltwater habitats and more than 200 species of aquatic animals, the aquarium is a thrill for folks of all ages. The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies expounds on your aquarium experience with special shows and encounters featuring dolphins, sea lions, birds, reptiles, stingrays, and more.

When you’re ready to shift gears and explore on land, you can start by getting acquainted with Gulfport’s excellent art scene. Downtown Gulfport is full of local flavor, from its many lively bars and nightlife options to its excellent dining and shopping. But nowhere is downtown Gulfport’s funky flair more apparent than in Fishbone Alley, a former utility alley that’s now a hub for arts, culture, and community interaction. The “urban living room” functions as an ever-changing art gallery and gathering space where artists from across the region share their talents in the form of murals, panels, and paintings. If you’re inspired by what you see, continue to Gulfport Arts Center or Negretto’s Frame + Art to level up on your hunt for fabulous local art.

Places To Eat

Gulfport doesn’t leave much to be desired when it comes to dining out. Whether you’re an early riser or prefer to wake later in the day, Boozer’s Brew has you covered. The Gulfport institution pulls double duty as a drive-thru coffeehouse and an indoor breakfast and lunch café. You’ll find everything from protein shakes and bagel sandwiches to fresh salads at its two Gulfport locations. Another place to get your morning joe is Coast Roast, a downtown coffee shop that’s all about curating a warm and inviting atmosphere and serving locally roasted beans.

If you jam-pack your morning full of activity (and that’s easy to do in Gulfport), lunch might not come soon enough. When deciding on a spot, choose your own adventure between three distinct cuisines: keto-, vegan-, and gluten-free-friendly fare at Blue Dog Bistro; classic Mississippi seafood at White Cap; or a hot and cheesy slice at Tony’s Brick Oven Pizzeria. Cap off a great meal with a sour fruited Beet Bum or Surfside Pineapple Wheat beer at Chandeleur Island Brewing. For a more traditional dessert option, head to Coast Candymakers inside Island View Casino and Resort. Glass cases filled with fudge, pralines, caramels, turtles, and chocolate-covered fruits galore await your perusing pleasure.

Dinner in Gulfport requires that you slow down and savor your experience. At Captain Al’s Steak and Seafood, located on Captain Wharf’s Marina, every day is a party. Come by land or sea and take full advantage of all the complex has to offer, including a sand bar beach, island bar, aquatic nature exhibit, live music, kayak rentals, and a pool. Dinner offers views of the water, excellent drinks (try the Shark Bite with coconut rum, Captain Morgan, whipped vodka, blue curacao, pineapple, and sour mix), and steak cooked over an open fire. If you’re more into surf than turf, there are oysters, lobster, shrimp, crab, and fish served a million different ways to suit your taste. Another waterfront hotspot is Flamingo Landing, where there’s live music nearly every night and bottomless brunch on the weekends. Go for dinner, and be sure to order something that’s covered in their special Go-Go Sauce. The Shrimp A Go-Go Po’boy features fried shrimp dressed with Go-Go sauce, grilled pineapple, macadamia nuts, corn salsa, and lettuce, all on Leidenheimer French bread.

It's not just coastal fare that Gulfport gets right. Trade sunny Gulf views for aged wood, bourbon barrels, and rustic but refined lodge-style ambiance at The Rack House Steaks & Spirits. Order from a list of 30 wines and more than 100 bourbons, ryes, whiskey, and scotches. After all, The Rack House did start the Gulf Coast’s first Bourbon Society. Dinner options are based around expertly prepared steaks and other luxury cuts of meat like rack of lamb and porterhouse pork.

Where To Stay

You don’t have to bet big to enjoy a resort-style getaway in Gulfport. Island View Casino & Resort offers an adults-only luxury experience with its two hotels (one even has beachfront views), spa, golf course, and 18 different dining options. A beignet café, daiquiri bar, specialty steakhouses, and buffets are all part of the culinary mix.

Nicknamed the Crowned Jewel of the Mississippi Coast, Centennial Plaza Resort is a destination in and of itself. The 48-acre complex sits directly across from Gulfport’s white sand beaches and has been around for more than 100 years. Guests have an option between rooms in the Grand Centennial Hotel or family suites in Oasis Resort. The property also hosts a giant water playground, 950-foot-long lazy river, zero-entry swimming pool, and two dining options.