Gulfport is a city located in the southern part of Mississippi which is known for its beautiful beaches, as well as its lively arts and cultural view. It is a popular tourist destination, boasting world-class casinos, delicious seafood restaurants, and a variety of outdoor activities.
It offers a unique blend of Southern charm and modern services. Its untouched beaches are a major draw, inviting visitors to soak up the sun and swim in the warm Gulf waters.
With its warm hospitality, beautiful beaches, and diverse attractions, it's no wonder this coastal gem has captured the hearts of visitors from around the world. Here are 20 must-visit attractions in Gulfport, Mississippi:
1. Visit The Mississippi Aviation Heritage Museum
The Mississippi Aviation Heritage Museum place is a valuable finding for aviation lovers, history lovers, and curious minds alike. Toursit will find themselves surrounded by planes of all shapes and sizes, from sleek fighter jets to old-fashioned propellers.
They can climb inside some of these historic aircraft and feel like a pilot for a moment. There are interactive shows that teach visitors about flight, and they can even watch real mechanics working on planes. The museum tells the story of Mississippi's role in aviation history.
Explorers can learn about brave pilots, groundbreaking innovations, and how flying has shaped the state. It is a place where they can spark their imagination and discover a passion for the skies.
2. Explore The NASA's Stennis Space Center
NASA's Stennis Space Center is like a giant, powerful engine that moves the dreams of space exploration where rockets are born and tested before they are launched into existence.
It is a complex filled with towering test stands, where engineers and scientists put rockets together. This is where they test the engines that will send astronauts to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. It is a center point of innovation, where brilliant minds come together to solve complex problems.
It is also a place where the future of space travel is being shaped.
3. Take A Look At The Mississippi Aquarium
Mississippi Aquarium is a voluntary aquarium which opened on August 29, 2020. It is a world filled with fish, playful otters, and great dolphins. It is like stepping into a magical underwater territory.
Visitors can walk through underwater tunnels and feel surrounded by schools of colorful fish, or watch dolphins performing amazing tricks. There are touch tanks where they can gently stroke a stingray, and interactive shows that teach them about the ocean and its being.
Tourers will also learn about the importance of keeping our oceans clean and healthy. Whether you're a kid or an adult, it is a place where you can explore, learn, and have a whale of a time!
4. Spend A Summer's Day At Gulf Islands Waterpark
Imagine a tropical fairyland in the heart of Gulfport. That is Gulf Islands Water Park! This place is a watery dreamland where you can run away from the heat and have a blast.
It has various types of waterslides, lazy rivers, wave pools, and other attractions for visitors of all ages. There are also kid's areas with gentle splashes and playful fountains.
It is the perfect place to spend the summer with the close ones. This park also has facilities like a cottage rental, food privilege, and special occurrences.
5. Stop By The Lynn Meadows Discovery Center
The Lynn Meadows Discovery Center is a children's museum that is in a 1915 schoolhouse under a large live oaks, just buildings away from the beach in Gulfport. It is a large playground for the kids where they can play and learn at the same time.
There are much of things to do inside, like building, playing dress-up, and pretending to be a doctor or a chef. On the other hand, there is a play area with slides, swings, and places to climb. The museum has also received the National Medal for Museum and Library Services which recognizes the extraordinary contribution to the community.
6. Checkout The Island View Casino
Island View Casino is a casino and a resort that provides facilities like gaming options, dining experiences, and entertainment. It is a playground for grown-ups! It is a place where you can try your luck at coin machines, and play exciting card games.
There are also many places to eat and drink where visitors can also enjoy live shows and entertainment. It is a fun point to hang out and have a good time with friends. The casino has a view of the Gulf of Mexico which provides explorers an admirer view.
7. Experience Shopping At Gulfport Premium Outlets
Gulfport Premium Outlets is a shopping center located at 10000 Factory Shop Blvd, Gulfport, MS 39503, United States, with over 70 stores with amazing deals.
It is a place with a ton of branded stores like Nike, Adidas, American Eagle, and much more where the visitors can get the goods at discounted price for products such as clothing, accessories, footwear, and home goods.
It is like having a personal shopping assistant who helps you find the best deals. So, if you love to shop and save money, this is the place for you!
8. Travel The Crosby Arboretum
The Crosby Arboretum is affiliated with Mississippi State which was created in 1979 to protect and preserve the local ecosystem and the plants original to southern Mississippi.
It is a peaceful forest, surrounded by tall trees and beautiful flowers. Travelers can learn about different kinds of plants, see how they grow, and even find some rare ones. It is a perfect place to relax, explore, and connect with nature.
Think of it as a nature museum where you can touch and smell the exhibits! It is home to hundreds of trees that are found only in the Pearl River Drainage Basin and is roughly 50 miles west of downtown Gulfport.
9. See The World's Largest Rocking Chair
The World's Largest Rocking Chair is at a height of 35 feet and 3 inches, and it is made out of solid steel which a local artist set up.
It is a giant wooden chair which is tall enough for a three-story building. One cannot sit in it, but it is a sight to see. It is like a friendly big, welcoming visitors to the area with its huge, comfy-looking shape. It has become a popular tourist attraction in the area, drawing numerous visitors each year.
Guests can take memorable photos with the giant rocking chair, capturing the fun and playful soul of the location. The unrepeated experience offers a great photo opportunity and a chance to enjoy the charming atmosphere of this local landmark.
10. Get Imaginative At The Gulfport Arts Center
The Gulfport Arts Center is like a colorful living room for the soul. It is a warm space filled with beautiful things made by talented neighbors. It is where paintings whisper stories, pottery tells tales, and jewelry sparkles like secrets.
Every corner is a surprise, with something new to discover. It is not just a place to look but to feel inspired and connect with the creative heart of the community.
The tourer can think of it as a friendly gathering of artists who have opened their homes to share their passions with the world. This art center also offers artistic programs and events, including art exhibitions, theater productions, music performances, and educational workshops.
11. Spend A Day At Jones Park
Jones Park is Gulfport's lively heart where land and sea meet. Picture a sandy beach, a bustling marina, and lush green spaces all in one place. It is a spot for families to play, boat watchers to dream, and everyone to relax.
You can take up the sun, visit the marina, splash around with the kids, walk along the promenade, enjoy a picnic, cast a fishing line, catch a show at the amphitheater, or learn about marine life. It is Gulfport's outdoor living room, offering something for everyone!
There is also a tent available for rent for events and gatherings.
12. Stop By The Joseph T. Jones Statue
The Joseph T. Jones Statue is a pillar dedicated to the legacy of Joseph T. Jones as a tribute to his contributions to the community and his impact on the city. He was an American entrepreneur who built his fortune as an oil producer.
It is like a bronze handshake from Gulfport's past. It is a towering figure of a man who is called the city's founding father. He was a strong, determined person who had a big dream and worked hard to make it happen.
His statue stands tall, overlooking the harbor he helped create, as a silent thank you for his vision and effort in building Gulfport.
13. Glimpse The Train Models At Traintastic
Traintastic is a model train that offers a various selection of model trains, accessories, and layout supplies for train lover of all ages. It is like stepping into a magical world where tiny trains come to life!
It is a place filled with winding tracks, busy cities, and breathtaking landscapes, all reduce down to fit in a room. It is where trains zoom through mountains, chug past farms, and even travel under the sea.
It is like watching a movie where you are the director, controlling the action with every button press. It is a place where kids and adults can lose themselves in a world of wonder.
14. Face Your Fears At Zip'n Fun Adventure Park
Zip'n Fun Adventure Park is an amusement park that is a great center point for families, groups of friends, or anyone looking for an exciting outdoor experience. It is like a playground in the sky!
Imagine swinging through trees, zipping across cables, and beat the challenges way up high. It is a high race packed with fun. Think Tarzan but with safety gear and a whole lot more barrier. It is a place to test your limits, laugh with friends, and feel like a real-life superhero, soaring through the air!
It is the perfect place to have fun and create lasting memories.
15. Attend An Event At The Harrison County Fairgrounds
The Harrison County Fairgrounds is a County government office that is a popular event venue that hosts a large range of events and activities throughout the year. It is a big, open-air playground where the excitement comes to life.
From horse shows to concerts, from soccer games to RV camping, it is a place where the community comes together to play, cheer, and create unforgettable memories.
It also offers camping facilities for those attending multi-day events. The facilities include indoor and outdoor stadium, exhibition halls, livestock barns, and sufficient parking.
16. Spot The Gulfport History Museum
The Gulfport History Museum is a museum that shows the history and heritage of the city and surrounding areas through shows, antiques, photographs, and displays. It is like a time machine that takes you on a journey through the city's past.
Imagine walking through old photos, touching evidence, and hearing stories of the people who built Gulfport. It is like visiting a friendly old storyteller who shares tales of booms, storms, and victory. The traveler will find how a small town grew into a lively coastal city, shaped by the sea and the spirit of its people.
It also offers educational programs, special events, and guided tours for visitors of all ages.
17. Taste A Beer At Chandeleur Island Brewing Company
Chandeleur Island Brewing Company is a brewhouse named after Chandeleur Island which was opened in 2013 by brothers Cammack and Cain Roberds, alumni of the nearby University of Southern Mississippi. It is like a friendly neighborhood hangout where magic happens in a glass.
It is a place with a relaxed vibe, where you can sip on unique, handcrafted beers. It is a spot to relax, chat with friends, and discover new flavors. Think of it as a coastal watering place where good beer meets good times.
It hosts a variety of events and offers guided tours which allow visitors to learn more about their brewing process and sample a selection of their finest beers.
18. Attend A Gulfport Sportsplex
The Gulfport Sportsplex is a large sports multiplex that offers various sports facilities, including baseball and softball fields, soccer fields, tennis courts, and a walking track. It is like a giant playground for athletes of all ages.
It is a place with endless fields of green, where the roar of the crowd and the crack of the bat fill the air. It is where future stars are born and sports dreams take flight. With its first-class facilities and exciting tournaments, the Sportsplex is the heart of athletic action in Gulfport.
It also has an indoor facility that includes basketball courts and volleyball courts.
19. See A Community Play At Downstage Productions Theater
Downstage Productions Theater is a performing arts theater which is known for its high-quality productions and commitment to present different voices and stories. It is a magical storytelling corner.
It is a place where laughter, tears, and everything in between come to life on stage. It is where talented locals transform into captivating characters, and pull you away to different worlds with every performance.
From hilarious comedies to heart-wrenching dramas, it brings stories to life, right in your backyard.
20. Visit The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies
The Institue For Marine Mammal Studies is a research organization which is dedicated to educating, conserving, and researching marine mammals in the wild and custody. It is like diving into the ocean without getting wet!
It is a place where you can meet playful dolphins, touch gentle stingrays, and learn about the amazing creatures that call oceans home. It is more than just a zoo. It is a rescue center, a research lab, and a fun-filled adventure park all wrapped into one.
Explorer will get to see animals up close and find how they can help protect them. It is a day filled with fun, education, and a whole lot of ocean love!
