With its clear, emerald waters and white sand beaches, Things to do in Gulfport MS, the town of Gulfport on the Mississippi Gulf Coast attracts a large number of visitors each year, particularly families. Theme and water parks, as well as watersports equipment rentals, provide high-thrill activities for the daring, while others can relax on the gulf’s smooth waters on a private sailing charter.
There are several museums in town, including a children’s museum, model train and vintage car museums, and tours of the famous Stennis Space Center. Call the attractions and restaurants ahead of time to confirm current hours of operation.
List of 13 Things to do in Gulfport MS Today
1. Gulfport, MS Attractions: The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies
The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies is a non-profit organization dedicated to marine mammal biology and ecology research, conservation, and education along the Gulf Coast OR most famous as mississippi gulf coast. Behind the scenes, the institute conducts vital research on animals native to the region, as well as caring for and rehabilitating sick and injured animals.
The organization also operates the Center for Marine Education and Research, which creates educational displays based on the animals with which the institute collaborates. The center is very interactive, with touch pools and a fossil dig. Guests can also interact with dolphins and other marine mammals and watch related presentations at ocean springs.
2. Nearby Attractions: Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, Gulfport, MS
Through fun, interactive exhibits, the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, Mississippi’s first children’s museum, promotes learning and development. The center has 15,000 square feet of indoor exhibit space as well as six outdoor spaces where children and parents can laugh, play, and explore together. Each section of the museum has a consistent theme, such as art, animals, cooking, the nearby port, history, and science.
There is also a small outdoor library booth where children can borrow books. In addition to regular visits to Lynn Meadows, families can take cooking and performance classes, as well as attend camps with a variety of themes.
3. Nearby Kids Activities: Gulf Islands Water Park, Gulfport, Mississippi
Gulf Islands Water Park, a seasonal waterpark and recreation center, has miles of water slides and an exciting show schedule to keep the whole family entertained in the sun. Thrill seekers can get their adrenaline pumping on rides with towering drops and lightning speeds, while the smallest of children can splash around in the Ship Island Wreck and Spray St. Louis play areas.
Gulf Islands also has a lazy river and a wave pool for parents and children to enjoy together. Characters from Disney and Nickelodeon shows frequently appear in performances. The park has several different eating establishments, as well as cabanas, pavilions, and lockers for rent.
4. Gulfport Dragway is one of the things to do in Gulfport, MS.
Gulfport Dragway, with its long, straight drag racing track that supports 1/4- and 1/8-mile races, adds a little something different to this shore community. The dragway is a little further inland, surrounded by trees and greenery.
It hosts a variety of high-speed drag races, such as street and footbrake car races, as well as fast-paced motorcycle and diesel truck competitions. In an exhilarating, yet family-friendly atmosphere, spectators root for their favorites in the open air along the side of the track. While concessions are available at Gulfport Dragway, fans are also welcome to tailgate at coastal mississippi.
5. Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum is one of the top things to do in Gulfport, MS.
In its railroad track and car displays and exhibits, the Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum, which is supported by the region’s model railroad club, upholds an honored tradition. The club has three HO, O, and N model railroad and train table layouts, as well as five raised G trains for kids.
There’s even a LEGO train set with its own miniature town. Visitors can visit the museum on a regular basis or rent out the space for birthday parties. Both the young and the young at heart can ride the museum’s electric carnival riding train or one of its six Thomas the Tank Engine riding trains at these events at bay st louis.
6. Nearby Attractions: North Star Sailing Charters, Gulfport, Mississippi
The Gulfport Small Craft Harbor is home to North Star Sailing Charters, a private charter sailing company. The 40-foot Kashmir and the 31-foot Polaris sailboats take guests on private charter trips along the Mississippi Sound and the Gulf of Mexico.
Each charter can accommodate up to six passengers, and there are numerous packages available, including daytime, sunset, and moonlight cruises, dolphin and pelican watching trips, and private dinner cruises catered by a local Gulfport restaurant. North Star allows for flexible start times and allows clients to tailor their charter to their specific needs. The company also provides sailing instruction.
7. Romantic Near Me Activities: Set Sail Away-Day Cruises
With its luxury yachts and cruise packages, Set Sail Away elevates the charter experience. The company operates three yachts, two of which are large enough to accommodate private cabins as well as space to roam and enjoy onboard amenities such as couches and television entertainment systems.
Set Sail Away cruises can accommodate up to six passengers and can range in length from two hours to an entire day. The boats are outfitted with a full crew, making the experience especially luxurious and comfortable. Depending on the length of the cruise and the time of day, different dining options are available.
8. Romantic Activities Near Me: Ship Island Excursions, Gulfport, MS
According to Ship Island Excursions, the best beaches in Mississippi can be found on West Ship Island, which is 11 miles south of Gulfport and one of the state’s five barrier islands. In addition to clear waters and clean sands, West Ship Island is home to Fort Massachusetts, a nineteenth-century brick fortification mardi gras.
Ship Island Excursions operates a convenient ferry service that transports visitors to the island to enjoy its peaceful natural splendor. The ride lasts 50 minutes, and riders frequently see Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins swimming in the gulf’s clear waters. Ship Island Excursion also offers a variety of private charter packages for large groups for those looking for a more luxurious experience.
9. Chandeleur Brewing Company is one of the top things to do in Gulfport, MS.
Cammack and Cain Roberds, two Gulfport harbor, Mississippi natives who discovered their passion for fine craft beer in the 1990s, founded the Chandeleur Brewing Company. When the couple decided in 2013 to turn their passion into a business, they looked no further than their hometown, where they purchased the historic building that now houses the Chandeleur Brewing Company at New Orleans.
The brewery is located in the downtown area, close to the coast, and it produces a one-of-a-kind selection of beers (including ales, stouts, and porters) from carefully selected ingredients. Visitors can take a tour of the lively facility to learn how these distinctive Mississippi concoctions are made.
10. Stennis Space Center in Gulfport Harbor, Mississippi, is a great place for kids to go.
Stennis Space Center is an official NASA facility that performs flight certification and rocket propulsion system testing. Stennis was built in the 1960s in preparation for the major Apollo space project, and it has since served as a key testing facility in the United States’ vast space program.
The INFINITY Science Center is a dedicated visitor area at Stennis Space Center. Guests can explore interactive exhibits focusing on the history of space exploration, STEM topics, and other intriguing topics. Guests can take a bus tour of the visitor area of Stennis Space Center from INFINITY.
11. Visit the Crosby Arboretum in Gulfport, Mississippi.
The Crosby Arboretum, which is affiliated with Mississippi State University, is an important educational center that works to preserve and educate the public about many of the plants native to the Pearl River Drainage Basin.
The arboretum has a pavilion, seven natural areas, and three main curated ecological displays: the Savanna, Aquatic, and Woodland exhibits, in addition to its research efforts. Each of these exhibits includes flora from the region as well as information about the habitat. Visitors can self-guide their way through the center by following the trail signs, or they can sign up for a staff-led tour of the grounds.
12. Jones Park is number twelve.
This sprawling 60-acre jones park is ideal for spending an afternoon with the family. Jones Park, also known as the “Front Yard for the State of Mississippi,” is located near the state port and has several attractions within its borders as well as nearby. The park features a walking path, a working amphitheater, a massive replica lighthouse, a playground, and a tropical themed splash pad. There are also two pavilions available for anyone interested in having a picnic. Visitors can also find a variety of other attractions and dining options nearby. The community adores jones park, which was rebuilt from the ground up following Hurricane Katrina. The rebuild took seven years and was finally completed in 2012 mississippi aquarium.
13. Nearby Activities: Making Memories Sailing, Gulfport, MS
A trip to Gulfport would be incomplete without some time spent on the calm waters of the Mississippi Sound, and the Making Memories Sailing charter company offers several options for doing so. Making Memories Sailing owns and operates the Kahlua, a 33-foot classic sailboat that has recently been restored.
Captain Roger takes guests on charters of varying lengths, such as a sunset cruise (two and a half hours), half-day morning or evening cruises (four hours), and full-day six-hour cruises. The boat has comfortable seating both on and below deck, and passengers can enjoy the sun and seawater spray while on charter, and perhaps even meet some fish or dolphins.
FAQs About Fun Thing To Do in Gulfport, MS
Is it worthwhile to visit Gulfport?
Gulfport Beach is popular with both locals and tourists and is a great place to spend the day in the sun, sand, and surf. This man-made long beach isn’t particularly wide, but it’s quite long, stretching all the way into neighboring Biloxi.
What is Gulfport, Mississippi famous for?
A seafaring heritage has shaped this Mississippi city, which faces the Gulf of Mexico on America’s south coast. Tuck into Gulfport’s famous charbroiled oysters, take a sunset cruise to see dolphins, paddle board along the waterways, and learn about the man behind the seaport.
Which is the better long beach, Gulfport or Gulf Shores?
If you enjoy good food, Gulfport/Biloxi has far superior options to Gulf Shores. In the summer, GS has better swimming, but for a winter vacation, Gulfport/Biloxi has a lot more entertainment options and much better restaurants.
Is the water in Gulfport, Mississippi, clear?
Perfect sand, but not so much water. You won’t, however, find crystal clear emerald water here. The water at the beach is not dirty or smelly, but it is frequently brown in color and contains a lot of sticks, twigs, leaves, pine cones, and other debris. The majority of the driftwood is sourced from the nearby barrier deer island.