Things to Do in Gulfport MS

Gulfport, Mississippi isn't just another beach town. It's one of the most underrated destinations on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, where coastal beauty meets real Southern charm. With 26 miles of sugar-white sand and easy access to the Gulf of Mexico, it’s no surprise travelers keep coming back.

What makes Gulfport Mississippi stand out is the balance. You can start your morning with deep sea fishing, spend the afternoon exploring top Gulfport MS attractions, and end your day enjoying fresh seafood by the water. Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, a weekend escape, or family fishing trips in Gulfport, there’s no shortage of unforgettable experiences.

As Mississippi's second largest city, Gulfport MS serves as the perfect home base for exploring all the coastal Mississippi, nearby spots like Biloxi fishing areas, and everything the Gulf Coast has to offer, without losing that relaxed, small-town feel.

Best Beaches and Coastal Activities

What brings most people to the Gulf Coast? The water! Feel that warm Gulf breeze and soft sand between your toes with its famous beaches.

Gulfport Beach and Beachfront

Soft sand, gentle waves that are perfect for families with little ones, and some of the most stunning sunsets you'll ever see. Thanks to barrier islands offshore, the water stays gentle, making it ideal for swimming, wading, and even beginner family fishing along the shore.

Spend your day walking the beach, playing volleyball, or simply relaxing under an umbrella. It’s the kind of simple experience that makes Gulfport Mississippi special.

Ship Island Excursions

A visit to Ship Island is one of the top things to do in Gulfport MS. Just 12 miles offshore, this barrier island offers crystal-clear water, quiet beaches, and incredible dolphin sightseeing along the ferry ride.

Part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, it’s perfect for swimming, shelling, and exploring historic Fort Massachusetts.

Jones Park and Harbor

Locals call Jones Park the "Front Yard of Gulfport Mississippi." This waterfront gem has it all: a splash pad where kids can cool off, playground equipment, an amphitheatre that hosts live music (check the schedule!), walking paths perfect for a sunset stroll, and even a picturesque lighthouse.

It’s also a key departure point for fishing charter boats and Ship Island ferries, making it a central part of the Gulfport fishing charters experience.

Family Friendly Attractions

Traveling with kids? Gulfport has you covered. These attractions are so good that everyone in the family will surely enjoy.

Mississippi Aquarium

The Mississippi Aquarium is one of the top Gulfport MS attractions for families. With over a million gallons of exhibits, visitors can explore marine life from across the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Kids love the touch pools, where they can interact with stingrays, while exhibits featuring sharks and native species make it both fun and educational.

Ocean Adventures Marine Park

Operated by the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies, this park offers up-close encounters with dolphins and sea lions while showcasing real rescue and rehabilitation efforts in coastal Mississippi.

Gulf Islands Waterpark

Operated by the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies, this park offers up-close encounters with dolphins and sea lions while showcasing real rescue and rehabilitation efforts in coastal Mississippi.

Lynn Meadows Discovery Center

This hands-on children’s museum is perfect for younger kids, offering interactive exhibits and outdoor play areas that blend fun and learning.

Outdoor Adventures and Recreation

Gulfport is known as a top fishing paradise. If you're serious about fishing, or even if you've never held a rod, you need to experience what the Gulf has to offer.

Fishing Opportunities: From Inshore to Deep Sea

Fishing is a major reason people visit the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and Gulfport fishing charters are some of the best in the region. Whether you're booking a quick fishing trip or a full-day offshore adventure, there’s something for every skill level.

Inshore Fishing

Inshore fishing in Gulfport MS takes place in calm waters, marshes, and flats, including areas near the Biloxi marsh and lower marsh systems. These trips are ideal for beginners and family fishing trips in Gulfport, targeting: speckled trout, redfish, and flounder.

Many experienced fishing guide captains run guided fishing trips that make it easy to catch fish, even if it’s your first time.

Nearshore Fishing

Level up your fishing experience with nearshore trips to the vibrant reefs surrounding Gulfport. The charter boat fishing options here target cobia (locals call them "lemonfish"), red snapper that'll make your arms tired from fighting them, and various grouper species. These charter boat fishing trips are usually half- to full-day adventures.

Deep Sea Fishing

For the ultimate fishing adventure, gulf coast deep sea fishing charters head far into the Gulf of Mexico to areas like the Mississippi Canyon. We're talking about big game fishing charters targeting tuna, mahi mahi, wahoo, and even billfish like marlin and sailfish. Most fishing charters Gulf of Mexico trips last 10–12 hours and are perfect for serious anglers looking for a true offshore experience.

You’ll find plenty of options, from well-known operators to local favorites like family fun charters, tarpon fishing charters, and even specialized red snapper fishing charters depending on the season.

Visit the Mississippi Aquarium

The Mississippi Aquarium is one of the top Gulfport MS attractions for families. With over a million gallons of exhibits, visitors can explore marine life from across the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Kids love the touch pools, where they can interact with stingrays, while exhibits featuring sharks and native species make it both fun and educational.

Marine and Wildlife Experiences at the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies

If the aquarium leaves you wanting more, head over to the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies. You get the chance to see dolphins, sea lions, and other marine animals up close, and in some programs, you can actually interact with them. What makes this place special is not just the animal encounters, it is the mission behind it. IMMS is a real research, rescue, and rehabilitation center. The animals you see are being cared for because they could not survive in the wild on their own. You can expect dolphin encounters and educational shows, sea lion presentations that are honestly hilarious, behind the scenes looks at marine animal care, and opportunities to learn about rescue and rehabilitation efforts. 

Outdoor Activities and Nature in Gulfport

Beyond fishing, Gulfport MS offers plenty of outdoor adventures. Calm coastal waters make kayaking and paddleboarding accessible, even for beginners.

Fishing piers are perfect for casual anglers—no need to book a fishing charter. Just bring your gear (and a valid fishing license) and enjoy a relaxing day by the water.

Nature lovers can explore trails and spot wildlife like pelicans, herons, and egrets across coastal Mississippi.

Explore Downtown Gulfport

Downtown Gulfport Mississippi is vibrant, creative, and full of local charm. Start at Fishbone Alley, known for its murals and art installations.

You’ll also find boutiques, galleries, coffee shops, and live music venues. It’s one of the most unique Gulfport MS attractions and a great place to unwind after a day on the water.

Try Local Food and Fresh Gulf Seafood

No trip to the Gulf Coast is complete without trying the food. Gulfport is known for its fresh seafood, often caught the same day in the Gulf of Mexico. Expect shrimp, oysters, and crab, Classic Southern seafood boils and waterfront dining with incredible views. It’s one of the highlights of visiting Gulfport MS.

Seasonal Events and Festivals

Gulfport knows how to celebrate, and if your visit lines up with a local event, you are in for a real treat. Throughout the year, the city hosts seafood festivals featuring fresh local catches prepared every way imaginable. There are arts and crafts fairs showcasing local talent. Live music events and community gatherings happen regularly, especially when the weather is nice. The big ones to know about are Cruisin' the Coast in October, which is the largest block party in the country with thousands of classic cars, and the Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival from November to January, which has one of the biggest Christmas light displays in the South. That one was actually featured in a Hallmark movie. These events give you a chance to experience the local culture in a more authentic way than just hitting the tourist spots.

Travel Tips for Visiting Gulfport, MS

Before you go, here are a few practical tips that will make your trip smoother. The best time to visit is spring through fall, which gives you the best weather and the best fishing. Summer is peak season for water activities, but it is also hot and humid. Fall has the best festivals, especially Cruisin' the Coast in October. Winter is surprisingly mild, and the Harbor Lights Festival makes the holidays special. Expect warm weather pretty much whenever you go, so pack light clothing, sunscreen that you will actually use, sunglasses, and comfortable shoes because you will be doing more walking than you expect. Getting around is easiest with a car since the attractions are spread out enough that relying on rideshares will get expensive fast. Rent a car at the airport or drive your own. Stop by the Gulfport Visitors Center when you first arrive. The staff there can tell you what is happening during your specific visit and point you toward events that might not show up on a simple internet search.

Final Thoughts

Gulfport, MS offers a balance of relaxation and adventure that is surprisingly hard to find in other beach destinations. You get the white sand and calm water you want from a coastal trip, but you also get interactive attractions like the Mississippi Aquarium, real outdoor adventures, fresh seafood that is caught daily, and a downtown with genuine local character. Whether you are planning a family vacation, a weekend getaway, or a fishing trip along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, you will never run out of unforgettable things to do in Gulfport, MS. And once you visit, do not be surprised if you start planning your next trip before you even leave. That seems to happen to a lot of people.