Gulfport: Things to Sea and Do!
Sightseeing
A 5-minute walk from Seagrass Lofts takes you to South Mississippi's newest attraction. About half of the aquarium displays can be viewed during an outdoor self-guided tour. There are drinks and snacks at the cafe (outdoor seating only). My family has had annual passes since it opened in 2020 and goes often.
113 locals recommend
Mississippi Aquarium
2100 E Beach BlvdA 5-minute walk from Seagrass Lofts takes you to South Mississippi's newest attraction. About half of the aquarium displays can be viewed during an outdoor self-guided tour. There are drinks and snacks at the cafe (outdoor seating only). My family has had annual passes since it opened in 2020 and goes often.
My family enjoys going out to Ship Island a couple of times per summer. We opt to rent chairs instead of trying to lug our own. The boat ride to the island is very comfortable. There is an airconditioned snack shop aboard the vessel. There are almost always a few dolphin sightings on the evening return to Gulfport Harbor. The Island itself is beautiful. All of the facilities are maintained by the National Park Service. It's part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore Park. The fort (Massachusetts) dates from the civil war era and the park rangers are excellent tour guides. Lovely beaches. Probably the best in Mississippi
29 locals recommend
Ship Island
My family enjoys going out to Ship Island a couple of times per summer. We opt to rent chairs instead of trying to lug our own. The boat ride to the island is very comfortable. There is an airconditioned snack shop aboard the vessel. There are almost always a few dolphin sightings on the evening return to Gulfport Harbor. The Island itself is beautiful. All of the facilities are maintained by the National Park Service. It's part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore Park. The fort (Massachusetts) dates from the civil war era and the park rangers are excellent tour guides. Lovely beaches. Probably the best in Mississippi
It's the large grassy park between the loft and the harbor. There are movies in the park on summer weekends. It's a great place to take a walk year-round. There are often festivals in the spring and fall. The farmers market is on Wednesday mornings starting late spring and through the summer. From Thanksgiving to NYE, the Christmas lights are great. You can purchase tickets online.
32 locals recommend
Jones Park
US 90It's the large grassy park between the loft and the harbor. There are movies in the park on summer weekends. It's a great place to take a walk year-round. There are often festivals in the spring and fall. The farmers market is on Wednesday mornings starting late spring and through the summer. From Thanksgiving to NYE, the Christmas lights are great. You can purchase tickets online.
Food scene
Great local coffee and great service. It's 200 yards away and is a neighborhood favorite.
8 locals recommend
Boozer's Brew & a Cafe Too
1921 15th StGreat local coffee and great service. It's 200 yards away and is a neighborhood favorite.
Another great local favorite. Chef Rob Stinson hosts a television show on MS Public Broadcasting that highlights MS sourced food and farmers. Another big local hangout, the Italian fare is fantastic and the patio os one of Gulfport's best kept secrets.
35 locals recommend
Salute Italian Restaurant
1712 15th StAnother great local favorite. Chef Rob Stinson hosts a television show on MS Public Broadcasting that highlights MS sourced food and farmers. Another big local hangout, the Italian fare is fantastic and the patio os one of Gulfport's best kept secrets.
Great entertainment for kids on rainy days. Video games, bowling, etc., and the parents can hang out in the sports bar.
63 locals recommend
Big Play Entertainment Center
1842 Beach BlvdGreat entertainment for kids on rainy days. Video games, bowling, etc., and the parents can hang out in the sports bar.
Great local brews are found in almost all of the local restaurants. It's all made here. Very family-friendly. Many locals bring their pups too.
31 locals recommend
Chandeleur Island Brewing Company
2711 14th StGreat local brews are found in almost all of the local restaurants. It's all made here. Very family-friendly. Many locals bring their pups too.
We prefer drinks here because the street-side outdoor bar is a great place for sundowners.
36 locals recommend
Shaggy's Gulfport Beach
1724 E Beach BlvdWe prefer drinks here because the street-side outdoor bar is a great place for sundowners.
Best kept secret (patio) in Gulfport. Local restauranteur and chef Rob Stinson has a wonderful menu of classic Italian ingredients with some updates for a more heart-healthy dinner. Rob can also be found. on local public broadcasting hosting a wonderful cooking show call fit to eat.
35 locals recommend
Salute Italian Restaurant
1712 15th StBest kept secret (patio) in Gulfport. Local restauranteur and chef Rob Stinson has a wonderful menu of classic Italian ingredients with some updates for a more heart-healthy dinner. Rob can also be found. on local public broadcasting hosting a wonderful cooking show call fit to eat.
Live music several nights per week. Smoked meat and draft beer. What else can I say?! Probably the best wings on the coast.
34 locals recommend
Murky Waters Gulfport
1320 27th AveLive music several nights per week. Smoked meat and draft beer. What else can I say?! Probably the best wings on the coast.
Museums
Wonderful indoor science museum. I feel like this is intended for kids, but I love it. If you have a kid (or adult) who's fascinated by the wonders of space travel and engineering, don't miss this stop. We don't usually recommend many things outside of walking distance, but this is definitely worth the drive.
25 locals recommend
INFINITY Science Center
1 Discovery CirWonderful indoor science museum. I feel like this is intended for kids, but I love it. If you have a kid (or adult) who's fascinated by the wonders of space travel and engineering, don't miss this stop. We don't usually recommend many things outside of walking distance, but this is definitely worth the drive.