A- Overview:
The town of Gulfport, Mississippi was founded in 1845, but it was not until the completion of the Gulf and Ship Island Railroad, in 1902, that it became a city with a population of over 5,000. Gulfport has a long history of discovery and exploration, and the Port of Gulfport is one of the nation’s largest ports. Today it is a city of over 71,000 and is an important seaport for shipping lumber, cotton, and seafood, as well as being the largest banana port in North America.
Luxurious 24 hour casino resorts thrive and championship golf courses rest alongside centers for historical and cultural exhibits, museums, historic homes, and other structures of architectural significance.
One of the highlights of a family visit to Gulfport is an exploration of Lynn Meadows Discovery Center. This hands-on museum allows children to experience learning through exploration, discovery, and role playing. Possibilities include producing an original painting or other work of art, traveling to other countries to learn their customs, operating a crane, broadcasting in the news center, and discovering the mysteries of science. There is a tow-story climbing structure, outdoor tree houses, and a Navy submersible. Picnic areas and a toddler playground are available on the six acre grounds.
The Mississippi Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo brings thousands of visitors each year to sample the thrill and excitement of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
B- City Information:
C- Attractions/Things To Do:
Armed Forces Retirement Home
1800 Beach Drive
Gulfport, MS
228-897-4016
Open year round
Hours by appointment
Admission free.
Retirement home: museum open to public on 10th floor-contains war memorabilia.
Cap’n Jay’s
710 Lewis Avenue
Gulfport, MS
(228) 863-9355
Fri-Sun May-October
Ecological tours of the Barrier Islands, coastal salt marshes and cypress swamps of the upper Pascagoula River. Observe wildlife habitats and experience the natural wonder of the only free-flowing, unfragmented (undammed) river system in the U.S.
Dixie Dreamin’ Sailing
710 Lewis Ave.
Gulfport, MS
(228) 863-9355 May-Oct.; Fri. – Sunday.
Sailing on the Mississippi sound on a 34′ sloop. Half day, full day, evening cruises.
Fun Time USA
1300 Beach Road
228.896.7315
Open year round. 10AM- midnight
Bumper boats, mini golf, go karts, tilt-a-wheel, bumper cars, prize winning arcade and children’s rides.
Gulfport Centennial Museum
1419 27th Avenue
Gulfport, MS
228.868.5849
A walking museum depicting the growth of Gulfport from 1898 to present. Museum includes hundreds of photographs, audio room and historic artifacts.
Gulfport Dragway
17085 Racetrack Road
Gulfport, MS
Every Wednesday night at 6 PM, year round, weather permitting.
Join in the excitement at this quarter mile dragstrip.
CEC/Seabee Museum
Marvin Shields Blvd.
Gulfport, MS 39501
(228) 871-3164
Open year round. Mon-Sat. 9-5.
The Museum depicts the history of the U.S. Navy’s Civil Engineer Corps and the Seabees form its beginnings in World War II until the present. Civilian tours by appointment.
Copa Casino
777 Copa Blvd.
Gulfport, MS
(228) 863-3330
24 hour 98,000 square foot gaming facility with restaurants and entertainment. Handicap accessible.
Grand Casino Gulfport
3215 West Beach Blvd.
Gulfport, MS
(228) 870-7777
24 hour 105,000 sq. foot gaming facility with golf, restaurants, entertainment.
Grass Lawn
720 East Beach Road
Gulfport, MS
(228) 868-5907
Open year round. Hours: by appointment only.
Museum constructed of old, hand-hewn timbers, with wide galleries supported by 2 story columns. Furnished with period pieces.
Harrison County Fair Grounds
15321 County Farm Road
Gulfport, MS
(228) 832-8620
Open year round. Hours vary by event
Harrison County Skate Park
269 Debuys Road
Gulfport, MS
(228) 604-4045
Open year round.
Summer (starts May 28) closed Mondays. Tues-Sat. 10-8. Sun. 12-6.
Winter: Tues-Fri. 2-7. Sat. 9-7. Sun. 12-5.
Aggressive skateboarding and inline skate park consist of an advanced course, beginner course, 6’ half pipe, and concrete bowl.
Lynn Meadows Discovery Center
246 Dolan Avenue
Gulfport, MS
(228) 897-6039
open year round
One of the top 50 children’s museums in the US, Lynn Meadows is located in an old Mississippi city elementary school on 6 oak shaded acres. Hands-on experiences for children are sure to please.
Marine Life Oceanarium
Joseph T. Jones Memorial Park
Gulfport, MS
(228) 864-2511
Open year round
Hours Daily 9-4. (summer). 9-3 (winter)
Spend the day watching dolphins and se lions perform. Visit a giant reef tank, underwater dive shows, a touch pool, bird shows, and a Dolphin interactive program. Take a narrated train tour to round out the day.
Mississippi Sound Maritime Historical Foundation
1300 24th Avenue
Gulfport, MS
(228) 863-8765
An amazing experience awaits at this historical museum with midship, sailtraining, and Mississippi Sound Lugger.
Naval Construction Battalion Center
4902 Marvin Shields Blvd.
Gulfport, MS
(228) 871-2393
open year round.
Mon-Fri. 8-2.
Home of the Atlantic Fleet Seabees, the Navy’s construction force.
D- Family Fun Attractions:
Wet Willy’s Water Slide
120 Beach Blvd.
Gulfport, MS
228.896.6592
Memorial Day to Labor Day
Hours: Daily 10a.m.-9p.m.
Three 400′ water slides into a 30,000 gallon wade pool. Small kiddie pool
Fun Time USA
1300 Beach Road
228.896.7315
Open year round. 10AM- midnight
Bumper boats, mini golf, go karts, tilt-a-wheel, bumper cars, prize winning arcade and children’s rides.
Naval Construction Battalion Center
4902 Marvin Shields Blvd.
Gulfport, MS
(228) 871-2393
open year round.
Mon-Fri. 8-2.
Home of the Atlantic Fleet Seabees, the Navy’s construction force.
Lynn Meadows Discovery Center
246 Dolan Avenue
Gulfport, MS
(228) 897-6039
open year round
One of the top 50 children’s museums in the US, Lynn Meadows is located in an old Mississippi city elementary school on 6 oak shaded acres. Hands-on experiences for children are sure to please.
Marine Life Oceanarium
Joseph T. Jones Memorial Park
Gulfport, MS
(228) 864-2511
Open year round
Hours Daily 9-4. (summer). 9-3 (winter)
Spend the day watching dolphins and sea lions perform. Visit a giant reef tank, underwater dive shows, a touch pool, bird shows, and a Dolphin interactive program. Take a narrated train tour to round out the day.
Harrison County Skate Park
269 Debuys Road
Gulfport, MS
(228) 604-4045
Open year round.
Summer (starts May 28) closed Mondays. Tues-Sat. 10-8. Sun. 12-6.
Winter: Tues-Fri. 2-7. Sat. 9-7. Sun. 12-5.
Aggressive skateboarding and inline skate park consist of an advanced course, beginner course, 6’ half pipe, and concrete bowl.
E- Events & Entertainment: