Things to Do in Gulfport MS
Ship Island Excursion
Ship Island is one of 4 undeveloped barrier islands just 11 miles off the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. An excursion to Ship Island is the perfect way to experience the nature and wildlife that call this special area home, and get a taste of simpler times. This affordable and family-friendly activity offers something for everyone – unspoiled beaches, shelling, birding, and plenty of relaxation. You might even spot dolphins on the 1-hour boat ride over! History lovers will also appreciate checking out Fort Massachusetts, a well-preserved structure used during the Civil War. Boats operate mid-March through October and depart from Gulfport Harbour.
Lynn Meadows Discovery Center
The Lynn Meadows Discovery Center is one of the best places in Gulfport for children to play, learn, and create! This interactive museum hosts several great interactive indoor and outdoor exhibits that kids will love. The History Hotel on the second floor, for example, is modeled after an 1890’s Mississippi City Hotel, and it allows kids to check in and out at the front desk as well as discover other fascinating historical secrets. If you need a fun educational place to take your kids while vacationing in Gulfport, the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center is the place for you!
Gulf Islands Water Park
Splash into a fun-filled day at the Gulf Islands Water Park! Here you’ll find plenty of exciting water slides along with a few pools with and without waves. Bring the family down to the Gulf Islands Water Park for an excellent day of fun in the sun!
Zip’N Fun Adventure Park
Take to the trees at the Zip’N Fun Adventure Park to discover adventurous treetop ropes courses! At this park you’ll take on exciting obstacles across aerial trails and platforms while safely secured in a harness. There are three full adventure courses as well as a junior course for younger kids to enjoy at the Zip’N Fun Adventure Park!
Mississipi Aquarium
The Mississippi Aquarium is the state’s premier aquatic attraction. Explore the aquarium in awe as you discover the facility’s many fascinating marine animals from both fresh and salt water. The Mississippi Aquarium houses all sorts of wonderful sea creatures including sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, eels, dolphins, crocodillians, and much more!
Free (& Almost-Free) Activities
Fishbone Alley
Art-aficiandos will rejoice at this inspired collection of local art displays thrown up at the walls of Fishbone Alley! Stroll down to the alley to check out the several art pieces festooned across the alley walls before checking out the surrounding shops and restaurants. If you’re looking for an inspired and unique free destination in Gulfport, then you’ve got to check out Fishbone Alley.
Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum
All steam ahead for this enchanting model museum! The museum brings over 200 years of railroad history to life with its impressive collection of diverse model train exhibits as well as plenty of interactive and rideable train exhibits that the whole family will love! For a great and quaint time in Gulfport, be sure to hop aboard the Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Musesum/
Jones Park
Known locally as the “Front Yard for the State of Mississippi,” Jones Park is a wonder spot to take a walk and enjoy a clear sunny day by the water in Gulfport. The park features several wonderful amenities including a replica lighthouse, a playground area with splash pad, an amphitheatre, a fuel dock and baitshop for fishermen, and much more!
Boats in the Harbour
Another fun, free and relaxing activity is to just take stroll and check out the many boats docked in the harbour. Gulfport’s marina features many enchanting sea vessels that are great fun to observe and oggle at.
Gulfport Beach
Gulfport Beach is the perfect destination to check out at any time of the day. Take a morning run along the sandy shore, bring the family at noon for some fun in the sun, or stop by at dusk to watch the beautiful sunset. Once you spend some time Gulfport Beach, you’ll sure find it hard to WAVE goodbye.