Gulfport Travel Guide

When Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, Gulfport was literally washed out in a day. The storm damaged many buildings and ruined a lot of other infrastructure. Now, however, the second-largest city in Mississippi has rebounded and is again giving vacationers a taste of what they do best here: slowing down the pace. With 26 miles of white sand beaches that are perfect for strolling, swimming, picture-taking and all kinds of water fun, this is a place for stressed individuals seeking to get away from it all, families making quality time and couples who want to share a special moment with each other. The shopping, golfing and dining are top rate too.

Sights

Beach Boulevard or, more technically, U.S. Highway 90, is a great spot to take a picture or simply admire the view of the Gulf of Mexico. If you'd like to do a little sunbathing, swimming or picnicking, head for Pass Christian and Long Beach in the western part of Gulfport, which are quieter and offer better sand and sea for these activities. If surfing is your thing, however, make your way to the Gulfport Small Craft Harbor, where you can take a ferry ride to West Ship Island, considered one of the top 10 beaches in the United States by USA Today. Bring your kids to Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, a children's museum rated one of the best in the region. If you want to play a round of golf, there are plenty of courses in Gulfport and in the surrounding areas. Two of the most popular are the Bayou Vista Golf Course and the Great Southern Golf Club. The Island View Casino Resort is a fun place to try your luck.

Dining

Fresh seafood, steak, barbecue and Cajun delicacies can be enjoyed in abundance at any of the local restaurants in Gulfport. Restaurants serving these dishes and more are numerous along East Beach Boulevard and West Beach Boulevard. There are also a lot of eateries along Magnolia Street. For more dining choices, try nearby Long Beach and Pass Christian, as well as Biloxi.

Shopping If shopping is your idea of a vacation, Gulfport will certainly indulge you. The Crossroads Mall has many retailers to cater to all your clothing, cosmetic and jewelry needs. If you want to save as much as 65 percent on as many as 60 different brands, head to the Gulfport Premium Outlets. More choices can be found in Hardy Court Shopping Center. Antique shopping is big in Gulfport so be sure to visit Alston's Antiques, Right Stuff Antiques and Collectibles for that perfect treasure to bring home. 

Where to Go in Gulfport