With clear, emerald waters and white sand beaches, the town of Gulfport on the Mississippi Gulf Coast draws in many visitors, especially families, each year.
Most Fun Things to Do in Gulfport:
Take a Dip with a Dolphin - The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies is an organization established in 1984, devoted to research, conservation, and education of marine mammal biology and ecology along the Gulf Coast. Behind the scenes, the institute does important research on animals from this region and cares for and rehabilitates sick and injured animals. They are an active participant of the National Stranding Network and respond to all reported marine mammal strandings along the coast of Mississippi, as well as to some within the neighboring states of Louisiana and Alabama. The group also runs the Center for Marine Education and Research, which creates educational displays which are very hands on, featuring touch pools and a fossil dig. Guests can also participate in encounters with dolphins, watch sea lion shows, bird shows, touch a stingray, meet parakeets, take a train ride, see reptile presentations, and other marine mammals There is a Discovery center, museum, touch pool and aquariums. 10801 Dolphin Lane
Cool off at the Gulf Island Water Park - a seasonal waterpark and recreation center,
has miles of water slides and an exciting shows to keep the whole family having fun out in the sun. Thrill seekers can get an adrenaline rush on rides with towering drops and lightning speeds, while the little ones can splash around in the Ship Island Wreck and Spray St. Louis play areas. Gulf Islands also has a lazy river and a wave pool that parents and kids can enjoy together. Performances often feature famous characters from Disney and Nickelodeon programs. The park has several different dining option on the premises, and cabanas, pavilions, and lockers are available for rent. 13100 16th St
Sail into the Sunset -
North Star Sailing Charters is a private charter sailing company located at the Gulfport Small Craft Harbor. Its two sailboats, the 40-foot Kashmir and the 31-foot Polaris, take guests out on private charter trips along the Mississippi Sound and the Gulf of Mexico. Each charter can take up to six passengers, and many packages are offered, including daytime, sunset, and moonlight cruises, trips for dolphin and pelican watching, and private dinner cruises catered by a local Gulfport restaurant. North Star has flexible start times, and they let clients customize their charter to their needs. The company also offers sailing lessons. 1133 20th Avenue. Set Sail Away takes the charter experience up a notch with its luxury yachts and cruise packages. The company operates three yachts, two of which have private cabins and room to roam around and enjoy onboard amenities such as couches and television entertainment systems. Set Sail Away cruises can accommodate up to six passengers, and trips can last from a short 2 hours to the entire day. The boats are equipped with a full crew who make the experience especially luxurious and comfortable. Different dining options are available, depending on the length of the cruise and the time of day. 1133 20th Ave
Go on a Space Exploration -
Stennis Space Center is an official NASA facility where flight certification and rocket propulsion systems testing are carried out. The complex was built in the 1960s to prepare for the major Apollo space project, and now, Stennis serves as a key testing center in the United States' space program. Stennis Space Center has a visitors area known as the INFINITY Science Center. Here, guests can explore interactive exhibits that focus on the history of space exploration, STEM topics, and other interesting themes. From INFINITY, guests can take a bus tour of the part of Stennis Space Center. One Discovery Circle, Pearlington
Stroll thru the Crosby Arboretum - Affiliated with Mississippi State University, The Crosby Arboretum is an important educational center that educates the public about many of the plants native to the Pearl River Drainage Basin. In addition to its research efforts, the arboretum has a pavilion, 7 natural areas, and 3 main curated ecological displays: the Savanna, Aquatic, and Woodland exhibits. Each of these exhibits includes flora from the region and provides background information about the habitat. Visitors can stroll through the center on their own using the trail signs to create a self-guided tour, or they can sign up for a staff-led tour of the grounds. 370 Ridge Road, Picayune
Consider family friendly Gulfport for any season of the year! Cool Places to Go. Great public beaches for sunsets. Scenic spots. Book your beach house vacation rental today through BeachHouse.com!
