Explore · Gulfport · Activities
Things to do in Gulfport, without the tourist-brochure version.
Gulfport packs more big-ticket attractions than its neighbors — a state aquarium, a real waterfront park, a standout children’s museum, and a ferry to a barrier island. It’s the Coast’s hub, so plan to drive a little between things. This guide covers the in-town activities; the Exploration guide handles the Ship Island ferry, the beach, and day trips.
Start here
The six things I’d make sure a first-time visitor hit.
Mississippi Aquarium
The state aquarium, opened in 2020 on Highway 90 overlooking Jones Park. Dolphins, sharks, penguins, otters, alligators, and a mix of indoor and outdoor habitats — plus ticketed encounters by reservation. The most popular paid attraction in town and an easy half-day with kids. Start here.
Jones Park & the harbor
A 60-acre waterfront park with a 319-slip marina, a promenade, a replica lighthouse, an amphitheater, and a splash pad (open in the warm months). It’s where the Ship Island ferry launches and where a lot of downtown events happen. Worth a walk even if you never get on a boat.
Lynn Meadows Discovery Center
A nationally recognized children’s museum in a 1915 schoolhouse under big live oaks, blocks from the beach. Hands-on indoor exhibits plus oak-shaded outdoor play and a splash pad. One of the best things on the Coast for families with younger kids.
Fishbone Alley
A downtown alley turned art-and-nightlife strip — ever-changing murals, string lights, and bars and restaurants that back onto it. Live music and festivals land here regularly. Good for a casual evening and the photos.
Mississippi Aviation Heritage Museum
A hands-on museum covering Mississippi’s aviation history — touch tables, a flight simulator, a theater built like an airliner cabin, and live restoration work on real aircraft. A solid rainy-day option, especially with curious kids. Open limited days, so check before you go.
The beach on Highway 90
Gulfport’s man-made sand beach runs right along Highway 90 through the middle of town. It’s the Mississippi Sound — calmer and murkier than the open Gulf by design — so it’s made for wading, walking, and sunsets more than surf. Free and easy to pull off and enjoy.
The vibe
Gulfport is busier and more spread out than the smaller Coast towns — it’s a working city with a port, an airport, and a downtown that keeps adding to itself. The upside for visitors is that there’s genuinely a lot to do, and a few of the attractions (the aquarium, the ferry, Lynn Meadows) are destinations on their own. Pick two or three, leave room for the beach and the harbor at sunset, and you’ve got a good day. Hungry? The food guide is next door.
Looking for what’s on this week?
Events, live music, festivals, and openings across Jackson, Harrison, and Hancock counties go out twice a week in The Seawall, my Coast newsletter.
Rob Recio lives in Ocean Springs and is in real-estate-licensure training in Mississippi. This is informational visitor content, not real-estate advice or a solicitation.