Tucked against the Gulf of Mexico, the beach city of Gulfport enjoys a lush, sub-tropical climate. It should come as no surprise that nature tourism is a year-round attraction in this Mississippi city—eco tours, boat cruises and kayak trips are abound across the winding rivers and bayous. But the fun extends indoors, too. Gulfport hosts a range of boutiques, casinos and museums to visit when the summer heat threatens sunburns. Grab your swimsuit and hit the road to this island-like vacation destination.
Rainy Days and More
Gulfport gets more than twice as much rain as the average U.S. city, but that doesn’t mean it rains all the time. Nearly two-thirds of the days are sunny or partly cloudy, making it ideal to get out and see the sights. Hurricane season begins in June and officially ends in November, but, generally, you'll find September and October are the driest months in Gulfport. October through April are the most pleasant months for sightseeing, but even during cold weather, nighttime temperatures don’t dip down to freezing, and daytime temps generally stay above 60 degrees. In May, tourism rises in Gulfport, but so do its temperatures—you may find the mercury above 90 with humidity nearly as high.
Hands-on Fun
Tired of hearing the kids complain about the heat? Plan a full day at the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, a children’s museum created inside a historic schoolhouse. More than 15,000 square feet of indoor, hands-on exhibits and activities for the whole family entice kids to pretend they’re a veterinarian, an artist or a mind-boggling array of other possibilities. There’s more interactive fun outside under the shady live oaks, including the Tree House Village. Get up close and personal with a dolphin, touch sea creatures like urchins and blue crabs or kayak an estuary when you take a family tour at the Center for Marine Education and Research Museum.
Time-tested Economy
Like waves rolling onto the sandy coast, Gulfport has suffered wave after wave of economic crises. Hurricane Katrina leveled much of the beach community, followed by a recession. The BP oil spill several years later further leveled the city’s economy, but the tough Mississippi residents keep rebuilding. Much of the area’s salvation is credited to casinos built after Katrina that attract tourists, like Gulfport’s Island View Casino. Tourism jobs, as well as related leisure, hospitality and support services, account for nearly a third of employment in Gulfport.
By Sky, Land or Sea
Fly into the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport where you can rent a car, hail a taxi, or connect with public transit. Another option is to arrive via the Greyhound Bus,. Want a good look at the city from the unique perspective of the water? Rent a Jet Ski or a paddleboard from vendors along the water's edge. You'll also find companies that will ferry you out to West Ship Island to access remote beaches or provide you with a sunset dinner cruise on a yacht or sailboat.
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