Beyond the Obvious in Gulfport: Coastal days or campus energy
Curious about what you'll do when you live in Gulfport? If the idea of casting lines off piers, getting artsy at downtown galleries, and being daring enough to try paddleboarding through bayous sounds good to you, Gulfport is calling you home! This list of fun things to do will take you from sunrise shrimp boat rides to sunset beach bonfires and give you a glimpse of Gulfport's coast life energy and charm.
Katherine, Our Local Expert Guiding Your Move
Katherine lives in Biloxi, Mississippi, where Spanish moss hangs from live oaks and the Gulf of America often dictates your weekend plans. She is an Air Force veteran and military spouse who has moved 6 times in 15 years, including two overseas stints that involved 3 months without household goods and a very humbling lesson in patience. She knows Mississippi through lived details, coastal rhythms, local traditions, and the subtle difference between tourist spots and places locals actually go back to. Other skills include moving box Tetris, making new friends quickly, and navigating new towns with confidence. At Snappy Scout, Katherine edits with real Magnolia State instincts earned the hard way.
Read moreWritten with local insight from Snappy Scout relocation experts
What Will You Do in Gulfport?
From weekend adventures to iconic road trips, here's how locals spend their time off.
on a Saturday with perfect weather
Hit the beach before the Mississippi sun melts you, take the ferry out to Ship Island for clear Gulf waters
when the gals come to town for the weekend
Casino hopping, daiquiris on the Harbor, Siren Social Club
dude hangout
Deep sea fishing where the bragging rights are endless
rainy dreary day
Mississippi Aquarium to watch the otters and let the kids terrorize the touch tank
artsy
Gallery strolls in the Arts District with coastal vibes and handmade pieces
outdoorsy
Kayaking through bayous like a swamp dwelling adventurer, watch out for gators
if you're a shopaholic
Premium Outlets on tax free weekend before schools start back up
with your dog
Chandeluer Island Brewery or the Harrison County dog park
family oriented
Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival, Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, sea turtle releases
in need of a selfie
Sunset pier shots that make landlocked friends jealous
you have to see this
Fishbone Alley at night
on a budget
Free beach access beats paying for parking anywhere else
My Favorite Local Spot in Gulfport
For the best cocktails and European-inspired food, don't skip the Michelin-recognized Siren Social Club.
— Katherine Mines
Mississippi Local Expert
Ready to See If Gulfport Fits You?
Compare cities, check the routes, or head back to the full Gulfport guide for the bigger picture.