Swimming with dolphins, escaping to a tropical island, and lounging on stretches of sandy shoreline – that’s how you should be spending the summer season. And luckily, you can enjoy all of that and more in Gulfport, Mississippi! Get ready to kick back and relax in one of the best towns in America for when the weather gets warm.
The second-largest city in Mississippi, Gulfport has a lot to offer.
Mississippi Department of Marine Resources/Flickr
Gulfport is a premier summer town, thanks, in part, to its beaches and beach-related attractions, like the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies, where visitors can swim with dolphins.
The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies/Facebook
Ship Island Excursions is another Gulfport gem that adds to its seasonal appeal.
Ship Island Excursions/Facebook
Departing from Gulfport Yacht Harbor, the company provides ferry service to and from Ship Island, which boasts the best beaches in Mississippi.
Ship Island Excursions/Facebook
Beaches aren’t the only way to cool off in Gulfport, though. There’s also Gulf Islands Waterpark, which has miles of slides and thrilling rides.
Gulf Islands Waterpark
And nestled directly across from the city’s sandy beaches is Centennial Plaza, a 48-acre resort complex – complete with hotels, dining, and a water playground.
Centennial Plaza/Facebook
Offering the “best fun in the sun on the Mississippi Gulf Coast,” the water playground features a zero-entry pool, swim-up bar, lazy river, water slides, splash pad, and more.
Centennial Plaza/Facebook
Gulfport’s best sites aren’t all water-related, though. When in the city, Fishbone Alley is a must-visit.
Fishbone Alley Downtown Gulfport/Facebook
One of the “most unusual and enjoyable” streets in America, the pedestrian-only alley is filled with eateries, bars, and artwork by local artists.
Fishbone Alley Downtown Gulfport/Facebook
Gulfport’s got plenty of indoor attractions, too. And that’s a major plus when the temps are just too much to bear.
Mississippi Aquarium/Facebook
Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum, Mississippi Aquarium, and Lynn Meadows Discovery Center are just a few places to escape the heat in Gulfport.
Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum/Facebook
Pop’s Brothers, an artisan popsicle shop, also provides a sweet respite from the summer temps.
wncapt2007/Google
Mississippi Department of Marine Resources/Flickr
The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies/Facebook
Ship Island Excursions/Facebook
Gulf Islands Waterpark
Centennial Plaza/Facebook
Fishbone Alley Downtown Gulfport/Facebook
Mississippi Aquarium/Facebook
Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum/Facebook
wncapt2007/Google
Boasting beaches, water parks, resorts, renowned attractions, and more, Gulfport, Mississippi has all the makings of a great summertime destination! So, what do you think? Will you be visiting this beach town this summer? Know of another great summertime town? Tell us!
Gulfport isn’t the only town that belongs on your radar. There are lots more, including this small town that makes for the perfect day trip destination in Mississippi.
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Address: Gulfport, MS, USA
