ABOUT Gulfport, MS USA |
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| DESTINATION: | Gulfport, MS | POPULATION: | 67,793 |
| DESIGNATION: | OFFICIAL STARTING LINE CITY #8 | COORDINATES: | 30*24’6”n 89*4’34”W |
| ARRIVAL DATE: | Oct 1st | PUBLIC LOCATION: | TBA |
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Official Resort
"Welcome to Gulfport and the Mississippi Gulf Coast, where you can work on your golf swing, catch "the big one" fishing, try your luck at a casino or simply relax. There is so much to do the only problem you will have is choosing what to do first. Take your time, you can always come back for another visit."
Gulfport is home to the fun-filled Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, which was selected as one of the USA's top 50 children's museums. The museum offers hands-on fun where children can crank a crane, touch a tornado, sort seafood, and a myriad of other fun-filled amusements. And Ship Island Excursions in the Gulfport Small Craft Harbor is available to take you on a cruise to West Ship Island where you can tour historic Fort Massachusetts, search for sea shells and even body surf. Gulf Islands Water Park, located just off I-10 offers a day of fun in the sun near the Gulfport Sportsplex.
Gulfport's downtown has been "streetscaped" to return the exteriors of the historic buildings to the appropriate timeframe. Many of these buildings are currently occupied by restaurants and new nightlife venues. Gulfport's only casino, The Island View Casino offers 24 hour gaming excitement but you can also try your luck at any of 11 casinos on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Lush fairways, manicured greens, and breathtaking views are just a few of the reasons why the Mississippi Gulf Coast is nicknamed "The Golf Coast." With nearly twenty courses designed by the likes of Arnold Palmer, Tom Fazio, Jerry Pate, and Davis Love III, there are courses to challenge golfers of all skill levels. The mild climate ensures golfers can indulge in year-round play. Undoubtedly, the Mississippi Gulf Coast is a golfer's paradise.
Art and history's roots run deep on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Visit the Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of art, home to George E. Ohr, the renowned "Mad Potter". His unique pottery is noted throughout the art world. Opened in 2011, OOMA includes the Mississippi Sound Welcome Center, the Pleasant Reed Interpretive Center, IP Casino Resort Spa Exhibitions Gallery and African American Art Gallery. Additional galleries, including Ohr Pods, will follow in 2012. Beauvoir, the Jefferson Davis Home, last home of the Confederate President, features 52 acres with the Davis Home, replicas of the Library and Hayes Pavilion, museum and gift shop. Currently under construction is the Presidential Library with hopes to open to the public in 2012.
If shopping is on your itinerary, you've come to the right place. Biloxi's Edgewater Mall andEdgewater Village feature a mix of department stores and specialty boutiques. Premium Outlets in Gulfport offers over 80 famous, brand name stores offering outlet prices. Crossroads Mall has over 600,000 square feet of shopping. Throughout the Mississippi Gulf Coast, there are numerous charming specialty boutiques and antiques stores.
Those seeking a festival won't have to look far. With the wealth of festivities, some locals say that the Gulf Coast has a celebration for every crustacean. Certainly, the abundance of fresh seafood – crabs, shrimp, oysters, fish, crawfish – is reason enough to have a party, isn't it? And Cruisin' the Coast in October is the world's largest block party with over 6,000 classic cars cruising along Beach Blvd (Hwy 90) the week leading up to Columbus Day.
For more information on events, lodging, attractions, or planning your vacation, visit gulfcoast.org.