Gulfport

State: Mississippi. Type: city on the Gulf Coast in Harrison County; Mississippi's second-largest city after Jackson. 2020 census population: 72,926 (metro Gulfport-Biloxi: 416,259). Founded 1887 by William H. Hardy as a terminus for the Gulf and Ship Island Railroad; incorporated July 28, 1898. Home to the Port of Gulfport and the Mississippi Aquarium (opened August 29, 2020).

Gulfport anchors Mississippi's Gulf Coast in Harrison County, and is the state's second-largest city behind Jackson. Founded in 1887 by William H. Hardy as the terminus of the Gulf and Ship Island Railroad and formally incorporated in 1898, the city grew rapidly on the strength of Gulf-facing harbor development funded by Philadelphia oil magnate Joseph T. Jones; by 1906 it was the largest lumber-exporting city in the United States. As timber resources declined, the local economy shifted toward tourism, healthcare, and military installations, including the Naval Construction Battalion Center. Today Gulfport combines around 6.7 miles of white-sand beaches with attractions such as the Mississippi Aquarium, Island View Casino, and a historic golf club, alongside a still-active deepwater port that ranks among the busiest in the Gulf of Mexico. The city has weathered major hurricanes, including Camille in 1969 and Katrina in 2005, both of which reshaped its waterfront and prompted large-scale rebuilding.

Gulfport sits in Harrison County on Mississippi's Gulf Coast, at approximately 30.40°N, 89.08°W, covering 64.01 square miles (55.62 land, 8.39 water). It borders Biloxi to the east and is reachable via Interstate 10 and U.S. Routes 49 and 90.

Gulfport has a humid subtropical climate moderated by proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. Summer highs average 88-91°F, while winter lows average 42-46°F. The all-time record high is 107°F (August 26, 2023) and the record low is 1°F (February 12, 1899). Annual precipitation averages about 62.8 inches. The area lies within the Atlantic hurricane season (June through November).

Spring and fall generally bring the most comfortable temperatures and lower humidity than peak summer, along with reduced hurricane risk compared to the August-October window. Winter is mild by northern U.S. standards, with lows only occasionally dropping toward freezing. Summer remains popular for beach access despite heat and storm risk.

Gulfport was founded in 1887 by William H. Hardy as a terminus for the Gulf and Ship Island Railroad and was formally incorporated on July 28, 1898. Harbor development, funded by Philadelphia oil magnate Joseph T. Jones, helped the city become, by 1906, the largest lumber export city in the United States, shipping close to 300 million board feet of lumber annually. As regional timber supplies were depleted, the economy diversified into tourism and military installations. Hurricane Camille struck on August 17, 1969, with a storm surge reaching 21 feet and causing severe waterfront damage; Hurricane Katrina followed on August 29, 2005, damaging 9,571 structures citywide, after which the city received more than $300 million in federal recovery aid.

Visitors can explore the Mississippi Aquarium, a 5.8-acre complex with indoor and outdoor habitats housing more than 200 animal species. Beach activities are popular along roughly 6.7 miles of white-sand coastline. Island View Casino offers gaming and entertainment, and the Great Southern Golf Club provides a historic golf destination. History-minded visitors can explore the Turkey Creek Community Historic District, settled by emancipated African Americans during Reconstruction, and take a boat trip to Fort Massachusetts on West Ship Island.

Mississippi Aquarium is the city's marquee modern attraction. Fort Massachusetts, a 19th-century fortification on West Ship Island, is reachable by boat and reflects the coast's military history. The Turkey Creek Community Historic District preserves a Reconstruction-era African American settlement. The Port of Gulfport and Municipal Marina reflect the city's maritime economy.

Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport is the primary air gateway to the city. Interstate 10 and U.S. Routes 49 and 90 provide the main highway access. Amtrak's Mardi Gras Service, which resumed August 18, 2025, offers rail access, and the Coast Transit Authority runs regional bus service.

City administrative offices, per the official city website, are open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Individual attractions such as the Mississippi Aquarium and beaches keep their own hours, which can vary seasonally; check each attraction's site before visiting.

Public beach access in Gulfport is free. The Mississippi Aquarium, Island View Casino, and other individual attractions set their own separate admission or gaming policies; specific current prices were not verified from an official source for this entry and should be confirmed directly with each venue.

A single day is enough for the beach and one major attraction such as the Mississippi Aquarium, but a multi-day stay allows time to add a Ship Island boat trip, Island View Casino, and Turkey Creek's historic sites.

Gulfport has a range of lodging including beachfront hotels and casino-resort properties along the coastal corridor, plus additional chain hotels near I-10 and the airport. Specific property names were not verified from official sources for this entry.

The Gulfport area has a mix of Gulf Coast seafood restaurants and casual dining concentrated along the beachfront and near the casino district; specific restaurant names were not confirmed from official sources for this entry.

Biloxi sits directly to the east and shares much of the same beach and casino tourism scene. West Ship Island and Fort Massachusetts are a short boat ride offshore. Turkey Creek Community Historic District is within the city itself.

Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport is the closest airport with regular commercial service. Amtrak's Mardi Gras Service (resumed August 18, 2025) and Coast Transit Authority buses provide additional public transportation options; a personal or rental vehicle remains the most practical way to get around.

Hurricane season runs June through November, with the region's history including severe storms such as Camille (1969) and Katrina (2005); monitor forecasts and follow local evacuation guidance if visiting during this period. Standard beach safety practices, including watching for posted swim advisories, apply along the coastline. For any emergency, dial 911.

Sunscreen, a hat, and water are essential for beach and outdoor visits given the area's heat and humidity. A light jacket is useful for boat trips such as the Ship Island ferry. Travelers visiting during hurricane season should keep a portable charger and monitor weather alerts.

Because Gulfport sits within an active hurricane zone, checking the forecast before and during a visit in the June-November window is worthwhile. Renting a car makes it easier to combine the beach, Mississippi Aquarium, and a Ship Island boat trip in one visit. Pairing a Gulfport stay with neighboring Biloxi extends the range of casino and dining options.

Dial 911 for any emergency. The City of Gulfport's general contact line, per its official website, is 228-868-5700, with a 311 service (311@gulfport-ms.gov) for non-emergency city services.

City of Gulfport - https://www.gulfport-ms.gov

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.