How to Visit Gulfport, MS

Gulfport, Mississippi, which is the state's second-largest city, is situated on the Gulf of Mexico. Located on the Gulf Island National Seashore, the city offers access to several remote islands by way of private boat or passenger ferry. The city is home to thriving casinos and championship golf courses, among many other tourist attractions. The area offers several annual special events, such as the the Gulf Coast Carnival Association Mardi Gras Parade and the Annual Soul Food Cooking Contest.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with Internet access Vehicle Maps

1. Play a round of golf at Gulfport's Great Southern Golf Course, which features more than 6,000 yards of course. The course, which was constructed in 1908, offers stunning views of Gulfport's port.

2. Visit the Armed Forces Museum at Camp Shelby in nearby Hattiesburg, Mississippi, for a look at local history. The newly renovated cultural attraction features memorabilia from the Civil War, World War I, World War II and the Vietnam War, among several other battles. Admission to the museum is free.

3. Plan a family outing to the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, one of the country's top children's museums. The cultural center features several hands-on exhibits.

4. Sing and dance during one of Mississippi Coast Jazz Society's monthly jam sessions. Admission is free for musicians who sit-in; the public is invited to attend for a nominal fee. The society is dedicated to the performance and preservation of traditional jazz.

5. Take a boat tour of Mississippi's Gulf Coast and barrier islands on the "Thrill Seeker," a 23-foot fishing vessel. The boat can accommodate 4 people, and all fishing bait, equipment and fishing licenses are included in the daily fee.

6. Stay at Gulfport's Island View Casino Resort, which offers 560 luxurious rooms and suites. The hotel features an 83,000-square-foot casino, with more than 47 game tables. Award-winning chef Emeril Lagasse's Emeril's Gulf Coast Fish House is on-site for a gourmet dining experience.

Resources

• The official site of Mississippi's Gulf Coast
• The Lynn Meadows Discovery Center
• Thrill Seeker Charter