About Gulfport
Gulfport is a port city in Harrison County, Mississippi, United States, and its co-county seat. It had a population of 72,926 at the 2020 census, making it the second-most populous city in Mississippi after Jackson. The Gulfport–Biloxi metropolitan area had a population of 416,259. Gulfport lies along the Gulf Coast of the United States in southern Mississippi, taking its name from its port on the Gulf Coast on the Mississippi Sound.
Places to visit in Gulfport
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Mississippi Aquarium
ZooA modern aquarium in downtown Gulfport with Gulf of Mexico habitats, bottlenose dolphins, a walk-through aviary and an underwater tunnel surrounded by sharks and rays.
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Ship Island
Beach · 15 mi from centreReached by seasonal ferry from Gulfport, this barrier island in the Gulf Islands National Seashore has clear water beaches and the historic Fort Massachusetts. Bring sun protection and supplies.
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Gulfport Beach
BeachLong sandy beaches line Highway 90 along the Mississippi Sound, with calm shallow water, beach rentals and the harbor area nearby, good for an easy beach day.
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Beauvoir
Historic · 7 mi from centreIn nearby Biloxi, the final home of Jefferson Davis, with a restored raised cottage facing the Gulf, oak-shaded gardens and a presidential library and museum.
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Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art
Museum · 13 mi from centreIn Biloxi, a museum complex designed by Frank Gehry and dedicated to the eccentric pottery of George Ohr, alongside regional art and a historic African American house.
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Lynn Meadows Discovery Center
MuseumA children's museum in Gulfport set in a historic school building, with indoor and outdoor play areas and hands-on educational exhibits for young families. Allow a couple of hours.
Best time to visit Gulfport
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Gulfport is October, when average daytime highs are around 80°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Gulfport weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 75° 51° 0%
- Thu 22 Oct 81° 59° 0%
- Fri 23 Oct 80° 60° 0%
- Sat 24 Oct 78° 61° 0%
- Sun 25 Oct 80° 60° 1%
- Mon 26 Oct 79° 62° 1%
Know before you go
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/ChicagoUTC−5
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
Upcoming public holidays in United States
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents DayWashington's Birthday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Gulfport
These are the airports closest to central Gulfport. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- GPT Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport3 mi (5 km) from the city centre
Getting around Gulfport
To get around Gulfport you could rent a car. There are several car rental businesses at the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport. Including Avis, Budget, Hertz, National and Thrifty. There are also taxi and limousine services, along with shuttles that will take you to and from your hotel.
Gulfport travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Gulfport?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Gulfport is October, when average daytime highs are around 80°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.
What is the weather like in Gulfport?
August is usually the warmest month in Gulfport, with average highs of 89°F (32°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 41°F (5°C). The wettest month is typically May, with about 191 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Gulfport?
Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT) is the closest airport, about 3 miles (5 km) from the centre of Gulfport.
What time zone is Gulfport in?
Gulfport uses the America/Chicago time zone (currently UTC−5). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Gulfport?
To get around Gulfport you could rent a car. There are several car rental businesses at the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport. Including Avis, Budget, Hertz, National and Thrifty. There are also taxi and limousine services, along with shuttles that will take you to and from your hotel.
What are the best places to visit in Gulfport?
Top sights in Gulfport include Mississippi Aquarium, Ship Island, Gulfport Beach and Beauvoir. A modern aquarium in downtown Gulfport with Gulf of Mexico habitats, bottlenose dolphins, a walk-through aviary and an underwater tunnel surrounded by sharks and rays.
