When we started planning a quick family getaway, Gulfport, Mississippi wasn’t originally at the top of my list. Like many people, I had always associated the Mississippi Gulf Coast with Biloxi’s casinos, but after spending a few days exploring Gulfport, I quickly realized this charming beach town has a personality all its own.
What I loved most was how easy the trip felt. There wasn’t a packed itinerary or long lines everywhere we went. Instead, we spent our days fishing, eating incredible seafood, discovering local attractions, and simply enjoying time together as a family. It was exactly the kind of weekend we needed.
If you’re looking for an affordable road trip with plenty to do for kids and adults alike, here’s everything we experienced during our stay.
Our Favorite Morning Was Spent Fishing
One of the simplest activities ended up becoming everyone’s favorite.
Before our trip, I stopped at Walmart and purchased a three-day Mississippi fishing license (the boys didn’t need one), grabbed our fishing poles, and headed to one of Gulfport’s public fishing piers.
There was something incredibly peaceful about standing over the water early in the morning. Pelicans glided overhead, boats cruised through the harbor, and the boys were completely content seeing what they could catch. It wasn’t expensive or elaborate, but it created some of my favorite memories from the weekend. Sometimes those simple moments end up being the ones you remember most.
Activities in Gulfport Mississippi
Aquarium in Gulfport MS
If you’re traveling with children, don’t skip the Aquarium Gulfport MS called the Mississippi Aquarium.
The exhibits are beautifully designed and showcase everything from sharks and stingrays to native Gulf Coast wildlife. It strikes the perfect balance between education and entertainment, keeping kids engaged while teaching them about the unique marine ecosystem along Mississippi’s coast.
My personal favorite was the octopus exhibit. There’s a small viewing tunnel that lets you climb inside and feel as though you’re underwater with the octopus. If you’re lucky, the octopus will swim right over to investigate you—which is exactly what happened to us. The boys thought it was the coolest thing in the entire aquarium.
Tour Jefferson davis’ Beauvoir
After spending time at the beach and aquarium, it was nice to slow things down with a visit to Beauvoir, the historic home of Jefferson Davis.
Towering oak trees draped with Spanish moss frame the property, creating one of the most picturesque settings along the Gulf Coast. Walking through the home and grounds offered an interesting glimpse into Southern history while adding a cultural element to our vacation.
Even if you’re not a huge history buff, the grounds alone are worth visiting.
Margaritaville Arcade
One afternoon we made the short drive to Margaritaville Resort in Biloxi, and I don’t think our boys wanted to leave.
The arcade is enormous, filled with everything from classic games to racing simulators, virtual reality experiences, basketball games, and endless opportunities to win tickets. We spent hours laughing, competing against one another, and watching the boys carefully decide which prizes they wanted to bring home.
It ended up being one of those unexpected highlights that everyone—adults included—had a blast enjoying.
Sharkheads SHOPPING
Like every family vacation, we had to squeeze in a little souvenir shopping. We stopped by Sharkheads expecting to browse a few beach gifts, but instead the boys discovered the hermit crab section.
Needless to say, we left with new pets. Watching them carefully choose their hermit crabs and excitement all the way home made for one of those funny travel stories we’ll probably still be talking about years from now.
Do portugal Circus
One of my favorite things about traveling is leaving room for spontaneous adventures. While we were in town, Do Portugal Circus happened to be performing nearby, so we decided to buy tickets at the last minute.
Between the aerial performers, motorcycle stunts inside the Globe of Death, acrobatics, and incredible talent, it turned into a fun surprise that none of us had planned but all of us thoroughly enjoyed.
Where to at in Gulfport MS
One thing became very clear after our first day in Gulfport—if you love seafood, you’re going to eat very well here. Nearly every restaurant we visited overlooked the water, served incredibly fresh Gulf seafood, or offered the relaxed atmosphere that makes beach vacations so enjoyable.
Shaggy’s Gulfport Beach
Shaggy’s quickly became one of our favorite dinner spots. Sitting right on the beach, it’s exactly where you want to be as the sun begins setting over the Gulf. Fresh seafood, frozen drinks, live music, and waterfront views created the perfect vacation atmosphere.
McElroy’s Harbor House
McElroy’s was one of the first restaurants we visited, and it set the tone for the entire trip. Located directly on the harbor, the views are beautiful, the menu is extensive, and everything we ordered was delicious. It’s casual, family-friendly, and exactly the kind of restaurant you hope to discover while traveling.
Patio 44
Patio 44 completely surprised us. Walking in, I expected fine dining prices because of the beautiful décor and upscale atmosphere. Instead, the menu was surprisingly affordable while still delivering an elevated dining experience. It’s an excellent choice for date night or a nicer family dinner without breaking your vacation budget.
Felix’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar
If you enjoy oysters or Gulf seafood, Felix’s deserves a stop. The royal red shrimp were outstanding, and the lively atmosphere made it easy to understand why both locals and tourists continue coming back.
Boozer’s Brew & Café
Every great vacation needs a favorite coffee shop, and Boozer’s quickly became ours. We stopped here for breakfast before starting one of our sightseeing days, and everything tasted incredibly fresh. Between the coffee and homemade breakfast, it was exactly the fuel we needed before another busy day.
Steve’s Marina Restaurant
Steve’s Marina Restaurant perfectly captures everything I love about coastal dining. Overlooking the marina, it’s the kind of place where you can linger over lunch while watching fishing boats come and go. The seafood was incredibly fresh, and the relaxed atmosphere made us want to stay long after we had finished eating.
Captain Al’s Steak & Seafood
Out of every restaurant we visited, Captain Al’s may have been my favorite. Located beside the marina, the views alone make it worth visiting. The food was fantastic, portions were generous, and the outdoor space gave the boys plenty of room to explore while the adults relaxed with an after-dinner drink. It was the perfect way to end our Gulfport adventure.
Why I’d Visit Gulfport Again
Before this trip, Gulfport wasn’t a destination I had thought much about. Now it’s one I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.
What makes it special isn’t one single attraction—it’s how effortlessly everything comes together. You can spend the morning fishing, the afternoon at an aquarium, learn a little history, enjoy incredible seafood for dinner, and still have time to browse local shops or catch an unexpected show.
It’s relaxed without being boring, family-friendly without feeling overly touristy, and affordable without sacrificing experiences. For families looking for an easy weekend road trip along the Gulf Coast, Gulfport ended up being one of the best surprises we’ve had in a long time—and I have a feeling we’ll be back sooner rather than later.
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