About this city
Also known as: Gateway to the Gulf
Commanding a spectacular waterfront position along the Mississippi Sound, Gulfport is the state's second-largest city by population and the co-county seat of Harrison County. Founded in 1898 by visionary railroad magnate Joseph T. Jones as the coastal terminus for the Gulf and Ship Island Railroad, the planned city rapidly evolved into a colossal deepwater commercial port and maritime industrial shipping powerhouse. During World War II, its strategic importance grew with the establishment of the Naval Construction Battalion Center, famously housing the U.S. Navy Seabees. Despite suffering massive destruction from Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Gulfport underwent a stunning multi-billion-dollar coastal renaissance. Today, it presents a dynamic cityscape that balances active shipping operations with luxury casino resorts, a world-class aquarium, and miles of white sand beaches.
Location & Administrative
Transportation & Accessibility
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Economics & Local Vibe
Practical Tourism Metadata
Suggested stay: 2–3 days
See dolphins, sharks, and exotic marine habitats at the state-of-the-art Mississippi Aquarium. Experience 24-hour gaming and live beachfront entertainment at the Island View Casino Resort. Relax, swim, or catch a ferry to the remote Ship Island from the Gulfport Small Craft Harbor.
