City Guides: Things to do While Boating in Gulfport, Mississippi
Located along the sparkling white sand of the Gulf of Mexico – and backed by Bayou Bernard, Big Lake and Mullet Lake – Gulfport is situated near Biloxi between New Orleans and Pensacola. The nearby Gulf Islands National Seashore offers natural attractions and outdoor recreation (not to mention the relaxing vibe of soft sand, emerald-green water and coastal breezes). Activities include everything from fishing, boating and sailing to visiting coastal casinos, family-friendly attractions and local museums.
Whether you’re trailering a boat or keeping a motor yacht or cuddy cabin at a private boat dock rental, there are plenty of land-based activities in Gulfport to keep the crew busy when they’re not swabbing the deck, cleaning the bilge or flushing the engine. If your crew of kids does any of that stuff, send ‘em our way!
Gulf Islands Waterpark
Photo: Gulf Islands Waterpark (Facebook)
Gulf Islands Waterpark is a terrific destination from a private boat slip for rent. Open seasonally, the park has a wave pool, lazy river and a wide variety of raft and tube slides. Not into the wet and wild scene? Rent a cabana and relax while the rest of the group slips, slides and splashes the day away. Special events are sometimes hosted by Nickelodeon and the Disney Channel. And, of course, snacks like pizza, burgers, funnel cake and cotton candy are available.
Zip N Fun Adventure Park
Photo: Zip N Fun Adventure Park (Facebook)
Located next door to Gulf Islands Waterpark, the Zip N Fun Adventure Park is an adventure park, a ropes course and a zipline all rolled into one thrilling attraction. Test your athletic ability (and courage levels) on more than 50 treetop games, obstacles and adventure zones as you conquer sky bridges, swinging logs and a Tarzan jump. There’s even a course designed for the youngest thrill seekers.
Mississippi Aquarium
Photo: Mississippi Aquarium (Facebook)
The Mississippi Aquarium, located near Gulfport Beach, features 5.5 acres with more than 200 species of animals and 50 species of plants. With a mission of education, conservation and biology, the aquarium inspires visitors to respect the marine world while discovering its treasures. Visit sea turtles, tropical fish, river otters, crocodiles, sharks, stingrays and more. You can also book dolphin and penguin encounters to get up-close-and-personal while learning more about these cute creatures. Stop by the snack stand or gift shop before heading back to a private boat lift rental.
Ocean Adventures Marine Park
Photo: Ocean Adventures Marine park (Facebook)
Located near Big Lake on Bayou Bernard, Ocean Adventures Marine Park is convenient to visit from a private boat slip for rent. General admission includes macaw and parrot shows and dolphin, sea lion and reptile presentations as well as exhibits at the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies’ Discovery Center, which has a museum, touch tanks, educational presentations and aquariums. You can book additional experiences to get up close to and learn more about dolphins, sea lions and stingrays. The park has a picnic area, a café and a playground.
Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum
Phhoto: Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum (Facebook)
The Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum has one of the largest LEGO railroad displays in the state and more than 80 model train layouts. There are outdoor garden displays, multiple riding trains, interactive displays that kids can actually operate and outdoor-themed displays like Jurassic Park, Futurama and Christmas light shows.
Island View Casino Resort
Photo: Island View Casino Resort (Facebook)
Looking for nightlife and live entertainment near a private boat dock for rent? Head on over to the Island View Casino Resort, which is near Gulfport Harbor and the Gulfport Yacht Club. Try your hand at slot machines, table games, and self-betting kiosks. Enjoy live music, a spa and choices of several restaurants and bars. Keep in mind that this is an over-21 venue (in all parts of the resort), so it’s a terrific idea for a grown-up night out. Other local casinos include Treasure Bay Casino and Hotel, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi and Harrah Casino.
Mississippi Aviation Heritage Museum
Photo: Mississippi Aviation Heritage Museum (Facebook)
If you have aviation enthusiasts in your group, point them to the Mississippi Aviation Heritage Museum. Designed to educate visitors and honor Mississippi’s aviation history, the museum has interactive STEM exhibits, a flight simulator and a theater designed to look like an airliner interior as well as mechanics working on projects and renovating airplanes.
We hope you’ve discovered a few new places to add to your Gulfport to-do list. Check them out the next time you’re in the Magnolia State for a weekend, a few days or an extended stay at a private boat dock rental. Let us know your favorites!
