Gulfport MS

Gulfport, MS – Nestled along the Gulf of Mexico, Gulfport is a charming coastal city where southern hospitality meets ocean breezes. From its beautiful beaches to its historic downtown, Gulfport offers a laid-back lifestyle filled with sun, surf, and seafood. Whether you're exploring nature, enjoying local festivals, or relaxing on the water, Gulfport makes it easy to slow down and enjoy the moment.

• Population: ~73,000
• Weather: Warm and humid; hot summers (75-90°F), mild winters (45-60°F).
• Places To Visit: Gulf Islands Waterpark, Jones Park, Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, Mississippi Aquarium, Island View Casino.
• Top Activities: Fishing in the Gulf, enjoying beach sunsets, kayaking in coastal waters, shopping downtown, attending Crawfish Music Festival.
• Famous Food: Gulf shrimp po'boys, fresh oysters, seafood gumbo, smoked BBQ, and beignets from local cafes.

Gulfport, Mississippi, is a growing coastal city with a strong economy rooted in tourism, military, manufacturing, and health services. With its strategic location along the Gulf Coast, Gulfport offers many employment opportunities across various sectors.

Top 5 Jobs in Gulfport, MS

Gulfport, Mississippi is a vibrant seaside city with plenty of spots for students to unwind, enjoy nature, and have some fun. Whether you love the beach, delicious food, or exploring the local culture, Gulfport has a variety of options for you.

Jones Park – A beautiful waterfront space perfect for picnics, leisurely strolls, and watching the sunset. It's also host to many festivals and events throughout the year.

Gulf Islands Waterpark – Dive into fun with water rides, lazy rivers, and wave pools. It’s a great place to spend a hot day and cool down with friends.

Downtown Gulfport – Explore local shops, eclectic cafes, and art galleries. The relaxed vibe and southern charm make it a perfect spot to chill.

The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies – For a dose of local marine life, visit this exciting place. Enjoy interactive exhibits and learn about the aquatic creatures from the Gulf.

Ship Island – A short ferry ride away, this spot offers pristine beaches and historic Fort Massachusetts. It’s ideal for a relaxing beach day with a side of history.

Chandeleur Brewing Company – If you're of age, this local brewery offers a cozy atmosphere with a variety of craft beers and often features live music and food trucks, making it a great hangout spot.

Gulfport, Mississippi is a thriving Gulf Coast city known for its scenic beauty, strategic location, and growing educational landscape. The city offers access to several respected public and private colleges and universities that serve a diverse student body and support the local workforce.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Gulfport

University of Southern Mississippi – Gulf Park Campus – Located in nearby Long Beach, just minutes from downtown Gulfport, this branch of the University of Southern Mississippi offers undergraduate and graduate programs in nursing, business, education, and the sciences. It serves as a key hub for academic research and community involvement across the Gulf Coast region.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC) – Jefferson Davis Campus – One of the top community colleges in the state, the Jefferson Davis Campus is located in Gulfport. MGCCC is known for its affordable tuition, transfer programs, and strong focus on career and technical education in fields like healthcare, IT, and skilled trades.

William Carey University School of Pharmacy – Tradition Campus – Although its main campus is in Hattiesburg, the Tradition campus near Gulfport houses the university’s accelerated Doctor of Pharmacy program. It stands out as one of only a few fast-track pharmacy programs in the country.

Jackson State University – Gulf Coast Learning Center – Serving adult learners and professionals, Jackson State’s Gulf Coast center provides graduate and continuing education options. The school focuses on public service, education, and leadership training in coastal Mississippi.

Alcorn State University Extension Services – Offering community education and extension services throughout Mississippi, Alcorn State provides agricultural and technical outreach through programs available in the Gulfport area. The institution is a historically Black university recognized for its STEM and agricultural science excellence.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Gulfport

Blue Cliff College – Gulfport Campus – A career-focused institution with programs in allied health, business, and cosmetology. Blue Cliff College equips students with hands-on training for fast entry into the job market, making it a top private choice in the region.

Miller-Motte College – Gulfport Campus – Known for its flexible schedule and career-oriented programs, Miller-Motte offers diplomas and associate degrees in healthcare, business administration, and skilled trades. The college supports students with career services and practical training labs.

Antonelli College (formerly in Gulfport) – Previously providing education in design, health, and business, Antonelli College served Gulfport students for several years before closing. Its legacy continues through its alumni and educational impact in the region.

University of Phoenix – Online but Serves Gulfport – With strong online programs accessible to Gulfport residents, the University of Phoenix offers degrees in business, healthcare, education, and information technology. Its flexible options are ideal for working adults.

Tulane University School of Public Health – Gulf Coast Research Collaborations – While the main campus is in New Orleans, Tulane partners with Gulfport-area agencies for public health research and education initiatives. These programs support regional health improvement and academic advancement through community-based projects.

Gulfport, MS, is home to several high-performing high schools that offer students enhanced academic programs, dedicated faculty, and opportunities to succeed in college and beyond. Whether you're looking for public or private education, Gulfport has options that focus on excellence and student growth.

Top Public High Schools in Gulfport, MS

• Gulfport High School – Known for its strong academic programs, Gulfport High offers career and college readiness pathways, including an International Baccalaureate (IB) program.
• Harrison Central High School – A large public school with Advanced Placement (AP) courses, arts, and athletics. It maintains a solid graduation rate and student support resources.
• West Harrison High School – Offers a well-rounded education with rigorous classes, experienced teachers, and a variety of extracurricular activities to encourage student engagement.
• Biloxi High School – Although located just outside Gulfport, Biloxi High is a top-performing school with strong academics, certificate programs, and military JROTC.
• Long Beach High School – Part of the Long Beach School District, this school is often praised for its safe environment and academic achievements, including National Merit scholars.

Top Private High Schools in Gulfport, MS

• St. Patrick Catholic High School – A top-rated private school offering a Christ-centered education with honors, AP classes, and a commitment to academic excellence.
• Christian Collegiate Academy – This school focuses on strong academic standards with a Biblical worldview, preparing students for college and life service.
• Gulfport Central Christian Academy – A private Christian school known for its small classroom sizes, caring faculty, and personalized learning plans for each student.
• Our Lady Academy – Located nearby in Bay St. Louis, it’s an all-girls Catholic high school famed for its academic rigor and leadership development programs.
• First Baptist Church Christian School – A private school that provides strong academics supported by Christian values and a close-knit school community.

Gulfport, Mississippi is a vibrant coastal city with a strong sporting spirit. While it doesn't host any major league professional sports teams, Gulfport and the surrounding Mississippi Gulf Coast area are proud of their sports culture and support a variety of regional and minor league teams. Sports fans in Gulfport also cheer for nearby franchises from New Orleans and across the Southeast.

⚾ Baseball – Biloxi Shuckers (MiLB)

• Biloxi Shuckers – Located less than 15 miles from Gulfport, the Biloxi Shuckers are a Double-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. They play in the Southern League and call MGM Park home. Since their debut in 2015, the Shuckers have been a key part of the local sports scene. The team has seen several players go on to succeed in Major League Baseball.

🏈 Football – New Orleans Saints (NFL)

• New Orleans Saints – Though based in Louisiana, the Saints are the closest NFL team for Gulfport residents and boast a large, loyal fan base across the Gulf Coast. The Saints won their first Super Bowl title in 2010 (Super Bowl XLIV) led by Drew Brees and head coach Sean Payton. Their home at Caesars Superdome is just a 90-minute drive from Gulfport.

🏀 Basketball – New Orleans Pelicans (NBA)

• New Orleans Pelicans – Gulfport basketball fans often rally behind the Pelicans, the region’s closest NBA team. While the franchise hasn’t clinched a championship yet, the team features young talent like Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. The Pelicans play at the Smoothie King Center, near the Superdome in New Orleans.

⚽ Soccer – Mississippi Brilla FC (USL League Two)

• Mississippi Brilla FC – Based in Clinton, Mississippi, Brilla FC competes in USL League Two, a developmental soccer league. While not located directly in Gulfport, the club represents the state in high-level amateur soccer. They aim to foster talent and inspire the growth of the sport across Mississippi.

🏁 Indoor Football – Magnolia State Spartans (AIFA)

• Magnolia State Spartans – The Spartans play in the American Indoor Football Alliance (AIFA) and bring exciting indoor football action to Mississippi. Though a newer addition to the sports scene, the team is building community support and spreading awareness of professional indoor football in the Gulfport area and beyond.

🎽 College Sports – University of Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles

• Southern Miss Golden Eagles – Located in nearby Hattiesburg, the University of Southern Mississippi boasts a wide range of NCAA Division I programs. The Golden Eagles have a proud football tradition and competitive baseball and basketball teams. They are part of the Sun Belt Conference and have a strong following across South Mississippi, including in Gulfport.

While Gulfport may not have major league teams of its own, the city’s fans are deeply connected to its minor league neighbors and nearby big-league franchises. From baseball in Biloxi to rooting for the Saints and Pelicans, Gulfport's sports community continues to thrive and grow.

Gulfport, Mississippi is a hidden gem on the Gulf Coast that’s filled with charm, history, and seaside fun. From its beaches to its bustling port, here are some fun facts that make Gulfport a unique place to visit or live:

1. The Second-Largest City in Mississippi – Gulfport is the second-largest city in the state, right after Jackson.
2. Home to the Seabees – The Naval Construction Battalion Center is located in Gulfport, training the U.S. Navy’s famous Seabees.
3. White Sand Beaches – Gulfport is known for its 26 miles of white sand beaches along the beautiful Gulf of Mexico.
4. The Port of Gulfport – It’s one of the largest shipping ports in the U.S., playing a key role in international trade.
5. Cruising the Coast – Every fall, the city hosts “Cruisin’ The Coast”, one of the largest classic car shows in the country.
6. Island Adventures – From Gulfport, you can catch a ferry to Ship Island, a scenic destination with historic forts and wildlife.
7. A Touch of Vegas – Gulfport is part of Mississippi’s Gulf Coast casino zone, offering entertainment, dining, and gaming fun.
8. Hurricane Katrina History – Gulfport was heavily impacted by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, but the city has since rebuilt and become even stronger.
9. Visit the Aquarium – The new Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport gives visitors a chance to learn about sea life native to the Gulf.
10. Colorful Mardi Gras – Gulfport joins neighboring cities every year to host its own family-friendly Mardi Gras parades filled with beads, music, and fun.