15 Best Things To Do In Gulfport, Florida

1. Shop at The Antique Textile and Vintage Clothing Museum

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

A self-made textile expert and enthusiastic backpacker, Mike has spent 12 years in Asia, collecting everything he could from his travels throughout the region. Eight years ago, at age 44, he went back to the US and opened The Antique Textile (and Vintage Clothing) Museum which displays everything from men’s vintage clothing to kitchenware. Now, at age 52, he’s planning to sell every item he owns before setting off for a new adventure. The transient aspect of this attraction should be motivation enough to stop by when in town.

The Antique Textile (and Vintage Clothing) Museum

Address: 5125 Gulfport Blvd. S in Gulfport Florida 33707

Website: The Antique Textile and Vintage Clothing Museum

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

Price: Free

2. Join the festivities in Trolley Market Square

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Situated at the intersection between 49th Street and Tangerine Avenue, Trolley Market Square is a recent addition. Featuring the replica of a trolley, so as to promote the cultural and historical significance of the old trolley route for the Florida town, the square is located at the start of the above-mentioned route. Now a linear park, the route connects 49th Street to Tomlinson Park. A lively place in town, the area hosts an annual car show, live music, food vendors, and various activities specifically tailored for families.

Trolley Market Square

Address: 4900 Tangerine Ave S, Gulfport, FL 33707, United States

Website: Trolley Market Square

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price:Free

3. Watch the sunset at Williams Pier & Boca Ciega

The beach is one major feature when you visit Gulfport. Williams Pier is where you need to head to watch the sunsets, do a little fishing, watch the waves crash up on the shore and feel the warm white sand in between your toes. Nature is very important to the community of Gulfport. If you enjoy a scenic stroll around the treasures of nature then you need to visit the Boca Ciega Bay, which is one of the most popular Gulfport attractions. It is an aquatic reserve that has sandy beaches, and a mangrove shoreline. Inside of the bay is the Boca Ciega Millennium Park. It is an 185-acre (74.8 hectare) natural reserve that has a wooden observation tower that provides a panoramic view of the bay.

Another fun gem inside of the Boca Ciega Bay is the Calm Bayou. A natural area that provides a home to birds, dolphins, manatees, crabs and clams. Boca Ciega Bay is a great escape from the urban crowds.

All of these locations have free admission.

Williams Pier

Address: Shore Blvd. S. and 54th St. S.

Price: Free

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Website: Williams Pier

Clam Bayou Nature Park

Address: Miriam St. S.

Price: Free

Opening Hours: Closed from 1 hour after sunset to 1 hour before sunrise.

Website: Clam Bayou Nature Park

4. Buy fresh produce at Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Every Tuesday morning, an open air market takes place in Gulfport. With over 50 vendors, they set up booths and showcase their products for sale. You can find a variety of items from teas, honey, and vegetables, to fresh flowers and jewelry. This market has a “mom and pop” feel as local small businesses also set up shop and intrigue visitors. Local artists and crafters work as you watch on and see their art become real right in front of your eyes. Live music happens at either end of the market with a village area that has independent boutiques and restaurants.

A day spent walking around, searching for treasures and listening to music is a great day in anyone’s book!

Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market

Address: 3000 Beach Blvd S, Gulfport, FL 33707

Opening Hours: Every Tuesday 9am to 3pm (9am to 2pm during summer, May - September)

Website: Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market

5. Admire local art along the Gulfport Art Walk

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Imagine six city blocks covered with colorful, unique pieces of art while you meander up and down the streets. Your eyes dart to every piece you see and your mind is seeing in full technicolor vision. This isn’t a dream but a real place called the Gulfport Art Walk.

Every first Friday and third Saturday of the month, it is home to dozens of artisans and craftsmen. You will see wood crafts, sculptures, handmade/designed clothing and accessories, imported metal art, painted glass, handmade candles, aromatherapy, massage, shell crafts, clay art, jewelry, up-cycled items, and so much more. Over 35 local businesses, restaurants, boutiques, and galleries are open. Live music will be playing at several venues throughout the six blocks.

Gulfport Art Walk

Address: 3129 Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport, FL 33707

Price: Free

Opening Hours: First Friday and Third Saturday from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Rain or Shine.

Website: Gulfport Art Walk

6. Cheer local sports

There are plenty of fun things to do in Gulfport. If you crave watching live sports while vacationing then a quick 13 minute drive to St. Petersburg, Florida will peak your attention. Welcome to four seasons of sports. Everything from major league baseball, soccer, golf to NASCAR and boating. Whatever team you cheer for - it’s all here for you!

Through various times of the year, sport fan-atics can get to see their favorites teams in action. For the baseball lovers, you have your choice from a few MLB teams. The New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, and the Philadelphia Phillies all come down for spring training and play in the Grapefruit League. It is also home to the Tampa Bay Rays during their regular season.

If golf is more your sport, then make sure to play a round at the Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club. The Tampa Bay Rowdies play two seasons of the United Soccer League, and annual events like the Firestone Grand Prix in spring, the Super Boat National Championship in the fall, and the Outback Bowl in winter rounds out the year. This is a sports lovers paradise!

Sports Attractions

Website: Sport Attractions in St. Petersburg

Website: Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club

The following content is contributed by Trip101 writer, Kenrick

7. Go shopping at The Village Courtyard

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If you’re wondering what to do in Gulfport, then head to Village Courtyard on a lazy weekend afternoon. After all, there’s a lot of shops to see and spots to satisfy one’s hunger pangs. You can grab a drink or two at Lowtide Kava Bar, get your nails done at The Perfect Ten Nail Salon or tuck into yummy meals at Stella’s. Whatever your cravings, you can satisfy them at this mall.

The Village Courtyard

Address: 2902 - 2914, Beach Blvd S, Gulfport, FL 33707, United States

Website: The Village Courtyard

Opening hours: 6am - 3am (daily)

8. Watch great performances at Catherine A. Hickman Theater

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Catch some of the big shows in Gulfport only at Catherine A. Hickman Theater. This is a state-of-the-art theater that can readily seat 173 people. The theater’s superb acoustics add another dimension to the theatrical performances on stage. The theater’s capacity makes it suitable for small gatherings and intimate events too. And it’s not just theatrical performance that you’ll expect to see here. If you’re lucky, you can even catch a film festival, a seminar, or a training session.

Catherine A. Hickman Theater

Address: 5501 27th Ave. S., Gulfport, FL 33707

Website: Catherine A. Hickman Theater

9. Have a beach picnic at the Gulfport Beach Recreation Area

Located on the Boca Ciega Bay is an open beach park that attracts numerous beach bums and visitors. During the summer season, the recreation area attracts hundreds of beachgoers. Picnicking on the beach is one of the best activities in Gulfport for families and can be enjoyed at this beach. There’s also a beach volleyball area, and numerous shops and restaurants.

Gulfport Beach Recreation Area

Address: 5500 Shore Blvd S, Gulfport, FL 33707, United States

10. Enjoy the company of ibis at Wood Ibis Park

Catch a glimpse of ibis, ducks, and great herons inside this small park located between 58th & 28th avenue. The park came to be when Mr. and Mrs. E.M. Steele decided to convert a rubbish dump into a garden. Today, the park hosts several varieties of flowering plants, including daylilies and amaryllis. At the center of the park is a lake with a water fountain in the center. The lone 0.25-mile (0.40-kilometer) loop trail is a favorite jogging spot for residents. You can rest at the gazebo that offers a great view of the lake. Aside from birds, you can also spot turtles in the water.

Wood Ibis Park

Address: 58th Street & 28th Avenue, Gulfport, FL 33707, United States

Website: Wood Ibis Park

11. Have fresh seafood at Caddy's Gulfport

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Craving some seafood? Fortunately, Caddy’s will serve you sumptuous and lip-smacking dishes from the sea. Their branch in Gulfport is a must-visit with its lively vibe and vibrant views of Boca Ciega Bay. Better come hungry since the restaurant serves some delectable dishes and drinks that change with the season. For starters, you can order a platter of calamari or seafood tacos. Then, try seafood mac ‘n cheese for the main course. Wrap-up with a Caddylac Margarita while enjoying the live music performance.

Caddy's Gulfport

Address: 3128 Beach Blvd S, Gulfport, FL 33707, United States

Website: Caddy’s Gulfport

Opening hours: Mon: 11am - 11:30pm; Tue - Wed: 11am - 9pm; Thu: 11am - 11:30pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 11pm; Sun: 11am - 11:30pm

12. View the artwork in Brenda McMahon Gallery

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Take home a ceramic artwork after your visit to Brenda McMahon Gallery. The namesake artist established the gallery in May 2019 to showcase the works of Gulfport’s artists, painters, sculptors, jewelers, and more. Art inspirations are plentiful in this newly-opened gallery. Twice a month, the gallery holds an art walk evening where budding artists can come and be inspired. Each artwork at the gallery strives to delight and amaze the viewers while also bringing them into a peaceful and meditative contemplation. In the spirit of creativity, Brenda McMahon also offers workshops for budding sculptors and artists at a fee.

Brenda McMahon Gallery

Address: 2901 Beach Blvd S #104, Gulfport, FL 33707, United States

Website: Brenda McMahon Gallery

Opening hours: Tue: 11am - 4pm; Thu: 11am - 6pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 7pm (closed on Sun, Mon & Wed)

13. Buy souvenirs at Gulfport Beach Bazaar

Gulfport Beach Bazaar underwent several transformations before it became the bazaar it is today. Despite its transformations, one thing remained intact: it was a place where residents could shop for antique items. It has also expanded its offerings by selling jewelry and clothing, masterpieces from local artists, and custom furniture paintings. What’s more, there’s a postal office, and shipping supplies store too. As such, this bazaar is the best place to grab some mementoes before leaving Gulfport.

Gulfport Beach Bazaar

Address: 3115 Beach Blvd S, Gulfport, FL 33707, United States

Website: Gulfport Beach Bazaar

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 4pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 6pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm

14. Take a peek at the city's past at the Gulfport History Museum

Wrap up your visit to Gulfport by taking a little detour to the city’s past. Gulfport History Museum is the city’s official museum dedicated to preserving and commemorating the city’s rich heritage and history. It is managed by Gulfport Historical Society, which is also the custodian of the various collections inside the museum. Here, you’ll discover the city’s colorful history and view an extensive collection of photos. You’ll also get to check out various other exhibits on display.

Gulfport History Museum

Address: 5301 28th Ave S, Gulfport, FL 33707, United States

Website: Gulfport History Museum

Opening hours: Tue: 10am - 2pm; Fri: 10am - 2pm (closed from Wed - Thu & Sat, - Mon)

Visit "Old Charm" Florida.

Gulfport is a destination like no other in Florida. With great year-round weather, a strong and supportive community presence, several nature and wildlife preserves, a large open-air market, local art littered among the streets, and several sport teams for the sports enthusiast - Gulfport, Florida could be mistaken as paradise. Whether you come with your family, or plan a couples trip, you have so much to look forward to.

Walk along the beaches with the sand between your toes watching the sun sink into the water, ride the trolley and explore what Gulfport, Florida has to offer. With several smaller destinations to visit, you can make the drive to St. Petersburg, Tampa Bay and if you want to take a day trip to the theme parks, like Walt Disney World or Universal Studios, it’s only an hour and a half drive.

Why not carve some time out of your busy life, pack your suitcase, and head on over to Gulfport. With smaller crowds, a vibrant feel, and so much to discover it is waiting for you to arrive!