A Family Vacation in Gulfport, Mississippi: Beaches, Dining, Adventure & the Best Vacation Rentals
Gulfport, Mississippi is one of the Gulf Coast’s most charming and family-friendly beach destinations — offering beautiful shoreline, world-class dining, kid-friendly attractions, casinos, waterparks, and a warm Southern atmosphere. Located in the heart of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Gulfport blends sandy beaches with entertainment, culture, and relaxation, making it a perfect getaway for families.
When you pair all of these attractions with the comfort and flexibility of Gulfport vacation rentals, you get the perfect recipe for a memorable coastal vacation. Whether you prefer a beachfront condo or a spacious home close to the action, both Gulfport condo rentals and Gulfport home rentals give families extra room, privacy, and convenience — and when booked through ECBYO.COM, you avoid the high guest service fees added by large OTAs.
Here’s your full guide to planning an unforgettable family vacation in Gulfport.
Why Families Love Gulfport Vacation Rentals
Gulfport is known for its calm beaches, fishing charters, casinos, and vibrant waterfront district. Vacation rentals offer families more freedom and value than traditional hotel rooms.
Gulfport home rentals typically include:
- Multiple bedrooms and spacious layouts
- Full kitchens and dining areas
- Private yards, decks, or patios
- Quiet residential neighborhoods close to beaches
- More space for larger groups or extended stays
Gulfport condo rentals offer advantages such as:
- Pools and hot tubs
- Gulf views from private balconies
- Walkability to the beach and restaurants
- Resort-style amenities
- Ideal setups for families with kids
Plus, when booking through ECBYO.COM, travelers avoid costly booking fees charged by big OTA platforms — meaning the same great Gulfport vacation rental for a lower price.
Top Family-Friendly Things to Do in Gulfport, MS
Gulfport is filled with attractions perfect for families — from nature encounters to water fun to scenic coastal adventures. Below are the best activities with exact locations.
1. Gulf Islands Waterpark
Address: 17200 16th St, Gulfport, MS 39503
One of the most popular family attractions in Mississippi, Gulf Islands Waterpark features slides, lazy rivers, wave pools, kids’ splash areas, and shaded cabanas. It’s great for hot summer days and kids of all ages.
2. Mississippi Aquarium
Address: 2100 E Beach Blvd, Gulfport, MS 39501
Opened in 2020, this state-of-the-art aquarium showcases dolphins, otters, sharks, rays, alligators, native fish, and beautiful outdoor habitats. Interactive exhibits and walk-through tunnels make it especially fun for children.
3. Gulfport Beach & Jones Park
Address: 2250 Jones Park Dr, Gulfport, MS 39501
Gulfport’s main beach area offers calm waters, wide sandy shoreline, walking paths, fishing piers, and family-friendly playgrounds. Jones Park is perfect for picnics, kite-flying, morning walks, and watching the boats come into the marina.
4. Ship Island Excursions
Departure Address: 1080 23rd Ave, Gulfport, MS 39501
A ferry ride to one of Mississippi’s most beautiful barrier islands. Families can explore historic Fort Massachusetts, swim in crystal-clear water, snorkel, beachcomb, and relax on natural white-sand beaches.
5. Lynn Meadows Discovery Center
Address: 246 Dolan Ave, Gulfport, MS 39507
An award-winning children’s museum set in a historic schoolhouse, filled with interactive exhibits, outdoor play areas, climbing structures, and hands-on learning experiences.
6. Chandeleur Island Brewing Company (Kid-Friendly)
Address: 2711 14th St, Gulfport, MS 39501
A surprising but fun stop — this brewery is extremely family-friendly, offering board games, spacious seating, local craft beer, and regular food truck events.
7. Fishing Charters
Common Departure Address: 1040 23rd Ave, Gulfport, MS 39501
The Gulfport marina is home to several charter operators offering inshore and offshore fishing trips for redfish, speckled trout, snapper, and more. Great for families looking for an adventure on the water.
Best Family-Friendly Restaurants in Gulfport
Gulfport’s dining scene blends Southern comfort, fresh Gulf seafood, and coastal Cajun flavor. Here are the top restaurants families love:
Shaggy’s Gulfport Beach
Address: 1724 E Beach Blvd, Gulfport, MS 39501
A beachfront favorite with outdoor seating, live music, seafood baskets, burgers, tacos, and a fun tropical atmosphere. Perfect for families looking for casual dining with Gulf views.
Half Shell Oyster House
Address: 2500 13th St, Gulfport, MS 39501
A Gulfport classic offering charbroiled oysters, seafood platters, steaks, po’boys, and Southern-style dishes. A great place for a nice family dinner.
The Rackhouse
Address: 1301 26th Ave, Gulfport, MS 39501
Excellent steaks, seafood, and Southern sides in a comfortable, family-friendly environment.
Salute Seafood & Italian Restaurant
Address: 1712 E Beach Blvd, Gulfport, MS 39501
Combines Italian favorites with Gulf Coast seafood. Beach views and a relaxed family atmosphere make it a popular dinner spot.
Captain Hook’s Seafood Market & Restaurant
Address: 1635 E Pass Rd, Gulfport, MS 39507
A great place to pick up fresh Gulf seafood or enjoy fried shrimp, crab claws, and other local favorites.
Why Booking Through ECBYO.COM Saves Families Money
With vacation rentals in high demand along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, many travelers turn to OTA platforms — not realizing they add hefty service fees of 10–20% to each booking.
When you book Gulfport vacation rentals on ECBYO.COM, you get:
✔ No guest service fees
✔ The same high-quality Gulfport homes and condos listed on big booking sites
✔ Direct communication with the property owner or manager
✔ Transparent pricing
✔ A more personalized booking experience
✔ The same high-quality Gulfport homes and condos listed on big booking sites
✔ Direct communication with the property owner or manager
✔ Transparent pricing
✔ A more personalized booking experience
That means more money left for dining, attractions, boat tours, or even extending your stay.
Final Thoughts
Gulfport, Mississippi is a wonderful family vacation destination, offering calm beaches, kid-friendly attractions, outdoor adventures, excellent dining, and a welcoming coastal atmosphere. Whether you choose Gulfport home rentals or Gulfport condo rentals, vacation rentals provide families the comfort, freedom, and value needed to enjoy the perfect Gulf Coast vacation.
And when you book through ECBYO.COM, you skip the OTA fees and enjoy more room in your budget for fun on the Mississippi shoreline.
Beautiful beaches, warm Southern hospitality, and endless attractions make Gulfport a destination families will want to return to year after year.
