Gulfport blends white-sand shoreline with leafy neighborhood greenspaces, giving locals and visitors an easy mix of beach days, playground time, sports, and scenic walks. Whether you want a sunrise stroll by the marina, a shaded splash-pad afternoon, or a family ferry trip to an undeveloped barrier island, you will find it here. Below are some of the best parks in Gulfport to plan your next outing.
Jones Park
Sitting at the heart of the waterfront, Jones Park is a 60-acre anchor for downtown recreation. You will find a marina with more than 300 slips, wide walking paths, a splash pad and playground, outdoor fitness stations, and spacious rental pavilions for gatherings. It is also a prime spot for festivals and harbor views, with easy access to the promenade and lighthouse replica that frames the skyline. Parking is plentiful and the sidewalks are stroller friendly, which makes this an easy first stop for families exploring the coast.
Westside Park and Splash Pad
If your crew needs shade, play equipment, and a place to cool off, Westside Park delivers. The city lists a lighted walking track, two playground modules, swings, a pavilion, and a popular splash pad among the amenities. Located along West Beach Boulevard, it is convenient to the shoreline yet tucked into a neighborhood setting that feels relaxed and safe for younger kids. Pack snacks and make an afternoon of it while the little ones rotate between the splash features and the swings.
Bayou View Park
Tennis players and walkers gravitate to Bayou View Park for its mix of courts, a lighted walking track, multiple pavilions, and a playground. It is a great option when you want a breezy loop in the evening or a casual family match after school. The pavilions make it picnic friendly, and the park’s location in the Bayou View neighborhood keeps things mellow compared to the busier waterfront.
Gulfport Sportsplex
Travel-ball families know the Sportsplex well, but even casual visitors appreciate its scale and upkeep. The complex features multiple natural-grass and turf fields that host regional tournaments, which means clean facilities, concessions on event days, and ample parking. Between tournaments, it is also used for local leagues and practices, so you will often catch a game under the lights. Check the schedule before you go if you want to pair a park visit with live youth sports energy.
Harrison County Sand Beach
While technically a county facility, the 26-mile Harrison County Sand Beach includes the broad, groomed stretches fronting Gulfport. Expect soft, maintained sand, calm Sound waters protected by the barrier islands, and a pedestrian boardwalk for easy walks along the water. The county oversees bonfire pit permits and is adding accessibility shade structures along the pathway, which makes the beach more welcoming for everyone. Sunrise and sunset are especially beautiful from the piers and promenade.
Ship Island via Gulfport Ferry (Gulf Islands National Seashore)
For a day that feels like a mini-vacation, catch the seasonal ferry from the Gulfport Yacht Harbor to West Ship Island, part of Gulf Islands National Seashore. The ride is about an hour and often includes dolphin sightings. Once you arrive, you will find natural beaches, swimming, birding, and the historic brick Fort Massachusetts with National Park Service tours in season. Lifeguards typically staff a section of beach during summer, and chair and umbrella rentals are available, making it easy to enjoy the island’s undeveloped beauty without much gear. Ferries run March through October on a published schedule.
James Hill Park and Bayou Bernard Park
Two more neighborhood favorites appear often on residents’ short lists. James Hill Park offers playgrounds, tennis courts, boardwalk trails, pavilions, and fishing piers, which makes it a versatile choice for mixed-interest groups. Nearby Bayou Bernard Park leans into the coast with boat launches, boardwalk trails, and piers for anglers. If you want a quieter afternoon of casting a line or wandering under the trees, these are excellent alternatives to the busier beachfront.
Tips for a Great Park Day
Gulfport’s parks are spread across town, so think about pairing destinations: a morning at Jones Park followed by lunch downtown, or Westside Park for the splash pad before an evening beach walk. If you are planning a beach bonfire or large gathering, check county or city rental and permit details in advance. For Ship Island, reserve ferry tickets early during peak months and bring a small cooler for snacks and water.
Conclusion
From the marina views at Jones Park to the splash pads, neighborhood courts, county-maintained beaches, and ferry-served barrier islands, Gulfport’s parks make it easy to get outside in every season. Whether you live here or are discovering the coast for the first time, these spots offer simple, memorable ways to enjoy the city.
Planning to explore more of the Mississippi Gulf Coast? Before your next outing, stop by Turan-Foley Cadillac in Gulfport to test drive a comfortable, road-trip-ready SUV and get local tips from our team. We are here to help you enjoy the drive as much as the destination.
Connect with us
