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Gulfport/Biloxi Overview
Biloxi (pronounced bi lux i ) is a delightful resort city on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Casinos and resorts offer golf, charter fishing, spas, 24-hour gaming, dining and live entertainment. Frequent festivals in Biloxi and Gulfport celebrate everything from seafood to sand castles.
From 26 miles of white sand beaches to non-stop casino action, sophisticated shopping, culture, history, arts, delectable cuisine and championship golf courses, the Playground of the South has it all.
Outdoor fun continues year round in Biloxi's mild climate. Get a bird's-eye view of the entire shoreline with a parasail ride over the Gulf or hop on a jet ski, try your hand at windsurfing, sailing, skiing or motor boating. Water parks with everything from a wave pool, slides, bumper boats, and amusements such as miniature golf, rides and arcades are also among the list of favorite places on the Coast. The ferry will transport visitors to a nearby barrier island for the ultimate beach experience. Daily shuttles make it easy for beach goers to explore Ship Island, a natural barrier island whose clear waters and constant surf make it a favorite stop on the Coast. The Coast is also home to Stennis Space Center, one of NASA's leading facilities for technology development.
Much of Biloxi's entertainment scene is swept up in the high-spirited fun of casino gaming. Twelve casinos have brought the excitement and glamour of Las Vegas to the beach, with table games, slot machines, and nightclub venues. All casinos are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Many of the casinos offer supervised activities for children; many are complete resort complexes with golf courses and luxury hotels.
Biloxi is a haven for fishing and water sports. Sports fishermen can plan a day-long or overnight trip into Gulf waters, or they can fish the area's many lakes and rivers. A seafood industry museum commemorates the significant role the seafood industry has played in shaping the region, and a marine education center teaches visitors about the Coast's environment and displays aquatic life native to the Gulf of Mexico in a 42,000-gallon aquarium. At another marine attraction, Marine Life, visitors can see daily shows of trained dolphins and can view other inhabitants of the sea.
Over 20 golf courses offer challenges for every skill level with greens fees are surprisingly lower than those of comparable golf resort areas. With several courses recently refurbished and new courses open, the Gulf Coast is a choice destination for golf lovers.
Biloxi is a place of unparalleled beauty, with graceful live oaks, unique landmarks and antebellum homes. Historic neighborhoods provide examples of the notable architecture of the past, and annual tours offer an inside glimpse of the area's gracious homes, some of which have stood for more than a century.
Art and history play an important role in the character of the Gulf Coast. Two museums are dedicated to the works of two of the area's most famous artists, potter George E. Ohr and painter/sculptor Walter Inglis Anderson. Locals sometimes say that the Gulf Coast has a celebration for every crustacean. The abundance of fresh seafood: crabs, shrimp, oysters, fish, crawfish results in festivals of all kinds. Everyone celebrates with cultural activities, music, and an overall spirit of fun, almost every weekend of the year.
Combine all there is to see and do with the hospitality of the Gulf Coast, and the result is a winning combination in Biloxi, The Playground of the South.
The town of Gulfport, Mississippi was founded in 1845, but it was not until the completion of the Gulf and Ship Island Railroad, in 1902, that it became a city with a population of over 5,000. Gulfport has a long history of discovery and exploration, and the Port of Gulfport is one of the nation's largest ports. Today it is a city of over 71,000 and is an important seaport for shipping lumber, cotton, and seafood, as well as being the largest banana port in North America.
Luxurious 24 hour casino resorts thrive and championship golf courses rest alongside centers for historical and cultural exhibits, museums, historic homes, and other structures of architectural significance.
One of the highlights of a family visit to Gulfport is an exploration of Lynn Meadows Discovery Center. This hands-on museum allows children to experience learning through exploration, discovery, and role playing. Possibilities include producing an original painting or other work of art, traveling to other countries to learn their customs, operating a crane, broadcasting in the news center, and discovering the mysteries of science. There is a tow-story climbing structure, outdoor tree houses, and a Navy submersible. Picnic areas and a toddler playground are available on the six acre grounds.
The Mississippi Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo brings thousands of visitors each year to sample the thrill and excitement of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
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