Gulfport Sportsplex – Area Bucket List

Gulfport Sportsplex in Gulfport, Mississippi, is one of the best athletic complexes in the state. In 2016, it was named “Field of the Year” by Field Turf Magazine and SportsTurf Magazine. Gulfport Sportsplex features 15 baseball and softball fields, six full-sized soccer fields, turf fields, and areas specifically designed for athletes with special needs. This complex has hosted local, state, regional, and national tournaments, making it well-equipped to handle any kind of event.

Once the main events are over, those visiting Gulfport Sportsplex don’t need to travel far to enjoy what the area has to offer. Luckily, the facility is located close to many bucket list destinations in the greater Gulfport area, including a few that are literally right next door. The list below outlines some of the top attractions to see while visiting Gulfport Sportsplex.

Gulf Islands Water Park

Next door to Gulfport Sportsplex is Gulf Islands Water Park, a destination perfect for the entire family. Kids will love the water slides, tubing, raft rides, and obstacle course. On the other hand, adults may want to just float down the lazy river or relax in the wave pool. Youngsters can enjoy the children’s play area and stroll through the fountains throughout the park.

This small but entertaining water park provides a memorable experience for everyone visiting Gulfport Sportsplex.

Zip’N Fun Adventure Park

Zip’N Fun Adventure Park is another family-friendly attraction located right next to Gulfport Sportsplex. There guests of all ages can harness up and participate in various outdoor activities. The junior adventure course has challenges not too far off the ground, where younger kids can walk across swinging logs, ropes, and other obstacles with an adult walking alongside them.

Meanwhile, in the treetop adventure course, older guests can climb high into the air to face more than 20 games and obstacles that get progressively harder. Visitors of all ages can participate Zip’N Fun Adventure Park’s treetop challenges.

Institute for Marine Mammal Studies

Animal lovers visiting Gulfport Sportsplex should definitely visit the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies. This non-profit organization rescues, rehabilitates, and researches various at-risk sea creatures. They’re always caring for animals, as they’re one of the only centers in the area capable of caring for sick and injured marine mammals. In addition to caring for animals, the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies spearheads public education efforts to teach the population about conservation efforts.

Guests visiting the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies can feed the animals, pet stingrays, watch shows featuring dolphins and sea otters, and learn all about water-dwelling mammals. Be sure to stop by the institute, located only 15 minutes from Gulfport Sportsplex.

Fishbone Alley

Fishbone Alley is a funky area in downtown Gulfport, located 15 minutes away from Gulfport Sportsplex. It’s a popular alleyway to explore when walking to a local restaurant or nearby bar. The alleyway is covered in colorful murals painted by local artists, and filled with banners, statues, and string lights. Fishbone Alley regularly hosts live music performances and shows movies under the stars. This walkable spot is a quick must-visit for those visiting Gulfport.

Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum

Train lovers should add Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum to their Gulfport bucket list. Located 16 minutes from Gulfport Sportsplex, this museum covers more than 200 years of railroad history. There are model trains of all shapes and sizes placed in a variety of detailed landscapes. The Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum also contains the largest LEGO railroad display in the state, made of almost two million pieces.

Outside, there is a play area where kids can ride on miniature trains or play at the train tables. This free museum is made possible by a local model railroad club, the members of which serve as knowledgeable guides.

Ship Island

Those looking for an escape after visiting Gulfport Sportsplex will love Ship Island. Located 11 miles off the Mississippi Coast, Ship Island is a peaceful island accessible only by a 1.5-hour ferry trip. Here, guests can swim, snorkel, picnic, explore, or just relax on the quiet, uncrowded beach.

The ferry service that brings guests to Ship Island also hosts specialty cruises. These include dolphin watching, private charters, a sunset music cruise, and a Fourth of July fireworks viewing.

A visit to Ship Island is sure to be an escape, and the ferry’s departure dock is just 17 minutes from Gulfport Sportsplex.

Lynn Meadows Discovery Center

Located 19 minutes from Gulfport Sportsplex is Lynn Meadows Discovery Center. Formerly a schoolhouse from 1915, this attraction is filled with interactive exhibits that transport kids into a world all their own. For example, kids can use their imagination in the art studio, veterinary office, sea port, historic hotel, marketplace, television studio, and more.

In addition to the 15,000 square feet of exhibits, Lynn Meadows Discovery Center makes going from floor to floor fun. In the center of the museum is the Super Colossal Climbing Structure, an alternative to the everyday staircase. This roped-in obstacle course challenges kids and adults to climb to the next floor in the most unique way possible.

Once you’re done with these exhibits, the fun continues outside with a tree house, music garden, and kid-sized town. It may be hard to tear the kids away, since there’s an almost endless amount of activities and experiences to be had at Lynn Meadows Discovery Center.

Friendship Oak

After competing at Gulfport Sportsplex, your team may want to take the 20-minute trip to the Friendship Oak. It’s said that those who sit under the shade of this 500-year-old oak tree will remain friends forever.

The Friendship Oak dates back to 1487, meaning it was just a sapling when Christopher Columbus arrived to the New World. The tree is on the Gulf Park campus of the University of Southern Mississippi and is a point of pride for the university.

The Friendship Oak has stayed true to its name and has helped plant new trees all over the state. After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, volunteers planted acorns from the Friendship Oak to replace trees destroyed during the storm.

This beautiful and impressive piece of nature is a quick place to stop, get a picture, and head out on the road after a game at Gulfport Sportsplex.

After a visit to the incredible Gulfport Sportsplex, there is plenty to do in Gulfport to entertain yourself. You can easily spend an entire weekend adventuring in the treetops, floating along a lazy river, or learning about history. By following the bucket list destinations above, you’re guaranteed to have a memorable time in Gulfport, Mississippi.