Gulfport is the quirky Florida tourism staple for those who take their vacation with a touch of whimsy and a little adventure. The unique waterfront community is a small town, you’re not getting the Miami experience in Gulfport, but what you’ll quickly find is that the region has a huge heart and more charm than just about anyplace else. On the waterfront village, every shop and business you see is independently owned and operated, so you’re in for an experience unlike any you’re like to find outside of Gulfport village limits.
Gulfport is home to 4 of the best beaches Florida has to offer with Clearwater Beach, Treasure Island, St. Petersburg Beach, and Gulfport Beach Park. The beaches in Gulfport provide an eclectic mix for beach lovers everywhere, with relaxing pristine experiences, watersports experiences, aquariums to visit, boat excursions to experience, and even plenty of golf.
Gulfport rests on the west side of Florida’s peninsula and is part of the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metropolitan area, and stands as the 19th largest metropolitan area in the United States. Originally purchased in 1884 by Hamilton Disston, the region was once known as Disston City. However, there was another Disston City in Hillsborough County, so the Postal Service refused to acknowledge the name and it was then known as Bonifacio, Florida. Bonifacio only lasted a short while, and Gulfport became Veteran City in 1890. 20 years after Veteran City’s incorporation, the city finally settled on the right name, and the region has been Gulfport ever since.
Gulfport is known as a quintessential part of “Old Florida”. Rather than tourist chains, and a commercialized beach experience, Gulfport provides something a little different. The waterfront village of Gulfport is filled with independent businesses, artisans, charming cottages, and brick paved streets lined by mature oak trees.
Are you looking for a unique vacation experience? Look no further than Gulfport. Our best kept little secret.