The Choctaw tribe and other Native American tribes occupied this area for thousands of years before the arrival of European settlers. French colonists were the first Europeans to settle the area and claimed it as their territory for several years. The United States acquired the area from France in 1803 through the Louisiana Purchase. Using the Indian Removal Act of 1830, the United States government completely removed the Choctaw and other Native American tribes from the land. A settlement developed near this area in the 1850s, known as Mississippi City. Mississippi City served as the county seat of Harrison County until 1902. Gulfport City was founded by William H. Hardy, the President of Gulf and Ship Island Railroad. The city was incorporated in 1898. Hardy’s company dredged the harbor in Gulfport, and by 1902, the Port of Gulfport was complete. The port has been instrumental in the economic growth of Gulfport and the state of Mississippi. Hurricane Camile hit Gulfport in 1969, which caused a lot of damage to the city and Harrison County. In 2005, the city was hit by Hurricane Katrina on the eastern side, and much of the city was covered in water. In 1993, Gulfport became the second-largest city in Mississippi after annexing 33 square miles of land to the city's north.

After buying a house in Gulfport, one of the things you can do is hang out at the beach. Gulfport is a coastal city; hence not going to the beach would be a waste of a good opportunity. You can go skiing, swimming or just relax and enjoy the sun. Gulfport Beach also has a fishing pier if you want to catch a few fish for dinner. The beach also has a bike trail that you can use to exercise by biking or jogging. After a great day at the beach, you can cap the day off by visiting the Island View Casino located on the beach. The casino has numerous games, slot machines, restaurants, bars, pools, a spa, and over 900 rooms.

You can visit the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies, where you can see some of the marine life that lives close to the city. The institute cares for sick and injured animals and also has exciting shows. The attendants will put on shows with some of the animals in the institution, such as dolphins and sea lions. Another place you should visit is the Mississippi Model Railroad Museum. This museum is a great place for kids to learn about trains by playing with scale model trains and actual trains that they can ride. Another fun place you can visit is the Stennis Space Center, where NASA conducts its rocket engine tests.

You can also try some of the local cuisine, especially the seafood. Go to the Half Shell Oyster House, where you will find the city’s legendary charbroiled oysters. The Half Shell Oyster House also prepares some of the best classic American seafood in the city. You can also try some locally brewed beer and the Chandeleur Brewing Company. This place offers the best ales, stouts, and porters in the city. You can also find some local cuisine if you arrive here with an empty stomach. This place also plays some good music; therefore, you will not get bored while enjoying your drinks.