I stumbled upon Gulfport the first time by happenstance while in nearby St. Petersburg. I was sitting on a brightly colored patio at Stella’s, enjoying my breakfast burrito and sipping a mimosa when I struck up a conversation with the older couple sitting at the table next to me. Before I knew it, I heard the story of how the two met many years ago. I heard about their unlikely courtship and how they fell in love. I heard about how they served our country, but struggled to keep their relationship a secret during their time in the military. I heard about how the two had remained a couple over the years and grew old together. As the tale of their extraordinary lives was told me, their impenetrable bond became apparent. I was enthralled with their story, courage and vivaciousness.
They were no “ordinary” couple. The proud veterans are a biracial gay couple.
They spent many years overcoming the hurdles of being together – back then, their love was taboo in most every way, but not anymore. And, not in the city they call home – Gulfport, Florida. Their relationship, and most any other kind, is celebrated by the supportive and open-minded community in Gulfport. I left Gulfport with a smile on my face and a promise to myself that I’d return again soon.
Earlier this month I grabbed my girlfriends and headed back to the city which had left such a lasting impression on me.
Where is Gulfport, Florida?
Gulfport is located next to St. Petersburg on the St. Pete/Clearwater peninsula and is only about a 30-minute drive from Tampa International Airport.
Gulfport’s Quirky, Funky, Eclectic Community
The quirky community of Gulfport is a well-kept secret and remains somewhat undiscovered by those who don’t know the Tampa Bay area. Downtown Gulfport is comprised of a few blocks of cute restaurants, beach bars and shops. It’s much like your favorite beach town… but, with a lot of extra flair. The buildings are brightly hued, the lawns and homes are ordained with art and rainbow flags are proudly flapping in the wind.
Gulfport is a haven for free spirits which are drawn to the city’s artsy, laid-back vibe, thriving art scene, popular restaurants and the closely-knit community. The residents of Gulfport are open-minded and accepting. They are offbeat and eccentric. But most of all, they are welcoming and warm.
Had I stumbled upon a real-life hippie utopia?
Probably so.
The community is a hidden gem unlike anywhere else I’ve visited. You may come to Gulfport for its quirky beach-town atmosphere, but you’ll fall in love with the community because of its people.
What To Do & See in Gulfport
Other than mingling with the locals, make sure you take in everything Gulfport has to offer. Peruse the eclectic shops and art galleries, pop into one of the beachfront bars and indulge in the city’s delicious dining scene.
- Dining: Although small in size, Gulfport has a serious foodie scene. Check out Stella’s for breakfast or brunch, O’Maddy’s Bar & Grille for a casual lunch and Pia’s Trattoria for a cozy Italian dinner.
- Nightlife: Gulfport’s laid-back nightlife won’t disappoint. Start with some live music at Salty’s, and then grab some liquid courage at Manatees on the Bay’s tiki bar before you sign up to sing karaoke at O’Maddy’s.
- Art: Stroll the city’s Art Walk showcasing local talent on the first Friday and third Saturday of every month.
- Shopping: Enjoy the Tuesday Fresh Market, an open-air market offering local, organic and hydroponic fruits and vegetables, as well as local honey, seafood, Florida grass-fed beef, fresh flowers, bath and body products, jewelry and almost anything else you can imagine.
- Festivals: Plan your trip around Geckofest, Gulfport’s end of summer celebration, which features a host of hippie-themed festivities, street performers, live music and a colorful costume contest.
- Nature: Picnic at Gulfport’s Veteran’s Park, enjoy the view from William’s Pier or explore the Clam Bayou Nature Preserve.
Get Out on the Water
It would be a crime to visit Florida and not dip your toes in the ocean. Lucky for you, the area is a great place to get out on the water and paddleboard, kayak or Jet Ski. If you’re adventurous you can try your hand at windsurfing or parasailing.
Just outside Tampa Bay, you’ll find the jewel-toned water of the Gulf of Mexico. Charter a boat to Egmont Key for some fun in the sun and snorkeling or take the shuttle to the barrier island of Shell Key.
Land a Fish as Big as You
While in Gulfport I opted for to experience a Floridian favorite — sport fishing. Specifically, sunset catch-and-release tarpon fishing.
Tarpon are huge acrobatic fish that take a lot of patience, strength and skill to land. They can reach eight feet in length and weigh up to 260 pounds! Luckily, you don’t have to be an expert sport fisherman/woman to partake in the fun — you can just hire one, like Captain Chad Manning.
We headed out on Captain Manning’s boat in time to catch an epic Florida sunset as he steered us to the location he thought would be best for catching the elusive fish. I realized why when I looked down into the water and saw dozens of small crabs floating towards the surface. We used fishing nets to catch the crabs to use as live bait. After collecting enough crabs, we casted our rods and hoped that one of us novices would snag a tarpon.
It didn’t take long for my friend Terry to get a bite, but we learned that tarpon fishing is considered a sport for a reason… the fish wasn’t coming in without a fight. The massive tarpon did somersaults and barrel rolls around our boat as Captain Manning provided Terry with constant instruction and support. Just as we thought the fish had run out of fight, a hammerhead shark grabbed a hold of it. (Seriously. I couldn’t even make this up…). Captain Manning estimated the hammerhead to be between 11 and 14 feet long based on the size of its dorsal fin. (!)
Our captain got the tarpon loose from the shark and the struggle between Terry and her fish resumed. After about 90 minutes of non-stop action, we finally landed the feisty fish. Captain Manning explained that Terry wasn’t the only one who was exhausted from the fight – so was the fish. To revive the tarpon, he held the fish upright in the water and moved it back and forth to enhance the circulation of water through its gills. Captain Manning estimated our tarpon to be between 105 and 110 pounds – about the same size as Terry!
Tarpon fishing was exhilarating and I’d certainly recommend it as a unique way to get out onto the water while visiting Gulfport.
So, will I head back to Gulfport?
Absolutely. Gulfport is the kind of place you intend to visit for a weekend, but end up wanting to linger much longer.
Have you heard of Gulfport, Fl.? Would you like to visit?
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of VISIT FLORIDA. The opinions and text are all mine.
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June 27, 2017
Thank you so much for the feature on our little town Gulfport Florida
June 27, 2017
It was my pleasure – I’m looking forward to my return! 🙂
June 27, 2017
Gulfport is one of my favourite places. I’ve lived there… twice! This post absolutely captures the flavour of this wonderful little town!
June 27, 2017
Thanks for the kind words, Sandra. You are lucky to have called Gulfport your home! 🙂
June 27, 2017
My wife and I are relocating to Gulfport!! We will be living there full time in a few short months. We fell in love with Gulfport the first time we visited, and will soon call it home. Bye bye to the crazy pace of life in Phila.!!
June 27, 2017
Lucky you – what a great place to call your new home!
June 27, 2017
My wife and I are so excited about our move to Gulfport, we had matching geckos (Gulfports mascot) tattooed on our forearms.
The waitress at Stella’s calls us the Gecko Couple. Life is sooo good!!
June 27, 2017
Is Gulfport Oceanside? Or how many mile is it from ocean water
June 28, 2017
Yes, it is waterfront.
June 29, 2017
I would also suggest spending more time in town besides just the waterfront area. There is more to Gulfport than your travel article suggests. Gulfport is on a small portion of Boga Ciega Bay that has had issues with water quality. It is about three miles from St. Pete Beach.
June 29, 2017
Yes, Jenny. I hope next time I hope to be able to explore more of Gulfport’s inland treasures. 🙂
June 27, 2017
Thanks for a great article about Gulfport, affectionately referred to as “the place hippies go to die.” We can’t think of a better, more welcoming place to live.
June 28, 2017
Ha! I didn’t hear that one while I was there, Chris. You’re lucky to have found such an amazing city to call home!
June 28, 2017
hey thanks for the report about our town. We love it here , too! Being a retired “hippie” from the 70s, this is one of the most diversified towns I’ve ever lived in and decided to stay. How many people are on a first name basis with their city council? or their Mayor? The town thrives on compassion, respect, generosity, creativity, and much more. You’re never a stranger here.
June 28, 2017
That was very apparent even in the short time I spent there! Thanks so much, Lynn.
June 28, 2017
Really enjoyed your article .I have been in Gulfport since 1957 and don’t plan to leave unless I can’t do things for myself, I’m 79…You forgot one thing that’s close to my heart,once a year we have one of the biggest animal rescue events..Thank you very much Barbara
June 28, 2017
Thank you, Barbara! I hadn’t heard about the rescue event – what is it called?
June 30, 2017
Gulfport’s Get Rescued! The last Saturday of February each year. We also have “Springfest – Garden Art and Faerie Festival, Holiday Hoopla!, the Gulfport Fine Arts Festival and many other events. This town is always celebrating something!
June 30, 2017
I can certainly get on board with that! Thanks for the suggestions. 🙂
June 28, 2017
I lived in Gulfport for 20 years and loved it. I only gave it up to move to California. You forgot to mention Wed. night Swing Dance at the Casino there. Plenty of dance floor and plenty of great dance partners.
June 28, 2017
I’ve heard that the casino is a great time – I hope to experience it at some point!
June 28, 2017
Love your article on Gulfport ✌️ Did you make it to The Blueberry Patch? Peace, love and blueberries~Young and old hippies on the 1st, 7th, 11th and 22nd of every month..Our 40 year anniversary is coming up next week.. http://www.blueberrypatch.org
June 28, 2017
I didn’t, Linda, but I will definitely need to try and check it out at some point!
July 1, 2017
You need to check out FAB Fiber when you return. Place for all kinds of amazing handcrafted art-to-wear.
July 3, 2017
Thanks for the suggestion, Elizabeth.
July 14, 2017
My wife and I moved from New York to Gulfport about two years ago. Love It Here! Paradise! The Town saying is “If your Too Weird for Gulfport! Then your Too Weird!”. It is such a wonderful accepting cool place to live. There are about 100 wild parrots in the tree in my yard as i type this! Awesome!
July 16, 2017
Wow – sounds like an excellent place to live, Ed! Cheers, Karisa
August 4, 2017
I have heard of Gulfport before but had no idea it was such an interesting place! That water looks so beautiful – I hope that during one of my future Florida trips that I make it to Gulfport!
August 7, 2017
I hope you do too, Chanel! 🙂