Our oceanfront University of Southern Mississippi meeting facilities are picture-perfect for class reunions and other USM events. Our facilities can easily handle groups as small as 10, as many as 400, and everything in between. We're also quite close to the John Stennis Space Center and provide event space for NASA functions as well as the many other government agencies that are in the area.
In Town for Business at the Gulfport Naval Base?
Those in town for business at the Gulfport Military Base will love how close we are to not only the base, but also to attractions nearby. In addition, our well-equipped fitness center, outdoor pool, hot tub, fire pit, business center, valet dry cleaning and on-site restaurants make your stay more relaxing and hassle-free.
Things to Do in the Gulfport Area
John Stennis Space Center
This is the main propulsion testing facility for many of NASA's rockets. Make sure you make plans to visit the StenniSphere, the official visitor center for the John Stennis Space Center. Group tours are available and everyone can experience testing the main engine on the Space Shuttle, landing the Shuttle or going aboard the International Space Station. Please note that visitors 18 and over must have a valid photo ID and international guests must provide a valid passport.
Welcome to the Mississippi "Golf Coast"
Mississippi's "Golf Coast" — which includes Biloxi, Gulfport, Bay St. Louis, Ocean Springs and the surrounding coastal area — is the only Golf Destination in the country to deliver Championship Golf, more than 60 Miles of Gulf of Mexico coastline, fresh seafood, fine dining, charter fishing and an endless supply of southern hospitality. There are 22 golf courses by Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Davis Love III, Jerry Pate and Mark McCumber in the area. Each of these golf greats built their best facilities here in an effort to give golfers of every skill level and budget a choice between the classic historic tracks and the brand-new championship layouts. Golfers have been visiting the area since 1908 and we look forward to welcoming you to the only destination that delivers Championship Golf, Gulf of Mexico climate and fishing all in one beautiful spot.
Ship Island Excursions
Relaxation, recreation and history — these are the gifts offered to you on Ship Island. Located right here on the north central Gulf of Mexico shores — about 11 miles off the Mississippi Coast — you'll find some of the last undeveloped barrier islands in America. Part of Gulf Islands National Seashore and protected by the U.S. Park Service, these exquisite sand islands offer visitors are a beautiful place for swimming in the surf and collecting sea shells. Travel to a special place where the main attractions are outstanding beaches, beautiful water and clean gulf air. Locals and visitors consistently rate the 22-mile round trip to Ship Island as the coast's premier waterborne experience. Visit historic Fort Massachusetts (circa 1868) on your own, or on a Park Ranger guided tour offered after the passenger ferries arrive at the island.
Gulf Islands Waterpark
Gulf Islands Waterpark is the largest water park on the coast, featuring miles of slides and an island theme. The names of the attractions incorporate landmarks located within South Mississippi and the chain of islands just off the coast known as the Gulf Islands National Seashore. The 18-acre water park attractions include the one and only Horn Island Blaster water roller coaster. The Master Blaster slide—which the Horn Island's Blaster is engineered from—has been voted the number-one water park attraction in the country five years in a row. It takes two riders through more than 500 feet of twist and turns including an uphill blast. The Gulf Islands Waterpark offers thrills for all ages.
Beauvoir
Beauvoir is the location of the former retirement home of Confederate President Jefferson Davis. In its heyday, the compound consisted of approximately 608 acres when Davis lived there. Today the site is approximately 52 acres in size. Beauvoir is located in Biloxi, Mississippi across US Highway 90 from Biloxi Beach. The name "Beauvoir" means "beautiful to view." The compound consists of a Louisiana raised cottage-style plantation residence, a botanical garden, a former Confederate veterans home, a modern gift shop, a Confederate Soldier Museum, the Jefferson Davis Presidential Library and Museum, various outbuildings, and a historic Confederate cemetery which includes the Tomb of the Unknown Confederate Soldier. Five out of seven of these buildings were destroyed in Hurricane Katrina and replicas are being planned.
Prime Outlets – Gulfport
Prime Outlets – Gulfport is the Mississippi Gulf Coast's premier outlet shopping destination, showcasing more than 60 brand-name outlet stores. Enjoy everyday savings of up to 65% at COACH Factory, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, J.Crew Factory Store, BCBGMAXAZRIA Factory Store, Banana Republic Factory Store, Ann Taylor Factory Store, Gap Outlet, Nike Factory Store, Disney and many more.
Lynn Meadows Discovery Center
Lynn Meadows Discovery Center is one of the United States' top 50 children's museums. Through activities designed to simulate the real world of South Mississippi, children have the opportunity to learn about the past and the present. It is with a better understanding of themselves and their community that children can grow to be responsible, global citizens. From its inception, The Lynn Meadows Discovery Center has been a community project. With initial funding in 1991 from Gulfport Junior Auxiliary, co-founders Rose Alman and Carole Lynn Meadows have led the team to make the dream a reality with the opening of the museum in May 1998. The museum name honors the memory of Lynn Meadows, Carole Lynn and Joe Meadows' daughter, who died tragically in a car accident in 1984 while a student at Ole Miss. Located in the renovated Mississippi City Elementary School, constructed in 1915 and an architectural exhibition itself, Lynn Meadows Discovery Center offers 15,000 square feet of indoor exhibit space, six acres of outdoor play space including a tree house village, a woodsy cabin on a stream and meeting rooms for workshops as well as camps and birthday parties.
