Gulfport doesn't feel like the rest of the Tampa Bay area, and that's the point. It's a small, walkable waterfront town with an "Old Florida" personality that's stayed intact while a lot of the coastline around it has been rebuilt into something glossier. If you live at The Waverly, it's close enough to be a regular thing, not a special trip.
Gulfport Art Walk
Held the first Friday and third Saturday of every month along Beach Boulevard, the Art Walk turns the town's main strip into an open-air gallery — dozens of local artists, live music, and food and drink from the restaurants and cafes lining the street. It's free, family-friendly, and runs into the evening (roughly 5–9 PM on First Fridays).
Gulfport Beach Recreation Area
A genuine neighborhood beach on Boca Ciega Bay, with a fishing pier, volleyball courts, and calmer water than the Gulf-front beaches get. It's a good pick when you want beach time without the drive (or the crowds) of St. Pete Beach.
Gulfport Casino Ballroom
A historic waterfront dance hall that still hosts events, dances, and markets. It's also where Gulfport's farmers market activity tends to center, alongside the produce, baked goods, and handmade-goods vendors that show up regularly.
The waterfront district itself
Beyond the scheduled events, Beach Boulevard is worth a slow walk any weekend — boutiques, galleries, and cafes housed in colorful, low-rise buildings, with the bay a block away. It's the kind of place where an afternoon with no plan works out fine.
Hungry after all that? See our roundup of where to eat in Gulfport.
Curious what it's like to actually live this close to it? Check current availability at The Waverly, minutes from everything above.