Welcome to Gulfport Florida Vacation Rentals |
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Gulfport Travel and Vacation Rental OverviewGulfport is a city in Pinellas County, Florida and a suburb of St. Petersburg. The population of Gulfport was 12,527 at the 2000 census. As of 2004, the population recorded by the U.S. Census Bureau wa 12,740[4]. Gulfport is part of the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area, the 19th largest MSA in the country.The town was originally named Disston City in 1884 when Hamilton Disston purchased land here. The United States Postal Service would not recognize the name as it conflicted with a town in Hillsborough County. Instead, it was named Bonifacio. In 1890, the town name was changed to Veteran City. Finally, in 1910, the name officially changed to Gulfport. Gulfport is distinguished by its high concentration of artisans inspired by the intense light and tropical scenery, enhanced by the swaying palms. A celebration the first Friday and third Saturday of each month called "Art Walk" attracts locals and tourists. Many street performers, artists and craftspeople show up to create a relaxed cultured atmosphere in the warm balmy evening breezes coming off the beach at the end of the street. Tuesdays are market days in the Gulfport Waterfront district showcasing fresh produce, crafts, and local entertainment. Every fourth Friday of the month Gulfport Goes Green in a monthly Street Faire and expo focused on Green and Healthy Living. An all ages event with free admission and offers produce, crafstman, artisians, a clothing swap, electronics and computer recycling, book swap, live entertainment, and interactive information and demonstrations. The Catherine A. Hickman Theater of Gulfport is located near the beach and is a venue for live theatrical performances. Teams assemble nearby for beach volleyball, while others enjoy picnics with tots on park swings. The Gulfport Casino Ballroom also located waterfront is one of the main event venues in the city. The host dance events of Swing, Salsa, Argentine Tango, and Ballroom 5 days a week with a large turnout from all across the Tampa area. The venue also is available for rent to the public and popular for weddings, company parties and functions, and holiday parties. The ballroom features a 5000 square foot authentic 1930's style dance floor. Located on the Boca Ciega Bay with a nice beach and long fishing pier, Gulfport's Waterfront District attracts young and old alike. Visitors may enjoy a delicious breakfast at Pia's Trattoria Pasta and Panini Cafe after a nice walk along Shore Blvd to take in the scenic view of Tierra Verde across the bay. Then they might spend a few hours shopping for original paintings, unique gifts, Florida souvenirs, or rare antiques. Maybe they will just take in the scenery or photograph the colorful buildings and homes that sit on tree covered streets in Gulfport. Lunch or Dinner would be enjoyed in any of the several popular restaurants on Gulfport, Beach and Shore Blvds, including O' Maddy's, La Fogata Brazilian Steakhouse, Backfin Blue Cafe, Habana Cafe, La Cote Basque and Wine Bar, Domain Restaurant, Peg's Cantina, ECCO Bistro and Tapas, and more! Gulfport is known as the “Gateway to the Gulf,” due to its location just southwest of St. Petersburg, which is generally considered the departure for the Gulf of Mexico. Gulfport faces Boca Ciega Bay, which leads into the Gulf. The town dates back to 1867, and today the tree-lined streets around Beach Boulevard still have some of the beautiful old buildings and charm of the era. The only tall buildings in the town are some condos located along the shore, but this doesn’t spoil the tranquil old south feeling of the town. There are some very good restaurants in Gulfport, and a new pier that has spectacular views of the sunrise and sunset, as well as dolphins that often play in the Boca Ciega Bay. There is a famous pink hotel located at the entrance of Pass-A-Grille-Beach where many Hollywood movies have been filmed. Also, if you like fishing, you’ll love Gulfport where catfish and other species are plentiful is the area’s waters. Attractions in Gulfport include the Gulfport Casino, a famous landmark that is now a dance hall. The Gulfport Historical Society Museum is open Monday through Friday, and the first Friday of every month an artist’s gallery walk is held from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. At this time, all of the craft and art stores located on Beach Boulevard are open to the public, and you can browse, shop and help yourself to refreshments, which often includes wine and cheese. Gulfport is a charming small town reminiscent of “old Florida.” |
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Gulfport Vacation Rental Homes |
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Gulfport Attractions and ActivitiesHistory of GulfportGulfport's settlement history stretches to 1867, when Civil War veteran Mames Barnett built his home at what would become 49th Street and 26th Avenue S. The town was incorporated less than 20 years later as Disston City, after Hamilton Disston, who had acquired 4-million acres of Florida land, including almost all of modern-day Gulfport, for about 25 cents an acre. According to Our Story of Gulfport, Florida, a book compiled by the Gulfport Historical Society, the city faced disappointment in the late 1880s when Disston rallied his Northern business connections to bring a railroad to the city. Instead, the rails stopped at St. Petersburg. In 1906 another developer tried to lure retired Civil War veterans to what is now Gulfport, calling the development "Veteran City." He failed to attract many veterans, and in a town meeting at the Casino in 1910, residents voted 23-7 to incorporate and name their town Gulfport. Surrounding areas:Gulfport Weather & ClimateTemperate and mild, the central West Coast of Florida in the Clearwater/St. Petersburg/Tampa Bay area enjoys a semi tropical climate with warm Gulf breezes and plenty of sunshine. Frequent thunderstorms, short in duration, dominate the summertime weather patterns, where humidity usually hovers near the 100 percent mark. Even with these frequent summer storms, however, this area of the state enjoys the most days of sunshine per year - with an average of 361. June through September are the wettest months, with the rest of the year being pretty dry by comparison. The most pleasant weather is found during the winter months between November and March when the humidity becomes more bearable and winds from the Bay and Gulf keep temperatures moderate. GULFPORT VACATION RENTALSIf you are curious enough to know how Florida looked like a century back, come home to the Gulfport vacation rentals; and experience it yourself from the comfort of gulf-front and waterfront condos, and houses. Though Gulfport is located only a few minutes drive from Tampa, it exudes a feeling of remoteness from the many busy destinations of Florida. American vacationers call this city the "Gateway to the Gulf" as it faces the Boca Ciega Bay, which leads into the Gulf. G1et up to the cool breezes and chirpings of the budgies and set afoot to watch the playful dolphins in Boca Ciega Bay. As the day passes on try your hands at catching catfish or lady fingers on a nearby pier. Fishing at the piers is so arresting that you will never know when the sun is about to set. While you wind up for your Gulfport vacation rental condo walk by the old and elegant British Colonial residential homes. They are no less than any famous attraction. Visit Don Cesar Palace, Gulf Beaches Historical Museum and the Beach Theater at St. Pete Beach. Treat your family and kids with a day trip to Pirate's Square and Pinewood Cultural Park at Treasure Island. The major attractions in Gulfport include the Gulfport Casino, Beach Boulevard and the Gulfport Historical Society Museum. Beach Boulevard is the most happening spot anytime of the year. The nearby region becomes hyperactive in the night at the pubs, clubs and bars. You can find a large number of craft and art stores near it. Buy some exotic gifts for your near and dear. Make the city your fun ground and Gulfport vacation rental its center point, to get the best out of your Florida vacation. AttractionsGulfport Art Walks Visit Art Walks on the 1st Friday and 3rd Saturday of every month. Situated on beautiful Boca Ciega Bay in Gulfport’s Waterfront District, you will find a variety of unique shops and businesses. Local artists and shop-owners offer you that unusual gift or home item you have been searching for. As part of the welcome during Gallery Walks, many shops provide refreshments. If you are hungry, visit one of the many restaurants or take a break in one of the local pubs. You can also enjoy live music on the streets or in shop courtyards. Kayak Nature Adventures For the photographer, sightseer, bird watcher and nature lover, or if you just like to paddle around, look and listen, KAYAK NATURE ADVENTURES will open up new avenues of enjoyment for you and all who would come to enjoy its treasures! Gulfport Labyrinth Walk the Labyrinth then walk the Gardens. We currently have 40 different variety of Palms and currently have huge Frangipani which will be in full bloom very soon. Clam Bayou Nature Park Clam Bayou Nature Park is located south of 29 th Avenue South, on Miriam Street. It plays an important role in the Clam Bayou Estuary of Boca Ciega Bay. This nature park/estuary provides several environments; from the upland natural vegetation, marsh and mangrove forests, to the deeper waters of Boca Ciega Bay. These areas provide habitat and food to a variety of species such as fiddler crabs, clams, wading birds, small animals, dolphins and manatees; to name a few. Some restoration projects for Clam Bayou have been completed in Gulfport and St. Petersburg and more are planned for the future. Come escape the urban crowds and enjoy a scenic stroll around the treasures of nature. Gulfport Gecko Fest family festival and walking parade celebrates the End of Summer and Labor Day weekend with color, whimsy, extraordinary entertainment and a street dance... Events & Festivals |
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Latest Gulfport Vacation Rental News |
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