Why Choose AFRH’s Gulf Coast Community?
Scenic Retreat
Our Gulf Coast community rests on the shores of the Mississippi Sound, with beautiful white sand beaches just a short walk away and great views of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, including Cat and Ship Islands.
The Home is just east of downtown Gulfport, which is a charming town and a dynamic fishing, beach, and leisure destination in a relaxed southern setting. Our residents get out and about, driving or taxiing to great restaurants, exciting casinos, boutique shops, friendly neighborhoods, and more. They can also take a ferry to Ship Island for a fun day on pristine beaches!
Fun Local Entertainment
There’s so much to do, so close by! Many residents head into town. Others plan group trips to nearby Biloxi or New Orleans. There are several area golf courses that are just terrific for a little R&R. We hold regular fitness classes that will get and keep you in great shape. Plus you can enjoy surf fishing, great shopping, beach walks, bike rides, and a brisk swim. Or, just relax on your private balcony overlooking the Gulf.
No matter your pace—this is your place!
From a Philadelphia Story to High Society on the Gulf Coast
The Naval Home has always been a safe haven for our sailors and marines!
"A comfortable harbor will be secured, where he may safely moor and ride out the ebb of life, free from the cares and storms … "
- Commodore William Bainbridge (Naval Home cornerstone laying, April 3, 1827)
In 1811, the US Navy urged Congress to pass legislation to create a Home in Philadelphia “for destitute Navy sailors and Marines.” An interim Naval Hospital opened in the former country mansion of the renowned Pemberton family in Philadelphia. This Hospital offered state-of-the-art care to our former seamen.
At last, the permanent Naval Asylum opened in 1834. Pictured above is the main building, Biddle Hall, which provided old sailors a safe haven. Inmates at the Naval Home were expected to work to earn their keep. So, many had light duty jobs in machine shops. With permission, many would ship off on leave for months at a time.
For 142 years, this facility served America’s former sailors. In 1976 the Naval Home relocated to Gulfport, MS, on about 40 acres of prime waterfront land sitting on the Mississippi Sound. This stretch of land is the former site of the Gulf Coast Military Academy for boys. The resort towns of Gulfport and Biloxi are nearby and feature casinos, hotels, and scenic shorelines.
In 2005, Hurricane Katrina destroyed the AFRH-G building, and the residents were transferred to the Washington community. Plans for a new building were soon approved with the support of the U.S. Congress. By October 2010 a modern new complex opened to hundreds of joyous residents. Local officials and school children from Gulfport were on hand to welcome our residents home.
The new AFRH-G is a multi-tower complex with five levels of care and full amenities under one roof. It was built to mitigate the effects of a Category 5 hurricane. Plus, it features the latest in green technology and supports the philosophy of Aging in Place. Today AFRH-G residents are still putting their stamp on this home with military memorabilia and beautification projects.
Dining, Activities, and Other Information
The Gulfport community offers several trips and special events throughout the month. Now is the time to take advantage of all these opportunities.
- Interested in knowing about special events and activities?
- Need to know when that certain campus activity occurs?
- Want to see all of our current dining options?
Activities
- Menu
- The Plan of the Week 7-7-25 thru 7-13-25
- July Recreational Calendar
- July Trip Information
- July Quick Reference Trip & Tournament Schedule
- July Allegiance Hall Recreation Calendar
- July Valor Hall Recreation Calendar
- July Loyalty Hall Recreation Calendar
- July Movie Calendar
- Safety Tip of the Week
Other Information
- Transportation
- Gulfport Hours of Operations Directory
- AFRH Gulfport Resident Guide
- Senior TV Channel Lineup
- Senior TV Listings
- AFRH Resident Leave Form
- Gulfport Area Weather
- Online library catalog
- Key Links
- Quality Management & Accreditation
To take a virtual tour click on the below link:
Click Here to Tour the AFRH-Gulfport Virtually
Need Directions?
To create your own personalized travel map, click here >>>TAKE ME TO AFRH. For best results, use the following destination address: 1800 Beach Drive, Gulfport, MS 39507.
From the Gulfport/Biloxi Airport
Turn left onto Airport Road to Hwy 49 (turn right) and proceed north to Interstate 10. Enter I-10, to the right, towards Mobile. Take the Lorraine Cowan exit #38 south, across two bridges to Pass Road. Make a left onto Pass Road and proceed to the traffic light at Anniston Avenue and turn right. Continue on Anniston Avenue, across the railroad tracks, to Beach Drive (the service road) and make a left turn. Our Gulfport community is on the left.
From I-10 heading east from New Orleans, Louisiana
Take the Lorraine Cowan exit (#38) south to Pass Road. Make a left onto Pass Road and proceed to Anniston Avenue and turn right. Continue on Anniston Avenue to Beach Drive (the service road) and make a left. AFRH-G is on the left.
From I-10 heading west from Mobile, Alabama
Take the Lorraine Cowan exit (#38) south to Pass Road. Make a left onto Pass Road and proceed to Anniston Avenue and turn right. Continue on Anniston Avenue to Beach Drive (the service road) and make a left turn. AFRH-G is on the left.