Gulfport is one of the typical nice southern Mississippi gulf coast towns that got larger though the expansion of some industry, the port, and casinos. It is not a "destination" city for most springbreakers, as the beaches are not as nice and white like the Florida beaches (too much river sediment from the MS River and other rivers).
The city got whacked pretty hard by Hurricane Katrina, but is almost completely recovered now. April weather is usually pretty nice along the coast, 50's at night and 70-80's during the day. A few spring storms may blow through, but they are typically gone pretty quick. There are a few attractions there locally, but you are a 1 hour drive in each direction from Florida beaches and New Orleans.
If you like to gamble, casinos are there locally and in Biloxi, about 20 minutes away. They usually have pretty good entertainers come in for performances, and Circ De Soleil has shows there every now and then.
Most of the housing is repaired since Katrina and almost all the FEMA and disaster recovery contractors have left, so finding a place to stay should not be a problem, as long as you are okay with Hampton Inn, etc.
There is a nice variety of restaurants there, seafood, etc and the creole culture from Louisiana does somewhat extend that far east. Again, the casinos have a good variety as well.
Lastly, the people there are very nice. Granted, that's how we are in the south. You will definitely have your fill of southern white trash,
but try to ignore it the best you can and have a nice time.
Hope this helps.