Places to Visit in Mississippi
Searching for the best places to visit in Mississippi? Well, you are in the right place! We've discovered the coolest spots in The Magnolia State since we moved to the South that I can't wait to share with you!
Gulfport
Now, first things first, if you are craving a weekend road trip on the coast, you need to go to Gulfport!
We love that Gulfport is easy to get to, the beaches are wide, and it's peaceful compared to bigger resort towns. On the other hand, if the mood strikes and you want additional excitement, you'll be just 20 minutes from Biloxi along Highway 90.
First we headed to Mississippi Aquarium near the harbor downtown with our son. We were there around the holidays and caught "A Magical Mississippi Christmas" event at the aquarium in December which was especially fun for my son. I thought it was one of the best affordable things to do around the holidays on the Gulf Coast (Tickets are just $15 for adults and $5 for children)!
We also loved wandering around Jones Park right near the harbor. With its marina, green spaces, and scenic walking paths, it was a true local underrated gem!
If you fancy a day trip out on the water, hop on the ferry to Ship Island ($44 round trip for Adults, $38 for kids), which is just off the coast of Gulfport. You'll find clear waters, untouched beaches, and historic Fort Massachusetts there.
What I loved best:
Watching the sun set over the Gulf while eating shrimp and oysters was the absolute best way to end the day.
Bay St. Louis
The first time we discovered Bay St. Louis on our romantic weekend getaway in Mississippi, I was instantly won over. Honestly, if you want the best combination of a colorful downtown and and Gulf Coast seaside beauty, Bay St. Louis is your place!
We drove west along Highway 90 from Gulfport, barely thirty minutes before the coastline curved into Bay St. Louis where we checked into The Bay Town Inn for two relaxing days.
My favorite part was Old Town, which had so many unique shops, art galleries, and cafes.
We spent lots of time at the Bay St. Louis Beach, which felt like a hidden treasure with its soft sand.
In addition, I checked out the Alice Moseley Folk Art Museum near the historic train depot. The quirky pieces gave me a glimpse into the creative spirit of the town, and it quickly became one of my favorite finds.
Another spectacular highlight of this trip was walking across the Bay St. Louis Bridge. The pedestrian path offered amazing views of the bay, and I thought it was one of the coolest ways to experience the water up close.
What I loved best:
In the evening, we enjoyed fresh Gulf seafood at 200 North Beach Restaurant and Bar which I discovered on a recommendation from a local we met earlier in the day. My highlight was eating Risotto with delicious Barbecue Shrimp ($16) while watching the sunset.
A downside? The town was peaceful, but I have to warn you that options for evening entertainment were limited once the sun went down.
Vicksburg National Military Park
This historic site in western Mississippi is one of my favorite day trips from Jackson when I'm in the mood for quiet beauty. You'll find so much deep history here. I think it's one of the most unique places to visit inland in Mississippi.
An easy 45-minute drive from Jackson, Vicksburg National Military Park feels like stepping into the past through preserved battlefields. They tell such powerful stories of the past!
We explored the park by car first, stopping at several monuments and overlooks. I loved how immersive it felt with the way each marker, cannon, and memorial added another layer to the story of the Siege of Vicksburg.
What I loved best:
The Illinois Memorial was solemn and awe-inspiring. You can get stunning views from the top!
A downside?
The scale of the park is truly impressive. I have to warn you that but you have to plan your visit carefully if you don't have a lot of time.
