Need a laid-back Southern escape steeped in history, music, and natural beauty? Head to Mississippi! Explore blues heritage trails, Civil Rights landmarks, coastal getaways, and scenic parks. Whether you’re craving soul food, antebellum architecture, or a peaceful river cruise, Mississippi offers timeless charm and deep cultural roots.
Mississippi Highlights:
- For Music Fans: Follow the Mississippi Blues Trail – Discover markers honoring legends like B.B. King and Muddy Waters.
- For History Buffs: Explore Vicksburg National Military Park – Walk historic battlefields and learn about the pivotal Civil War siege.
- For Nature Lovers: Cruise the Natchez Trace Parkway – Drive or bike this scenic route through woodlands, bluffs, and ancient trails.
- For Families: Visit the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science – Discover wildlife exhibits, aquariums, and nature trails in Jackson.
- For Beachgoers: Relax on the Mississippi Gulf Coast – Enjoy white sand beaches, fresh seafood, and charming seaside towns like Bay St. Louis.
Best Time to Visit Mississippi
The best time to visit Mississippi is in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). Mild weather makes it perfect for outdoor exploration, coastal festivals, and historic walking tours.
How to Get to Mississippi
- If you are traveling by car: Mississippi is easily accessible via major interstates like I-55, I-20, and I-10, connecting north-south and east-west travelers.
- By Air: Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN) offers regional flights, with Gulfport-Biloxi International (GPT) serving the coast.
- By Train: Amtrak’s City of New Orleans and Crescent lines stop at several Mississippi cities, including Jackson and Hattiesburg.
Where to Stay in Mississippi
- Recommended for Families: Margaritaville Resort Biloxi – Family-friendly rooms, water playground, arcade, and Gulf views.
- For Couples: Monmouth Historic Inn in Natchez – Romantic antebellum mansion with elegant gardens and Southern hospitality.
- For a Boutique Hotel Stay: The Alluvian in Greenwood – Upscale stay near the Delta blues trail, with a spa and stylish rooms.
Best Things to Do in Mississippi
1. State Capitol, Jackson
Location: 400 High Street, Jackson, MS 39201
Recommended For: History lovers, architecture enthusiasts, students, government and civics buffs
What I Love: ♥ “A grand architectural icon rich with Mississippi’s political and cultural history.”
- Explore the Mississippi State Capitol, completed in 1903, a majestic Beaux-Arts structure topped with a stately dome-shaped roof.
- Admire the Hall of Governors, featuring portraits of past state leaders, and visit the legislature meeting rooms on the third floor during guided tours.
- Stroll the Capitol grounds to view historic features such as a replica of the Liberty Bell and the Women of the Confederacy monument.
- Discover the legacy of Mississippi’s state governance across three Capitol buildings, with the current structure serving as the center of government for over a century.
- Enjoy a weekday tour to learn about state lawmaking and the building’s architecture from knowledgeable guides.
Cost: Free public admission. Tours are available on weekdays only.
Best time to visit: Weekday mornings when the legislature is in session for a more immersive civic experience.
Local tips: Don’t miss the dome’s interior details and the artwork above the grand staircase. Check online for tour times and any special events.
Getting there: Located in downtown Jackson. Metered and public parking is available nearby; the site is also accessible via local transit.
2. Vicksburg National Military Park
Location: 3201 Clay Street, Vicksburg, MS 39183
Phone: 601-636-2199
Recommended For: History enthusiasts, Civil War buffs, families, educators, and outdoor lovers
What I Love: ♥ “A moving tribute to the Civil War with powerful landmarks and preserved battlefield features.”
- Explore the historic 20-mile battlefield where the Battle of Vicksburg was fought during the Civil War’s pivotal 47-day siege in 1863.
- Reflect on the sacrifice of nearly 5,000 lives lost during the siege, and visit the solemn Vicksburg National Cemetery, where nearly 20,000 individuals are buried—more than half unidentified.
- Walk the 12.5-mile trail lined with 1,325 historic markers, 144 cannons, and interpretive signs for a deeper connection to Civil War history.
- Visit the restored U.S.S. Cairo, an ironclad gunboat sunk during the war and now housed in an onsite museum.
- Experience one of the best-preserved Civil War sites in the country, with preserved trenches and fortifications still visible today.
Cost: Admission to the park is $20 per vehicle, valid for 7 days. See full fee details.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall for mild weather and ranger-led programs; early morning or late afternoon for the best walking conditions.
Local tips: Begin at the visitor center for maps and exhibits. Allow at least 2–3 hours to explore the highlights. Bring water and wear comfortable shoes for the trails.
Getting there: Located in Vicksburg, Mississippi, just off I-20. Ample parking available at the visitor center.
3. U.S.S. Cairo Museum
Location: 3201 Clay Street, Vicksburg, MS 39183
Phone: 601-636-0583
Recommended For: Civil War history buffs, museum lovers, families, and students
What I Love: ♥ “A rare opportunity to see a real Civil War ironclad gunboat up close—beautifully preserved and powerfully presented.”
- Discover the U.S.S. Cairo, one of the Union's seven ironclad gunboats from the Civil War, commissioned in January 1862.
- Learn the remarkable story of how it was sunk in the Yazoo River during a skirmish and later recovered in 1965 after resting in 40 feet of water for over a century.
- Explore the U.S.S. Cairo Museum, where you can walk around the reconstructed vessel and examine artifacts retrieved from the wreck—offering insights into life aboard a Civil War-era warship.
- Experience the engineering marvel of a 19th-century gunboat while learning about its critical role in helping the Union gain control of the lower Mississippi River.
- Combine your visit with a tour of Vicksburg National Military Park, where the gunboat is permanently displayed along the tour road.
Cost: Included with admission to Vicksburg National Military Park ($20 per vehicle, valid for 7 days). See park fees.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall for the most comfortable weather and best photo conditions. Early morning visits offer fewer crowds.
Local tips: Allocate at least 30–45 minutes to walk through the museum and explore the ship. Bring water and sunscreen during warmer months.
Getting there: Located inside Vicksburg National Military Park, accessible via the main entrance on Clay Street. Signage will direct you to the U.S.S. Cairo Museum along the auto tour road.
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
4. Lynn Meadows Discovery Center
Location: 246 Dolan Avenue, Gulfport, MS 39507
Phone: 228-897-6039
Recommended For: Families with young children, school groups, hands-on learners
What I Love: ♥ “Interactive, educational fun that gets kids climbing, creating, and imagining in every corner!”
- Explore 15,000 square feet of indoor exhibits, including favorites like the Super Colossal Climbing Structure, Little Pet Vet, and Bear Camp Bayou.
- Create original masterpieces in the Art Knows Anything Goes center where creativity and experimentation are encouraged.
- Discover real-world experiences in themed exhibits such as the Dolan Avenue Depot and other kid-scaled learning zones.
- Engage in interactive STEM-based activities that teach children about science, math, health, and the human body in a playful way.
- Enjoy outdoor play spaces for fresh air exploration and movement, making this an all-weather destination.
Cost: General admission is $10 per person (children under 1 are free). See full pricing and memberships.
Best time to visit: Weekday mornings for fewer crowds; afternoons for flexible, leisurely visits. Seasonal programs and camps add extra value during summer and holidays.
Local tips: Check their website or Facebook page for daily hours and event schedules. Pack a picnic to enjoy in nearby Jones Park or the beach just minutes away.
Getting there: Located in Gulfport, just west of Hwy 49 and north of U.S. Route 90. Free parking is available on-site.
5. Longwood
Location: 401 High Street, Natchez, MS 39120
Phone: 601-445-5151
Recommended For: Architecture lovers, Civil War history buffs, heritage tourists
What I Love: ♥ “A hauntingly beautiful octagonal mansion frozen in time—Longwood is Mississippi’s greatest unfinished treasure.”
- Step inside America’s largest octagonal house, designed in an oriental-style by famed architect Samuel Sloan.
- Discover the story of Haller and Julia Nutt, whose dream home was left incomplete by the outbreak of the Civil War.
- Explore the fully finished basement, the only livable space completed and used by the Nutt family after construction halted in 1861.
- See the unfinished upper levels and learn why locals dubbed it “Nutt’s Folly”, a poignant symbol of interrupted ambition.
- Appreciate Longwood’s status as a National Historic Landmark and a prime example of pre-war Southern architecture and aspiration.
Cost: Admission varies by tour option. See full pricing.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall, especially during Natchez Pilgrimage Tours, when homes across the area open to the public and the weather is ideal.
Local tips: Photography is allowed on most tours. Wear comfortable shoes for walking and stairs. Combine with nearby historic home tours for a deeper look into antebellum Natchez.
Getting there: Located in Natchez, a scenic drive from Jackson or Baton Rouge. Ample parking is available on-site.
6. Rosalie Mansion
Location: 100 Orleans Street, Natchez, MS 39120
Phone: 601-446-5676
Recommended For: History lovers, heritage tourists, architecture enthusiasts, family travelers
What I Love: ♥ “Perched above the Mississippi, Rosalie tells a story of French roots, Southern hospitality, and enduring legacy.”
- Visit the Rosalie Mansion, built in 1820 by Pennsylvania native Peter Little on the grounds of a former French fort dating back to 1716.
- Learn about the Countess of Pontchartrain, for whom the original Fort Rosalie was named by French settlers.
- Explore the life and philanthropy of Peter and Eliza Little, founders of the Natchez Children’s Home, which provided shelter and care to orphaned children.
- Tour the home seven days a week, marveling at its elegant Federal-style architecture and preserved interiors.
- Enjoy sweeping views of the Mississippi River from the mansion’s bluff-top location, a favorite photography spot.
Cost: General admission applies. View rates and schedule.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and coincide with Natchez Pilgrimage Tours.
Local tips: Private and holiday tours are available—call ahead to reserve. Be sure to stroll the Rosalie gardens and bring your camera.
Getting there: Centrally located in downtown Natchez near the riverfront. Ample public parking is nearby.
Unique Museums:
7. Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum
Location: 306 Elvis Presley Drive, Tupelo, MS 38801
Phone: 662-841-1245
Recommended For: Music fans, history buffs, pop culture enthusiasts, nostalgic travelers
What I Love: ♥ “Walk in the footsteps of the King of Rock ’n’ Roll, from his humble beginnings in a two-room house to his first radio broadcast.”
- Visit the Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum in Tupelo, Mississippi, where Elvis was born in January 1935 in a modest two-room home built by family.
- Learn about his early life growing up in poverty, attending church, and performing in local shows before becoming a global icon.
- Explore exhibits on the Presley family’s struggles and Elvis’s formative years in Mississippi, where he lived for 13 years.
- Experience the "Grand Tour" that includes his childhood home, church, and other landmarks of his youth in Tupelo.
- See where Elvis made his first radio broadcast and gain insight into the local community that shaped his sound and spirit.
Cost: Admission charged for museum and guided tours. See ticket options here.
Best time to visit: Summer draws fans for the annual Elvis Festival, while spring and fall offer quieter visits with pleasant weather.
Local tips: Arrive early for the Grand Tour and explore the Elvis Presley Memorial Chapel and Reflection Pool on-site.
Getting there: The museum is located in central Tupelo with free on-site parking and signage throughout the city leading to Elvis landmarks.
8. Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, Jackson
Location: 222 North Street #2205, Jackson, MS 39201
Phone: 601-576-6800
Recommended For: History enthusiasts, social justice advocates, educators, families, and students
What I Love: ♥ “A powerful and moving tribute to the heroes of the Civil Rights Movement—told through artifacts, photos, and first-person stories that shaped the nation.”
- Visit the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in downtown Jackson, which explores the Mississippi Freedom Struggle and its vital role in the American Civil Rights Movement.
- Explore immersive exhibits featuring documents, photographs, and personal artifacts that bring to life the experiences of enslaved people and those who fought for freedom and equality.
- Understand the powerful impact of racial injustice from 1619 through the emancipation era and beyond, as presented across the museum’s eight interactive galleries.
- Reflect on stories of activism, resistance, and courage from the Civil Rights era, including Mississippi’s place in shaping national change.
- Honor the memory of those who led and sacrificed for racial equality in one of the most compelling museums of its kind in the U.S.
Cost: Admission charged. See pricing and hours here.
Best time to visit: Weekdays are ideal for quieter visits. Special events often occur during Black History Month and on MLK Day.
Local tips: Allow at least 2 hours to explore fully. The museum is connected to the Museum of Mississippi History—admission includes both.
Getting there: Located in downtown Jackson, the museum has nearby public parking and is walkable from other downtown attractions.
9. B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center
Location: 400 Second Street, Indianola, MS 38751
Phone: 662-887-9539
Recommended For: Music lovers, blues enthusiasts, cultural historians, and fans of B.B. King
What I Love: ♥ “A deeply personal and immersive tribute to the King of the Blues—told through music, stories, and rare artifacts in the heart of the Mississippi Delta.”
- Visit the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center to explore the life and legacy of Riley B. King, one of the world’s most influential blues musicians.
- Discover King's journey from his humble roots in the Mississippi Delta to becoming a global blues icon through engaging exhibits and award-winning films.
- Learn about B.B. King's early career in Memphis’s radio scene and how he became a powerful voice in American music.
- Experience rare musical artifacts, interactive computer programs, and personal stories that reflect King’s philosophy of respect, unity, and compassion.
- Honor his legacy at the gravesite on museum grounds, a peaceful setting to reflect on his life and cultural impact.
Cost: Admission charged. See current prices and hours.
Best time to visit: Visit during weekday afternoons for fewer crowds, or plan your trip around Delta music festivals for an added cultural experience.
Local tips: Don’t miss the gift shop featuring B.B. King memorabilia and local blues music. Allow 90 minutes to 2 hours for a full visit.
Getting there: The museum is in downtown Indianola and easily accessible by car, with free on-site parking.
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
10. Beauvoir, Mississippi
Location: 2244 Beach Boulevard, Biloxi, MS 39531
Phone: 228-388-4400
Recommended For: History buffs, Civil War enthusiasts, cultural heritage travelers, and architecture fans
What I Love: ♥ “A compelling glimpse into the post-war life of Jefferson Davis, set against Gulf Coast beauty and framed by preserved Southern architecture.”
- Tour the Beauvoir Estate, the final home of Confederate President Jefferson Davis, located on the scenic Mississippi Gulf Coast.
- Explore the historic home, which showcases 19th-century architecture and period furnishings from Davis’s time.
- Discover Davis’s political journey, from the U.S. Congress to the presidency of the Confederate States, through interpretive exhibits.
- Reflect at this National Register of Historic Places site, which now functions as a museum and memorial to regional history.
- Learn about the estate’s restoration after Hurricane Katrina, which damaged the property in 2005 but led to extensive preservation efforts.
Cost: Admission charged. Check for current prices and hours.
Best time to visit: Late fall or spring offer pleasant weather for strolling the manicured grounds and gardens.
Local tips: Allow extra time for the Presidential Library, Confederate cemetery, and on-site gift shop. Guided tours provide more in-depth historical context.
Getting there: Beauvoir is located just off U.S. Highway 90 in Biloxi. Ample free parking is available on site.
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