After exploring Mississippi time and again over my 25 years as a travel writer, I can tell you this—if you’re looking for soulful music, deep history, and peaceful natural beauty, you’ve come to the right place. When I need a slower pace and something real, this is where I go. Whether you’re in it for riverfront views, roadside blues markers, or a platter of catfish and hushpuppies, Mississippi always delivers with grace and grit.
Mississippi Highlights:
- For Music Fans – Follow the Mississippi Blues Trail: I’ve chased the trail from the Delta to the Gulf, and I think you’ll love discovering the hometowns of legends like B.B. King and Muddy Waters. Every marker tells a story.
- For History Buffs – Explore Vicksburg National Military Park: I’ve walked the same fields where Civil War soldiers once stood, and it’s an experience you won’t forget. You’ll learn a lot and feel the weight of history as you go.
- For Nature Lovers – Cruise the Natchez Trace Parkway: I’ve driven this peaceful, winding route more than once—it’s one of my favorite road trips. You’ll pass bluffs, forests, and centuries-old trails with almost no traffic in sight.
- For Families – Visit the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science: I always recommend this Jackson gem to parents—it’s got aquariums, wildlife exhibits, and trails the kids will actually enjoy. You’ll have fun too, I promise.
- For Beachgoers – Relax on the Mississippi Gulf Coast: I’ve sunk my toes into the sands of Bay St. Louis and dined on fresh shrimp by the shore. You’ll love the laid-back charm, seafood shacks, and slower rhythm of coastal life.
Best Time to Visit Mississippi
I plan most of my Mississippi trips in spring or fall. You’ll hit that sweet spot of mild weather and colorful scenery, perfect for long drives, walking tours, and outdoor festivals. I’ve been in summer too, but it’s hot—if you go then, stay near the water and pack light.
How to Get to Mississippi
- By Car: I usually drive in on I-55 or I-20—it’s well connected and easy to explore by car. You’ll pass through small towns and quiet countryside that make even the journey feel like part of the adventure.
- By Air: I’ve flown into Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers (JAN) for central access and Gulfport-Biloxi (GPT) for the coast. You’ll find regional connections and quick car rentals at both.
- By Train: Amtrak’s City of New Orleans and Crescent lines stop in places I’ve loved visiting—Jackson, Hattiesburg, and more. It’s a scenic, nostalgic way to roll into Mississippi if you’ve got time.
Where to Stay in Mississippi
- For Families – Margaritaville Resort Biloxi: I’ve stayed here with nieces and nephews—it’s got waterslides, arcade games, and views of the Gulf that make even the grownups smile. You’ll never hear “I’m bored.”
- For Couples – Monmouth Historic Inn, Natchez: I once spent a quiet anniversary weekend here and still think about the gardens and Southern breakfasts. You’ll feel like you stepped back in time, in the best way.
- Boutique Stay – The Alluvian, Greenwood: I stayed here while exploring the Delta Blues Trail—you’ll love the stylish rooms, local art, and spa services. It’s the kind of place you come back to.
Best Things to Do in Mississippi
State Capitol, Jackson - Explore Mississippi's rich history inside this easy-to-access architectural landmark.
Vicksburg National Military Park - Walk through powerful Civil War sites on this memorable family adventure.
U.S.S. Cairo Museum - Discover an unusual Civil War ironclad preserved in an immersive riverside museum.
Lynn Meadows Discovery Center - Let kids explore hands-on exhibits and fun learning zones during a weekend visit.
Longwood - Admire this romantic, unfinished antebellum mansion on a quiet Natchez trip.
Rosalie Mansion - Visit this historic gem and savor antebellum sights along the Mississippi River.
Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum - See where Elvis’s exciting story began in this Tupelo cultural attraction.
Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, Jackson - Discover impactful exhibits that reveal the state's powerful civil rights history.
B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center - Explore blues history and enjoy moving tributes to a musical legend.
Beauvoir, Mississippi - Tour this scenic coastal estate and learn about its Civil War past.
In Summary...
(and if you want to revisit my photo journey)