25 Best Things to Do in Biloxi, Mississippi

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The Biloxi Lighthouse is a city institution, a symbol of its resolve and strength in the face of the challenges it has seen over time including, most recently, Hurricane Katrina. The lighthouse was built of cast iron in 1848, one of the first of its kind in the American South. Biloxi Lighthouse was a private entity from 1848 to 1939, and it was famous for having been operated by several different female lighthouse keepers. The building was then taken over by the Coast Guard, but later transferred to the City of Biloxi. Hurricane Katrina did significant damage to the Biloxi Lighthouse, as the waves it caused battered a full third of the structure. The lighthouse was restored and reopened to the public in 2010. Guided tours are held daily.

1050 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, MS 39530, Phone: 228-374-3105

© Mardi Gras Museum

Biloxi’s Mardi Gras Museum is a tribute to the Fat Tuesday holiday that plays such an important role in the life of the Gulf Coast. The small museum is placed inside the historic Magnolia Hotel, which itself is an interesting example of regional architecture. On display are informational placards that discuss the history of and interesting facts about the Mardi Gras holiday and its celebration. However, the most impressive aspect of the Mardi Gras Museum is its costume display. The outfits shown off here are garish, sequin-covered numbers appropriate for the pomp and excitement that embody Mardi Gras. The facility has a small gift shop.

792A Howard Ave, Biloxi, MS 39530, Phone: 228-435-6308

© Biloxi Tour Train

The Biloxi Tour Train is tough to miss on a trip into town, as this open-air train takes passengers on a daily ride throughout the city’s historic district. Formerly known as the Biloxi Shrimp Tour Train and referred to by locals simply as the Shrimp Train, the Biloxi Tour Train has been operating around Biloxi since its establishment in 1961. The tour includes not only a ride around the city’s historic parts, but also a full program of information about Biloxi’s unique culture and historical roots. Highlights of the tour, which is run by city natives, include the Biloxi Lighthouse and the Live Oaks.

PO BOX 1226, Biloxi, MS 39533, Phone: 228-374-8687

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Ship Island is a Gulf Coast island famous for its beautiful beaches and beloved for its close proximity to coastal cities like Biloxi. At a mere 11 miles from the shoreline, Ship Island is easily accessed by ferries, which leave the port at Gulfport at regular intervals. Once on the island, visitors can lounge on the beach under a large umbrella, fish in the salty seas (with the appropriate license), or explore other areas of the small territory. There are chances to enjoy nature with activities like birding, shelling, and hiking, and tours of the island’s historic Fort Massachusetts are also offered by providers.

© Beau Rivage

The Beau Rivage is a prime destination for visitors to Biloxi. This resort incorporates everything one needs for a relaxing and entertaining stay in the area, as it provides not only accommodation, but also a complete complex of dining, gambling, nightlife, and entertainment options. Beau Rivage has a concert and performance venue with over 1,500 seats, where famous musicians and performers regularly make appearances. Smaller events such as trunk and fashion shows are also known to grace the halls of the hotel. Beyond these show-stopping performances and events, Beau Rivage is equipped with a number of bars, restaurants, lounges, and club spaces for guests to party the night away. And for those who have come to Biloxi for its happening casino scene, Beau Rivage features a large, glamorous casino space with slots, table games, a poker room, and a luxury lounge. Next read: Biloxi beach

875 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, MS 39530, Phone: 228-386-7111

© Fly Llama Brewing

Say hello to one of the newest but most exciting craft breweries on Mississippi’s Gulf Coast – Fly Llama Brewing. Don’t let its short tenure on the craft beer scene fool you, Fly Llama Brewing has a heavyweight of a brewmaster in its owner and founder, David Reese. The craft beer world acknowledges experts in the brewing field through a third-level certification known as the Advanced Cicerone. There are currently less than 150 in the whole world, and not only is David Reese one of them, he’s also the only one in the state of Mississippi. David’s know-how and flair shine in every craft beer and hard seltzer that he brews. Utilizing locally sourced ingredients, Fly Llama’s offerings are known for balancing new-aged brewing techniques and the best that tradition has to offer. The brewery’s taproom offers up to 18 kinds of beer and seltzers, while flagship offerings include the Fly-PA, Fly Llager, and the Pineapple Satsuma.

186 Bohn Street, Biloxi, Mississippi 39530, Phone: 228-207-7757

© Biloxi Shrimping Trip

Running its seaside excursions since 1954, Biloxi Shrimping Trip takes visitors out on a real shrimping expedition on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The 70-minute boat journey is a fully immersive educational experience where one can see how shrimp are caught and even participate in the process. The tour begins with an explanation of the shrimping net and how it is used to catch the shrimp (and the other creatures, such as crabs and pufferfish, who often come along for the ride as well). The net is then dropped and dragged along the Gulf floor, only to be pulled up for an identification session of the catch of the day. The tour is child and pet-friendly.

693 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, MS 39530, Phone: 228-392-8645

© Biloxi Shuckers Baseball

Many come to Biloxi for the waves and sun, but there is plenty of fun to be had in town on dry land, including at MGM Park. This baseball diamond is the home of the Biloxi Shuckers, a minor league baseball team affiliated with the Milwaukee Brewers. The Shuckers welcome fans and families to enjoy a day of baseball during their season of games. MGM Park stadium has seating for over 6,000 patrons, making it a friendly yet lively venue. The facility has concessions, a team store, and a lounge. Special events such as fireworks displays, games between innings, and holiday-themed events and contests regularly take place at Shuckers games.

906 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, MS 39530, Phone: 228-233-3465

© Grind Coffee & Nosh

Coffee connoisseurs in Biloxi are certain to know the name of Grind Coffee & Nosh, a premier regional destination for fine food and espresso drinks. The baristas at Grind take pride in their coffee, serving only cups that come out perfectly. They serve both traditional filter coffee and espresso-based concoctions, in addition to a full menu of breakfast, lunch, and dinner selections. The Grind is best known for its lineup of paninis made in the classic Italian style. A stone fireplace, open seating area, and plush couches make the café a cozy, comfortable place to enjoy a meal or spend an afternoon.

934 Cedar Lake Rd, Biloxi, MS 39532, Phone: 228-392-3305

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Harrah’s has established its brand as a quality casino and accommodation destination, and Harrah’s Gulf Coast maintains this reputation in standout fashion. Harrah’s Gulf Coast has it all in one package—so much more than just a hotel, the resort includes a large casino, pool and spa, several dining options, and even a concert venue. Known as the Great Lawn, this venue faces the coastline and provides an all-ages-welcome space for musical performances by well-known acts each Saturday night. In addition to all this, Harrah’s also has its own 18-hole golf course, which was designed by legend of the sport Jack Nicklaus. Gulf Coast beaches

280 Beach Boulevard, Biloxi, MS 39530, Phone: 800-946-2946

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Hurricane Katrina was an incredibly significant event in the lives of Biloxi citizens. As one of the largest cities along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Biloxi was hit especially hard by this vicious natural disaster. The memorial on Biloxi’s main street is a fitting tribute to this massive tragedy and the impact it had on the community. The Hurricane Katrina Memorial consists of several parts—one plaque describes the devastation the storm brought on the area, while another depicts a map that further illustrates the hurricane’s impact. A second piece of the memorial, which rises a symbolic 12 feet, the height the water level reached during the storm, lists the names of those who died or went missing during Katrina. A case also contains items found by residents from the nearby buildings.

Highway 90 & Main St. - Biloxi Town Green, Biloxi, MS,39530

© Island Time Charters

Island Time Charters is a Biloxi-based charter boat company specializing in light tackle fishing cruises in the waters of the Gulf. The company’s boats are housed at Point Cadet Marina, which serves as a convenient launching point for inshore fishing or trips further out into the Gulf of Mexico. Island Time Charters can accommodate up to four people, and every charter is manned by their professional staff, each one of whom is trained in emergency and safety procedures. Anglers can head out on half or full-days cruises in pursuit of local catches like flounder, speckled trout, and red snapper. For those less enthusiastic about fishing, Island Time also offers sunset and sightseeing cruises.

Phone: 228-217-1313

© Jefferson Davis Presidential Library

The large complex that includes the residence and presidential library of the only president of the Confederate States of America, which existed from 1861 to 1865 during the United States Civil War, is part of a Biloxi estate known as Beauvoir. Beauvoir was Jefferson Davis’s home during his postwar retirement, and today, the entire site is a tribute to the work of this man. In addition to the residential building and the library, the estate also includes several statues and pavilions and even an artificial waterfall. Although it was heavily damaged during Hurricane Katrina, Beauvoir has since been restored and opened to visitors.

2244 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, MS 39531, Phone: 228-388-4400

© Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum

The Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum is a great introduction to two of the important seafaring industries that have allowed the Gulf Coast to thrive over the years. The exhibits on display at the museum are richly curated and diverse in nature, covering topics such as shell fishing and accompanying pursuits like net repair, shrimp peeling, recreational fishing, and marine protection and conservation. In addition to these exhibits, the museum features a maritime-themed art gallery and a spacious theater. Two full-size replica Biloxi Schooners often traverse the waters just outside the museum, and special events such as the museum’s signature Sea-and-Sail camps and boat shows take place regularly.

115 1st Street Biloxi, MS 39530, Phone: 228-435-6320

© Mega-Bite Fishing Charters

Mega-Bite Fishing Charters sponsors charter light tackle and deep sea fishing trips off the coast of Biloxi in the Gulf of Mexico and Biloxi Bay. Mega-Bite operates all year round and takes pride in its commitment to meeting all the needs of its charter passengers. Up to six guests can join charters, which can be tailored to any event, such as a corporate gathering or bachelor or bachelorette party. On each of its trips, Mega-Bite provides ice, bait and tackle, water, and complimentary fish cleaning. Guests can request local destinations like Deer Island, Horn Island, or Ship Island, and charters can last between 4 and 8 hours.

3366 Bay Shore Drive, Biloxi, MS 39532, Phone: 877-797-0021

© Nauti-Toons Boat Rentals

Nauti-Toons is a pontoon boat specialist offering rentals at Point Cadet Marina in Biloxi. Nauti-Toons has a fleet of three boats that can handle between 10 and 14 passengers, transporting them to a day of fun on the Mississippi Sound and Biloxi Bay. The boats are easy to operate so that even novice drivers can handle them out on the water. Renters can take the boats out to nearby islands, beaches, and dockside restaurants, or park in the water for a few hours of splashing and swimming. Each boat is equipped with comfortable seating and easy access for getting in and out of the water.

119 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, MS 39530, Phone: 228-234-6969

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The Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art is a phenomenal complex of art, architectural, and historical exhibits that celebrate Mississippi’s own famed potter George Ohr and his unique works. The museum and its surrounding landscape were designed by architect Frank Gehry, and every structure on the campus is a new discovery of bold shapes and patterns. Permanent exhibitions focus on George Ohr himself, the legacy of Hurricane Katrina, and the family of Pleasant Reed, who escaped slavery and later settled in Biloxi. The museum can be explored independently or on group, guide-led tours, and the facility has a wide array of ceramics, pottery, and classes and workshops available to patrons.

386 Beach Boulevard, Biloxi, Mississippi 39530, Phone: 228-374-5547

© Old Biloxi Cemetery

A trip to the Old Biloxi Cemetery is a journey through the history of the town and its residents of yore. Many of the headstones in this cemetery date back all the way to the 1800s, and often they are adorned with intricate decoration and beautiful carvings. Additionally, the Old Biloxi Cemetery is the burying place of many of Biloxi’s most famous residents. They include famed potter George Ohr, local hero and former slave Pleasant Reed, and Brigadier General Joseph Robert Davis, who is actually the nephew of Confederacy president Jefferson Davis. Many enjoy strolling or driving through this burial place and soaking in the historical significance of its tombstones.

1166 Irish Hill Dr., Biloxi, MS 39530, Phone: 228-435-6279

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In 2005, Hurricane Katrina displaced thousands of families and left several states in ruin. In Mississippi, the story was no different. When the water subsided, what was left were hundreds of collapsed homes and mile upon mile of trees that had been stripped and broken by the powerful wind and water. Out of the ashes of devastation arose a beautiful memorial as in 2007, artists descended upon the dead trees and began carving them into awesome and inspiring memorials. The Hurricane Katrina Tree Sculptures are now a popular and solemn 50-sculpture roadside attraction spanning the entire length of Highway 90. Among the many beautiful sculptures, visitors will also find the world’s largest eagle sculpture, standing at 17-feet tall.

Highway 90, Mississippi Gulf Coast, Biloxi, Mississippi 39530

© Walter Anderson Museum of Art

In addition to being a draw for casino lovers and beachcombers, Biloxi also has much to offer in the way of local culture and heritage. The Walter Anderson Museum of Art, also known as WAMA, is a prime example of the town’s thriving art scene, which focuses largely on American art. In particular, WAMA celebrates the work of its namesake, Walter Inglis Anderson, a Gulf Coast native who is lauded as one of the finest American painters of the 20th century. Anderson is best known for his imagery depicting the natural world and the people of the region in which he lived. The museum features works from different media created both by Anderson and his two brothers, who also excelled in the visual arts.

510 Washington Avenue, Ocean Springs, MS, 39564, Phone: 228-872-3164

© Escape at Margaritaville Resort

What do you get when you marry the best of what arcades have to offer with the fun and excitement of an amusement park? In Biloxi, Mississippi, you get the Escape Entertainment Center. Located within the Margaritaville Resort, Escape boasts 55,000 square meters of indoor adventure activities and a sprawling obstacle course for the brave of heart. Not to be forgotten is Escape’s impressive collection of over 200 arcade games. Visitors can choose from various packages to maximize their time at the entertainment center before heading out to enjoy the rest of the features and activities that Margaritaville Resort has to offer.

195 Beach Boulevard, Biloxi, Mississippi 39530, Phone: 228-271-6377

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There’s a lot of pride in Biloxi for its Fire Department, and with good reason! Their historic fire department was first established on September 19, 1883, as a volunteer group. Over the years, it evolved into a full-paid fire department and eventually settled into its first home, the West End Hose Co. #3, in 1937. Today, the firehouse is a beloved local museum that is home to a treasured display of various artifacts from the fire department’s many years of history. Some of the Biloxi Fire Museum’s must-see displays include an 1880’s horse cart, a 1923 chain-driven fire engine, a 1908 steam fire engine, and some of the department's original fire bells.

1046 E. Howard Avenue, Biloxi, Mississippi 39530, Phone: 228-435-6119

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If you have a soft spot for American Naval history or an interest in distinguished warships, then the USS Biloxi Mast is a definite must-visit. This 10,000-ton ship was fondly referred to as “The Busy Bee” by its dedicated 1,200-officer crew and served the US Navy from January 1944 up until May 1945. During its war tenure, the USS Biloxi was awarded nine battle stars and completed one of the longest nonstop tours of combat duty in the history of US warships. Although the ship was decommissioned near the end of 1945 and later broken up, the superstructure of this 608-foot vessel can still be found at the harbor alongside a Purple Heart display, garden, and other war-related items.

693 Beach Boulevard, Biloxi Small Craft Harbor, Biloxi, Mississippi 39530

© Big Play Family Fun Center

They don’t call this entertainment center Big Play for nothing! Larger than life in every sense, the Big Play Family Fun Center is a behemoth of a complex with all kinds of activities and complexes to keep the whole family entertained for an entire day. Feeling competitive? Families can put their flexibility and stealth skills to the test through the twists and turns of Big Play’s Laser Maze. For visitors looking for something with a little more “oomph”, the bumper car track will deliver on just that. However, if you’re a family with a need for speed, the Big Play Raceway or the Family Track is the place to be. That’s not all that the Big Play Family Fun Center has to offer though, as visitors can also enjoy a round of laser tag, dozens of top-rated games at the arcade, a round of bowling, or some put-put at the 18-hole mini-golf course.

1842 Beach Boulevard, Biloxi, Mississippi 39531, Phone: 228-388-7529

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Over fifty years ago, Hurricane Camille ripped through Mississippi, taking the lives of nearly 200 people in the state of Mississippi, and over 250 across the country. The Hurricane Camille Memorial is a sobering reminder of just how powerful Mother Nature can be, as it stands on a beachfront that had previously been ravaged by the said hurricane. At the memorial, visitors can see the memorial wall, which has the names of the hurricane’s victims etched on it, as well as a ring on the ground that depicts the eye of the storm on it. Located at Biloxi’s Small Craft Harbor, the memorial is just one possible stop among many others and is the perfect pit stop for a day at the waterfront.

Highway 90 and Bellman Street, Biloxi Small Craft Harbor, Biloxi, Mississippi 39530