7 Best Things to Do in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi

By VacationIdea Staff on October 26, 2022 - Updated

7 Best Things to Do in Bay St. Louis, MS

The City of Bay Saint Louis, "A Place Apart"

This city is situated in Mississippi, on the west side of the Bay of St Louis, on the Gulf Coast. The prevalent Creole culture is a fusion of French and African influences. The most defining event in recent history was the devastating Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The storm surge reached 30 feet and wreaked havoc, destroying many structures. Among those damaged were several seafront properties, the public library and the Bay St Louis Bridge which broke into segments. Many people were evacuated and some did not return. Others have rebuilt the city and rekindled tourism.

We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.

1.Alice Moseley Folk Art and Antique Museum

Alice Moseley was an acclaimed artist in the idyllic folk art genre. She painted rural Southern life as she wanted it would be, up until her death in 2004 at the age of 94. Her son opened the museum in her home, the Blue House, but it was later moved to the Bay St Louis Railroad Depot. The museum offers tours of her work and sells prints at the museum shop and online. The museum is closed on Sundays. Admission is free.

1928 Depot Way, Bay St. Louis, MS 39520, Phone: 228-467-9223

2.Our Lady of the Gulf Church, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi

The current church building was built in 1908 after a devastating fire destroyed the previous complex. The interior was completed to a very high standard. The high altar is made of Italian Carrerra marble and there is a large picture of Jesus and his mother, in her role as Our Lady of the Gulf behind it. The painting depicts 17th century sailing ships near the shore. The beautiful stained-glass windows were made in Germany. The church has daily mass and weekly confessions. Community outreaches include making blankets and dinners for the poor, especially those that were badly affected by Hurricane Katrina.

228 South Beach Blvd., Bay St. Louis, MS 39520, Phone: 228-467-6509

3.100 Men D.B.A. Hall, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi

In 1894, 12 African American men came together and formed the 100 Men Debating Benevolent Association. They pledged friendship, care and burial of all members. In 1922, they built an outdoor pavilion and hall to preserve the musical history of the founders. The venue was on the Chitlin Circuit and hosted many famous gospel, jazz and R&B artists. It is now on the Mississippi Blue Trail and still has open mic evenings and fundraisers to bury its members. The 100 Women DBA raises money for the preservation of the building and scholarships. The hall is available for rental for private functions.

303 Union Street • Bay St. Louis, MS 39520, Phone: 228-342-5770

4.Bay St Louis Little Theatre, Bay St. Louis, MS

The first Bay St Loius Little Theatre building was formed out of two army surplus barracks, one placed vertically for the audience and the other horizontally for the stage. The structure stood for more than 50 years until it was destroyed in 2005 by Hurricane Katrina. The theatre company rescued and restored an abandoned building which had had a brief moment of glory in a film aptly named, 'This Property is Condemned'. After reopening in 2010, all seats were sold out for two years. It has subsequently been granted many awards. There are new productions monthly.

398 Blaize Avenue, Bay St. Louis, MS 39520, Phone: 228-467-9024

5.The Sycamore House, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi

The Sycamore House is both home and workplace to husband and wife team, Michael and Stella. The two chefs moved to the area in 2002 and opened a restaurant in this historic building on Main Street. Two mid-19th century cottages were joined together to form one dwelling, formerly known as the Mauffrey Boarding House. There are two dining rooms and an outdoor porch and patio. Mature oaks offer much welcome shade. The food is globally inspired with seafood dishes and New York style pizzas as highlights. The restaurant is open from Wednesdays to Sundays.

210 Main St, Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi, Phone: 228-469-0107

6.Trapani's Eatery, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi

Like so many businesses in Bay St Louis, Hurricane Katrina caused havoc for Trapani's Eatery. Jolynne and Tony ran the beachfront restaurant from 1994 and were renowned for their hospitality. After Katrina, they moved to temporary premises but resolved to rebuild on the original spot in Old Town. In 2012, they moved back to a sturdy two-story building with a balcony bar upstairs. They serve seafood, pasta, steaks and chef's specials. Catering is customized for large or intimate occasions. There is a choice of two venues for private parties. Trapani's is open 7 days a week.

116 North Beach Blvd., Bay St. Louis, MS, Phone: 228-467-8570

7.Cuz's Oyster Bar and Grill, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi

Cuz's is a family owned and run restaurant. It was opened on the beachfront in Old Town in 2004. Fresh produce, seafood, bread and beers are delivered to their premises each morning. The cuisine is Southern and the décor is nautical. Diners can sit inside or outside where there are views of the Gulf Coast. They serve primarily seafood but also have grills, pasta, soup, salads and side dishes on the menu. They are open 7 days a week.

108 S Beach Blvd., Bay St Louis, MS 39520, Phone: 228-467-3707

7 Best Things to Do in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi

Alice Moseley Folk Art and Antique Museum, Photo: Alice Moseley Folk Art and Antique Museum
Our Lady of the Gulf Church, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, Photo: Our Lady of the Gulf Church
100 Men D.B.A. Hall, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, Photo: 100 Men D.B.A. Hall
Bay St Louis Little Theatre, Bay St. Louis, MS, Photo: ebacklund/stock.adobe.com
The Sycamore House, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, Photo: Rawpixel.com/stock.adobe.com
Trapani's Eatery, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, Photo: Trapani's Eatery
Cuz's Oyster Bar and Grill, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, Photo: Cuz's Oyster Bar and Grill
Cover Photo: The City of Bay Saint Louis, "A Place Apart"

More Ideas: The Carroll House Bed and Breakfast

Located along the tranquil shores of the beautiful Gulf of Mexico in Bay St. Louis, the Carroll House Bed and Breakfast is a delightful inn that promises a relaxing getaway. Just a short stroll away from the quaint beach town of Bay St. Louis, the Carroll House Bed and Breakfast offer an unforgettable vacation experience with stylishly appointed accommodations with private bathrooms, inviting living areas, delicious, homemade cuisine, and private porches with beautiful garden views.

The Inn features three luxuriously appointed guest rooms and suites with private en-suite bathrooms and verandas overlooking the garden, gourmet cuisine, and an array of amenities and facilities. The Carroll House Bed and Breakfast is a short walk away from the heart of Old Town Bay St. Louis, which is home to charming antique shops, art galleries showcasing local artworks, and several excellent restaurants, and casual cafés.

Guest Accommodations

The Carroll House Bed and Breakfast feature three luxuriously appointed guest rooms and a private cottage with elegant country-style décor and private en-suite bathrooms. The guest rooms have king or queen-size pillow-top beds dressed in luxurious linens, comforters, and plush pillows, and en-suite bathrooms with shower/bath combinations, fresh towels, and branded bath products. Sitting areas have comfortable armchairs, and modern in-room conveniences include flat-screen televisions with cable channels, hairdryers, irons and ironing boards, and complimentary wireless Internet.

The Master Suite features a private entrance and a king-size bed dressed in luxurious linens, comforters, and plush pillows, and an en-suite bathroom with an antique clawfoot bathtub and separate shower. This luxurious suite has a comfortable sitting area that opens onto a private porch with lovely views.

The Sunshine Room is a bright and cheerful room with a wrought iron queen-size bed dressed in luxurious linens, comforters, and plush pillows, antique furnishings, and an en-suite bathroom with footed tub/shower combination, fresh towels, and branded bath products.

The Sunset Room has a beautiful bay window with glorious views, and features a king-size bed dressed in luxurious linens, comforters, and plush pillows, and an en-suite bathroom with an antique clawfoot bathtub and separate shower fresh towels, and branded bath products. A spacious sitting area has antique furnishings and comfortable seating and modern amenities including a flat-screen television with cable channels, and complimentary wireless Internet.

The Carroll House Cottage can accommodate up to four guests and is beautifully decorated in relaxed beach décor with original artworks and soft hues. The charming cottage features a queen-size bed dressed in luxurious linens, comforters, and plush pillows, and a shared bathroom with a bath/shower combination, fresh towels, and branded bath products. The Carroll House Cottage also features a fully equipped kitchen with a washing machine and tumble dryer, a spacious living area with a double futon-style bed for additional guests, comfortable seating, and modern amenities such as a flat-screen television with cable channels, and complimentary wireless Internet.

Dining

A hearty, gourmet breakfast is served every morning in the dining room or on the patio and includes freshly baked bread and pastries, seasonal fruit, cereals and yogurt, a variety of signature dishes, and freshly brewed coffee, tea, and juices.

Amenities and Recreation

The Carroll House Bed and Breakfast offers a selection of amenities and facilities for guests to enjoy, including bicycles for exploring the area, complimentary breakfast served in the dining room every morning and venues for special celebrations and gatherings.

Weddings & Events

The Carroll House Bed and Breakfast cater for special events and functions such as wedding parties, corporate events, or intimate occasions with family. The charming Inn offers luxurious accommodations, comfortable communal areas, delicious cuisine, and a convenient location within walking distance of Bay St Louis’ attractions. Exclusive wedding packages include the use of the facility and gardens, ceremony and Champagne toasts, a wedding arch and garden chairs, set-up, champagne and cake service, and clean-up, audiovisual and entertainment systems, and a customized wedding cake.

Local Attractions

Located in Bay St Louis in the heart of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the Carroll House Bed and Breakfast is ideally placed for exploring the region, which is packed with things to see and do. Networks of winding waterways, beautiful sandy beaches, hiking and nature trails, state parks and beautiful playgrounds offer an array of activities and adventures for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure-lovers. Outdoor adventures along the Gulf Coast include kayaking, canoeing, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, bird watching, camping and picnicking. Family activities include shrimping trips, exploring the Infinity Science Center, visiting children’s museums, waterparks, or taking a nature tour at the Pascagoula River Audubon Center.

Arts and cultural activities include art galleries, museums, such as the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum, Beauvoir, the home of Jefferson Davis, the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center and the INFINITY Science Center. There are also many restaurants, cafés, bars, various forms of entertainment, and nightlife activities to enjoy.

304 Carroll Ave, Bay St Louis, MS 39520, Phone: 228-466-5210

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