Places Welcoming You
|
Cajun RV Park Biloxi, Mississippi |
|
|
Campground at Barnes Crossing Tupelo, Mississippi |
A successful trip to the Mississippi Gulf Coast will begin and end with just two things: sand and surf. But in between, there’s more to enjoy in the state’s southernmost region than merely soaking up rays while the waves roll in.
Mississippi’s beaches are as diverse as the people who frequent them. Enjoy a quiet, relaxing afternoon on the sand in Pass Christian and Long Beach, or cast a line from the piers at Bay St. Louis. Head to Old Town for a lively walking tour of a community that’s been thriving for more than 300 years. Popular spots on the tour include the Angelone House, a bungalow cottage built in the 1890s, and the Landmark Building—a unique mashup of a Creole cottage and shotgun shack that now functions as a restaurant.
It’s hard to imagine wanting some time in water that’s not beach-adjacent, but the cool water parks along the coast are just as popular with families as the warm Gulf waters. Head to Buccaneer Bay in Waveland or Gulf Islands Waterpark in Gulfport with the younger ones in your family for some freshwater adventure.
Grown-up fun is the name of the game at casinos like Beau Rivage, Boomtown Casino and Golden Nugget. Whether you prefer slots or high-stakes table games, there’s a casino on the coast that has your number.
Visit Mississippi
From the sandy shores to the farthest reaches of space, the Infinity Science Center serves as the official visitor center for NASA’s Stennis Space Center. Guests can visit and learn about ocean exploration, earth and space science, and the cooperative efforts of scientists who specialize in marine research, aeronautics and high-tech operations.
Gulfport’s Institute for Marine Mammal Studies shares its conservation mission with visitors to the facility as well as through outreach programs. The IMMS teaches the public about the preservation and protection of sea turtles and dolphins; both species are the focus of ongoing rescue and rehabilitation efforts by IMMS staff. The institute’s on-site programs let guests meet dolphins in person.
The Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum showcases the history of the state’s primary economic driver, with authentic replicas and detailed exhibits that tell the story of Mississippi’s seafaring past and present. Marvel at wooden boats and their construction, and learn about the impact of hurricanes on the state throughout the decades.
The farm-to-table food movement is big, and you can see how your favorite seafood makes it to shore on a shrimping trip out in the Gulf of Mexico. Shrimping trips out of Biloxi introduce guests to the finesse of shrimping on a trawler through education and entertainment courtesy of the boat crew. These trips also reveal the variety of other sea creatures in the Gulf: oysterfish, squid, blue crabs and flounder are just some of the species you’ll see.
One of the best ways to see the coast is by ferry. Daily ferry service runs to the barrier islands that are part of Gulf Islands National Seashore, where swimming and shelling are among the favorite pastimes for visitors. West Ship Island is home to Fort Massachusetts, where scheduled tours allow guests to explore the defenses that were constructed just after the War of 1812 and have survived both conflict and natural disaster.
Get ready to spin a big fish tale when you head out for some serious coastal fishing. Whether you’re standing on a pier or traversing the waves on a boat offshore, Gulf Coast fishing can land some tasty trophies. Grab a license and cast your line for king mackerel, trout, amberjack, redfish and much more.
Visit Mississippi
As the leader of the Confederate states during the Civil War, Jefferson Davis left a legacy that inspires many history buffs to make the pilgrimage to Beauvoir, his 51-acre homestead in Biloxi. The property, Davis’ final residence, boasts a presidential library and museum as well as the Tomb of the Unknown Confederate Soldier. Visitors can walk the beautiful grounds of the restored rose garden, originally cultivated by his wife, Varina Davis.
The coastal landscape provides shelter and nesting grounds for many elegant species of migratory birds, including bald eagles, osprey, egrets and the Mississippi sandhill crane. The Mississippi Coastal Birding Trail leads bird-watchers to the Magnolia Birding Pier in Pascagoula, Lake Mars Boat Launch and Pier near Gautier, and—just inland—the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge.
Few things are more stunning than a sunset on the Gulf of Mexico, and cruises out to the waters provide guests with an experience that’s hard to forget. Spot some dolphins at play around Biloxi’s peninsula and barrier islands, or navigate the waves on a replica oyster schooner. Charter companies can be found up and down the coast, with vessels suited to boating enthusiasts of all levels of experience.
Mississippi Gulf Coast Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau
228-896-6699
Mississippi Development Authority
866-733-6477