Whether planning a quick weekend escape or a longer road trip, here are 29 excellent things to do in Coastal Mississippi that will leave you invigorated, impressed, and undoubtedly planning your next return.
Coastal Mississippi is where Southern charm meets coastal tranquility—picture warm breezes, picturesque sunsets, and vibrant towns with a welcoming vibe. Nestled along the Mississippi Sound and the Gulf of America, this stretch of the state is brimming with activities that promise excitement, serenity, and everything in between.
From the artistic havens of Ocean Springs to the lively casinos of Biloxi, travelers looking to explore this coastal gem will find no shortage of incredible experiences. The presence of palm trees along Mississippi’s coastline may come as a delightful surprise to many.
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Discover Coastal Mississippi’s Unique Charm
1. Visit the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art
Step into the world of George E. Ohr, the “Mad Potter of Biloxi,” at this architectural marvel designed by renowned builder Frank Gehry (think Guggenheim, Biomuseo, Walt Disney Hall). The Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art boasts an eclectic mix of pottery, ceramics, rotating exhibits, and insights into Gulf Coast cultural heritage.
The interpretive center offers visitors the opportunity to explore Gulf Coast cultural heritage, particularly from an African-American perspective. Additional amenities include a gift shop, welcome center, and pod galleries. The museum is closed on Sundays. Adult tickets are $12.
Fun Fact: George E. Ohr, widely regarded as America’s first art potter, crafted exquisite sculptural and abstract pieces with a distinctive aesthetic, predating the Abstract Expressionist movement by half a century.
2. Immerse Yourself at the Mississippi Aquarium
Home to over 200 animal species, the Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport is one of Coastal Mississippi’s most visited attractions. It offers a mix of education, awe-inspiring entertainment, and conservation efforts. Watch dolphins leap, touch a stingray, and explore biomes ranging from coral reefs to kelp forests.
Among the captivating residents are North American river otters, birds, snapping turtles, crocodiles, stingrays, Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, and nurse sharks. The online calendar includes additional events like yoga, summer camps, homeschool days, and birthday parties.
Take advantage of one of the newer exhibits, Changing Tides, featuring diverse biomes like kelp forests, rainforests, and coral reefs. Secure discounted tickets by purchasing them online.
Pro Tip: Guests with sensory needs can request KultureCity® Sensory bags.
3. Visit The District on Howard Avenue
This revitalized strip in Biloxi features everything from trendy record stores to the famous Ground Zero Blues Club. It’s the ideal spot to soak in local charm.
4. Cool Off at Gulf Islands Waterpark
With a lazy river, wave pool, spacious cabanas, and towering water slides, Gulf Islands Waterpark, the largest on the Gulf Coast, is perfect for a full day of fun. There’s even a designated area for the little ones to splash around. You’ll find plenty of snack shacks to choose from, too. Plan to stay all day!
5. Be Amazed by the Biloxi Lighthouse
This iconic landmark has stood tall since 1848 and offers incredible coast views from the top. Be sure to snap a photo of this historic gem during your visit.
Take Your Adventure Outdoors
6. Bask on Biloxi’s Beaches
Stretch out on 62 miles of white sand along Biloxi’s beaches, ideal for relaxation and picture-perfect sunsets. Dip your toes in the inviting Gulf of America waters, or set off on a paddleboarding or fishing adventure. Consider visiting Long Beach or Bay St. Louis for an exceptionally tranquil outing.
7. Take a Boat Trip to Ship Island
Part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, Ship Island is a pristine destination for dolphin watching, birding, or simply enjoying the remote beaches.
8. Cast a Line
Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy freshwater and deep-sea adventures along the coast with plenty of charter options. The Gulf’s waters are rich with redfish, snapper, and speckled trout.
9. Kayak the Bayous
Guided kayak tours through the region’s scenic bayous offer a chance to immerse yourself in nature. Enjoy spotting native wildlife like herons, turtles, and maybe even an alligator.
Recharge with Unique Accommodations
10. Stay at Hotel Pass Christian
Experience coastal luxury at Hotel Pass Christian, a highly praised hotel where tastefully designed rooms and serene water views guarantee a rejuvenating stay. This luxurious boutique hotel offers tastefully curated rooms, tastefully designed magazine-worthy elements, stunning waterfront views, and every detail you’d expect from a premium retreat—including pet-friendly perks!
Our second-floor suite, a breathtaking haven, beckoned with its picturesque furniture, complemented by captivating beaded chandeliers, whimsical prints, vibrant fabrics, and elegant accent pieces. The bedroom, featuring access to a water-view porch, housed a make-up desk and coffee maker with specialty pods.
11. Enjoy Luxury at Beau Rivage Casino & Resort
If you’re planning a trip to Biloxi, there’s one name you absolutely need to know—Beau Rivage Casino & Resort, affectionately called “the Beau.” This all-in-one destination strikes the perfect balance between top-tier gaming, impressive entertainment, and stylish accommodations.
Foodies will delight in the resort’s dining options, but beyond the incredible food scene, the Beau boasts a stunning waterfront pool, perfect for unwinding, and a great spa. If retail therapy is on your agenda, the resort’s shopping will please.
Even if gambling isn’t your thing—or you’re traveling with kids—you’ll find plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained.
Check out my full Beau Rivage post for all the details.
Family-Friendly Fun
12. Dive into Ocean Adventures Marine Park
Located in Gulfport, Ocean Adventures Marine Park is the perfect family-friendly spot for learning, fun, and adventures. Guests can:
- Catch a sea lion, bird, and dolphin shows
- Walk through Tweeter Post, a walk-through aviary, and feed the parakeets
- Interact and touch stingrays in their 12’ deep pool
- Play on a pirate-themed playground
- Take the Tour Train ride
- Visit the Discovery Center aquariums and touch pools for reptile presentations, more touch pools, and excellent display aquariums
For a few extra dollars, you can also get in the water with the sea lions and dolphins, which includes kisses, a handshake, and more. This fan-favorite park is open daily from 9 AM to 4 PM.
13. Catch a Shuckers Baseball Game
For sports fans, head to Keesler Park (formerly MGM) in Biloxi to watch a minor league game. Located right across from Beau Rivage, this stadium offers family-friendly fun and America’s favorite pastime. The Biloxi Shuckers are the Double-A Biloxi Shuckers of the Southern League, named to reference Coastal Mississippi’s oyster industry and seafood heritage.
14. Explore the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center
Perfect for families, this 15,000-square-foot Gulfport treasure features interactive exhibits like treehouses and climbing structures. Kids can pretend to be veterinarians or shopkeepers, imitate cooking classes, or enjoy the Super Colossal Climbing structure.
Outdoors, experience treehouse play, Kids Street, and Bear Creek. Sensory Friendly Days are the second Sunday of each month from 10 AM to 12 PM, providing a comfortable learning experience, with light and sound reduction, for children on the autism spectrum and their families.
Admission to Lynn Meadow’s Discovery Center is $12, with reduced pricing after 3 PM on weekdays. Enjoy free admission from 5 to 8 PM on the last Friday of the month, sponsored by Hancock Whitney and Mississippi Power.
15. Explore the Mississippi Aviation Heritage Museum
The Mississippi Aviation Heritage Museum is a fascinating treasure trove for aviation enthusiasts and curious minds. With flight simulators, STEM-interactive touch tables, and the Mississippi Aviation Hall of Fame, this interactive museum is a must-visit for all ages.
My favorite was the state-of-the-art theater simulating the interior of an airplane.
Want more of Mississippi? Check out these 55 things we recommend around the whole state.
16. Chill Out with Snowballs at Sea Level
Take a refreshing break and enjoy the finest snowballs in Coastal Mississippi at Sea Level, a waterfront shack in Pass Christian. Indulge in a watermelon, pineapple, or Tiger’s Blood snowball, or grab a delicious burger lauded as the best on the coast.
With outdoor games and a harbor view, it’s relaxation with a capital “R.”
Gambling and Casino Life
17. Try Your Luck at the Casinos
The impressively modern casinos in Biloxi, Gulfport, and Bay St. Louis offer excitement and top-notch gaming opportunities featuring thousands of slot machines, table games, and dining options. In addition to The Beau mentioned above, there are the Hard Rock, Scarlet Pearl, Golden Nugget, Harrah’s, Palace, IP, Treasure Bay, Silver Slipper, Boomtown, Island View, and Hollywood Casinos. You’ll find 24-hour gaming and nonstop entertainment.
Besides Nevada, I haven’t been anywhere with as many great casinos as Coastal Mississippi.
18. Marvel at Treasure Bay Casino’s Chihuly Chandeliers
With incredible Dale Chihuly chandeliers and an intimate gaming experience, Treasure Bay Casino and Hotel offers a unique coastal vibe. The casino floor is appealing and comfortable, and the smaller, intimate atmosphere enticed us to keep spinning the reels.
Explore History, Art, and Culture
19. Admire Walter Anderson’s Masterpieces
Ocean Springs’ Walter Anderson Museum of Art is a haven for art lovers and enthusiasts. Featuring everything from iconic nature-inspired watercolors to awe-inspiring murals, it celebrates Mississippi’s rich artistic heritage.
Anderson left a profound impact through his distinctive art style, characterized by earth-toned colors, nature themes, and whimsical motifs.
20. Learn Local History at Beauvoir
Step back in time at the accessible Jefferson Davis Home and Presidential Library. This Mississippi Historic Landmark includes Davis’ library, the house, sprawling gardens, and the Confederate Cemetery.
The Civil War artifacts and exhibits at Beauvoir are most interesting. Tours are offered seven days a week for $13 per adult and $7 for children.
21. Get Creative at the Gulfport Art and Cultural Center
Housed in the historic Carnegie Library, the Gulfport Art and Cultural Center showcases locally crafted art pieces, offering everything from paintings and ceramics to jewelry and books. Feeling inspired? Sign up for one of their hands-on art classes or camps.
22. Shop in Bay St. Louis
From Fleurty Girl‘s irresistibly quirky New Orleans-inspired goods to vintage finds at Magnolia Antiques, Bay St. Louis’s local shops are full of treasures waiting to be discovered. A few other favorites are Gallery 220 and 211 Main.
23. Step Into Mardi Gras Culture
The Coastal Mississippi Mardi Gras Museum showcases dazzling, hand-stitched costumes and artifacts that bring this festive tradition to life. The costumes are jaw-droppingly gorgeous, and there is even a place where you can get gussied up in krewe clothing and take photos.
Tickets are $8, Monday through Friday.
Indulge Your Taste Buds
24. Feast at Shaggy’s
Coastal Mississippi is home to Shaggy’s, where creative comfort food and Gulf views collide. The elevated bar eats menu is a must-try, from jalapeño hush puppies and gourmet burgers to Royal Reds and fried green tomatoes.
Shaggy’s is a popular place in town to gather for epic sunsets, so get there early to snag the best tables.
25. Dine at The Lady May in Ocean Springs
Located on Washington Avenue, this charming eatery with a picturesque patio stands out for its Southern-inspired dishes like the Biscuits & Jelly Board or the Mango Sriracha Salad. (add salmon). The Lady May‘s warm, charming atmosphere makes every bite even more special.
26. Indulge at Greenhouse on Porter
Greenhouse on Porter is known for its life-changing biscuits. This Downtown Biloxi gem serves sweet and savory options like oatmeal raisin and feta with roasted cherry tomatoes. Don’t skip their famous “fluff” creations!
The quiche and soup are quite excellent, too.
27. Enjoy Tapas at Mosaic Beer Garden
Mosaic is a trendy spot in Ocean Springs where you can find top-notch cocktail creations and finger-lickin’-good bites to accompany them. It is perfect for sharing delicious small plates (tapas) like Argentinian Empanadas.
My top picks for specialty drinks are the peach Bellini and any of the mojitos. Enjoy your drinks on Mosaic’s beautiful patio with twinkling lights.
28. Savor Coastal Cuisine at Thorny Oyster
Perched in Bay St. Louis, Thorny Oyster (in the Pearl Hotel) delivers an elegant and mouthwatering seafood dining experience. It is renowned for its exquisite wine, craft cocktails, and fresh seafood.
Every dish highlights the depth of Gulf flavors, from the velvety Lobster Bisque and Wedge Salad to the melt-in-your-mouth Red Snapper Almandine. End your meal with the peach and blueberry crisp—pure bliss.
29. Savor Delicious Coffee At These Local Hotspots
Housed in a historic Masonic lodge in Long Beach, Bankhouse Coffee serves fresh, expertly roasted brews. For something indulgent, don’t miss their bold cold brew or the espresso-topped affogato.
Jacked Up Coffee Bar takes pride in sourcing and roasting the finest coffee beans in small batches to craft your perfect cup. While pour-over is a beloved method, their NOLA iced coffee is my ideal caffeinated beverage, complemented by yummy dirty (shot of espresso) matchas.
Make Coastal Mississippi Your Next Destination
Coastal Mississippi exudes a unique blend of relaxation, culture, and adventure, perfect for travelers looking for something unique. Whether savoring freshly caught seafood, strolling along quiet beaches, or marveling at artistic treasures, this region offers unforgettable experiences at every turn.
Now that you’ve discovered the incredible things to do in Coastal Mississippi, it’s time to start planning your trip. Don’t just read about it—experience it for yourself.
Thanks to Coastal Mississippi for hosting me on a familiarization trip and including my hotel and some meals. As always, reviews and opinions are 100% mine and unbiased.
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