Small town · Hancock County
Bay St. Louis
Laid-back beach town with Old Town shops, a harbor and local restaurants.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Free
- Hurricane season runs June to November.
Day Trippin' › Mississippi
Mississippi day trips
104 places worth the drive, from the Gulf Coast and Natchez to the Delta's blues towns and the hills around Oxford and Tupelo, region by region, plus places to eat, stay and catch a movie. Want to know what's within 2 hours of home?
Enter your ZIPBiloxi, Gulfport and the Mississippi Gulf Coast 18 spots
Historic site · Harrison County
Beauvoir
Historic beachfront estate in Biloxi with a house tour, gardens and a museum.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Daily 9 am-5 pm; tours on the hour 10 am-4 pm
- Admission charged (check)
- Tours are guided on the hour. Prices on the official site.
Beach · Harrison County
Biloxi Beach
Miles of wide sand beach along Highway 90 between Biloxi and Gulfport, with casinos and seafood spots nearby.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round; swim May-Sep
- Free
- Water is calm and shallow. Heat and sun are strong in summer. Watch for beach advisories.
Historic site · Harrison County
Biloxi Lighthouse
Historic lighthouse standing in the median of Highway 90. A coast icon and a quick photo stop.
- Under 1 hr · Moderate
- Daily tours 9-10 am, weather permitting (check)
- Small fee for tours (check)
- Climbing the tower is steep and narrow. Tours stop in bad weather.
State park · Hancock County
Buccaneer State Park
Beachside park in Waveland with a seasonal water park, nature trail, disc golf and big campground.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round; water park summer only
- Mississippi State Parks day-use fee (per person); water park extra
- Water park hours are limited and seasonal (check). Hurricane-season closures possible.
National park · Jackson County
Davis Bayou Area
The only drive-in part of the Mississippi seashore. Bayou trails, bird watching, fishing and ranger programs a few minutes from downtown Ocean Springs.
- 2-3 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Free (boat launch fee)
- No swimming beach here. Closes during severe weather and storms. Saltwater fishing license needed to fish. Leash pets.
Water park · Harrison County
Gulf Islands Waterpark
The coast's big water park in Gulfport, now in its 20th year.
- Full day · Easy
- Summer season only (opened May 16 in 2026)
- Ticketed (check)
- Closed in fall and winter. Check the official site for dates and prices.
Museum · Hancock County
INFINITY Science Center
Space and Earth science museum linked to NASA, with big hands-on exhibits. Just off I-10 near the Louisiana line.
- 2-3 hrs · Easy
- Open about 4-5 days a week; days change by season (check)
- General admission $15 (check)
- Open days differ between pages on the official site, so confirm before you drive.
Family fun · Harrison County
Lynn Meadows Discovery Center
Big hands-on children's museum in Gulfport with a storybook-style outdoor play area.
- 2-3 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Admission charged (check)
- Best for kids 12 and under. Monday hours vary by season (check).
Museum · Harrison County
Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum
The story of Biloxi's shrimp boats, oysters and boat builders, close to the water.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Year-round; Sunday hours in summer only (check)
- Admission charged (check)
- Ask about schooner sails, which run on a separate schedule.
Aquarium · Harrison County
Mississippi Aquarium
Indoor and outdoor exhibits on Gulf and river life right on the Gulfport beachfront. Great with kids on a hot or rainy day.
- 2-3 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Ticketed (check current prices)
- Buy tickets online ahead for busy weekends. Hours and prices are on the official site.
Wildlife · Jackson County
Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge
Wet pine savanna that protects rare Mississippi sandhill cranes. Short trails and an observation deck near Gautier.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Trails sunrise to sunset; visitor center open a few days a week (check)
- Free
- Cranes are hard to spot. Bugs can be heavy in warm months. Visitor center days vary by source.
Small town · Jackson County
Ocean Springs
Artsy, walkable downtown under live oaks, with galleries, cafes and shops. One of the best small towns on the coast.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Free
- Busy during festival weekends. Park and walk Washington Ave.
Museum · Harrison County
Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art
Wild, one-of-a-kind pottery by George Ohr, the "Mad Potter of Biloxi", in striking modern buildings on Beach Blvd.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Tue-Sat; closed Sun, Mon and some holidays
- Adult $12, senior $10, student 6-17 $6, under 6 free (checked Nov 2026)
- Last entry 4:15 pm. Closed Mardi Gras Day.
Wildlife · Jackson County
Pascagoula River Audubon Center
Nature center on the wild Pascagoula River, with exhibits and outdoor programs.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Closed Sun and Mon (check)
- ? (check)
- Hours differ by source. Call before visiting.
State park · Jackson County
Shepard State Park
Quiet wooded park on the Pascagoula River with trails, disc golf and camping. Run by the City of Gautier.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- ? (check)
- City-run since 2013. Call the park for current hours and fees.
Island · Harrison County
Ship Island
A ferry ride from Gulfport to clear water, white sand and Fort Massachusetts. The best beach day on the Mississippi coast.
- Full day · Easy
- Ferry runs spring to fall only (about mid-March to early November in 2026)
- Ferry fare (check current price on msshipisland.com); fort tours free
- Book the ferry ahead. Bring shade, water and sunscreen. Ferry season ends in fall, so check dates before you go.
Museum · Jackson County
Walter Anderson Museum of Art
Bold, colorful art by a much-loved coast painter. Small, easy to see and in the heart of downtown Ocean Springs.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Year-round; closed some holidays
- Admission charged (check)
- Hours vary by source, so call ahead. Pair it with lunch in downtown Ocean Springs.
Jackson and Central Mississippi 14 spots
Museum · Madison County
Bill Waller Mississippi Craft Center
Gallery and shop of handmade Mississippi crafts just off the Natchez Trace in Ridgeland.
- 1 hr · Easy
- Tue-Sat (check)
- Free
- Hours vary by source.
Small town · Madison County
Canton
Historic courthouse square used in many movies, plus big flea markets in spring and fall.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Free
- Flea market weekends are crowded. Christmas lights on the square are a highlight.
Historic site · Hinds County
Eudora Welty House and Garden
Home and garden of a famous Mississippi writer, kept just as she left it.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Guided tours on set times; closed Sun and Mon (check)
- Adult $10, senior $8 (checked Nov 2026); free on the 13th
- House is guided tour only. Reservations recommended.
State park · Lincoln County
Lake Lincoln State Park
Quiet lake park near Wesson with fishing and camping.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Mississippi State Parks day-use fee (per person)
- Check the MDWFP site for current conditions.
National park · Hinds County
Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument
The family home of a civil rights leader, kept as it was. A moving, small-group ranger tour.
- 1 hr · Easy
- Tue-Sat; closed Sun and Mon
- Free
- Tours are for small groups (10 or fewer). Street parking is limited. Call ahead.
Museum · Hinds County
Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum
Rebuilt 1920s farm town, old tractors and seasonal festivals. Great for families.
- 2-3 hrs · Easy
- Mon-Sat 9 am-5 pm; closed Sundays
- Adult $8, child 3-17 $6, senior or military $7 (checked Nov 2026)
- Seasonal events have separate prices.
Family fun · Hinds County
Mississippi Children's Museum
Hands-on play museum in Jackson built for young kids, with outdoor gardens.
- 2-3 hrs · Easy
- Tue-Sun; closed Mondays
- Admission charged (check)
- Sunday closing time varies by source.
Museum · Hinds County
Mississippi Museum of Art
The state's main art museum, with a sculpture garden downtown. General admission is free.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Tue-Sun; closed Mondays
- Free general admission; some special shows ticketed
- Free first Saturdays through 2026.
Museum · Hinds County
Mississippi Museum of Natural Science
Aquariums, live animals and nature trails inside LeFleur's Bluff State Park in Jackson.
- 2-3 hrs · Easy
- Year-round; closed some holidays
- Adult $8, youth 3-18 $6 (check, may have gone up)
- Call ahead to confirm hours. Trails outside are short and easy.
Hike · Madison County
Mississippi Petrified Forest
Short trail past huge petrified logs millions of years old near Flora.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Year-round (check)
- Admission charged (check)
- Privately owned. Confirm hours and prices before going.
Historic site · Hinds County
Old Capitol Museum
The 1839 Greek Revival capitol, now a museum of state government history.
- 1 hr · Easy
- Wed-Fri 9 am-1 pm
- Free (check)
- Reservations recommended by the official site.
State park · Scott County
Roosevelt State Park
CCC-built park on Shadow Lake by Bienville National Forest, with kayak rentals, a pool slide and a scenic overlook.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Mississippi State Parks day-use fee (per person)
- Newly renovated in 2025. Pool and slide are seasonal.
Lake · Rankin County
Ross Barnett Reservoir
The state's biggest drinking-water lake, with parks, boating, fishing and lakeside trails near Jackson.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Vehicle fee at parks on peak weekends and holidays (check)
- Watch for storms on open water.
Museum · Hinds County
Two Mississippi Museums
The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and Museum of Mississippi History share one ticket. Powerful and very well done.
- Half day · Easy
- Tue-Sun; closed Mondays
- Adult $15, youth 4-22 $8, senior or military $13 (checked Nov 2026); free on Sundays
- Sunday hours differ between official pages (check). Free admission every Sunday.
Natchez, Vicksburg and the River 20 spots
Museum · Warren County
Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum
Museum in the building tied to the first bottling of Coca-Cola, with old ads and memorabilia.
- Under 1 hr · Easy
- Mon-Sat 9 am-5 pm, Sun 1:30-4:30 pm
- Small admission fee (check)
- Closed major holidays.
State park · Adams County
Bob M. Dearing Natchez State Park
Wooded park with a fishing lake famous for its state-record bass, near Natchez.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Mississippi State Parks day-use fee (per person)
- Lake status varies (check). Call the park office before going.
Waterfall · Wilkinson County
Clark Creek Natural Area
About 50 waterfalls in steep ravines near Woodville. Some of the best hiking in the state.
- Half day · Strenuous
- Year-round; best after rain
- Mississippi State Parks day-use fee (check)
- Trails are steep and slick. Foot traffic only. No camping.
Historic site · Adams County
Emerald Mound
The second-largest Mississippian-era ceremonial mound in the country. Climb to the top for wide views.
- Under 1 hr · Easy to moderate
- Year-round
- Free
- About 1 mile off the Parkway at milepost 10.3.
Historic site · Claiborne County
Grand Gulf Military Park
Civil War earthworks, a museum and an old town site on the river near Port Gibson.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Year-round (check hours)
- Admission charged (check)
- Hours and fees differ by source. Call ahead.
Historic site · Adams County
Grand Village of the Natchez Indians
Ceremonial mounds and a museum on the main town of the Natchez people.
- 1 hr · Easy
- Year-round (check)
- Free (check)
- Call to confirm hours.
Museum · Warren County
Jesse Brent Lower Mississippi River Museum
Free Corps of Engineers museum on the river and how people live and work with it.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Mon-Sat 9 am-4 pm, Sun 1-4 pm
- Free
- Holiday hours vary.
Historic site · Adams County
Longwood
Huge unfinished mansion from 1860-61. Work stopped at the Civil War and was never finished.
- 1 hr · Easy
- Daily 9 am-4 pm, last tour 3 pm (check)
- Ticketed through Natchez Pilgrimage Tours (check)
- Buy tickets online or at the Main Street office.
Historic site · Jefferson County
Mount Locust
One of the last original inns on the old Natchez Trace, from about 1779.
- Under 1 hr · Easy
- Year-round (check hours)
- Free
- At milepost 15.5 on the Parkway.
Small town · Adams County
Natchez
Historic river town with antebellum homes, river bluff views and great food.
- Full day · Easy
- Year-round; Pilgrimage in spring and fall
- Free to wander; home tours charged
- Book home tours ahead during Pilgrimage seasons.
National park · Adams County
Natchez National Historical Park
Melrose estate and the William Johnson House tell the story of Natchez, enslaved and free.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Daily; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day
- William Johnson House free; Melrose tours (check)
- Part of the William Johnson House may be closed for work (check).
Scenic drive · Adams County
Natchez Trace Parkway
Slow, scenic parkway that starts in Natchez and runs north across the state. Stop at mounds, swamps and old inns.
- Full day · Easy
- Year-round
- Free
- Speed limit is low. Watch for cyclists and deer. Check NPS conditions page for closures.
Lake · Franklin County
Okhissa Lake
Lake of about 1,075 acres in the Homochitto National Forest with fishing, boating and picnic areas.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Day-use fee per vehicle (check)
- No swimming from the shore.
Museum · Warren County
Old Court House Museum
Vicksburg's 1858 courthouse, packed with Civil War and local history.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Mon-Sat 8:30 am-4 pm; Sunday closed for now
- Small admission fee (check)
- Sunday is temporarily closed.
Historic site · Adams County
Rosalie Mansion
1820s mansion and gardens in Natchez, run by the DAR, with docent-led tours.
- 1 hr · Easy
- Daily; shorter hours Nov-Feb
- $20 public fee (checked Nov 2026)
- Docent-led tours. Veterans discount.
Wildlife · Adams County
St. Catherine Creek National Wildlife Refuge
Swamps and bluffs south of Natchez with a trail to a bird rookery and wildlife blind.
- Half day · Easy to moderate
- Year-round
- Free
- Trails may flood in wet seasons. Waterproof boots help.
Historic site · Adams County
Stanton Hall
One of the grandest mansions in Natchez, built about 1857 and a National Historic Landmark.
- 1 hr · Easy
- Year-round tours
- Ticketed through Natchez Pilgrimage Tours (check)
- Book through Natchez Pilgrimage Tours.
Small town · Warren County
Vicksburg
Hilltop river city with a historic downtown and major Civil War sites.
- Full day · Easy
- Year-round
- Free to wander
- Steep streets downtown.
National park · Warren County
Vicksburg National Military Park
16-mile tour road past the siege lines, monuments and the ironclad USS Cairo.
- Half day · Easy
- Tour road daily 8:30 am-5 pm
- National park entrance fee (under 16 free)
- Allow several hours. Pets on leash only.
Historic site · Claiborne County
Windsor Ruins
Tall Corinthian columns are all that remain of a grand 1861 mansion. Eerie and beautiful.
- Under 1 hr · Easy
- Dawn to dusk (check)
- Free
- Remote site south of Port Gibson.
The Mississippi Delta 15 spots
Museum · Sunflower County
B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center
The life and music of B.B. King, plus Delta history, in his hometown of Indianola.
- 2 hrs · Easy
- Tue-Sat 10 am-5 pm
- Admission charged (check)
- Closed Sundays and Mondays.
Small town · Coahoma County
Clarksdale
The heart of the Delta blues, with live music most nights, juke joints and blues sites.
- Full day · Easy
- Year-round
- Free to wander
- Music starts late. Festivals fill hotels in spring.
Small town · Bolivar County
Cleveland
Delta State University town with a walkable downtown, the GRAMMY Museum and Dockery Farms nearby.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Free
- Busy on Delta State event weekends.
Museum · Coahoma County
Delta Blues Museum
Blues history in Clarksdale, the town where the blues grew up.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Mon-Sat 10 am-5 pm
- Adult $15, youth 7-16 $10, 6 and under free (checked Nov 2026)
- Free for Coahoma County residents with ID.
Historic site · Sunflower County
Dockery Farms
Old cotton plantation called a birthplace of the blues. Quiet buildings and signs to read.
- Under 1 hr · Easy
- Year-round (check)
- Free to walk the grounds (check)
- Tours can be arranged by the foundation.
Museum · Tallahatchie County
Emmett Till Interpretive Center
Exhibits and courthouse tours in Sumner on the 1955 murder of Emmett Till and the trial that followed.
- 1 hr · Easy
- Tue-Sat noon-5 pm
- ? (check)
- Tours must be booked ahead by phone or online.
Museum · Bolivar County
GRAMMY Museum Mississippi
Interactive music museum in Cleveland with recording booths and exhibits on Mississippi artists.
- 2 hrs · Easy
- Closed Mondays (check)
- Ticketed (check)
- Hours differ by source. Check the official site.
National park · Tallahatchie County
Graball Landing
A quiet riverside site, part of the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument.
- Under 1 hr · Easy
- Sunrise to sunset
- Free
- Unpaved parking and path. Ask about road conditions in Sumner first.
Food town · Washington County
Greenville
The Delta's hot tamale capital and home of Doe's Eat Place, on the Mississippi River.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round; Hot Tamale Festival in October
- Free
- Some famous spots open evenings only.
Small town · Leflore County
Greenwood
Delta town with a historic downtown, the Museum of the Mississippi Delta and blues and civil rights history.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Free
- Hot summers.
Museum · Washington County
Highway 61 Blues Museum
Small blues museum in Leland on the famous Blues Highway.
- Under 1 hr · Easy
- Mon-Sat (check)
- Small fee or donation (check)
- Call ahead to confirm hours.
Museum · Washington County
Jim Henson Delta Boyhood Exhibit
Small exhibit on the Muppets creator in Leland, where Kermit the Frog was born.
- Under 1 hr · Easy
- Mon-Sat (check)
- Free; donations welcome (check)
- Hours vary by source.
State park · Washington County
Leroy Percy State Park
Mississippi's oldest state park, built by the CCC, with alligators in its lake and cabins.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Mississippi State Parks day-use fee (per person)
- Keep pets away from the lake. Hot and buggy in summer.
Museum · Leflore County
Museum of the Mississippi Delta
Delta history, art and natural history in Greenwood.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Tue-Sat (check)
- Adult $10 (check)
- Prices may be tied to special exhibits.
Historic site · Washington County
Winterville Mounds
Big Native American mound site north of Greenville. Climb the main mound for flat Delta views.
- 1 hr · Easy to moderate
- Grounds open year-round
- Free
- The museum building has been closed for renovation (check). Grounds stay open.
Oxford, Tupelo and North Mississippi 20 spots
Historic site · Lee County
Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield Site
One-acre memorial to a June 1864 battle west of Baldwyn.
- Under 1 hr · Easy
- Year-round
- Free
- No visitor facilities on site.
Small town · Alcorn County
Corinth
Railroad and Civil War town with a walkable downtown.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Free
- Pair with the Civil War center.
Museum · Alcorn County
Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center
NPS museum on the 1862 Siege and Battle of Corinth, part of Shiloh National Military Park.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Daily 9 am-5 pm; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's
- Free (check)
- Holiday closures.
Historic site · Lee County
Elvis Presley Birthplace
The small house where Elvis was born, plus a museum, memorial garden and his childhood church.
- 2 hrs · Easy
- Year-round; closed Thanksgiving and Christmas (check)
- Admission charged (check)
- Prices and hours differ by source.
Small town · Marshall County
Holly Springs
Historic town with antebellum homes like Montrose and a pretty square.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round; Pilgrimage in spring
- Free
- Home tours are seasonal.
State park · Grenada County
Hugh White State Park
Big park on Grenada Lake with boating, camping and fishing.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Mississippi State Parks day-use fee (per person)
- Check MDWFP for current conditions.
State park · Tishomingo County
J.P. Coleman State Park
Park on Pickwick Lake near Iuka, good for boating.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Mississippi State Parks day-use fee (per person)
- Check MDWFP for current conditions.
State park · Panola County
John W. Kyle State Park
Park on Sardis Lake with camping, fishing and boating.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Mississippi State Parks day-use fee (per person)
- Check MDWFP for current conditions.
Historic site · Lee County
Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center
Main visitor center for the Parkway near Tupelo, with rangers, exhibits and maps.
- 1 hr · Easy
- Daily 9 am-4:30 pm; closed Thanksgiving, Dec 25, Jan 1
- Free
- Good start for a Trace drive.
Small town · Lafayette County
Oxford
College town with a famous square, bookstores, great restaurants and Ole Miss.
- Full day · Easy
- Year-round
- Free
- Hotels fill up on football weekends.
Historic site · Lafayette County
Rowan Oak
William Faulkner's home in the woods near the Square, with walking trails around it.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Closed Mondays and most university holidays
- $5 per person, cash only (checked Nov 2026); grounds free
- Grounds and Bailey Woods Trail open dawn to dusk.
Wildlife · Marshall County
Strawberry Plains Audubon Center
Audubon nature center near Holly Springs with trails through fields and woods.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Year-round (check)
- ? (check)
- Check hours before visiting.
Bike trail · Pontotoc County
Tanglefoot Trail
A 43.6-mile paved rail trail from Houston to New Albany through farm country and small towns.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Free
- Little shade in summer. Bring water.
State park · Tishomingo County
Tishomingo State Park
Rocky hills, a 1938 CCC swinging bridge over Bear Creek and some of the best trails in Mississippi.
- Full day · Moderate
- Year-round; great fall color
- Mississippi State Parks day-use fee (per person)
- Rocks are slick when wet.
State park · Lee County
Tombigbee State Park
Wooded lake park just outside Tupelo.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Mississippi State Parks day-use fee (per person)
- Check MDWFP for current conditions.
Small town · Lee County
Tupelo
Elvis's hometown, with a lively downtown, music venues and the Natchez Trace at its edge.
- Full day · Easy
- Year-round
- Free
- Elvis Festival weekend gets busy.
Zoo · Lee County
Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo
Bison herd and other animals on a big park in Tupelo, with tours.
- 2-3 hrs · Easy
- Year-round; closed Christmas
- Admission charged (check)
- Weather can affect hours. Tours extra.
Historic site · Lee County
Tupelo National Battlefield
Small 1864 battlefield site in Tupelo with a monument and cannons.
- Under 1 hr · Easy
- Year-round
- Free
- Quick stop in town.
Museum · Lafayette County
University of Mississippi Museum
Ole Miss campus museum that also runs Rowan Oak.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Closed Sun and Mon (check)
- ? (check)
- Check the museum site for current hours.
State park · Marshall County
Wall Doxey State Park
Lake park near Holly Springs with camping.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Mississippi State Parks day-use fee (per person)
- Check MDWFP for current conditions.
Meridian, Hattiesburg and East Mississippi 17 spots
Hike · Lauderdale County
Bonita Lakes Park
Big city park in Meridian with lakes, trails and quiet green space.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Free (check)
- Check the park site for hours.
State park · Clarke County
Clarkco State Park
Lake park near Quitman.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Mississippi State Parks day-use fee (per person)
- Check MDWFP for current conditions.
Small town · Lowndes County
Columbus
Old river city with historic homes, a spring pilgrimage and the Catfish in the Alley festival.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Free
- Spring Pilgrimage is in April.
Family fun · Lauderdale County
Dentzel Carousel
A rare antique hand-carved carousel in Meridian's Highland Park.
- Under 1 hr · Easy
- Limited hours (check)
- Small fee (check)
- Check hours before you go.
Food town · Forrest County
Hattiesburg
College town with a walkable downtown, a brewery scene and nearly 200 local places to eat.
- Full day · Easy
- Year-round
- Free
- USM event weekends are busy.
Zoo · Forrest County
Hattiesburg Zoo
Small, friendly city zoo in Hattiesburg.
- 2-3 hrs · Easy
- Year-round (check)
- Admission charged (check)
- Hours and prices on the official site.
Museum · Lauderdale County
Jimmie Rodgers Museum
Memorabilia of the Father of Country Music in his hometown of Meridian.
- Under 1 hr · Easy
- Private tours by appointment (check)
- ? (check)
- Call ahead to book a tour.
State park · Lowndes County
Lake Lowndes State Park
Lake park near Columbus.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Mississippi State Parks day-use fee (per person)
- Check MDWFP for current conditions.
Small town · Jones County
Laurel
Pretty historic downtown plus the free Lauren Rogers Museum of Art.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Free
- Weekends are busy downtown.
Museum · Jones County
Lauren Rogers Museum of Art
Excellent art museum in Laurel, free since 1923.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Year-round (check hours)
- Free
- Pair it with a walk in downtown Laurel.
Bike trail · Lamar County
Longleaf Trace
A 44-mile paved rail trail from Hattiesburg to Prentiss, with a separate horse trail.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Free
- Speed limit is 15 mph on the trail.
Small town · Lauderdale County
Meridian
Downtown full of museums, historic theaters, shops and breweries.
- Full day · Easy
- Year-round
- Free
- Railfest runs each November.
Museum · Lauderdale County
Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience
The MAX in downtown Meridian celebrates Mississippi artists, writers and musicians with interactive exhibits.
- 2 hrs · Easy
- Year-round (check hours)
- Admission charged (check); free first Saturdays
- Call for current hours and prices.
Wildlife · Oktibbeha County
Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge
Big refuge near Starkville spread over three counties, with lakes and hiking trails.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Free
- Hunting seasons apply in parts of the refuge.
State park · Forrest County
Paul B. Johnson State Park
Lake park near Hattiesburg.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Mississippi State Parks day-use fee (per person)
- Check MDWFP for current conditions.
Small town · Oktibbeha County
Starkville
Lively Mississippi State University town with the Cotton District, a farmers market and the Grant library.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Free
- Game days fill hotels.
Museum · Oktibbeha County
Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library
The presidential library of Ulysses S. Grant on the Mississippi State University campus.
- 1 hr · Easy
- Year-round (check hours)
- ? (check)
- Check campus parking rules.
Where to eat 17 places
Seafood · Biloxi
Mary Mahoney's Old French House
Classic coast dinner in one of the oldest homes in the area, with a courtyard under a huge live oak.
- 110 Rue Magnolia, Biloxi, MS 39530
- Price: $$$
Seafood · Biloxi
Shaggy's Biloxi Beach
Casual beachfront seafood and drinks with Gulf views.
- 1763 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, MS 39531
- Price: $$
Southern · Greenville
Doe's Eat Place
Legendary Delta steakhouse known for big steaks and hot tamales.
- 502 Nelson St., Greenville, MS
- Price: $$$
Seafood · Gulfport
Half Shell Oyster House Gulfport
Local oyster house chain with a Gulfport location. Good for oysters and Gulf seafood.
- ?
- Price: $$
Seafood · Gulfport
Shaggy's Gulfport Beach
Laid-back seafood spot on the beach near the Gulfport harbor.
- 1724 E. Beach Blvd, Gulfport, MS 39501
- Price: $$
Diner · Jackson
Brent's Drugs
Old-school soda fountain diner serving burgers and onion rings since 1946.
- 655 Duling Avenue, Jackson, MS 39216
- Price: $
Southern · Jackson
Elvie's
Mississippi French cooking with Gulf and farm ingredients in Belhaven.
- 809 Manship St, Jackson, MS 39202
- Price: $$$
Southern · Jackson
Walker's Drive-In
Upscale Southern cooking, known for Redfish Anna and prime filet.
- 3016 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216
- Price: $$$
Southern · Natchez
Fat Mama's Tamales
Natchez favorite for hot tamales, chili and Knock-You-Naked margaritas.
- 303 S. Canal Street, Natchez, MS 39120
- Price: $
Southern · Natchez
The Camp
Burgers, tacos and local craft beer at Natchez Under-the-Hill by the river.
- 21 Silver Street, Natchez, MS 39120
- Price: $$
Diner · Oxford
Big Bad Breakfast
Hearty Southern breakfast from the City Grocery group.
- 719 North Lamar, Oxford, MS 38655
- Price: $
Creole · Oxford
Bouré
Creole-leaning comfort food on the Square.
- 110 Courthouse Square, Oxford, MS 38655
- Price: $$
Southern · Oxford
City Grocery
Inventive Southern cooking on the Oxford Square.
- 152 Courthouse Square, Oxford, MS 38655
- Price: $$$
Southern · Oxford
Snackbar
Southern brasserie using local Mississippi ingredients.
- 721 North Lamar, Oxford, MS 38655
- Price: $$$
BBQ · Starkville
The Little Dooey
Starkville barbecue and catfish favorite near campus.
- 100 Fellowship St., Starkville, MS 39759
- Price: $
Seafood · Taylor
Taylor Grocery
Famous catfish at a country grocery in the small town of Taylor, near Oxford.
- 4A Depot Street, Taylor, MS 38673
- Price: $$
Southern · Tupelo
Neon Pig
Butcher shop and food bar known for house-cured meats and fresh seafood.
- 1203 N Gloster Street, Tupelo, MS 38804
- Price: $$
Things to do 7 places
Live music · Clarksdale
Ground Zero Blues Club
Juke-joint style club with live blues most Wednesday to Saturday nights.
- 0 Blues Alley, Clarksdale, MS 38614
- Price: $$
Brewery · Hattiesburg · 21+
Southern Prohibition Brewing
Downtown Hattiesburg brewery that uses local ingredients.
- 301 Mobile St, Hattiesburg, MS
- Price: $$
Live music · Jackson
Hal & Mal's
Downtown Jackson restaurant and music hall with jazz, blues and ticketed shows.
- 200 Commerce St B, Jackson, MS 39201
- Price: $$
Live music · Meridian
MSU Riley Center
Performance venue in Meridian hosting concerts and shows.
- ?
- Price: $$
Tour · Natchez
Natchez Pilgrimage Tours
Ticket office for year-round tours of historic Natchez mansions, with multi-house packages.
- 211 Main St, Suite B, Natchez, MS 39120
- Price: $$
Market · Oxford
Square Books
Famous independent bookstore on the Oxford Square.
- ?
- Price: $
Brewery · Tupelo · 21+
Queen's Reward Meadery
Tupelo meadery making honey wine, with a tasting room.
- ?
- Price: $$
Movie theaters 4 places
Movie theater · Columbus
Malco Columbus Cinema
Movie theater for Columbus and the Golden Triangle.
- ?
- Ticket prices on the theater's site (See showtimes)
Movie theater · Hattiesburg
Saenger Theater Hattiesburg
Restored 1929 movie palace downtown, now mostly live shows (check for film nights).
- 201 Forrest Street, Hattiesburg, MS
- Ticket prices on the theater's site (See showtimes)
Movie theater · Madison
Malco Grandview Cinema & IMAX
Big multiplex with IMAX in the Jackson suburbs.
- ?
- Ticket prices on the theater's site (See showtimes)
Movie theater · Oxford
Malco Oxford Commons Cinema Grill
Oxford's main movie theater, with food service.
- ?
- Ticket prices on the theater's site (See showtimes)
Typical ticket prices from each theater's own site, with the date we checked; prices and showtimes change, so tap See showtimes for today's.
Places to stay 14 places
Resort · Biloxi
Beau Rivage
Big casino resort on the Biloxi beachfront.
- ?
- Price: $$$
Inn · Clarksdale · 21+
Shack Up Inn
Quirky shack-style rooms billed as the world's oldest B&B (Bed and Beer). Guests 25 and older.
- 1 Commissary Circle Road, Clarksdale, MS
- Price: $$
Hotel · Greenwood
The Alluvian
Stylish boutique hotel in downtown Greenwood.
- 318 Howard St, Greenwood, MS 38930
- Price: $$$
State park cabins · Hollandale
Leroy Percy State Park Cabins
Cabins near Alligator Lake in Mississippi's oldest state park.
- ?
- Price: $
Inn · Jackson
Fairview Inn
Boutique historic inn with 18 rooms and the Library Lounge restaurant.
- 734 Fairview Street, Jackson, MS 39202
- Price: $$$
Hotel · Meridian
The Threefoot Hotel
Boutique hotel in downtown Meridian, part of Marriott's Tribute Portfolio.
- 601 22nd Ave, Meridian, MS 39301
- Price: $$$
Campground · Morton
Roosevelt State Park Campground
Renovated CCC-era park campground with full hookups by Shadow Lake.
- 2149 Highway 13 South, Morton, MS 39117
- Price: $
Inn · Natchez
Monmouth Historic Inn
Antebellum mansion inn with gardens and a restaurant, a National Historic Landmark.
- 1358 John A. Quitman Blvd., Natchez, MS 39120
- Price: $$$
Campground · Ocean Springs
Davis Bayou Campground
52 wooded sites with water and electric in Gulf Islands National Seashore.
- 3500 Park Road, Ocean Springs, MS 39564 (visitor center)
- Price: $
Campground · Port Gibson
Grand Gulf Military Park Campground
Campsites inside a Civil War park near the river.
- ?
- Price: $
State park cabins · Tishomingo
Tishomingo State Park Cabins
Cabins in the rocky hills of Tishomingo State Park.
- ?
- Price: $
Hotel · University
The Inn at Ole Miss
146-room hotel right on the Ole Miss campus.
- 120 Alumni Drive, University, MS 38677
- Price: $$
Inn · Vicksburg
Cedar Grove Mansion
Historic mansion inn in Vicksburg.
- 2200 Oak St, Vicksburg, MS
- Price: $$$
Campground · Waveland
Buccaneer State Park Campground
Large campground with full hookups next to the park's seasonal water park.
- 1150 South Beach Boulevard, Waveland, MS
- Price: $
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Facts checked against official sites; each spot shows when. Passes and hours change, so check before you go.