About the Neighborhood

Our homes are in the “golf cart” district of Long Beach. The golf cart district is where you can drive your golf cart legally on the neighborhood streets to downtown Jeff Davis and around. In this area, you will find lots of pedestrians, bikers, and, of course, people drinking and driving their golf carts. Yes, you read that correctly, drinking and driving. I have no idea if this is legal or not, but it seems like everyone I see driving a golf cart is also drinking!

Long Beach is a very friendly community with lots of retired folks. I have friends and relatives who are very active with their high school class of 1970! It’s a big group of folks who all still live in the area and they get together once a month and go out to eat. Recently, the leader of the group, Jeff, organized a fundraiser to install swings on the beach. When he grew up, there were swings by the Long Beach Harbor. Well, he raised thousands of dollars to put swings back on the beach. He went to the city council and they wouldn’t approve swings on the beach due to liability issues. But he did get approval to put some swings in by our Town Green off of Jeff Davis in downtown Long Beach. He used all sorts of creative ways to raise the money. One thing he did was go catch mullet early in the morning and sell them still hopping and jumping at the Farmer’s Market that morning! I mention this story to illustrate what a nice, giving, intimate community we have here in Long Beach! Jeff, who is in his 70’s, was out there in record heat digging holes and moving mulch to install these gigantic swings. Next time you go to Town Green, you will now know the backstory to these swings. These swings were made possible through private donations and no taxpayer dollars were used.

Here is a fun fact about our beach: The beach from Henderson point in PC to Biloxi is the longest man-made beach in the world!! The beach was made in 1951 by the Army Corps of Engineers in an effort to boost tourism post-WWII! There was a sea wall before there was a beach.

If you want to know how high the water levels came up for Hurricane Camille and Katrina, take a stroll down the road and look at 709 Magnolia Street in Long Beach. There are red markers with a “C” and a “K” indicating how high the water rose. Katrina was much higher. In fact, a lot of folks didn’t have flood insurance because they were not in a flood zone when Katrina hit. If you visit Mary Mahoney’s restaurant, they also have markers showing you how high the waters came.

About the Mississippi Gulf Coast

The Mississippi Gulf Coast is referred to as the “Secret Coast”. A lot of folks don’t think “beach” when they think of Mississippi. But we have a great uncrowded beach with low home prices and no crowds. It can’t be beat. People are constantly moving here from other parts of the country. I have been told that this area is the least expensive for buying a beach home in the USA. The only downside of buying a home here is the homeowner’s insurance. It’s expensive and they increase the rates every year.

Grocery Stores

There is a Walmart Supercenter 5 minutes away in Pass Christian.

There are two local smaller grocery stores located in Long Beach. One is Aldi (109 N Cleveland Ave, Long Beach, MS) and the other is Froogel’s (19099 Pineville Rd, Long Beach, MS). Aldi has great prices, a wide selection of breads, lunchmeats, cheeses, and ready-made meals. Froogel’s has the highest quality of filet mignon around.

Rouses (1444 E. Pass Rd., Gulfport, MS) is about 20 minutes away. This store has the best selection of local and regional foods. People love the chantilly cake at Rouse’s.

The best fresh tomatoes are at Back Gate Produce (788 Klondyke Ave, Long Beach, MS). Only open seasonally. Park by the baseball field. This is very old school. The owner hangs baskets of fresh tomatoes, potatoes, and anything else he has and you leave cash in a hole in the fence! His tomatoes are huge and juice and very fresh. $3 per bag. Bring one dollar bills! They make excellent BLT’s! Find more information on his Facebook page called Back Gate Farm and Nursery. Seasonal. You can also pay with Venmo.

The Long Beach Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings has a stand called Poppe’s Kitchen where they sell fresh eggs including duck and goose. There is also a stand called Stonnington Farms that has very good fresh 100% grass fed beef at very good prices comparable to Walmart. The farmer’s market in Gulfport at Jone’s Park is on Wednesday mornings and that’s another option. Jone’s Park is a nice park to walk around in. Pass Christian also has a farmer’s market on Saturday mornings with a lively atmosphere and lots of vendors. Seasonal.

Le’s Seafood Market (7023 Beatline Rd) has great prices and the freshest seafood. They have crab fingers, shrimp, conch, oysters, all kinds of fish...you name it, they have it.

The best fresh fish to buy, especially shrimp, is at the Pass Christian harbor (115 Market St, Pass Christian, MS). Right off the boat, caught that morning. There are 2 sellers and both are good. Jerry Forte is one and Kimball Seafood is the other. Kimball Seafood sells the best gumbo hands down. Just heat it up and serve. Just as good as any restaurant’s gumbo but half the price.

Believe it or not, but if you want salmon, Walmart is the place to go. They sell fresh, never frozen, salmon there. I buy the Norwegian salmon there and it has a nice buttery flavor.

We have lots of U-Pick farms in the summer. These are listed in the U-Pick Farms section of this guide.

The best selection of craft beers is located at Long Beach Market and Deli (20110 Pineville Rd, Long Beach MS). This is also a restaurant and they have 10 different beers on tap. You can buy beer by the case there or drink it on tap. Once during Oktoberfest I looked everywhere for Hefeweizen beer and this was the only place that sold it.

U-Pick Farms

Harmony Farm - The closest one is owned by a sweet lady who is 73 years old named Donna. They have thornless blackberries and blueberries in late June / early July. They have figs, pears, and more in late August. The name of the farm is Harmony Farm. Find them on Facebook. Call 228-861-8837 to check when they are open before heading out. Address is 8056 Canal Rd, Gulfport

Mert’s Satsumas - Season runs mid September to Jan. 1st. at 14380 Duckworth Rd in Gulfport

Charlie’s U Pik in Lucedale. Season runs late May to early August. They have all sorts of fresh vegetables and fruits. Anything from tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, peaches, watermelon, potatoes, squash, and lots more. They have a pricelist on Facebook. If you don’t want to pick, you can buy them already picked at the farm. Great prices.

Bounds Blueberry Farm is in Wiggins. Check Facebook for their hours. (601) 433-7826. 183 Hwy 13, Wiggins, MS

Fruit of the Vine Farm in Moselle. Also called Beeson Farm. They have blueberries and blackberries. Once they close for the season, they let people come and pick any remaining berries for free. Call (601) 467-0768.

Vancleave Blueberry Heaven Farm . Check facebook for opening hours. 228-219-2590

Pharmacy

We have Walmart, Walgreens, and Corner Drugstore for local pharmacies.

Massage

Since I deal with back pain my whole life, I get massages regularly. I see Deb Wharburton here in Long Beach and she is really good and charges reasonable rates. Her rates are 30 minutes for $35, 45 min. for $45, 60 min. for $60, and 90 min. for $85. That includes hot stones if you want them (But tell her in advance if you want hot stones so she knows to warm them up before you arrive.) Her phone number is 228-234-6389. She has her own massage studio at 6120 Beatline Rd in Long Beach. She does Swedish, deep tissue, myofascial release, cupping, hot stones, and more. Price is the same regardless of what massage you choose.

If you want something fancier, you can get a massage at a spa and spend some time there. Keep reading.

Spas

The nicest spa around is at the Beau Rivage Casino. You get to use their whirlpools, steam room, sauna, showers, and solarium relaxation room when you book a treatment. The solarium overlooks the pool and it’s great to just sit there and relax and read a book. You can even change, go eat at a restaurant, and come back and relax some more. You can even order a mimosa while you are in the solarium!

The IP Casino also has a nice spa with a relaxation room, whirlpools, steam, and sauna rooms. Make a reservation in advance because they book up. When you arrive, you change into a lovely spa robe and slippers and get your own locker. You can order mimosas and other drinks. If you are hungry, just outside the spa is a little food kiosk that sells sandwiches, coffees, salads, and pastries. You can even wear your robe there to buy the food. You can then bring the food back with you and eat it at the spa. They offer a 20% off locals discount Sun through Thurs.

Island View Casino has the Blue Shell Spa that is open Thurs - Sun. They provide you with a robe and slippers. There is a steam room.

Gyms, Pickleball, Pools, Community Activities (Ceramics, Mahjong, Tai Chi, Painting, Book Clubs, Ukulele, Yoga, Knitting, Photography, lifelong learning classes & More)

Dog Parks

Fetch Dog Park - 20257 Daugherty Rd., Long Beach, MS - This is a very nice, newer dog park with two separate areas: one for large dogs and one for smaller ones. Not far away. This is next to the Long Beach Senior Center, where you can check out pickleball and fitness classes for free.

For dog grooming, we recommend Shaggy Chic Pet Salon at 8102 Red Creek Rd. in Long Beach. 228-380-0829.

Bicycle, Golf Cart, Jet Ski, Kayak & Canoe Rentals

Community Theater, Professional Shows, & Concerts

All of the local theaters around here are good and no one puts on a bad show. But if I had to rank them, I would say Center Stage in Biloxi puts on the highest quality show. There is also Bay St. Louis Little Theater and Biloxi Little Theater. Bay St. Louis Little Theater is in a historic 1920 building that Robert Redford once filmed a movie in! The history of the building is very interesting and you can read about it on their website under the heading “history”. There is plenty of parking and it’s easy to navigate around it. You can make a date night out of it by going to one of the many restaurants in downtown Bay St. Louis and then seeing the show. And best of all, Bay St. Louis Little Theater gives you wine for free! Biloxi Little Theater is also very good but you may have to park down the street because they have a small parking lot.

If you are looking for professional shows, the casinos have touring acts. Hard Rock, Beau Rivage, and IP Casino have the most popular acts, but also check out Island View Casino, Golden Nugget, Harrahs, Silver Slipper, Hollywood Casino, and Treasure Bay. If you want a Broadway show, it would be at the historic Saenger Theater in New Orleans. The Coliseum in Biloxi is a large venue that has concerts, festivals, and more. There is a new amphitheater that just opened last summer called the Sound Amphitheater in Gautier.

We also have a local symphony called the Gulf Coast Symphony. Find more information at gulfcoastsymphony.net. Their performances are held in a lovely brand new theater called the IMPAC Center.

The Mary O’Keefe Cultural Arts Center in Ocean Springs hosts candlelight concerts, musical performances, plays and more.

Ground Zero in Biloxi is owned by Morgan Freeman and hosts a variety of singers and performers. I have been to the dueling pianos night and it was fun. The food there is great. Sometimes you need to pay to reserve a place at a table, depending on the show. Go to their website to see if you need to purchase a ticket.

The Saphire Supper Club in Hotel Legends offers a piano night every Wed starting at 6. James Taylor is very talented and always puts on a good show. It’s a classy atmosphere.

The 100 Men Hall in Bay St. Louis. It is a historic music and cultural venue that has been a cornerstone of the Bay St. Louis community for over a century. It was built in 1922 by a benevolent black society. It is a community cultural center and live music venue. It hosts concerts, festivals, art events, workshops, and themed gatherings.

Keep your eye out for the historic Saenger Theater to re-open in Biloxi. They have spent a lot of money remodeling the theater and it is set to open sometime in the summer of 2026.

Lori’s Favorite Restaurants on the Coast:

• Shaggy’s in Pass Christian for the beachy atmosphere

• Coastal Kitchen for freshly prepared seafood

• Parrain’s Cajun Kitchen for authentic cajun food

• Coterie for brunch

• Steve’s Marina for a shrimp po boy

• Lil Ray’s in Long Beach for fresh crawfish

• Mary Mahoney’s for a classic Gulf Coast style lunch

• Beignet Café in Island View Casino -(must be 21) for beignets and coffee

Lori’s Favorite Long Beach Restaurants:

Coastal Kitchen - I go here for atmosphere, the po boys, and the burger. I frequent this restaurant the most.

Dolce Bakery - I go here when I want a cookie butter cupcake.

Coterie - I go here for the brunch

Basil Thai - I go here when I want Thai food

Martha’s - I go here when I want country cooking or fried catfish

Steve’s Marina - I go here if I want to have a view of the water and a good meal

Parish’s - I go here if I want a more upscale atmosphere, cocktails and watch the sun set over the water

Best Brunch

*If I had company coming into town and I was taking them to brunch, I would take them to Coterie. If I was going to brunch with my family, I would go to Coterie if I wanted a latte with my meal or I would go to Half Shell if I only wanted a cup of coffee to go with my meal.

Harbor View Café - Long Beach - 2 min. away - Breakfast served Sat & Sun 8-11, If you can get a seat outside on the patio, it has a great view. They offer a wide variety of items including a seafood omelet, crab cake benedict, and kahlua pork benedict. They do not have a full coffee bar.

Coterie - Long Beach - 2 min. away - Brunch served Sat & Sun9-1-Coterie has 2 locations: one in the French Quarter in NOLA and Long Beach. This is true Cajun inspired cooking. Their brunch offers a wide variety of unique, local items such as the Acadiana skillet, Breaux bridge benedict, and the Chocon omelet. They also have a full coffee bar.

Radish Cafe -  Long Beach - 2 min. away - Brunch served 11-2 on Sat & Sun. This is a hip little cafe right on the main street of Jeff Davis in downtown Long Beach. While the menu is not extensive, it offers some tempting items such as crab benedict, shrimp and grits, and crab toast. They do not have a full coffee bar.

Blue Rose Mansion Inn - Pass Christian - 8 min. away - Call ahead and make a reservation. This brunch takes place in a historic mansion and they hire a chef to come and make brunch. The owner has artwork for sale throughout the house and he will give you a tour of the home. It’s a unique, beautiful setting and the food is delicious.

Half Shell Oyster House - Gulfport - 8 min. away - has a great brunch on Sunday from 11-2 with many great sides at reasonable prices. They do not have a full coffee bar.

Salute’s Italian Restaurant - Gulfport, 10 min. away - Sun brunch from 11-3. This is a popular spot with live music for brunch. They offer a wide variety of items including a fried green tomato benedict and blueberry cream stuffed french toast. They do not have a full coffee bar.

Chimney's - Gulfport - 10 min. away - Serves brunch Sundays from 11-2. A more upscale restaurant with tablecloth service set in a historical home. Try to go for lunch and grab a spot on the porch with views of the Gulf and live oaks on the lawn. The lunch menu is reasonably priced and offers several coastal classics. The cajun redfish, seafood eggplant, and stuffed flounder are popular choices. The inside of the restaurant is also lovely and boasts a large fireplace.

Brew Paddle Cafe - Biloxi - 28 min. away - open Tue - Sat for breakfast. Parisian inspired cafe with a full coffee bar and interesting breakfast options such as french rolled omelet and lemon zest ricotta pancakes.

Best Breakfast on a weekday

Rusty Pelican - Long Beach - 8 min. away - This is the only restaurant that serves breakfast on the weekdays in Long Beach. It won’t disappoint. This spot is a locals favorite. Owned by a lovely Vietnamese family. It’s a neighborhood restaurant. They also make great beignets.

Island View Casino - Gulfport - 8 min. away - must be 21-They offer a huge breakfast buffet that is always fresh. Sign up for their players club and they will give you a free buffet meal. There is also a coffee shop inside Island View that serves the best beignets around.

Mockingbird Cafe - Bay St Louis - 17 min. away - All I can say is, don’t go there on a weekend because it’s crazy busy. You order at the counter. They have a variety of fresh options. There is also outdoor seating.

Brew Paddle Cafe - Biloxi - 31 minutes away - This is a charming Parisian‑inspired café. Open for breakfast and lunch, it serves seasonally driven, ingredient‑focused dishes like artisan breads and pastries baked in‑house, creative tartines, brunch classics, and an extensive specialty coffee bar.

Best Coffee Shop

Bankhouse Coffee -  Long Beach - 2 min. away - It is in an old bank building and they also call it Coast Roast Coffee. They roast their own coffee beans. Grab a bag of the New Orleans blend coffee to take home. It’s my favorite blend.

Cat Island Coffee Shop & Books -  Pass Christian - 8 min. away - has nice outdoor seating with a view of the ocean. Very good homemade pastries and nice strong coffee. They also offer a limited lunch menu. This place has the best coffee in my opinion. I love browsing all of the books for sale while sipping coffee. They sell a lot of books written by local authors.

Beignet Café in Island View Casino -  Gulfport - 8 min. away - must be 21-This is a little place at the front door with great beignets and café du Monde coffee. I hear this place has the best beignets around.

Best Bakery

Dolce Bakeshop - Long Beach - 2 min. away - We have one of the best bakeries on the coast. They are known for their cookie butter cupcakes and cookie butter king cakes.

Fleur De Lis Gourmet Bakery - Gulfport - 14 min. away - known for French‑inspired pastries, cakes, tarts, and desserts. Known for elegant treats like Bavarian cakes, fruit tarts, Belgian chocolate mousse, and king‑cake‑style pithivier.

Sugar Pop Bakery-Waveland - 24 min. away - This bakery is located inside the building where the Ground Zero Museum is. This free museum talks about Hurricane Katrina. Sugar Pop also has a lunch special every day and it always looks really good. Sugar Pop is known for their chantilly king cake. Their cupcakes are amazing.

Best Donuts & Beignets

King Donuts  - Long Beach - 5 min. away - Their donuts are thicker and cakey. They also have good breakfast biscuits.

Long Beach Donuts  - Long Beach - 7 min. away - These donuts are more of the fluffy type.

Rusty Pelican - Long Beach - 8 min. away - This is a sit down neighborhood restaurant. They have good beignets. Try it with some Vietnamese coffee.

Beignet Café inside Island View Casino - Gulfport - 8 min. away - must be 21-has beignets and Café Du Monde coffee

Smiley Donut - Waveland - 22 min. away - They have a wonderful selection. The powdered sugar donut is my favorite.

Best Seafood

*If I had company coming into town and they wanted the most delicious seafood, I would take them to Coastal Kitchen. This is where I would take my family also.

Coastal Kitchen - Long Beach - 3 min. away - This restaurant just opened but the owner/chef has been in the restaurant industry his whole life. He used to own a fine dining restaurant called Chappy's in Long Beach before Katrina. This is my go-to favorite restaurant. They have tablecloth service and the atmosphere is professional. The food is carefully prepared and made from scratch and the seafood is locally sourced. My favorites are the crab fingers appetizers, coastal kitchen platter, crab bisque, shrimp po boy, and hamburger.

Lil Ray’s PoBoys and Seafood - Long Beach - 3 min. away - A small restaurant located on Jeff Davis. They have the freshest crawfish around.

Steve's Marina Seafood -  Long Beach - 3 min. away - Located at the harbor. This spot is a favorite for locals and tourists. Grab a seat out back on the deck overlooking the ocean. They have great shrimp po boys and hamburgers. Get the fried green tomatoes with crab cakes and smoked tuna dip for appetizers.

Half Shell Oyster House - Gulfport - .8 min. away - They offer a wide variety on their menu and everything is delicious. They have local specialties such as shrimp and grits, po boys, and seafood pot pie. They have the best sides of any restaurant around. I recommend trying the oysters Orleans for an appetizer.

Shaggy's -  Pass Christian - 10 min. away - This restaurant has the best beach vibe. It’s right on the water by the harbor. Go there on a day when the weather is nice and sit outside on the huge deck. Afterward, walk around the harbor and study the shrimp boats. I usually order the fried shrimp platter.

Taranto’s Crawfish - Biloxi - 26 min.away - This is the place to go for the freshest crawfish. full-on Cajun comfort with swagger. Think big, messy trays, crawfish piled high, shells stained red from spice. It’s not fancy, just deeply satisfying. The crawfish platter is the most popular.

Dempsey’s Steak and Seafood -   Kiln- 30 min. away - (note, locals pronounce this town “the kill”) old-school casual steakhouse elegance with colorful Southern polish. The steaks are the star-thick, well-aged, and cooked exactly how you ordered, with that perfect crust that gives way to a tender center. The seafood matches that same standard: fresh, clean, and buttery.

Jordan River Steamer - Kiln - 29 min. away - (note, locals pronounce this town “the kill”) casual Southern seafood with a laid-back, “come hungry” attitude. Classic southern staples in generous portions. The Poseidon, a Steamed Seafood Platter, is popular. So are the royal red shrimp and steamed Charbroiled Oysters on the Half Shell.

Restaurants with the best view

*If I had company coming into town, I would take them to Shaggy’s. If I wanted to go out with my family for the view, we would go to Dockside Deli.

Steve's Marina Seafood -  Long Beach - 3 min. away - Located at the harbor. This spot is a favorite for locals and tourists. Grab a seat out back on the deck overlooking the ocean. They have great shrimp po boys and hamburgers. Get the fried green tomatoes with crab cakes and smoked tuna dip for appetizers.

Parish's- Long Beach - 3 min. away - Located on the water next to the Long Beach Harbor. As of Jan. 2026, they are open Wed-Sat for dinner only from 4-9 PM. This is a great place to watch the sun set over the water and have a drink and appetizer. Very nicely decorated on the inside. The building is up very high, so you get a great view. Try the royal red shrimp etouffee.

Dockside Deli in Island View Casino - Gulfport - 8 min. away - must be 21-Wonderful outdoor seating right on the beach. To me, this restaurant is the one that makes you feel like you are “on” the beach, because it’s right there! American deli‑style restaurant with many soup, salad, and sandwich choices. Check it out for lunch.

Shaggy’s - Pass Christian - 10 min. away - This restaurant has the best beach vibe. It’s right on the water by the harbor. Go there on a day when the weather is nice and sit outside on the huge deck. Afterward, walk around the harbor and study the shrimp boats. I usually order the fried shrimp platter.

Sea Level Taco Stand next to Shaggy’s - Pass Christian - 10 min. away - Very family friendly, casual spot at the harbor on the beach. This is a great place to grab an inexpensive beer and taco or burger and sit at the ocean’s edge. Literally right on the beach. They have good burgers and tacos. Bring some lawn chairs with you in case the picnic tables they have set up are full. Walk around the harbor, examine the shrimp boats, and let the kids play on the playground while you are there.

Great Southern Club - Gulfport - 10 min. away - Located on the 15th floor of Hancock Whitney Bank building, this restaurant is open to the public on Thursday evenings. They have sweeping views of the Gulf.

Chimney's  - Gulfport - 10 min. away - a more upscale restaurant with tablecloth service set in a historical home. Try to go for lunch and grab a spot on the porch with views of the Gulf and live oaks on the lawn. The lunch menu is reasonably priced and offers several coastal classics. The cajun redfish, seafood eggplant, and stuffed flounder are popular choices. The inside of the restaurant is also lovely and boasts a large fireplace.

Blu at Treasure Bay Casino - Biloxi - 21 min. away - must be 21-stylish, upscale lounge with great Gulf Coast views and lively evening energy. It’s perched on the ninth floor, giving you panoramic sights of the Gulf of Mexico - especially striking around sunset or as the night lights come on. Try the calamari, black and blue salad, or smoked mozarella sticks. Opens at 4 PM.

Boonies on the Bayou - Bay St. Louis - 22 min. away - casual, welcoming local favorite with a relaxed Gulf Coast vibe that leans into Southern barbecue and comfort classics with a laid‑back outdoor feel. Think brisket, pulled pork sandwiches, smoked wings, fried okra, baked beans, collards, mac‑and‑cheese.

McElroy’s Harbor House - Biloxi - 28 min. away - classic Gulf Coast seafood restaurant with laid‑back charm and true waterfront character. It’s been a staple in Biloxi since the 1970s and rebuilt after Hurricane Katrina, now sitting elevated with sweeping views of Biloxi Beach and the harbor - perfect for casual lunch or dinner with sea breezes and sunsets. Try the chargrilled oysters or shrimp po boy.

Best Down Home Country Cooking

Martha’s Restaurant  - Long Beach.-7 min. away - Very tiny restaurant and good food. Best lima beans and fried catfish I have ever had. Daily Specials.

Ms. Audrey’s Southern Kitchen - Gulfport - 8 min. away - very delicious and you feel like your momma made the meal for you. They offer a variety of side dishes.

Cajun’s Chicken - Gulfport - 14 min. away - A comfort food haven. Classic soul, cajun food. Hearty southern sides: everything from coleslaw, red beans and rice, cornbread, potato salad, mashed potatoes with gravy, okra, stewed greens, and biscuits

Da Kitchen - Waveland - 22 min. away - daily specials. Down-home Southern fare like po’ boys & fried catfish feature at this easygoing café

Port City Cafe - Biloxi - 23 minutes away - serves up classic Southern and Gulf Coast comfort food throughout the day, from hearty breakfast items to satisfying lunch dishes. Diners rave about po’boys (especially shrimp), red beans & rice, gumbo, pot roast, and shrimp & grits, all made with generous portions and down‑home flavors.

Sherry’s Country Kitchen and Catfish House - Gulfport - 24 min. away - Located in an old school house on Hwy 53. They have daily lunch specials.

Best Fried Catfish

Steve's Marina Seafood -  Long Beach - 3 min. away - Located at the harbor. This spot is a favorite for locals and tourists.

Martha’s Restaurant  - Long Beach - 7 min. away - tiny, hole in the wall restaurant. They have the freshest and best fried catfish.

Aunt Jenny’s Catfish House - Biloxi. 35 min. away - beautiful setting by the water and oak trees

Best Red Beans and Rice

Steve's Marina Seafood -  Long Beach - 3 min. away - Located at the harbor. This spot is a favorite for locals and tourists. Grab a seat out back on the deck overlooking the ocean.

Long Beach Market & Deli  - Long Beach - 5 min. away - This restaurant got the most votes by far for best red beans and rice

Cajun’s Chicken - Gulfport - 14 min. away - A comfort food haven. Classic soul, cajun food. Hearty southern sides: everything from coleslaw, red beans and rice, cornbread, potato salad, mashed potatoes with gravy, okra, stewed greens, and biscuits

Blowfly Bar & Grill - Gulfport - 18 min. away. This restaurant has been around since the 1950s. It overlooks the bayou and there is outdoor seating.

Best Gumbo

*I’m going to fill you in on a secret. Locals don’t go to a restaurant if they want gumbo. They make it themselves. And they use a box mix to make it, and yes, it does taste better than the restaurant. Gumbo recipe at the end of the Dining Section.

Coterie - Long Beach - 2 min. away - They have 2 locations: one in the French Quarter in NOLA and Long Beach. This is true Cajun inspired cooking.

Parrain’s Cajun - Biloxi - 28 min. away - This is a cozy, authentic Cajun & Creole restaurant beloved for bringing real Louisiana bayou flavor to the Gulf Coast. Sometimes the chef will come out and talk to you in his authentic creole accent. This is the real deal!

Mary’s Mahoney’s Old French House  - Biloxi - 28 min. away - The restaurant is located in one of Biloxi’s oldest buildings (dating back to 1737), giving it a unique old‑world feel with exposed brick, heart‑pine floors, intimate dining rooms, cozy bars, and a romantic ivy‑lined courtyard. This is a famous iconic restaurant where many Presidents and famous people have dined. They specialize in seafood classics infused with Creole and Gulf Coast flavors, like gumbo, charbroiled oysters, broiled crab claws, and fresh fish topped with lump crabmeat. Try their seafood gumbo or stuffed fish.

Best Po-Boys

Steve’s Marina - Long Beach - 3 min. away - Located at the Long Beach Harbor. Try the shrimp po boy.

Coastal Kitchen - Long Beach 3 min. away - Chappy makes a great shrimp or oyster po boy.

Pirate’s Cove - Pass Christian - 7 min. away - This is a small restaurant known for its po boys. Try the roast beef po boy.

Best Steak

Carter Green’s in Island View Casino - Gulfport - 8 min. away - must be 21- open Thurs - Mon from 5-10PM. classic American steakhouse with elevated Gulf Coast flair. Their prime rib Mondays is a great deal. For $34 on Mondays, you get a prime rib, soup or salad, side of your choice, and a dessert. And every day, a soup or salad and a side is included with the purchase of a steak. Best value and great flavor and atmosphere. Reservations recommended.

The Rack House - Gulfport - 9 min. away - this is a steakhouse and has a bourbon lounge with over 100 choices. Comfortable, cozy booths. The versatile menu includes fresh seafood, lamb, short ribs, pasta, salads, and approachable favorites like burgers and tacos.

Dempsey’s Steak and Seafood - Kiln-  30 min. away - (note, locals pronounce this town “the kill”) old-school casual steakhouse elegance with colorful Southern polish The steaks are the star-thick, well-aged, and cooked exactly how you ordered, with that perfect crust that gives way to a tender center. The seafood matches that same standard: fresh, clean, and buttery.

Best Burger

Camphouse Burger - Long Beach - 2 min. away - This is a small casual restaurant downtown. They feature smash burgers.

Radish - Long Beach - 2 min. away - This small cafe makes an excellent gourmet burger.

Coastal Kitchen - Long Beach - 3 min. away - the coastal kitchen burger is fantastic.

Steve's Marina Seafood -  Long Beach - 3 min. away - at the harbor.

Fine Dining

*If I had company coming into town and they wanted to celebrate their anniversary, I would tell them to go to Mary Mahoney’s. It’s in a historic building and they offer local dishes. If I were to go out to dinner for my anniversary, I would go to Saphire Supper Club because it offers the unique 1930s supper club atmosphere with the live music and has a gourmet menu.

Chimney's - Gulfport - 10 min. away - a more upscale restaurant with tablecloth service set in a historical home. Try to go for lunch and grab a spot on the porch with views of the Gulf and live oaks on the lawn. The lunch menu is reasonably priced and offers several coastal classics. The cajun redfish, seafood eggplant, and stuffed flounder are popular choices. The inside of the restaurant is also lovely and boasts a large fireplace.

200 North Beach  - Bay St Louis - 16 in. away - The restaurant is housed in the beautifully restored 1907 “Echo Building” - a landmark in Old Town Bay St. Louis - and its décor and ambiance reflect that history with vintage touches and a cozy, maritime feel . With outdoor patio and balcony seating overlooking the water, it’s a pleasant spot to enjoy Gulf breezes and sunsets while you eat . Try the Trout Pecan Meunière, fried green tomatoes and crawfish cornbread, or the bourbon glazed pork chop.

BR Prime at The Beau Rivage - Biloxi - 27 min. away - best described as a sophisticated American steakhouse with a modern, upscale vibe and classic fine‑dining polish. Dry-aged prime beef, seafood & wine presented in a glamorous dining room

Mary’s Mahoney’s Old French House  - Biloxi - 28 min.away - The restaurant is located in one of Biloxi’s oldest buildings (dating back to 1737), giving it a unique old‑world feel with exposed brick, heart‑pine floors, intimate dining rooms, cozy bars, and a romantic ivy‑lined courtyard. This is a famous iconic restaurant where many Presidents and famous people have dined. They specialize in seafood classics infused with Creole and Gulf Coast flavors, like gumbo, charbroiled oysters, broiled crab claws, and fresh fish topped with lump crabmeat. Try their seafood gumbo or stuffed fish.

Saphire Supper Club in the Legends Hotel - Biloxi - 29 min. away - dining here will be a night to remember. It’s reminiscent of the classic and ever-popular supper clubs from the 1930s and 40s. At the Sapphire Supper Club, you can experience what it was like to step into popular venues like the 500 Club, Gus Stevens Seafood Restaurant, and Club Saint-Germain. You’ll be glowing brighter than our custom-built light-up dining tables while sipping on a perfectly mixed martini, listening to a singer croon some sweet tunes. It’ll be a gas! Check their website for schedule of live entertainment and when they are open

32 at the Imperial Palace  - Biloxi - 30 min.away - refined, upscale steak & seafood restaurant with one of the most spectacular panoramic views on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Perched high above the casino on the 32nd floor, it combines classic fine‑dining elements with a memorable atmosphere and scenic coastal vistas.

Best Lunch Spot:

Sakura Japanese and Hibachi - Long Beach - 2 min. away - I like their bento lunch specials.

Long Beach Market and Deli - Long Beach - 3 min. away - This family-owned restaurant has the largest selection of cold beer in the entire state of Mississippi. It also offers 10 beers on tap, and an eclectic menu that includes Korean, Chinese, Cajun, Vietnamese, and American cuisines. They have a nice outdoor patio.

Martha’s - Long Beach, 7 minutes away, has daily specials- tiny, hole in the wall restaurant. They have the freshest and best fried catfish.

Tavi’s Salumeria - Gulfport - 9 min. away - Authentic Italian Deli-He imports all of the lunchmeats, cheeses, and has all kinds of fun fancy imported soft drinks and beers.

Salute’s Italian Restaurant - Gulfport - 10 min. away - They have a $9.99 lunch special Mon-Sat from 11-3 that has a variety of Italian, seafood, and healthy options.

Brew Paddle Cafe - Biloxi - 31 minutes away - This is a charming Parisian‑inspired café. Open for breakfast and lunch, it serves seasonally driven, ingredient‑focused dishes like artisan breads and pastries baked in‑house, creative tartines, brunch classics, and an extensive specialty coffee bar.

Best Mexican

El Saltillo - Long Beach - 3 minutes away - a locals favorite, it is consistently good and they always have good service. The fajitas and burritos are my favorite.

El Aguila Restaurant - Gulfport - 15 minutes away - blends authentic Mexican flavors with a touch of fine‑dining flair. Some of the more popular dishes are stuffed avocado, tuna ceviche, grilled specialties, and house‑made tortillas.

Aztecas - Biloxi - 24 minutes away - casual Mexican and Tex‑Mex eatery known for its bold, flavorful dishes and laid‑back atmosphere.

Best Sushi

Fuji - Long Beach - 1 min. away - just around the corner. Looks like a dive from the outside, but the staff is always very friendly and the food is always fresh. Try it! You’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Rock N Roll  Sushi - Gulfport - 10 min. away - The focus is on American‑style sushi rolls, creative combinations, and familiar favorites like volcano rolls, spicy sashimi salads, and specialty rolls - plus appetizers like crab rangoon and fried rice.

Samurai - in Gulfport - 11 min. away - casual yet well‑loved sushi and Japanese kitchen restaurant with a broad, flavorful menu and fresh ingredients. Beyond sushi, the menu includes bento boxes, hibachi‑style options, grilled dishes, soups, and teriyaki plates, making it a satisfying place whether you want just sushi or a fuller Japanese meal

Fuji Sushi House - in Biloxi - 28 min. away - The restaurant is known for its fresh sushi rolls, sashimi, and inventive specialty rolls that combine classic Japanese technique with local flair and creative touches. In addition to sushi, Fuji offers Japanese favorites like ramen, hibachi, noodle dishes, and hearty appetizers, blending Asian fusion flavors with traditional elements.

Best Pizza

Uncle Joe’s Pizza and Wings - Long Beach - 6 min. away - The pizza has a nice crisp crust. I have heard the wings are delicious and they have a wide variety of sauces to choose from.

Tony’s Brick oven - Gulfport - 9 min. away - is a local Italian‑style restaurant and pizza spot known for its brick‑oven pizzas, classic Italian comfort dishes, and laid‑back yet inviting atmosphere.

Brooklyn Pizzeria in Bay St. Louis & Gulfport. - 15 min. away - This is your typical “dive” pizza joint, but it has the best pizza and Italian subs in my opinion. They also make a good calzone and muffaletta.

Sarducci’s Pizza - Gulfport, 10 minutes away, Beloved, family‑owned Italian‑style pizza spot known for its fresh‑made pizzas, hand‑rolled meatballs, homemade sauces, and dough made daily - giving every pie a flavorful, authentic taste.

El Fornino Pizzeria - Biloxi - 20 minutes away - serves authentic Italian dishes and wood‑fired Neapolitan‑style pizzas made with fresh, high‑quality ingredients, as well as pastas, salads, and classic Italian appetizers. They have great Neapolitan pizza.

Best Thai

Basil’s Thai/Vietnamese Café - Long Beach - 7 min. away - A simple restaurant that is consistently excellent. The food always come out fresh and steaming hot. Very authentic and always good. One of my favorites.

Thai Lotus - Gulfport - 11 min. away - casual, family‑run Thai and Vietnamese restaurant known for its authentic Southeast Asian flavors, generous portions, and welcoming, relaxed vibe. Try the green curry seafood noodle soup. Other favorites include tom yum soup, pho, and lemongrass chicken stir fry.

Miss Thai - Gulfport - 20 min. away - cozy, casual Thai and noodle shop in Gulfport, MS that blends authentic Thai cuisine with rich Japanese‑style ramen.

Thai Temple - Wat Buddhametta Mahabaramee-Gautier - 41 min. away - It's a drive to get there, but it’s great to do on a nice day. This temple serves a Thai meal on Sundays from 10 to 3 and you sit outside under the live oaks. You can walk around the grounds and admire the temple. It is run by volunteers and do they do this as a fundraiser because they are raising money to build a new temple. You could walk around Ocean Springs afterward.

Best Greek/Mediterannean

Mr. Greek - Biloxi - 24 min. away - located in a strip mall, it’s a locals favorite. This is your go-to place for a gyro or Greek salad.

Acropolis Greek Restaurant - Biloxi - 31 minutes away - The restaurant features a cozy, blue‑and‑white décor with nods to Greek heritage and serves up authentic dishes like gyros, moussaka, spanakopita, Greek salad, hummus, and souvlaki, all prepared with fresh ingredients and generous portions.

Phoenicia Gourmet Restaurant - Ocean Springs - 36 min. away - is best described as a warm, Mediterranean‑inspired gem that feels both comforting and locally cherished. Bring your own alcohol. They don’t have a liquor license, but they are fine with you bringing your own beverage. The food is always fresh and authentic. I went with someone who ordered a quesadilla (at a Mediterranean restaurant!), and I couldn’t believe it, but that looked like the best quesadilla I had ever seen. I also saw a waitress eating a hamburger that looked divine and she told me the cook make it! So there you go- no matter what you order, it’s going to be good.

By The Fig and Olive - Ocean Springs - 42 min. away - small slightly upscale, mezze plates, hummus, shawarma, falafel, Turkish cheese rolls, and more eclectic items like tandoori wraps or Thali‑style options. Lots of fresh ingredients.

Best Vietnamese

Long Beach Market and Deli - Long Beach - 3 min. away - This family-owned restaurant has the largest selection of cold beer in the entire state of Mississippi. It also offers 10 beers on tap, and an eclectic menu that includes Korean, Chinese, Cajun, Vietnamese, and American cuisines. They have a nice outdoor patio.

Rusty Pelican - Long Beach - 8 min. away - owned by a Vietnamese lady-a neighborhood restaurant that is a local’s favorite. They serve breakfast on the weekdays.

Kim Long Restaurant - Biloxi. - 29 min. away - Known for their pho, spring rolls, and lemongrass chicken.

Chopstx Noodle Bar - in Scarlet Pearl casino-D'Iberville- 32 min. away - Vietnamese comfort classics with a modern twist: Chopstx specializes in housemade pho, rice‑and‑noodle bowls, fresh spring rolls, banh mi sandwiches, and other flavorful Asian dishes that blend traditional techniques with approachable flavors

Best Chinese

Chopsticks - Long Beach - 2 min. away - The locals love this place and it gets great reviews. They have a lunch buffet that is a great value.

Asian Paradise - Pass Christian - 8 min. away - This is where I go if I want Chinese. It’s always fresh and not greasy.

Best BBQ

Daddy’s BBQ Pop up- Gulfport - 17 min. away - Smoked meats, including ribs, pork butt, ham, and sausage, served from a pop-up shop with set dates.

Boonies on the Bayou - Bay St. Louis - 22 min. away - casual, welcoming local favorite with a relaxed Gulf Coast vibe that leans into Southern barbecue and comfort classics with a laid‑back outdoor feel. Think brisket, pulled pork sandwiches, smoked wings, fried okra, baked beans, collards, mac‑and‑cheese.

Best Daiquiri

Coastal Daiquiri  - Long Beach - 2 min. away - Has a really nice large deck with seating overlooking the ocean. One of the Coast’s most popular daiquiri bars with 25+ flavors of frozen, premium daiquiris made with real fruit and quality liquor. Right downtown and just a block from the beach - perfect for casual drinks with food and views

Juan Tequila’s - Long Beach - 3 min. Away

Gulf Breeze Daiquiris - Gulfport - 6 min. away

Mile High Daiquiris - Gulfport - 17 min. away

Best Cocktail Lounge

The Whiskey Bar - Pass Christian - 8. min. away - Check their website to see if there is any live music or special events like trivia night. Laid-back vibe.

Siren Social Club - Gulfport - 9 min. away - A tiki‑inspired speakeasy‑style lounge and cocktail bar inside Hotel Vela, known for creative drinks, refined small plates, and a sultry, upscale vibe reminiscent of a hidden cocktail lounge

Magnolia Room - Gulfport - 17 min. away - modern speakeasy with rotating passwords, velvet interiors, and craft cocktails. Weekly password drops make it feel like a true hidden gem with a prohibition‑era mystique.

Live Music

Coastal Daiquiri  - Long Beach - 2 min. away - they usually have live music every Fri and Sat, but call to confirm. Must be 21 to enjoy the live music out on the deck. If you are younger than 21, you can stay inside the restaurant but can’t go out on the deck.

Trax Bar & Grill - Long Beach - 5 min. away - our official local dive-live music on Sat. Nights

Sully’s - Gulfport - 8 min. away - live music daily in the afternoon around 3-6 PM, a lively steakhouse + bar & grill

Whiskey Bar - Pass Christian - 8 min. away - A smaller bar featuring live music starting in the early evening around 4 PM on Fri and Sat. Check their Facebook page for music schedule.

Murky Waters Blues and BBQ -Gulfport - 9 min. away - it’s bar-style live entertainment on Fri. Nights, focused on blues.

Shaggy’s - Pass Christian- 10 min. away - They usually have live music in late afternoon to evening around 4-8 PM on Fri and Sat’s in the summer. Located in the Pass Christian harbor, it’s the ultimate beach setting.

Salute’s Italian and Seafood Restaurant - Gulfport - 10 min. away - live music on weekends and during brunch

BSL Lounge - above 200 N Beach restaurant-Bay St Louis - 16 min. away - live music on Thurs and Fri nights. The lounge portion upstairs has a bit of a cool, old-Florida or jazz-club feel - dimmer lighting, relaxed seating, and a casual crowd that’s there to unwind. You’ll hear a lot of blues, oldies, Southern rock, and classic covers mixed with contemporary favorites - nothing too heavy, usually easy to enjoy while talking and sipping drinks. loud enough to feel lively, mellow enough to have conversations.

Ground Zero Blues Club - Biloxi - 28 min. away - This place is owned by Morgan Freeman - Check their website to see what band is playing. Sometimes you need to pay to reserve a table. They have a variety of musicians such as gospel, blues, dueling pianos, and more. The food there is very good.

Saphire Supper Club  - In Hotel Legends-Biloxi - 29 min. away - Wednesdays from 6-10PM-James Taylor plays the piano on Wed nights and he takes requests from the audience. They have a bar menu on Wed nights that is not as pricey as the regular dinner menu.

Party Central:

These 4 places are next to one another in downtown Bay St Louis and there is always something happening no matter what day it is.

Buoy’s Bar - Bay St. Louis - 16 min. away - A popular beachside bar with a fun atmosphere that frequently hosts live music, especially on weekends. It’s a favorite local spot for drinks, watching bands, and enjoying music right near the water.

Dan B’s Restaurant and Bar - Bay St. Louis - 16 min. away - The multi‑level venue offers casual indoor and outdoor seating with views of the bay

 Rags To Riches -Bay St Louis - 16 min. away - Sports bar and social hub with bands and DJs on select nights - live music and a stage are part of its weekend entertainment offerings.

The Blind Tiger - Bay St. Louis - 16 min. away - live music Fri and Sat nights, fun location by the water

Karoake

Juan Tequilas - Long Beach - 3 min. away - Thurs. Nights

Trax Bar & Grill - Long Beach - 5 min. away - our official local dive-every Fri at 8 PM

Rags To Riches -Bay St Louis - 16 min. away - Wed nights 6-11-Sports bar and social hub with bands and DJs on select nights - live music and a stage are part of its weekend entertainment offerings.

Trivia Nights

Coastal Daiquiri - Long Beach - 2 min. away - Tuesday at 7PM

Trax Bar & Grill - Long Beach - 5 min. away - our official local dive-every Mon evening at 7PM

Tina’s Gumbo Recipe

Box of Zatarains Gumbo Base

6 cups chicken broth

1 cup chopped green bell pepper

1 cup chopeed onion

1 cup chopped celery

Bay leaf

1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning

Small package frozen chopped okra

1 pound sliced into bite size pieces: manda sausage or canecuh sausage

2 pounds shrimp, deveined, can use small-medium sized shrimp

1 16 oz. container lump crab meat

1 16 oz. Container crab claws (can get this at Le’s Seafood market on Beatline)

Saute the sausage to get some of the grease out and then set aside. Using the grease in the pan, saute onion, pepper, and celery for 6 minutes until softened. Add chicken broth and gumbo base. Add Old Bay Seasoning and frozen okra. Bring to boil and then simmer on low for 30 minutes. Ten minutes before you want to serve it, add shrimp, sausage, and crab claws. Turn up heat to high and bring to a boil. Then simmer it and cook for about 4 minutes until shrimp are cooked through. Do not overcook shrimp or it will be ruined. Remove from heat. Taste and see if you need to add more spice (Crystal hot sauce or Tabasco will do) or more salt or more Old Bay Seasoning. Serve.

Southerners like to serve this in a bowl with dill pickle potato salad on one side of the bowl and gumbo on the other side. Try it! You can also buy a box of Zatarain’s southern cornbread mix (at Froogels) to make and serve with this.

Huge List Things To Do (sorted by distance from home)

Fly a Kite at the Beach - 2 minutes away - Drive down to Walmart and pick up a kite and go fly a kite! You will have a souvenir to take home to boot!

*Hang out at the Beach - 2 minutes away - Although the MS beaches will not rival Florida or Hawaii, they are nothing to scoff at! With nearly 80 miles of white sand beaches, there are plenty of isolated nooks that you can enjoy the Gulf of Mexico and the sun. What I like about our beaches is that you can go out into the ocean for a long time and the water remains shallow. Our shallow water makes our beaches safer and more child friendly. When I went to a beach in Alabama, the waves were so violent that it was completely unsafe for kids to swim in. Heck, I could barely swim in that ocean! Load up the wagon provided with the kickboards, beach toys, and chairs and walk down to the beach.

*Watch the Sunset on the Beach - 2 minutes away - Sometimes we get so busy that we forget to slow down and walk to the beach and soak up a beautiful sunset. The water is always so calm and the colors in the sky are amazing. Take the dog and kids and go for a walk to the beach. Take some family photos while you are there because the “golden hour” lighting makes the photos turn out really good!

*See Historic Mansions on Scenic Drive - 5 minutes away - Some of the most beautiful antebellum mansions are just down the street on Scenic Drive, off Hwy 90, toward Pass Christian. It’s a pleasant, short drive. Combine this with eating out at Shaggy’s on the water and walking around Pass Christian Harbor and downtown. You can find detailed information on each of the homes on the Historical Society’s webpage: https://www.passhistory.org/scenic-drive-historic-district

Feed the Turtles - 5 Minutes away - Long Beach - Bring some bread or other treats for the turtles and feed them at the University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Park at 730 Beach Blvd. in Long Beach. They have a lovely campus overlooking the Gulf with many huge oak trees, including the famous Friendship Oak that dates back to pre-Columbus times! Find one of their ponds and feed the turtles and birds there! This is a lovely campus for strolling. There is a bridge over a turtle pond that is home to hundreds of turtles. There is a picnic area nearby.

Tree Carvings along Highway 90 (beach highway 5-30 minutes away): Look in the center of Highway 90 between Pass Christian & Biloxi in Harrison County. There are numerous large Live Oak trees that were damaged by Hurricane Katrina that have been carved into Coastal artwork all along the highway.

Gulfport Museum of History - 9 minutes away - Gulfport - It is located in the historic Union Station Railroad Depot in downtown Gulfport, Mississippi. It’s run by the Gulfport Historical Society and focuses on preserving and sharing the story of Gulfport’s past, from its founding and early growth to its people, industry, and culture. Open Thurs-Sat. Volunteers run the museum and would be delighted to give you a personal tour.

Ship Island Excursions - 10 minutes away - Gulfport - Ship Island is approximately 7 miles long and offers beautiful, high quality natural beaches for swimming. Prepare for the sun, especially in summer. A Ship Island sunburn is legendary. The National Park Service provides a large covered picnic pavilion and restroom facility with drinking water on both the north and south side of the island. A snack bar, along with beach umbrella and chair rentals are available on the South Beach. Take a ferry to West Ship Island, part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, and enjoy its pristine waters and acclaimed white sandy beaches. The excursion includes an exploration of Fort Massachusetts; a historic structure built on the island from 1859 to 1866. Along the way, you’ll have plenty of chances to spot the bottle nose dolphins that thrive in the Gulf waters.

Pass Christian Harbor & Playground - 11 minutes away - Pass Christian. There is a playground by Shaggy’s on the beach. Walking around the harbor and looking at the shrimp boats, great blue herons, and pelicans is interesting. There are also 2 vendors that sell fresh seafood on the far left (east side). Sometimes they will feed the great blue herons that stand around waiting for scraps! If you want a quick authentic easy meal, pick up a container of gumbo from them! Delicious!

Mississippi Aquarium - 12 minutes away - Gulfport - This new aquarium has a dolphin show and is located right on Hwy 90. If you are a member of Keesler Federal Credit Union, you can buy discounted tickets on the credit union’s website. Honestly, a lot of locals (myself included) feel that it is overpriced for what they offer. Instead, I recommend Institute of Marine Mammal Studies.

*Miniature Golfing at Centennial Plaza - 13 minutes away - Gulfport - Just opened in 2025: This is the most scenic miniature golf I have ever been to. It has waterfalls, streams, huge towering live oaks, and views of the ocean. There is an outdoor bar where you can buy drinks while golfing. There is also an arcade there with over 130 games and a restaurant that overlooks the water and the golf course. Try their burger made from fresh ground brisket and chuck.

Aviation Heritage Museum - 13 minutes away - Gulfport - This museum highlights the rich aviation heritage of Mississippi - from early pioneers and military flyers to Tuskegee Airmen and space program figures - and tells those stories through engaging exhibits, artifacts, and displays. Visiting this museum is both educational and fun: it blends historical storytelling with interactive learning, making it enjoyable for plane enthusiasts, kids, and families alike. With simulated flights, real aircraft to explore, and exhibits that bring aviation history to life, it’s more than a typical static museum - it’s a place to experience the thrill and innovation of flight up close. Museum is closed Mon, Tues, and Wed.

TrainTastic! Train Museum, formerly Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum - 15 minutes away - Gulfport - Honestly this sounded boring to me but I had so many people tell me I had to go because it was great. And they have lots of 5 star reviews on Google to prove they are worth a visit. A great place to go if the weather is bad. There are several rooms to explore with moving trains, 1000’s of legos, and the people are delightful. There is also a train behind the buildings with an engineer that takes you through a tunnel and over the water. You will be in awe of the details the amount of stuff to see and they are expanding. The staff is super friendly and knowledgeable. Look at all of the photos people posted on the Google reviews to get an idea of the place. It feels like a miniaturized world in motion - with trains, towns, and landscapes to explore, interactive exhibits that invite you to play and learn, and plenty of space for imagination. The museum hosts magnificent light displays and special events during the holidays.

*Lynn Meadows Discovery Center Children’s Museum - 15 minutes away - Gulfport - Indoor attractions include the Super Colossal Climbing Structure, which spans the entire height of the museum, an art studio, a pet clinic where kids scan participate in caring for their pets, a “History Hotel,” a science exhibit, and more. Outdoors, the family can enjoy a “bear creek,” the Kids Street that features kid-sized homes and structures, a pretend bayou shop, and a tree house village. They also host various classes for adults and children along with theater shows.

The Sweet Escape - 16 minutes away - All-you-can-play Arcade - Pass Christian - The coast’s only all-you-can-play arcade! You just pay one flat fee and play a host of old and new school arcade and console games. A truly wonderful and unique place to have in the small town of Pass Christian. They offer all sorts of treats from pizza to banana splits. You can even get a frappe or smoothie that certainly rivals Starbucks and Smoothie King (for half the price!). Be sure to try the liquid salad if you’re in the mood for the healthiest drink on Earth! Some of best sno-balls around! Owned by former LA residents. Combine this with a trip to the Pine Hills Nursery.

*Downtown Bay St. Louis - 17 minutes away - This is a lively coastal town with lots of golf carts and night life (hence it’s nickname “Bar St. Louis”). They have some fun gift shops such as Fleurty Girl and Clay Creations. Be sure to drive down to Cedar Point Bay after visiting the downtown.

*Cedar Point Bay - Bay St. Louis - 17 minutes away - This is a scenic 3 mile drive that is practically level with the water. It makes you feel like you are driving on the water. At the end is a fishing dock with amazing sunset views. This would also be a great place to bike or walk.

Kate Lobrano House - 17 minutes away - Bay St. Louis - The house is a Victorian‑era shotgun cottage built in 1896. The Hancock County Historical Society uses the house as its headquarters and a museum space. Open Mon-Fri 10-3 (closed for lunch 12-1).

Alice Mosley Folk Art Museum - 20 minutes away - Bay St.Louis - The museum displays over 100 of Moseley’s paintings - narrative scenes of porch gatherings, children playing, countryside moments, and humor‑filled vignettes that feel both nostalgic and heartfelt. Her pieces are known for their storytelling quality - rich in Southern charm and often infused with gentle humor and bright colors.

Gulf Islands Water Park - 18 minutes away - Gulfport - An outdoor water park with a lazy river, a wave pool and water slides. They also have a special designated area just for small kids. I believe they have discounted admission after a certain hour. It is also cheaper to buy your ticket online.

Altitude Trampoline Park - 20 minutes away - Gulfport - A great place for the kids to let off some energy. Very clean and spacious, they have an arcade section, rock climbing, dodge ball area, American ninja like obstacle course, and multiple trampoline areas. There is even a trampoline area for kids 60 lbs and under. They charge by the hour. So best to come in at the 1/2 hour. So get 30mins for free. Plus there are soft couches for the adults to sit on while the kids play!

Beauvoir, the Jefferson Davis Home and Presidential Library 20 minutes away - Biloxi - Beauvoir began as a grand antebellum estate built in the mid‑1800s. Jefferson Davis chose this Gulf Coast property as his retirement home after the Civil War and lived here from 1877 until his death in 1889. Today, the restored historic house offers visitors a look into the architecture, furnishings, and daily life of that era. Visiting Beauvoir is like stepping into a piece of Southern history - the restored mansion and museum combine personal stories, period details, and broader historical narratives. The setting along the Gulf Coast adds to the experience. It is lovely to sit in the rocking chair on the porch and admire the view of the ocean.

Bayou View Park - FREE-20 minutes away - Gulfport - Community park offering picnic shelters, play structures, tennis courts & waterside walking paths.

Chuck E. Cheese - 20 minutes away - Gulfport - When you just want to keep it simple.

Pine Hills Nursery - FREE - 21 Minutes away - Pass Christian. This is a very large nursery that sells plants but it’s fun to go there and wander the grounds. They have a mini “zoo” with a big gator, chickens, turtles, goats, rabbits, & koi pond. Combine this with a trip to the Sweet Escape.

Pool at Donald Snyder Community Center -21 minutes away - Biloxi - This community center includes a lap and therapeutic pool area (with at least one lap lane and space for water exercise)

Ice Skating at the Coliseum - 22 minutes away - Biloxi -Call ahead for opening times - only open in winter. They rent ice skates.

*Center for Marine Education and Research, AKA Institute for Marine and Mammal Studies (IMMS), AKA Ocean Adventures Marine Park. 24 Minutes away - Gulfport -I don’t know why this place has 3 names, but it does! This is a nonprofit organization and I personally think it’s a better experience than the new Gulfport Aquarium. It is a fraction of the price of the aquarium and there are more interesting things to do. Dolphin & Sealion shows, stingrays up close, feeding parakeets, and more. You can also snorkel with the stingrays and have dolphin, stingray, or sea lion encounters. It is a hands-on marine science and conservation center dedicated to marine mammal research, education, and rehabilitation.

Olympic Pool at Biloxi Natatorium -24 minutes - Biloxi - This is an indoor aquatic facility and features a full Olympic‑size swimming pool - perfect for lap swimming, recreational swim time, lessons, and community aquatic programs. It’s part of the City of Biloxi’s Parks & Recreation aquatics facilities and is popular with swimmers of all ages. There is also a diving area. It’s open Mon-Fri 5 AM - 8 PM. Closed Sat and Sun.

Big Play - Biloxi - 25 minutes away - The name says it all! Big Play is home to the largest arcade on the MS Coast nestled along the scenic Highway across from the Biloxi Beach. Along with a modern arcade, you can go bowling, race go karts, play mini golf, battle laser tag and mine for gems!

Finish Line Performance Go-Karting - 25 minutes away - Biloxi -located next to Big Play, is a state-of-the-art outdoor go-kart racing complex offering the ultimate experience for kids and adults alike. Race against the clock and other competitors, as you climb the rankings and prove that you have what it takes to be the fastest driver

Ground Zero Museum - 26 minutes away - Waveland- This is a very touching museum about the resilience of people as they experienced Hurricane Katrina. Worth a quick stop before or after visiting Bay St. Louis. There is a bakery called Sugar Pop that serves gourmet cupcakes and lunches attached to the museum. Open Tue-Sat 10-3

*Biloxi Visitor Center and Lighthouse - 27 minutes away - free - Biloxi, More than a visitor’s center, it’s a museum and has a historic lighthouse. It fuses the city’s architectural heritage with state-of-the-art technology and multi-media exhibits to give visitors and residents alike a feel for the Biloxi of yesterday and today. Besides offering a wealth of information about visitor amenities in Biloxi, the visitors center is also a museum of sorts, housing nearly a dozen multi-media exhibits that tell the story of Biloxi, its people, its connection to the water and its cultural diversity. You’ll find a gift shop offering all sorts of Biloxi memorabilia, with many of the items created by local artists and craftsmen. Among the attractions on the second floor is a 67-seat movie theater with continuous showings of the 10-minute film “We are Biloxi.” And stepping out onto the second-floor porch, you’ll be eye level with the beacon of the Biloxi Lighthouse, enjoying the cool breezes off the Gulf of Mexico, or soaking up the panoramic view of the Biloxi beach and Mississippi Sound. There is a very informative video about Hurricane Katrina which plays at 10 AM and 2 PM.

*Biloxi Train Tour - 27 minutes away - Biloxi - In business for over 60 years, affectionately called “The Shrimp Train”, it is an open-aire train that takes you on a 1.5 hour historic tour of Biloxi. Very popular and everyone has a great time. The guide is wonderful.

Coastal Mississippi Mardi Gras Museum - 27 minutes away - Biloxi - The museum offers a taste of Mardi Gras year-round by preserving the stories, colors, and traditions of Carnival on the Gulf Coast - from krewes and balls to parades and local celebrations that make the season special in Mississippi. Open Monday-Friday, 10 AM-4 PM, with Saturday visits by appointment.

Ohr‑O'Keefe Museum of Art - 27 minutes away - Biloxi - This museum spotlights the life and work of George E. Ohr, the Mississippi native known as the “Mad Potter of Biloxi”, whose highly expressive, unconventional pottery helped push the boundaries of ceramic art in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In addition to Ohr’s pieces, the museum presents rotating art exhibitions that feature a range of contemporary and regional artists. The museum campus itself is designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry. Rather than a single building, it consists of several sculptural pavilions woven among ancient live oak trees, creating a dynamic and engaging outdoor space that feels like an extension of the art inside. The Pleasant Reed Interpretive Center, a reconstructed historic home that tells the story of an African American craftsman from the post-Civil War era, adds a cultural and historical dimension to your visit. Pottery, ceramic, and other classes are offered at the campus.

Biloxi Fire Museum - 27 minutes away - Biloxi - The museum is housed in a restored 1937 fire station - the old West End Fire Company No. 3 - so right from the moment you step inside you’re stepping into the past of Biloxi’s fire service. Although relatively small, the museum doubles as an educational center, helping visitors - especially kids - learn about fire safety and how firefighting has changed over time. The museum is typically open Saturdays from 9 AM to 3 PM and also by appointment, and admission is free (donations accepted)

*Historic Schooner Sailing - 27 minutes away - Biloxi - This is a super cool, unique experience. Set sail on a historic schooner, sailboat. The Maritime Museum hosts these walk-on sailings. You meet at the Schooner Pier (arrive early) at 367 Beach Blvd. in Biloxi. Check the website for sailing dates at https://www.maritimemuseum.org/Biloxi -schooners . Sailing times are either 2 PM or 6 PM.

Buccaneer State Park - 28 minutes away - Located in the heart of Waveland, Buccaneer State Park is the perfect getaway for families with an adventurous heart for the outdoors. With 276 premium campsites surrounded by large moss-draped oaks, marshlands, and the Gulf, it’s an invitation to savor the best nature has to offer. Whether it’s smores around a campfire, a pleasant walk along a historic nature trail, or a game of disc golf, Buccaneer State Park offers state-of-the-art facilities in a beautifully restored recreational environment. It’s a one-stop-shop type of deal where families can enjoy a true camping experience, along with some great amenity perks set within 400 acres of green space that borders the Gulf of Mexico. One great feature that’s sure to provide tons of fun for all ages is the half-million gallon wave pool that alternates between eight different wave patterns. The park also has concessions and a food court, picnic area, two water slides, a playground, and a Par 3, 18-hole disc golf course that incorporates open fairways and obstacles throughout the natural setting. A highlight of Buccaneer State Park is “Pirate’s Alley Nature Trail” - a 1.8 mile, self-guided trail that showcases many species of oaks, magnolia, pines, and a variety of indigenous plants and animals of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum - 29 minutes away - Biloxi - one of the Gulf Coast’s most engaging history museums. This museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the deep maritime and seafood heritage of Biloxi and the Mississippi Gulf Coast - telling the story of how the water, boats, fishing, and seafood shaped the region for hundreds of years. Visiting this museum feels like stepping back into the working waterfront culture of the Gulf Coast. You’ll get a real sense of how seafood and boats influenced daily life, community identity, and even the local economy - not just through objects, but through storytelling and hands-on displays that make history feel alive. There are Life-size schooner replicas of the two-masted Biloxi schooners (historic working boats once common in the area) that help bring the story to life.

U-Pic Farms - As the seasons change, so does the fresh, local produce that is available. There are several farms that allow you to experience fresh produce in a unique way… you pick it yourself! We have a U Pick Blackberry Farm right here in Long Beach off of Klondyke Road. Call 228- 861-8837 for more information. In May and June, Dannemann Farms in Kiln, MS and Bounds Blueberry Farm in Wiggins has an abundant supply of blueberries. Throughout the summer, Charlie’s U-Pik is loaded down with a bounty of all kinds of fruits and vegetables. They have two locations in Wiggins and Lucedale. Mert’s Satsumas farm has more than 400 trees of home grown Satsumas and other popular citrus fruits. The Satsuma season is typically mid-September through January 1st. Stop by the farm in north Gulfport to get freshly picked fruits.

*The Biloxi Shrimping Trip - 31 minutes away - Biloxi - This 70-minute cruise on the Mississippi Sound will give you and your family first hand shrimping experience. On the expedition, a net will be cast to the sea, catching not only shrimp but also blue crabs, oyster fish, flounder, squid, stingray, and other sea creatures that thrive on the sound. You will learn how the net is spread and operated, and how to properly cook and eat shrimp.

Pool at The Salvation Army Kroc Center MS Gulf Coast - 31 minutes away - Biloxi - This indoor aquatic facility has a fun rec pool with splash areas, a water slide, lazy river and zero‑depth entry, plus lap lanes. Check their website for Date Night childcare on Friday evenings.

Miniature Golf with Exploding Volcano - 32 minutes away - D’Iberville, MS in Scaret Pearl Casino -Kids will definitely enjoy golfing at the Lava Links Golf Club. This unique miniature golf course is located at the Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort on Central Avenue, D’lberville. Kids are challenged to putt the ball in an 18-hole course while being surrounded by an erupting mechanical volcano, serene waterfalls, and entertaining music.

Heavenly Grace Farm - 33 minutes away - Kiln, MS - Llama and alpaca encounters. You can find them on Facebook. Reserve in advance.

Margaritaville Resort Biloxi - 34 minutes away - This is a casino that has a huge 55,000 square foot Family Entertainment / Arcade Center. There is a huge ferris wheel, roller coaster, 48 foot volcano rock wall, ropes course, boutique bowling, virtual reality ride where you choose your theme park ride, and tons of arcade games. Check out their website for pricing on particular attractions. Great place to go if the weather is bad outside.

INFINITY Science Center - 36 minutes away - Pearlington, MS- The exhibits are amazing! You never realize just how large these rockets are until you're standing right next to one. You'll see artifacts from real space missions, not just replicas. There are many interactive exhibits to enjoy for all ages. Instead of passive exhibits, the center encourages exploration, questioning, and learning by doing, making it great for families, school groups, and anyone curious about how the universe, Earth, and technology work together. The INFINITY Science Center is also the official visitor center for the NASA Stennis Space Center.

*Visit downtown Ocean Springs - 37 minutes away - By far one of the favorite small town downtowns to visit. USA Today and Southern Living have named Ocean Springs as one of the best small towns. Walk around the cute shops downtown on Government Street and Washington Street. One of the few old Downtowns to survive all the hurricanes, the area has numerous historic sites, historic homes and the Walter Anderson Museum of Art. My favorite shops are Shearwater Pottery, Realizations, Hillyer House, Coastal Magpie, The Pink Rooster, and Poppy’s. There is also a large toy store called Miner’s Big Stuff toy and doll store. Check out the Walter Anderson Museum of Art while you are downtown.

*Walter Anderson Museum of Art - 37 minutes away - Ocean Springs - is a highly‑regarded art museum dedicated to the life, creativity, and vision of Walter Inglis Anderson - one of the Gulf Coast’s most beloved and influential artists - as well as his artistic family. Walter Anderson is one of my favorite artists and I have some of his prints hanging in my home. The museum is located downtown, making it an easy stop as you stroll through the shops and galleries in downtown Ocean Springs.

Ghost Town in Logtown, MS - Free - 38 minutes away - This is a ghost town with a historic 3 mile trail. It is one of several ghost towns situated within the 125,000 acre acoustic buffer zone of NASA's John C. Stennis Space Center. It stood along the banks of the Pearl River and had been the site of a very large sawmill and logging community. Today, the only thing left untouched is the Logtown cemeteries. There are three privately owned family cemeteries with graves dating back as early as the 1850s. Along the Pearl River you can find an artesian well and concrete and brick structures that were once the foundations of some of the buildings. Snaking through the pine and hardwood forest is the Possum Walk Trail, a 3 mile hiking trail stretching in between the Nasa Infinity Science Center and Logtown. Along the trail you can find many signs telling Logtown's history and even see remnants of the historic Dummy Line railroad. Complete your visit to Logtown with a nearby swamp tour with Cajun Encounters.

Charnley Norwood House - 39 minutes away - Ocean Springs - Call 228‑234‑7298 to make an appointment to tour the home. Tours are guided and free - the house is an architectural treasure designed in 1890 by Louis Sullivan, with contributions by a young Frank Lloyd Wright. A guided tour helps explain the design details, the restoration after major storms like Hurricane Katrina, and the historical significance of the building in American architectural history.

*Wild Acres Petting Zoo - 46 minutes away - McHenry, MS-Hands on animal exhibit. Petting zoo. Located in McHenry. You need to make a reservation before you go there. Look them up on Facebook. This one has been many of the guests’ favorite activities with small children. They have sloths and baby animals for the kids to feed. Definitely worth the drive there! You can combine this with a visit to the Flint Creek Water park. Stop at the Pecan House on the way to grab some sweet treats and souvenirs. Black Jack Ranch has a lovely gift shop nearby.

*Pascagoula River Audobon Center - 47 minutes away - Pascagoula, MS-The center is the gateway to the Pascagoula River, the largest free-flowing river in the continental United States. It will introduce you to the diverse wildlife that thrives in the river and its surrounding ecosystems. The center includes an interpretive trail and botanical gardens and offers kayak rentals and river tours. A two-hour interpretive boat tour is also available from the center. Kayaks and paddleboats must be rented out before noon.

The Gulf Islands National Seashore - 48 minutes away - Ocean Springs. The Gulf Islands National Seashore has a lot of interesting things hidden away, such as the Davis Bayou Trail. This two mile trail leads visitors on a journey through coastal forest. The trail is free to use and hike, but there is a fee for using the campsites or boat ramps in the area. The William M. Colmer Visitor Center is also another free location to visit here. There are video presentations where visitors can learn more about the national seashore and get involved with ranger-guided programs.

Flint Creek Water Park - 54 minutes away - Wiggins - It has a nice beach area. Entry is inexpensive and you can have a picnic lunch and swim. You can combine this with a visit to the Wild Acres Petting Zoo.

LaPointe‑Krebs House - 55 minutes away - Pascagoula- The house has been scientifically dated to the mid‑18th century, making it the oldest confirmed building in Mississippi and perhaps the entire region between the Appalachian and Rocky Mountains. It’s one of the few remaining French colonial‑era structures on the Gulf Coast, showing how early settlers built homes using local materials and traditional techniques. Open every day of the week; check website for hours.

*Gulf Coast Gator Ranch & Tours - 56 minutes away - Moss Point- This is Mississippi’s only alligator ranch and airboat swamp tour experience, set on about 105 acres of swampland bordering the Grand Bay Estuary. It offers a mix of outdoor adventure, wildlife viewing, and hands‑on animal encounters in a natural marsh environment. Walk along boardwalks and trails around the ranch. You can feed alligators and get close to these remarkable animals.

*Cajun Encounters Airboat Swamp Tour Company - 56 minutes away - Slidell-The most popular town is the Honey Island Swamp Tour. The Honey Island Swamp itself is one of the least‑altered river swamps in the United States - a protected wilderness where water flows beneath ancient cypress trees draped in Spanish moss and wildlife thrives. Tours are guided boat excursions that take you deep into the swamp habitat on a slow, quiet flat‑bottom boat (not a fast, loud airboat). You’ll float through narrow bayous, past thick vegetation and submerged roots, with your guide narrating the ecology, history, and folklore of the area. It is possible to do an airboat tour and also tour Oak Alley and/or Laura Plantation in the same day.

Destrehan Plantation - 1 hour, 33 minutes away - Destrehan, LA- Destrehan Plantation is a beautifully restored antebellum estate along the Mississippi River that invites visitors to step back into Louisiana’s rich history. Explore the elegant Greek Revival mansion, lush gardens, and historic outbuildings while learning fascinating stories about the families and enslaved people who lived and worked there. With immersive tours, educational exhibits, and special events, Destrehan offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and Southern charm for a memorable day trip near New Orleans.

Bellingrath Gardens and Home - 1 hour, 15 minutes away - Theodore, AL-This is a stunning 65-acre estate along the Fowl River known for its beautifully landscaped gardens and historic 1930s home. Visitors can stroll through vibrant seasonal displays of azaleas, roses, camellias, and other native plants, while guided tours of the elegant Bellingrath home reveal the history of the family and the estate. With scenic walking paths, fountains, and year-round floral displays-including the famous Magic Christmas in Lights festival. They also offer outdoor concerts in the summer. They have a nice cafe and gift shop.

*New Orleans French Quarter - 1 hour 20 minutes away - Walk around the French quarter and don’t forget to stop at the famous Café Du Monde and have some beignets and café au lait! There is always a long line, but a tip is for you to go to the front of the line and on the left, there is a take out counter with a much shorter line. Get your food to go and eat it across the street in the lovely park. Cash only. Take a relaxing tour on the authentic Steamboat Natchez paddleboat. I use Spothero.com and pay for a parking spot BEFORE I leave Long Beach. Not only does this reduce my stress of finding a spot once I get to New Orleans, but parking is also a fraction of the price.

Hattisburg Zoo - 1 hour, 25 minutes away - Hattisburg, MS This zoo is a compact, family-friendly zoo that features over 100 species of animals along with interactive experiences like giraffe feeding, walk-through exhibits, and educational encounters. Visitors can also enjoy attractions such as a park train, playground areas, and the seasonal Serengeti Springs water park. It’s a fun stop for families and casual animal lovers.

The Lucky Rabbit - 1 hour, 25 minutes away - Hattisburg, MS. This is a fun sprawling warehouse and flea market featuring vintage clothing, antiques and retro items. They have a “Golden Girls” set complete with look-alike living room furniture. There is a “Stranger Things”, “Schitt’s Creek”, “The Office” and more sets. It consists of 2 giant warehouses. Open Sat and Sun only.

Hattisburg Pocket Museum - 1 hour, 25 minutes away - Hattisburg, MS. This museum is a little slice of whimsy tucked into an alley behind the historic Saenger Theatre in downtown Hattiesburg, Mississippi - and it’s one of the city’s most charming surprises. It’s known as Mississippi’s tiniest museum - literally a small window display built into a once-boarded-up wall that you look into from the alley. Inside are miniature exhibits that change regularly, often quirky, creative, playful, and full of character.

*Global Wildlife Center - 1 hour 30 minutes away - Folsom, LA - This is a 900-acre free-roaming wildlife preserve where visitors experience animals on a guided safari tour rather than in traditional zoo exhibits. Guests ride in covered wagons or private vehicles through open fields while feeding and observing animals such as giraffes, zebras, bison, and camels that roam freely across the property. The park combines close-up wildlife encounters with educational tours focused on animal behavior and conservation

Destrehan Plantation - 1 hour, 33 minutes away - Destrehan, LA- Destrehan Plantation is a beautifully restored antebellum estate along the Mississippi River that invites visitors to step back into Louisiana’s rich history. Explore the elegant Greek Revival mansion, lush gardens, and historic outbuildings while learning fascinating stories about the families and enslaved people who lived and worked there. With immersive tours, educational exhibits, and special events, Destrehan offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and Southern charm for a memorable day trip near New Orleans.

*National WWII Museum - 1 hour 34 minutes away - New Orleans, LA - This is one of the most comprehensive World War II museums in the world, telling the story of the American experience during the war through immersive exhibits, artifacts, and personal accounts. Visitors explore multiple buildings featuring aircraft, vehicles, multimedia presentations, and interactive experiences that cover both the European and Pacific theaters. The museum offers a powerful, educational journey into the events, people, and impact of World War II. Be sure to pre-purchase your tickets online and pay the extra for the movie with Tom Hanks because it’s worth it. Highly recommended.

Mini Grand Canyon - FREE - 1 hour 40 minutes away - in Red Bluff, MS-located in the small town of Foxworth, MS- A beautiful site will await you featuring colorful sandstone erosion. You can hike down to the Pearl River and explore! Keep in mind this is on private land and there are no restrooms or amenities nearby. Hike the .9 mile Red Bluff trail. Very unique spot that is unparalleled in Mississippi. The view is stunning, and the hike down can be slippery, so come prepared to get dirty and wear hiking boots. The creek at the bottom is cold and clear, forming something of a little oasis with cool air and miniature waterfalls. Bring plenty of water to drink and be prepared for cardio on the way back up. Find more information on this trails on Alltrails.com

Landrum Homestead Village & Living History Museum - 1 hour 41 minutes away - Laurel, MS. The village is a walk back in time -- a re-creation of a late 1800s settlement reminiscent of Southern days gone -- nestled in a beautifully landscaped setting. Features include a Confederate soldier encampment, an Old West Shooting Gallery, exhibits, entertainment, nature trail wagon rides, gem mining, a Native American Village, a mystery house, The Maze, Smokehouse lunches, a picnic pavilion, a forestry museum, demonstrations on blacksmithing, butter churning, gristmill grinding cornmeal, cooking biscuits on a wood stove, steam engine and much more. Walk-ins welcome Thurs - Sat. Call to make sure they are open. They have a very nice Fall Fest and Christmas Candelight tour.

Airboat Adventures - 1 hour, 44 minutes away - Lafitte, LA- They offer airboat tours and slower pontoon boat tours. The airboats take you on powerful flat-bottom airboats through cypress-lined bayous and marshlands. The tours are fast, exciting, and great for wildlife viewing. You will see alligators!

Alligator Alley - 1 hour 48 minutes away - Summerdale, AL. Lots of alligators and shows throughout the day. On your way to Gulf Shores, Alabama. You can buy a bucket of alligator feed and feed the gators. They have very cool boardwalks that walk over the water that is filled with gators. The boardwalks are very scenic filled with cypress trees and birds. You have the opportunity to pet baby gators and snakes too!

OWA Amusement Park - 2 hours away - Foley, AL- A long drive away, but worth it! A brand new amusement park with a great roller coaster and a whole area set aside for little kids. If you don’t want to ride any rides, you can get in for free too. They also have a lovely downtown very similar to Disney Springs with lots of trendy shops and restaurants and a lake. Also, if you don’t want to ride the rides, you can get in for free with a nonrider pass. Just ask at the ticket window for one. They also have the water park next to the amusement park. After you visit OWA, drive another 30 minutes to The Wharf in Gulf Shores. The Wharf is filled with trendy shops, restaurants, and a ferris wheel.

Tropic Falls Water Park at OWA Parks & Resort - 2 hours away - Foley, AL - This is a large indoor-outdoor water park featuring thrilling slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool. Its indoor section has a retractable roof, allowing visitors to enjoy water attractions year-round. With family play areas and high-speed slides, Tropic Falls offers a fun, resort-style water park experience for visitors of all ages.

Pensacola, Florida - 2 hours away, Pensacola has a Historic Village, state parks, National Aviation Museum, Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, Sam’s Fun City water and amusement park, Florida State Museum, Children’s Museum, Mess Hall Science Museum, historic forts, Macaw Bird Park, beaches, shopping, Saenger Theater, and more.

*Laura Plantation - 2 hours, 2 minutes away - Vacherie, LA- Laura Plantation is a unique Creole plantation that brings Louisiana’s rich cultural history to life. Wander through restored Creole cottages, vibrant gardens, and historic sugarcane fields while guided tours reveal the personal stories of the families and enslaved people who shaped the plantation. With its intimate, storytelling-focused experience, Laura Plantation offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into Creole traditions, architecture, and everyday life along the Mississippi River.

*Oak Alley Plantation - 2 hours, 7 minutes away - Vacherie, Oak Alley Plantation is a stunning antebellum estate famous for its iconic alley of 28 massive live oak trees, creating one of Louisiana’s most photographed landscapes. Visitors can tour the grand Greek Revival mansion, manicured gardens, and historic outbuildings while learning captivating stories about the families and enslaved people who lived there. With an on-site restaurant, gift shop, and beautifully maintained grounds, Oak Alley offers a full-day, immersive experience of Southern history, culture, and breathtaking scenery along the Mississippi River.

*Laurel Valley Plantation Tour - 2 hours, 13 minutes away - Thibodaux, LA-This is the largest surviving 19th & 20th century sugar plantation complex in the U.S. With nearly 40 original structures remaining, Laurel Valley offers a unique glimpse into plantation life along the bayou. This is a rare find. Call ahead and book your tour. A guide will walk you through the grounds and tell you about the history of the area and of this sugar plantation. The original structures are so unique, many movies have been filmed on site. In fact, when I visited, they were shooting a movie there.

Gulf Shores, Alabama -2 hours, 20 minutes away - Zoo, Water Park, Gardens, Beach & More- a fun place to visit with a young, hip vibe. Has nice white beaches with very big waves. If you go there, you can eat at the famous Lambert’s Café that specializes in southern dishes and they throw rolls at you! There is always a wait to be seated, so be prepared. The earlier you go there, the better. Alligator Alley is on your way to the beach. More nearby attractions include Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, The Wharf, Waterville Water Park, the Estuarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, beach at Dauphin Island, Fort Morgan State Historic Site, Adventure Island Amusement Park, Audobon Bird Sanctuary, Colonial Fort Conde, Flora Bama, Bellingrath Gardens and Home, City of Foley Depot Museum and Train Exhibit, and more. There is also the famous Felix’s Fish Camp restaurant on the way in Spanish Fort, AL.

Destin, Florida - 3 hours away - often described as some of the most iconic coastal stretches in the southeastern United States - part of what’s known as the Emerald Coast for their stunning colors and soft sands. Sugar white sand, emerald-green waters, clear shallow waters great for snorkeling. This is the prettiest beach around. When the locals want to go on a beach vacation, they all go to Destin.

*Living History Museums in Lafayette, LA-3 hours away - Vermilionville Historic Village is a living history museum that recreates life in the Acadiana region during the 18th and 19th centuries. The village features restored homes and buildings along the Bayou Vermilion where costumed interpreters demonstrate traditional Cajun, Creole, and Native American crafts, music, and cooking. Visitors can explore historic structures, learn about local culture, and experience the heritage that shaped south Louisiana. They have an on-site restaurant serving cajun and creole dishes. Larc’s Acadian Village is a living history museum that preserves and showcases 19th-century Cajun culture and architecture. The site features historic homes, blacksmith and weaving demonstrations, and costumed interpreters who demonstrate traditional crafts, music, and daily life. Visitors can explore the village to experience the heritage, foodways, and traditions that shaped the Acadian/Cajun community in southwest Louisiana.

*Tabasco Plantation Tour - 3 hours 20 minutes away - Avery Island, LA- This is an interesting day trip. The McIlhenny family has made TABASCO®Sauce on Avery Island, Louisiana for over 5 generations. Built on a salt dome, it's a mysteriously beautiful place where the red peppers grow, the factory hums, and abundant wildlife can be seen in Jungle Gardens. Visit Jungle Gardens across the street while you are there. They have a restaurant and gift shop on site. The Jungle Gardens is a gorgeous area with huge sweeping oaks and you can go hiking. Hundreds of white egrets come to nest there every year. A great birding spot!

Websites to find information on things to do:

www.gulfcoast.org/things-to-do/

Local Events: www.wlox.com/community/calendar/

www.gulfcoastweekend.com

Itinerary: Small Town Hop

This is a great way to experience the Mississippi Gulf Coast. You will stop at all of the cute little towns on the coast: Bay St. Louis, Pass Christian, Long Beach, and Ocean Springs. Plan on a full day of shopping, eating, and sightseeing.

As you drive toward Bay St. Louis on Hwy 90, take Scenic Drive on your right on your way there. It’s a short drive with the most gorgeous mansions on the coast. You can actually have brunch in one of those mansions called the Blue Rose Historic Mansion. Stop at Cat Island Coffee House in Pass Christian (at the end of Scenic Drive) for a coffee and breakfast.

Continue on to Bay St. Louis. In Bay St. Louis, park over by Ruth’s Roots. Visit Ruth’s Roots which is a lovely community garden. Stop at Shops at Century Hall which is a big building filled with various vendors. There are also 2 wonderful antique stores you could walk to: Magnolia Antiques and Antique Maison. If you are a history buff, stop by the Pass Christian Historical Society which is across the street from Ruth’s Roots. Finally take a walk down Main Street and stroll those shops as well (going toward the Gulf). Here you will find Fleurty Girl and Clay Creations among other gift shops. There’s an excellent ice cream shop called Creole Creamery. On your way out of Bay St. Louis, instead of turning right to get on the bridge, go straight toward Cedar Point on N. Beach Blvd. This is a neat drive. It feels like you are driving on the water. It’s 3 miles down to Cedar Point where you can park. This is the best sunset viewing area. Gorgeous homes on one side and the water on the other side.

The next stop is Pass Christian. Stop at Shaggy’s to have lunch outside with a fantastic view of the water. Walk around the Pass Christian harbor after lunch and see all of the shrimp boats. Next, go to Robin's Nest gift shop. You will find some other stores as well when you walk around.

The next stop is Ocean Springs. It’s a beautiful 30 minute drive there with unobstructed views of the ocean the entire way. You will drive past Long Beach, Gulfport, and Biloxi. You will see all of the huge casinos in Biloxi on your way there. Once in Ocean Springs, park by the Realizations art gallery. Realizations sells Walter Anderson prints (a famous local artist). All of the shopping is along Washington Ave. I like Poppy’s, Hilyer House, Pink Rooster, and Coastal Magpie stores. If you are hungry, Lady May is a popular spot. Before you leave Ocean Springs, drive to Shearwater Pottery, a very popular pottery store owned by the Anderson family.

Finally, drive back to Long Beach to conclude the day. Have dinner at Coastal Kitchen.

Itinerary: Museum Junkie

With some advance planning, you can squeeze a lot of cool things into this day. If you can, try to squeeze in the historic schooner sailboat cruise at 6 PM at the end of the day. This will take some planning on your part. Go to the website (link below) and see when the next schooner sailing is. Plan accordingly. Also, if you wanted the Presidential Tour at the Beauvoir Mansion, that needs to be booked 24 hours in advance.

Start off the day by visiting the Biloxi Visitor Center open 8-5 daily. They have a very informative video on Hurricane Katrina (10 AM & 2 PM daily). It’s an excellent visitor center in a historic building with lots of great information, plus they have a lighthouse you can tour. Light house tours take place at 9 AM daily, weather permitting, and it’s only $5 per person. I would suggest getting there at 8:30AM, going on the lighthouse tour, then watching the Hurricane Katrina video at 10 AM.

Our first museum of the day is the Jefferson Davis Beauvoir Museum. The grounds encompass 52 acres and you get to tour the historic mansion, which is the post-war home of the former President of the Confederate States of America, Jefferson Davis. Tours start at the top of every hour. If you are a real history buff, pay $35 a person and book in advance (at least 24 hours in advance) the Presidential tour where you will get your own personal guide and see the entire 52 acres and some very special behind-the-scenes places. Your guide will drive you to all of the points of interest on the historic Oak-laden Beauvoir property, providing a narrative of the historical grounds!

The next stop if the O’Keefe Art Museum. Open Tue-Sat. This museum spotlights the life and work of George E. Ohr, the Mississippi native known as the “Mad Potter of Biloxi”, whose highly expressive, unconventional pottery helped push the boundaries of ceramic art in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In addition to Ohr’s pieces, the museum presents rotating art exhibitions that feature a range of contemporary and regional artists. The museum campus itself is designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry. Rather than a single building, it consists of several sculptural pavilions woven among ancient live oak trees, creating a dynamic and engaging outdoor space that feels like an extension of the art inside. The Pleasant Reed Interpretive Center, a reconstructed historic home that tells the story of an African American craftsman from the post-Civil War era, adds a cultural and historical dimension to your visit.

Our final museum of the day is the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum in Biloxi. Explore over 300 years of history, heritage, and culture. Open Mon-Sat 9-430 and Sun 12-4. One thing that this museum offers that is really cool is sailing on a historic schooner (sailboat)! You meet at the Schooner Pier (arrive early) at 367 Beach Blvd. in Biloxi. Check the website for sailing dates at www.maritimemuseum.org/Biloxi -schooners. You could time your museum day so that you end it with a historic schooner cruise at 6 PM!

Itinerary: New Orleans Day Trip

Note: If you want to eat at the iconic Brennan’s restaurant, you need to plan a month in advance! Reservations open up 30 days in advance and book within minutes.

Instead of driving to New Orleans, you can also take the Amtrak train. It’s about $40-$50 roundtrip per person. The train leaves out of the Bay St. Louis Station and arrives by the Superdome. From there, you can walk, take a taxi, or the street trolley to get around New Orleans. The train arrives in New Orleans at 10:13 AM and leaves at 5:30 PM.

If you drive to New Orleans, you can buy your parking spot in advance online at spothero.com. It’s cheaper and then you are not stressed out trying to find parking. I recommend parking spots P404 or P401.

Once you arrive in New Orleans, you’ve got to go to Café Du Monde at 800 Decatur St. If the line is crazy long, walk all the way up to the front of the line and you will notice there is a short line on the left for take away only. I think you have to pay cash only, but I’m not sure. Just get your food for take away and eat it at the park across the street.

After having a beignet and coffee au laut, do a riverfront stroll in Woldenberg Park. It’s right behind Café Du Monde. Next, go across the street to Jackson Square where you can get your tarot cards read right before stepping inside the cathedral. Check out St. Louis Cathedral. The museum next door called The Presbytere is your next stop. They have 2 excellent exhibitions: Mardi Gras World and Living with Hurricanes. Very informative and an hour well spent.

If you have made reservations a month in advance, then head over to Brennan’s for lunch. The Court of Two Sisters has lovely patio seating but the food is so-so. Other restaurant recommendations are Galatoire’s (creole), GW Fins (seafood), K Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen (creole), Palace Café (creole), Tableau (creole), Café Amelie (southern), Acme Oyster House (seafood), and Johnny’s Po-Boys (po-boys).

After having lunch, it’s time to stroll the streets. Royal Street is lined with swanky antiques, art, and clothing shops. Be sure to browse M.S.Rau at 630 Royal Street. They welcome gawkers. Next is the one and only Bourbon Street. Lots of entertaining people watching on this street.

If you can squeeze it in, one fun thing to do is take the Steamboat Natchez on a daytime cruise Mon-Sat. Board the boat at 11 AM and sail from 11:30 to 1:30PM. You can pay more for lunch if you want, but you don’t have to buy the food. They also have an evening cruise from 7 to 9 PM. Check the website because they have 2 different boats and lots of different options.

Depending on your interests, the WWII museum is top notch excellent! I highly recommend it. If you go, be sure to see the movie with Tom Hanks. This is a newer museum and very interesting, engaging, and informative.

Before you leave, stop at Central Grocer and get a muffaletta to go. Once you get to the house, eat it for dinner. Delicious!

Itinerary: The Budget Traveler

Start the day off with a country breakfast at the Rusty Pelican. This is where all the locals eat breakfast, hands down. Next you are going to drive to Ground Zero Museum in Waveland (Tues-Sat 10-3). Admission is free. It is a museum about Hurricane Katrina. Be sure to take Scenic Drive on your right off of Hwy 90 on your way there. This drive is very scenic with some of the most beautiful mansions on the coast. For lunch, they say there is no such thing as a free lunch, however, they haven’t been to Long Beach. Head over to Island View Casino and sign up for their players club (21+ over). They will give you a voucher for free slot play and a free $20 in dining! Go to their lunch buffet which is outstanding. So many choices. Be sure to sample their gelato because it’s just as good as the gelato you get in Europe. The best buffet around in my opinion, and it will all be free! Try your luck on the free slot play. Who knows, you might actually earn money on this day! After lunch, you will be really full, so head back to the house, change into a swimsuit, and head to the beach and relax a bit. Check out Sea Level Taco Stand in Pass Christian for dinner. It’s a taco / burger stand right on the beach! Open 11-7 daily. Inexpensive and you can’t beat the view. A lot of folks say they have the best burgers.

Itinerary: Young Kids Day Out

Start off the day by going to the Institute for Marine and Mammal Studies (IMMS). IMMS has different animal shows like dolphin, bird, sting ray, and sea lion. Grab lunch at any of the recommended ones and then head back to the house, change into swimsuits, and go to the beach for a couple of hours. Head on over to the Lynn Meadows Children’s Museum at 3PM and spend a couple of hours there until they close at 5 PM. On the way home, stop by the University of Southern Mississippi campus with some bread and feed the turtles. There is a little creek with a little bridge and there are lots of turtles there. You can also admire the huge Friendship Oak which has existed since Columbus! If the kids still have energy, go mini golfing on one of the most beautiful mini golf courses I have seen at Centennial Plaza Resort, 13 minutes away. They have a huge 2 level arcade center, restaurant with outdoor seating that overlooks the water and the golf course, and the new mini golf course. This is a great way to cap off the day.

Another option for the evening is the playground on the beach by Shaggy’s in Pass Christian. Walk around the Pass Christian Harbor and study the shrimping boats, great blue herons, and pelicans.

Itinerary: Alligators and Plantations

Today you will drive on over to Louisiana to experience a swamp tour and visit some plantations. Reserve your swamp tour in advance at Cajun Encounters. Do this first thing in the morning.

Head on over to Oak Alley Plantation. Have lunch at their lovely restaurant. Oak Alley Plantation is a stunning antebellum estate famous for its iconic alley of 28 massive live oak trees, creating one of Louisiana’s most photographed landscapes. Visitors can tour the grand Greek Revival mansion, manicured gardens, and historic outbuildings while learning captivating stories about the families and enslaved people who lived there. With an on-site restaurant, gift shop, and beautifully maintained grounds, Oak Alley offers a full-day, immersive experience of Southern history, culture, and breathtaking scenery along the Mississippi River.

Your next stop is Laura Planation, which is a unique Creole plantation that brings Louisiana’s rich cultural history to life. Wander through restored Creole cottages, vibrant gardens, and historic sugarcane fields while guided tours reveal the personal stories of the families and enslaved people who shaped the plantation. With its intimate, storytelling-focused experience, Laura Plantation offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into Creole traditions, architecture, and everyday life along the Mississippi River. Oak Alley and Laura plantations are very different, so it is great to visit both.

Gift Shops

Casinos

Island View - This is the closest casino to the cottage and takes about 5 minutes to get there. They have a smoking and a non-smoking section. One of two casinos on the Coast that offers nonsmoking (the other is Palace). For many people, this is their favorite casino because they like to gamble on the nonsmoking side, which is the beach side. It has lots of windows, beautiful gulf views, and light coming in. I hear they have the best comps too. And want a free date night? Island view new players receive $15 food voucher and $15 in free play. No gimmicks. In Gulfport.

Beau Rivage - This is the fanciest, nicest casino. It reminds me of the Bellagio in Las Vegas. In Biloxi.

Hard Rock Casino - Probably the busiest casino around. Very hip fun atmosphere. They have a trendy famous restaurant inside called the Sugar Factory. Make your reservation early or you won’t get a table! In Biloxi.

Treasure Bay - I hear they have the best buffet around. In Biloxi.

Hollywood - I hear this is one of the better ones for gambling. Crab claws and lobster in the buffet on weekends. They have a lazy river pool. In Bay St. Louis.

Silver Slipper - I hear this is one of the better ones for gambling. Has a beach area, pool, the gambling floor is not too big or too small. In Bay St. Louis.

The Palace Casino - They have a smoking and non-smoking section. One of two casinos on the Coast that offers nonsmoking (the other is Island View). In Biloxi.

Scarlet Pearl - Super clean and friendly staff. Someone remarked they have good air cleaning here. In D’Iberville

Golfing

Grand Bear Golf Course - Saucier - This course is the most beautiful. Grand bear is one of the nicest on the coast. It is in saucier. It’s hidden 6 miles into the De Soto National Forest in Saucier, MS. Grand Bear now offers the Bear’s Club Card. Highly recommended. Check out their website for deals. #1 recommended course.

The Oaks Gulf Club - Pass Christian - This course is the overall best value. It is a beautiful golf course, laid back feeling. Award-winning public course featuring strategic bunkering and tranquil marshland settings. Second highest recommended.

The Preserve Golf Club - A Jerry Pate - designed course tucked into natural Mississippi coastal landscapes with excellent conditioning and challenging play.

Bayou Vista - Gulfport - Most Economical - If you’re looking for a nice short, family type Course that is extremely inexpensive, you can’t beat Bayou Vista.

Pass Christian Isles Gulf Club - One of the Gulf Coast’s oldest courses (est. 1914) with a traditional layout. Originally designed by Tom Bendelow, it features tree-lined fairways, strategically placed water hazards, and small greens that provide a fun but challenging round for golfers of all skill levels. The club includes a clubhouse with a casual bar & grill and pro shop.

Sunkist Golf Club - Biloxi - The people here are friendly. It’s a shorter course, the grass is brown in the winter.

The Bridges Golf Club - Bay St. Louis - This course is a difficult, challenging course.

Museums

Coastal Mississippi’s history is almost as rich as its scenic views. And you can explore both on our daily tours or at a slew of historic sights you’ll see around town.

Gulfport Museum of History - 9 minutes away - Gulfport - It is located in the historic Union Station Railroad Depot in downtown Gulfport, Mississippi. It’s run by the Gulfport Historical Society and focuses on preserving and sharing the story of Gulfport’s past, from its founding and early growth to its people, industry, and culture. A volunteer would be delighted to give you a personal tour of the museum. Open Thurs - Sat.

Kate Lobrano House - 17 minutes away - Bay St. Louis - The house is a Victorian-era shotgun cottage built in 1896. The Hancock County Historical Society uses the house as its headquarters and a museum space. Open Mon - Fri 10 - 3 (closed for lunch 12 - 1).

Alice Mosley Folk Art Museum - 20 minutes away - Bay St.Louis - The museum displays over 100 of Moseley’s paintings - narrative scenes of porch gatherings, children playing, countryside moments, and humor-filled vignettes that feel both nostalgic and heartfelt. Her pieces are known for their storytelling quality - rich in Southern charm and often infused with gentle humor and bright colors.

Aviation Heritage Museum - 13 minutes away - Gulfport - This museum highlights the rich aviation heritage of Mississippi - from early pioneers and military flyers to Tuskegee Airmen and space program figures - and tells those stories through engaging exhibits, artifacts, and displays. Visiting this museum is both educational and fun: it blends historical storytelling with interactive learning, making it enjoyable for plane enthusiasts, kids, and families alike. With simulated flights, real aircraft to explore, and exhibits that bring aviation history to life, it’s more than a typical static museum - it’s a place to experience the thrill and innovation of flight up close. Museum is closed Mon, Tues, and Wed.

TrainTastic! Train Museum, formerly Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum - 15 minutes away - in Gulfport - Honestly this sounded boring to me but I had so many people tell me I had to go because it was great. And they have lots of 5 star reviews on Google to prove they are worth a visit. A great place to go if the weather is bad. There are several rooms to explore with moving trains, 1000’s of legos, and the people are delightful. There is also a train behind the buildings with an engineer that takes you through a tunnel and over the water. You will be in awe of the details the amount of stuff to see and they are expanding. The staff is super friendly and knowledgeable. Look at all of the photos people posted on the Google reviews to get an idea of the place. It feels like a miniaturized world in motion - with trains, towns, and landscapes to explore, interactive exhibits that invite you to play and learn, and plenty of space for imagination. The museum hosts magnificent light displays and special events during the holidays.

Beauvoir, the Jefferson Davis Home and Presidential Library 20 minutes away - Biloxi - Beauvoir began as a grand antebellum estate built in the mid-1800s. Jefferson Davis chose this Gulf Coast property as his retirement home after the Civil War and lived here from 1877 until his death in 1889. Today, the restored historic house offers visitors a look into the architecture, furnishings, and daily life of that era. Visiting Beauvoir is like stepping into a piece of Southern history - the restored mansion and museum combine personal stories, period details, and broader historical narratives. The setting along the Gulf Coast adds to the experience, connecting the place to the landscape that Davis himself saw every day. It is lovely to sit in the rocking chair on the porch and admire the ocean view.

Ground Zero Museum - 26 minutes away - This is a very touching museum about the resilience of people as they experienced Hurricane Katrina. Worth a quick stop before or after visiting Bay St. Louis. There is a bakery called Sugar Pop that serves gourmet cupcakes and lunches attached to the museum. Open Tue - Sat 10 - 3

Biloxi Visitor Center and Lighthouse - 27 minutes away - free - Biloxi, More than a visitor’s center, it’s a museum and has a historic lighthouse. It fuses the city’s architectural heritage with state-of-the-art technology and multi-media exhibits to give visitors and residents alike a feel for the Biloxi of yesterday and today. Besides offering a wealth of information about visitor amenities in Biloxi, the visitors center is also a museum of sorts, housing nearly a dozen multi-media exhibits that tell the story of Biloxi, its people, its connection to the water and its cultural diversity. You’ll find a gift shop offering all sorts of Biloxi memorabilia, with many of the items created by local artists and craftsmen. Among the attractions on the second floor is a 67-seat movie theater with continuous showings of the 10-minute film “We are Biloxi.” And stepping out onto the second-floor porch, you’ll be eye level with the beacon of the Biloxi Lighthouse, enjoying the cool breezes off the Gulf of Mexico, or soaking up the panoramic view of the Biloxi beach and Mississippi Sound. There is a very informative video about Hurricane Katrina which plays at 10 AM and 2 PM.

Ohr - O'Keefe Museum of Art - 27 minutes away - Biloxi - This museum spotlights the life and work of George E. Ohr, the Mississippi native known as the “Mad Potter of Biloxi”, whose highly expressive, unconventional pottery helped push the boundaries of ceramic art in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In addition to Ohr’s pieces, the museum presents rotating art exhibitions that feature a range of contemporary and regional artists. The museum campus itself is designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry. Rather than a single building, it consists of several sculptural pavilions woven among ancient live oak trees, creating a dynamic and engaging outdoor space that feels like an extension of the art inside. The Pleasant Reed Interpretive Center, a reconstructed historic home that tells the story of an African American craftsman from the post-Civil War era, adds a cultural and historical dimension to your visit. Pottery, ceramic, and other classes are offered at the campus.

Biloxi Fire Museum - 27 minutes away - Biloxi - The museum is housed in a restored 1937 fire station - the old West End Fire Company No. 3 - so right from the moment you step inside you’re stepping into the past of Biloxi’s fire service. Although relatively small, the museum doubles as an educational center, helping visitors - especially kids - learn about fire safety and how firefighting has changed over time. The museum is typically open Saturdays from 9 AM to 3 PM and also by appointment, and admission is free (donations accepted)

Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum - 29 minutes away - Biloxi - one of the Gulf Coast’s most engaging history museums. This museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the deep maritime and seafood heritage of Biloxi and the Mississippi Gulf Coast - telling the story of how the water, boats, fishing, and seafood shaped the region for hundreds of years. Visiting this museum feels like stepping back into the working waterfront culture of the Gulf Coast. You’ll get a real sense of how seafood and boats influenced daily life, community identity, and even the local economy - not just through objects, but through storytelling and hands-on displays that make history feel alive. There are Life-size schooner replicas of the two-masted Biloxi schooners (historic working boats once common in the area) that help bring the story to life.

INFINITY Science Center - 36 minutes away - Pearlington, MS - The exhibits are amazing! You never realize just how large these rockets are until you're standing right next to one. You'll see artifacts from real space missions, not just replicas There are many interactive exhibits to enjoy for all ages. Instead of passive exhibits, the center encourages exploration, questioning, and learning by doing, making it great for families, school groups, and anyone curious about how the universe, Earth, and technology work together. The INFINITY Science Center is also the official visitor center for the NASA Stennis Space Center. Stop by Logtown nearby as well.

Walter Anderson Museum of Art - 37 minutes away - Ocean Springs - is a highly - regarded art museum dedicated to the life, creativity, and vision of Walter Inglis Anderson - one of the Gulf Coast’s most beloved and influential artists - as well as his artistic family. Walter Anderson is one of my favorite artists and I have some of his prints hanging in my home. The museum is located downtown, making it an easy stop as you stroll through the shops and galleries in downtown Ocean Springs.

Coastal Mississippi Mardi Gras Museum - 27 minutes away - Biloxi - The museum offers a taste of Mardi Gras year-round by preserving the stories, colors, and traditions of Carnival on the Gulf Coast - from krewes and balls to parades and local celebrations that make the season special in Mississippi. Open Monday-Friday, 10 AM-4 PM, with Saturday visits by appointment.

Charnley Norwood House - 39 minutes away - Ocean Springs - Call 228-234-7298 to make an appointment to tour the home. Tours are guided and free - the house is an architectural treasure designed in 1890 by Louis Sullivan, with contributions by a young Frank Lloyd Wright. A guided tour helps explain the design details, the restoration after major storms like Hurricane Katrina, and the historical significance of the building in American architectural history.

LaPointe - Krebs House - 55 minutes away - Pascagoula - The house has been scientifically dated to the mid-18th century, making it the oldest confirmed building in Mississippi and perhaps the entire region between the Appalachian and Rocky Mountains. It’s one of the few remaining French colonial-era structures on the Gulf Coast, showing how early settlers built homes using local materials and traditional techniques.

Hattisburg Pocket Museum - 1 hour, 25 minutes away - Hattisburg, MS. This museum is a little slice of whimsy tucked into an alley behind the historic Saenger Theatre in downtown Hattiesburg, Mississippi - and it’s one of the city’s most charming surprises. It’s known as Mississippi’s tiniest museum - literally a small window display built into a once-boarded-up wall that you look into from the alley. Inside are miniature exhibits that change regularly, often quirky, creative, playful, and full of character.

Destrehan Plantation - 1 hour, 33 minutes away - Destrehan, LA - Destrehan Plantation is a beautifully restored antebellum estate along the Mississippi River that invites visitors to step back into Louisiana’s rich history. Explore the elegant Greek Revival mansion, lush gardens, and historic outbuildings while learning fascinating stories about the families and enslaved people who lived and worked there. With immersive tours, educational exhibits, and special events, Destrehan offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and Southern charm for a memorable day trip near New Orleans.

National WWII Museum - 1 hour 34 minutes away - New Orleans, LA - Top notch, new, large WWII museum. This is worth the drive. It is one of the best museums I have visited in the States. Consistently ranked among the top museums in the United States, it offers visitors a truly unforgettable journey through the European and Pacific theaters, with historic aircraft, tanks, and interactive displays that make history feel vivid and personal. Be sure to see the movie that Tom Hanks narrates.

Landrum Homestead Village & Living History Museum - 1 hour 41 minutes away - Laurel, MS. The village is a walk back in time -- a re-creation of a late 1800s settlement reminiscent of Southern days gone -- nestled in a beautifully landscaped setting. Features include a Confederate soldier encampment, an Old West Shooting Gallery, exhibits, entertainment, nature trail wagon rides, gem mining, a Native American Village, a mystery house, The Maze, Smokehouse lunches, a picnic pavilion, a forestry museum, demonstrations on blacksmithing, butter churning, gristmill grinding cornmeal, cooking biscuits on a wood stove, steam engine and much more. Walk-ins welcome Thurs - Sat. Call to make sure they will be open. They have a very nice Fall Fest and Christmas Candelight tour.

Laura Plantation - 2 hours, 2 minutes away - Vacherie, LA - Laura Plantation is a unique Creole plantation that brings Louisiana’s rich cultural history to life. Wander through restored Creole cottages, vibrant gardens, and historic sugarcane fields while guided tours reveal the personal stories of the families and enslaved people who shaped the plantation. With its intimate, storytelling - focused experience, Laura Plantation offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into Creole traditions, architecture, and everyday life along the Mississippi River.

Oak Alley Plantation - 2 hours, 7 minutes away - Vacherie, Oak Alley Plantation is a stunning antebellum estate famous for its iconic alley of 28 massive live oak trees, creating one of Louisiana’s most photographed landscapes. Visitors can tour the grand Greek Revival mansion, manicured gardens, and historic outbuildings while learning captivating stories about the families and enslaved people who lived there. With an on-site restaurant, gift shop, and beautifully maintained grounds, Oak Alley offers a full-day, immersive experience of Southern history, culture, and breathtaking scenery along the Mississippi River.

Laurel Valley Plantation Tour - 2 hours, 13 minutes away - Thibodaux, LA - This is the largest surviving 19th & 20th century sugar plantation complex in the U.S. With nearly 40 original structures remaining, Laurel Valley offers a unique glimpse into plantation life along the bayou. This is a rare find. Call ahead and book your tour. A guide will walk you through the grounds and tell you about the history of the area and of this sugar plantation. The original structures are so unique, many movies have been filmed on site. In fact, when I visited, they were shooting a movie there.

Living History Museums in Lafayette, LA - 3 hours away - Vermilionville Historic Village is a living history museum that recreates life in the Acadiana region during the 18th and 19th centuries. The village features restored homes and buildings along the Bayou Vermilion where costumed interpreters demonstrate traditional Cajun, Creole, and Native American crafts, music, and cooking. Visitors can explore historic structures, learn about local culture, and experience the heritage that shaped south Louisiana. They have an on-site restaurant serving cajun and creole dishes. Larc’s Acadian Village is a living history museum that preserves and showcases 19th-century Cajun culture and architecture. The site features historic homes, blacksmith and weaving demonstrations, and costumed interpreters who demonstrate traditional crafts, music, and daily life. Visitors can explore the village to experience the heritage, foodways, and traditions that shaped the Acadian/Cajun community in southwest Louisiana.

Walking/Hiking Opportunities

St. Patrick City Park - 0 minutes away! Right outside your door….at the corner of Magnolia St and East Ave. in Long Beach. It’s almost right next to the Magnolia Beach Cottage and the Magnolia Beach Escape. It has a humble playground and a paved 1/3 mile walking trail.

University of Mississippi Gulf Park Campus - 5 minutes away - in Long Beach - beautiful campus with lots of large live oak trees, including the famous Friendship Oak tree that dates back to pre - Columbus times! Bring some food and feed the turtles by the bridge while you are there.

Scenic Drive - 6 minutes away - If you are going to drive to Pass Christian, be sure to take this road into town. It’s right next to Hwy 90. Scenic Drive truly is scenic! It’s a short drive but you will pass by some of the nicest historic mansions you have ever seen! Historic antebellum homes with huge live oak trees in the yard. There is also a sidewalk along Scenic Drive if you want to park the car and walk. The Drive ends at War Memorial Park in Pass Christian where you can walk around there as well.

Jones Park - 9 minutes away - Gulfport - a very large park on the ocean that has paved walking trails.

Short Boardwalk along the beach - Biloxi - To find this boardwalk, locate Woody’s Bar and Grill in Biloxi. The boardwalk is on the beach side. It’s not very long, but it’s nice to have a solid walking path along the beach.

Bay St. Louis Bridge - 12 minutes away - On the way to Bay St. Louis. They have a separate walking trail on this bridge with its own barricade. Very scenic. After walking the bridge, check out downtown Bay St. Louis. They have some nice restaurants right by the water and a downtown shopping area. There is also a lovely church called Trinity Episcopal right by the ocean that is beautiful to walk around and visit.

Cedar Point Bay - 18 Minutes away - Bay St. Louis - This path is paved right on the water. You will walk along the water almost at water level and see the bay on your right and beautiful beach homes on the left. Cedar Point is a wonderful place to watch the sunset or go fishing. There is a parking lot and restrooms at the end of the road along with a place to fish. Somewhat secluded. 3 miles each way. To get there, take Hwy 90 to Bay St. Louis and take a right on Beach Blvd after you cross the bridge. You could put in Cedar Point or Bay Waveland yacht club in your GPS. Just follow Beach Blvd to the end where it dead ends and you can park your car and get out and walk. Very relaxing.

Buccaneer State Park - 28 minutes away - Waveland, MS - A highlight of Buccaneer State Park is “Pirate’s Alley Nature Trail” - a 1.8 mile, self-guided trail that showcases many species of oaks, magnolia, pines, and a variety of indigenous plants and animals of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

The Possum Walk Trail at Logtown - 37 minutes away - 6.7 mile trail. The Logtown area is well-traveled by locals for its view of historic trees lining a dirt road that leads straight to the Pearl River. There’s also an artesian well with fresh-flowing water and a walking trail that leads to Stennis Space Center. Many people fish or take boats out from the Logtown boat launch. There are no homes in Logtown, as it is in the Stennis Space Center buffer zone. No painting can do justice to the majestic oaks at Logtown.

Sandhill Crane Refuge - Fontainebleau Trail - 40 minutes away - Ocean Springs - Fontainebleau Nature Trail is a 1.6 mile lightly trafficked loop trail that features a river and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching. Great for families or someone looking for an easy, well marked trail. There are a couple of benches and lookout points along the way. I hear people have spotted sandhill cranes on this trail. It can get very muddy after a rain. Trailhead is ½ mile down Hanshaw Rd. on the left. The best time to view the sandhill cranes is October through March. Check out The Country Gentleman restaurant nearby for lunch which has southern and Greek food.

Explore the Gulf Islands National Seashore - 48 minutes awa - Ocean Springs. The Gulf Islands National Seashore has a lot of interesting things hidden away, such as the Davis Bayou Trail. This two mile trail leads visitors on a journey through coastal forest. The trail is free to use and hike. The William M. Colmer Visitor Center is also another free location to visit here. There are video presentations where visitors can learn more about the national seashore and get involved with ranger-guided programs.

Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve - 55 minutes away - Savanna Trail. Explore our newest walking trail loop with an entrance off our Savanna Trail Boardwalk or on the northern end of our parking lot. Immerse yourself in nature and discover the unique flora and fauna of a pine savanna. The trail is approximately 1 mile and ends in the parking lot. Sand hill cranes, pelicans, and lots of other birds can be spotted

Bellingrath Gardens and Home - 1 hour, 15 minutes away - Theodore, AL - This is a stunning 65-acre estate along the Fowl River known for its beautifully landscaped gardens and historic 1930s home. Visitors can stroll through vibrant seasonal displays of azaleas, roses, camellias, and other native plants, while guided tours of the elegant Bellingrath home reveal the history of the family and the estate. With scenic walking paths, fountains, and year-round floral displays-including the famous Magic Christmas in Lights festival. They also offer outdoor concerts in the summer. They have a nice cafe and gift shop.

Lucedale Greenway Preserve Nature Trail & Creamery 1 hour 26 minutes away - The first half of the hike (if you take a right at the fork) has you following a sandy creek called Depot Creek, which runs alongside a train track. There are many different types of trees, some of which are labeled. This is a great hike to observe fall colors. After the 1 mile loop hike, stop by Haven's Down Home Creamery, a nearby dairy farm where you can get ice cream almost straight from the cow. Talk about fresh! They also sell milk, cheese, ice cream and all sorts of beef. Bring your cooler and stock up on some fresh meat and dairy!

Mini Grand Canyon - FREE - 1 hour 40 minutes away - in Red Bluff, located in the small town of Foxworth, MS - A beautiful site will await you featuring colorful sandstone erosion. You can hike down to the Pearl River and explore! Keep in mind this is on private land and there are no restrooms or amenities nearby. Hike the .9 mile Red Bluff trail. Very unique spot that is unparalleled in Mississippi. The view is stunning, and the hike down can be slippery, so come prepared to get dirty and wear hiking boots. The creek at the bottom is cold and clear, forming something of a little oasis with cool air and miniature waterfalls. Bring plenty of water to drink and be prepared for cardio on the way back up. Find more information on this trails on Alltrails.com

Kids Splash Park Hop Journey

Pack a picnic lunch and snacks and plan a a splash pad hop journey - every 2 hours you go to a different splash pad in a different town. Keep in mind these splash pads are only open seasonally. But the parks are always open. Follow the order of the parks below:

Splash Park at War Memorial Park in Pass Christian - 7 minutes away - This park is right off of Hwy 90 and is very beautiful. It’s filled with lots of tall live oak trees and is right by the ocean. There is a nice big playground and splash park and tennis courts. There is lots of shade at this park because there are so many oak trees. On your way there, take Scenic Drive and look at all of the antebellum homes on the beach. After playing in the park, grab a frozen yogurt at the Pass Daq and Fro Yo Shop . Or, go across the street to Cat Island Coffee house and browse their lovely selection of books for sale and sit out on the deck and take in the ocean view.

Splash Park at Town Green - 3 minutes away - This is fun for little kids. They have some splashing fountains at Town Green on Jeff Davis about 1 mile from the house. Stop by Dolce bakeshop afterward (check hours) for a cupcake(they have the best gourmet cupcakes I have ever tasted) or Sonic for a slushie.

Splash Park at Jones Park in Gulfport - 9 minutes away - This is a very large park that has a large harbor and you can walk or jog around the park. There is also a splash park there for the kids.

Splash Pad at Point Cadet - Biloxi - 34 minutes away - The bathroom and picnic areas were in close proximity to allow the parents to watch their children while sitting in the shade.

Splash Pad at Fort Maurepas City Park and Nature Preserve - 39 minutes away - Ocean Springs, You can cross the street and play at the beach and walk down the pier. This place is an absolute blast for anyone wanting to come here. Fantastic park area and the splash zone is phenomenal. There is seating under a large canopy area and water fountains. It's right next to the beach as well which makes it a perfect place to go to cool down after a nice beach day t's nice and clean. The restrooms are clean as well. It's in a good spot. You walk across the street to the beach.

Scenic Boating Trips out on the Gulf

Biloxi Shrimping Trip - Unique & interesting cruise. - This is great for kids. A guy takes you out on his boat and shows you how they catch shrimp. In business since 1954, the Biloxi Shrimping Trip has been offering unique 70-minutes cruises between Deer Island and the Biloxi coast. You’ll learn how trawling is done. As the captain explains the proper method for shrimping, a 16-foot net drags the waters for blue crab, flounder, string ray, oyster fish, squid, and puffer fish. Discover how the Mississippi Gulf Coast’s main industry works and the diversity of marine life found in those waters. The pride & heritage of Biloxi comes alive aboard this unique & interesting cruise. The Biloxi Shrimping Trip exposes guests to the spectacular world of sea life caught on a real shrimping expedition. Upon leaving the harbor, the shrimping net is set out with full details on what makes the net spread and operatees in its path, along with shrimp. The varieties range from blue crabs, flounder, stingray, oysterfish, squid, pufferfish and other species of local marine life. The entire catch is identified and presented for your inspection by the Captain! This 70-minute “Living Marine Adventure” cruise navigated in the calm, protected waters between Deer Island and the Biloxi shoreline for your comfort. Schedule subject to change without notice. Tours are weather permitting, and are on a “first come, first serve” basis. Reservations not accepted. No credit cards accepted.

*Historic Schooner Cruises - This is a super cool, unique experience. Set sail on a historic schooner, sailboat. The Maritime Museum hosts these walk-on sailings. You meet at the Schooner Pier (arrive early) at 367 Beach Blvd. in Biloxi. Check the museum’s website for sailing days and times.

North Star Sailing Charters - Climb aboard North Star Sailing Charters, and Captain Jim will provide you the cruise of your dreams. Options for sunset and moonlight cruises, you can soak in the views of the Mississippi coastline and barrier islands. Prices vary depending on passenger number and length of trip.

Set Sail Yacht Charters - The almost 3 hour sunset cruise aboard the 52’ Endurance departs from the Gulfport Small Craft Harbor. Captains Darien and Trachelle Hill are US Coast Guard licensed Master Mariner, Sail, Oceans and Master, 200 Ton respectively. Prices vary depending on length of sail.

La Dolce Vita Cruising Charters - Dolce Vita is an all-inclusive privately captained 26-foot Lexington pontoon charter. The Dolce Vita features a large lounge pad, tons of seating, a bimini top, a huge cooler, a lily pad, beer pong, and much more.

*Eco - Tours of South Mississippi - Choose from 2, 4, or 8 hour interpretive tours introducing you to the natural habitats of the cypress swamps and salt marshes of the lower Pascagoula River or the coastal barrier islands. You can book a sunset cruise or take the 2-hour afternoon cruise which includes a Coastal Mississippi sunset. Witness the native wildlife and ecosystems that enhance the beauty of the Pascagoula River and barrier islands as you bathe in the sunset. Prices vary depending on age and length of cruise.

*Ship Island Excursions available year round. for up to 150, and the Gulf Islander for up to 200 guests. All vessels provide two decks, a dance floor, and an open-air upper deck that offers a unique view of our coastal sunsets. Entertainment options are available for an additional fee. Excursions are available year round. They also offer a ferry service at $44 per adult to go to Ship Island and back for the day. Oftentimes you will see dolphins on this trip. Pack tons of sunscreen if you are going to Ship Island!

Island Hopper Charters - They offer island hopping excursions, dolphin/wildlife searching tours, & sunset cruises. Packages from 2 hours to 8 hours for 1 - 6 passengers. 228-224-5432; Leaves out of Pass Christian.

Nautitoons Pontoon Boat Rental - They offer half day and full day pontoon boat rentals where you can take the boat out to Deer Island yourself and drive the boat yourself. Some pontoon boats have water slides. You can take the dog too! Prices range from $275 to $400.

Pascagoula River Audobon Center - 47 minutes away - Pascagoula, MS - The center is the gateway to the Pascagoula River, the largest free-flowing river in the continental United States. It will introduce you to the diverse wildlife that thrives in the river and its surrounding ecosystems. The center includes an interpretive trail and botanical gardens and offers kayak rentals and river tours. A two-hour interpretive boat tour is also available from the center. Kayaks and paddleboats must be rented out before noon.

Airboat Swamp Tours to See Alligators

Gulf Coast Gator Ranch & Tours - 56 minutes away - Moss Point - This is Mississippi’s only alligator ranch and airboat swamp tour experience, set on about 105 acres of swampland bordering the Grand Bay Estuary. It offers a mix of outdoor adventure, wildlife viewing, and hands-on animal encounters in a natural marsh environment. Walk along boardwalks and trails around the ranch. You can feed alligators and get close to these remarkable animals.

Cajun Encounters Airboat Swamp Tour Company - 56 minutes away - Slidell - The most popular town is the Honey Island Swamp Tour. The Honey Island Swamp itself is one of the least-altered river swamps in the United States - a protected wilderness where water flows beneath ancient cypress trees draped in Spanish moss and wildlife thrives. Tours are guided boat excursions that take you deep into the swamp habitat on a slow, quiet flat-bottom boat (not a fast, loud airboat). You’ll float through narrow bayous, past thick vegetation and submerged roots, with your guide narrating the ecology, history, and folklore of the area.

Airboat Adventures - 1 hour, 44 minutes away, They offer airboat tours and slower pontoon boat tours. The airboats take you on powerful flat-bottom airboats through cypress-lined bayous and marshlands. The tours are fast, exciting, and great for wildlife viewing. You will see alligators!

Fishing Charters

*Every guest I’ve met who has hired a fishing charter had an outstanding time. They always ended up catching a lot of fish. Here are some charters that guests have used in the past:

Shore Thing Fishing Charters . We pride ourselves on providing the best fishing guide service on the coast. Not only do we strive for an unbelievable fishing experience, we also take care of everything else. Every step is taken prior to your arrival to make certain that your trip is as enjoyable and productive as it should be. If you are looking for a hard core fishing adventure with your buddies or a fun filled fishing experience for your family Shore Thing Charters has the right trip for you.

Impulsive Fishing Charter with Scott Simpson is also highly recommended by a friend of mine who fishes. With over 27 years experience, you are sure to have a good time with Scott.

Fishing Frenzy with Captain Micah

9 Ball Mississippi Fishing with Captain Barry. With over 30 years experience in fishing the waters of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, I know where the fish hide and I know the techniques for catching many different varieties. I am totally dedicated to giving you the best fishing trip possible! Whether you are a novice or seasoned professional, I aim to please and strive to give everyone aboard the adventure of a lifetime!

Fishing on your own

One of the best things to do in Coastal Mississippi is to fish - and both newbies and angling pros agree. There are fishing spots for each enthusiast, regardless of their preference for saltwater, freshwater, or brackish water. And with summer ushering in the season for speckled trout, redfish, red snappers, cobia, pompano, and Spanish mackerel, to name a few, no fisherman will be going home empty-handed.

But before getting caught up with all the excitement of reeling in your catch, preparations have to be made. And it all starts with the license to fish.

Getting a fishing license

All anglers need to buy a license to fish in Mississippi. Only anglers who are chartering a boat are exempted from this requirement. For recreational fishing at piers or by the beach, residents and non-residents have pay for a saltwater fishing license. Check out the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks’ list of fees here and their online license purchasing portal here. You can also refer to this list of catch limits for guidelines on allowed quantities and species.

With a valid license on hand, anglers can stop by these stores to get the best bait and tackle that will reel in a prize catch or two.

Willie’s Fuel and Bait - 720 S Cleveland Ave, Long Beach, MS

Fort Bayou Bait Shop - 1022 Legion Lane, Ocean Springs - This small shop in Ocean Springs has a homey bayou atmosphere that’s perfect for a relaxing day of fishing. Despite its size, it is well-stocked with fishing essentials and live shrimp bait, crickets, and worms. There’s no need to venture out too far since there are fishing piers near the shop. But if the water calls, there’s a ramp available for boat launches.

Gorenflo’s Tackle and Marina - 119 Beach Boulevard, Biloxi - On the way to one of Biloxi, Mississippi’s great fishing spots? Stop by Gorenflo’s to stock up on the essentials. This tackle shop has a great selection of fishing tackle and must-have fishing accessories like coolers, sunglasses, fishing rods, and fuel. The staff is very knowledgeable and despite the small square footage, it offers many things an angler would need.

Mary Walker Marina - 3308 Mary Walker Drive, Gautier - In operation since 1945, this full - service marina is the largest in Jackson County and has everything anyone can ever need for a boating excursion. The staff knows a great deal about the local area and can recommend ideal fishing spots. The availability of live bait isn’t an issue with the marina’s three live-bait tanks. There’s also frozen bait, worms, and plenty of ice and fuel on hand. When the fishing day is done, there’s a picnic area for customers to relax and take in great views of the bayou after prepping the catch of the day at the fish cleaning station.

Wicked Fish Bait & Tackle - 13011 B Highway 49 South, Gulfport - Wicked Fish Bait & Tackle hasn’t been around for long-not even a year. But the newly opened bait and tackle shop is determined to provide Gulfport anglers with a good selection of top water baits and worms and a great variety of tackle boxes and fishing line. Owned by a Texan couple who fell in love with Coastal Mississippi, the shop has friendly and helpful staff. It is also conveniently located next to a gas station. If you prefer your bait frozen, there’s a variety of them (shrimp, squid, pogie, cut bait, crab bait, finger mullet, and a few more) available here.

The History of our Beach

Fun fact, the beach from Henderson point in PC to Biloxi is the longest man-made beach in the world!!

The beach was made in 1951 by the Army Corps of Engineers in an effort to boost tourism post-WWII! There was a sea wall before there was a beach.

It’s not really a secret that Mississippi is home to an enormous amount of history and unique places to visit. One such place that lands itself in both categories is the largest man-made beach in the world that starts in Biloxi and runs to Henderson Point in Pass Christian.

Harrison County is home to Gulfport and Biloxi and it was emerging as a notable destination for tourism in the 1920s. In 1924 an act was signed that was aimed at protecting the public highways which ran along the shoreline. As a result of this act, a seawall was begun in 1926 and was constructed along portions of the coastal sealine at a cost of $3.4 million(roughly $26 million in today’s money). The project was completed in 1928 and offered protection from tidal surges.

The Great Depression forced the closure of many resorts which had appeared along the coast, but tourism boomed again for Harrison County in the 1940s.

Public Law 727 was enacted by Congress in 1946. The goal was to help protect communities along the coast and to help control erosion. The new law helped to protect the communities by promoting and aiding in the construction of artificial beaches that contained seawalls. The Harrison County shore Protection Project helped to reconstruct the seawall in the 1950s. The project produced the largest man-made beach in the world to protect the seawall. Nearly 13 miles of coast was raised, from Henderson Point to the Biloxi Lighthouse, which provided additional storm protection to the area communities.

Though the beach was completed in 1952, a series of incidents kept the public from being able to fully enjoy the beach until 1963. Harrison County was sued by the United States government in 1960 for failure to assure perpetual public use, per a 1951 contract with the U.S. government. The beach was limited because of the Harrison County v Guice case. Harrison County was sued by Guice, who claimed she owned the beach, and stated its construction was not intended for public access and recreation but only for shore protection. The Mississippi Supreme Court stated the State of Mississippi was the “owner of lands in the beds of its shores over which the tides of the sea ebb and flow,” and the State holds the titles as trustee for the people to all the lands below mean high tide. The State Supreme Court found Guice had a littoral property right, meaning unrestricted access to the waters, but only owning the land to the median high-water mark, and was awarded the beach which was next to the upland property owner.

In the U.S. Court of Appeals, the US v. Harrison County ruled the contract Harrison county had with the federal government was valid and the county must maintain the beach for public use. The Court of Appeals stated the ruling in the Harrison County v. Guice case was contrary to Section 90 of the Mississippi Constitution. Under the Constitution, land that belongs to, or is under a contract of the State, cannot be donated to private individuals.

Public access was clarified by then - Attorney General Cox. The clarification boasted that the public’s rights to access the beach are protected as long as that access did not interfere with the littoral rights of the landowners.

Our Ocean is technically The Mississippi Sound

The water along Mississippi’s Coast is not the Gulf of Mexico, it is called the Mississippi Sound. The Mississippi Sound extends from Lake Borgne, Louisiana to Mobile Bay, Alabama. The Sound is separated from the Gulf of Mexico by a series of narrow islands, sand bars, and underwater ridge that is part of the island chain. This ridge of islands extends from just northeast of New Orleans eastward to Gulf Shores, Alabama. The islands include Cat, Ship, Horn, Petit Bois and Dauphin islands. Water exchange with the Gulf takes place through numerous passes. Numerous coastal bays are contained within the Sound system including St. Louis Bay, Biloxi Bay, Pascagoula Bay and Grand Bay. Rivers that feed into the Sound include the Escatawpa, Pascagoula, Tchoutacabouffa, Biloxi, Wolf, Jourdan, and Pearl Rivers. River water is brown from tannic acid. Tannic acid occurs naturally in rivers from rotting wood, leaves, and other plant material. The fresh (brown) river water feeds into the Sound and mixes at the surface with saltwater from the Gulf. Due to the island ridge, the currents of the Gulf are blocked from fully disbursing the brown river water into the Gulf of Mexico. The best thing about the water in the Sound is the fact that there is an abundance of nutrients in the sound that do not occur anywhere else along Gulf Coast States. For this reason, the oyster beds in the Sound are some of the largest naturally occurring oyster beds in the world. What’s more, an abundance of shrimp enter the sound to feed on the nutrients from the rivers which makes the Sound and coastal Gulf waters from Louisiana east to Alabama some of the richest waters for the shrimping industry. Another fact about the Mississippi Gulf Coast, is that the island chain and underwater ridge prevents wave action along the Mississippi Coast like you normally see at Gulf Shores, Alabama. And for this reason, the shoreline of Mississippi is shallow well out away from the beaches, and the beaches of the Mississippi Coast are all manmade. Originally, Mississippi’s coast was mainly mud and clay. Most of Mississippi’s coastal history is linked to the oyster and shrimping industries as the main way of life for its residents throughout the past 200 years. All because of the Mississippi Sound!

What are some of the things the locals love about the Mississippi Gulf Coast?

The beautiful sunsets

The smell of the salt water. Marshes. Fresh seafood. Oaks and Magnolias. Our spirit and friendliness. I could go on and on.

The beautiful majestic oak trees. Did you know there are very few places in the world where oak trees grow so close to the beach and the MS Gulf Coast is one of them?!

The fresh seafood and the pelican

Friends & the beautiful scenery

Driving down the coast anytime, but the sunrise is breathtaking

The views and the weather

Cruise in your car by the beach every evening along Hwy 90

Some of realize we live in the best town in the USA

I have never been as happy anywhere else happy every day walking my dog saying hello to everyone walking by my house while working in my yard a lot of people stop and talk and the people here are amazing, a lot of people that come here come back today stay

As I meet people from out of town they always comment on how much they love this town. I’ve been all over and it’s hard to find the atmosphere and people that we have in this town. It’s a Great Place to live and some people just don’t realize how good they have it.

We found everyone friendly. Very easy to meet people. Just go for a walk in the morning and say “good morning” to the people that are out walking also.

Exactly the appeal my aunt and uncle found in Long Beach. They love their neighbors and visiting with them and their guests every single day. It’s keeping them young, refreshed and rejuvenated. They’ve been there for about 30 years. We love to drive down from Kentucky a few times a year to visit. The neighbors have all adopted us as well and have watched our kids grow. The area is a lovely place.

We are building a house on a lot we bought in April of 2018, and we have been living in Long Beach for one year now and we absolutely love it! We walk or ride bikes nearly everywhere we go! We love our little beach town so much!

Long Beach has become our happy place for all the reasons you mentioned. There is always something to do between festivals, live music, boating, beaches, eating out and spending time with new friends. We have developed more friendships in the last 2 years in Long Beach than the 12 years we lived in Covington full time.

The Live Oaks of the Mississippi Gulf Coast

One of the most memorable sights along the Mississippi Gulf Coast is the graceful canopy of live oak trees that line the beachfront roads in communities such as Pass Christian and Long Beach. With their broad, sweeping branches and dense evergreen leaves, these majestic trees frame views of the Gulf of Mexico and create shaded avenues that have become a defining feature of the coast.

The trees are southern live oaks (Quercus virginiana), a species well adapted to coastal environments. They thrive in sandy soils and can withstand strong winds and salty air, making them ideal for life near the Gulf. Their wide branches provide generous shade, which has long made them valued trees in Southern landscapes.

Many of the live oaks along the Mississippi shoreline were intentionally planted in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, when the coast became a popular resort destination. After the arrival of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad, visitors from cities such as New Orleans and Mobile began building summer homes along the waterfront. To beautify the area and provide shade along the coastal roads, property owners and local planners planted rows of live oaks that eventually grew into the magnificent trees seen today.

The geography of the Mississippi coast also helps these trees thrive. In many places, a broad sandy beach separates the road from the Gulf, allowing the oaks to grow near the shoreline while protecting their roots from constant saltwater exposure.

Although southern live oaks grow in coastal regions across the southeastern United States, the Mississippi Gulf Coast is especially known for its long stretches of mature trees standing beside open beaches. Together with the wide shoreline and historic communities, these living landmarks help create one of the most distinctive landscapes along the Gulf of Mexico.

Looked for the carved trees in the middle of Hwy 90. A local artist made carvings out of the live oaks that were devastated after Hurricane Katrina. You can find them all along Hwy 90.

Books

*Visit Cat Island Coffee Shop & Book Store, Beauvoir Gift Shop, and Biloxi Visitor Center to find more books for sale about the area.

The Last Slave Ship by Ben Raines - This book was just published and it has a neat tie to our locals. The owner of the Long Beach Market and Deli is also head of the USM hydrography department. He agreed to search the waters for free for the author and it was his graduate students that located this missing ship! How cool! This book is so thoroughly researched. It was such an interesting piece of local history that I knew nothing about. I give this book 5 stars, hands down.

The Boys from Biloxi - John Grisham - a fictional legal thriller inspired by the city’s past

Rosalie and Radishes - by Mary Ellen Alexander - specific to Long Beach. Contact the Long Beach Historical Society to purchase a copy.ss

Mississippi Gulf Coast and Neighboring Sites - a regional history and travel book written by Philip L. Levin that highlights the culture, landmarks, and natural attractions of the Mississippi Gulf Coast and nearby areas. The book is made up of 25 essays that explore notable places such as historic homes, lighthouses, museums, gardens, fishing spots, and coastal towns from Pensacola, Florida, to the Louisiana border.

Legends and Lore of the Mississippi Golden Gulf Coast - Edmond Boudreaux Jr. - This book explores the colorful stories and folklore that shaped the Mississippi Gulf Coast, from pirates like Jean Lafitte to famous regional traditions and local inventions. It travels through towns from Bay St. Louis to Biloxi, sharing tales of ghosts, buried treasure, and notable historical figures that add personality to the region’s past.

Maritime Biloxi - Val Husley - This book focuses on Biloxi’s long relationship with the Gulf of Mexico and its rise as the “Seafood Capital of the World.” It covers the city’s early French colonial roots, the growth of the shrimping and fishing industries, and how the waterfront shaped Biloxi’s economy and culture for more than three centuries.

The Mississippi Gulf Coast - Timothy T. Isbell - This photography - driven history book showcases the region’s towns, landscapes, and cultural traditions through more than 200 photographs and historical commentary. It introduces readers to communities from Bay St. Louis to Pascagoula while explaining how immigration, industry, and tourism shaped the coast

Movies/Shows

America's Hidden Coast: Mississippi

Watch this 1 hour show. They did a fantastic job describing the MS Gulf Coast. This show is a great introduction to our area. This is a one-hour PBS special hosted by Peter Greenberg that explores the resilience, history, and culture of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Premiering in September 2024, the show highlights "the secret coast" beyond typical tourism, featuring local shrimp boats, casino gaming, sea turtle rehabilitation, and Southern cuisine

Christmas in Mississippi (2017) - a nostalgic Hallmark movie that takes place in Gulfport

February

Mardi Gras - see flyer, events all along the coast. Mardi Gras Parades in Bay St. Louis, Pass Christian, Long Beach, Gulfport, Biloxi, Ocean Springs

https://www.gulfcoast.org/events/mardi-gras-events/

Gulfport Gumbo Cookoff

March

Annual Gulf Coast Oyster Cook - Off Festival with Corvettes and Oysters Car Show in Biloxi, Live Entertainment as well http://www.gulfcoastoystercookoff.com/

April

The Crawfish Music Festival - The five-day fest will bring headline entertainment, exciting mid-way rides and of course, hot, boiled, spicy crawfish . The Crawfish Music Festival parties on the front grounds of the Mississippi Coast Coliseum with the beautiful Mississippi Sound in the background. Each night of the Festival promises fun, excitement and a little something new! Featuring headline entertainment, hot boiled crawfish, and exciting mid-way rides. At the center of all the excitement is our main attraction, piping hot and perfectly spicy boiled crawfish served with new potatoes and corn. Enjoy thrilling carnival rides, arts & crafts vendors, delicious food, and more. ALL EVENTS AND CONCERTS HELD RAIN OR SHINE! https://www.mscoastcoliseum.com/p/crawfishmusicfestival

Art in the Pass - Art festival with over 100 vendors in Memorial Park in Pass Christian. They always have children’s activities as well. Free. www.artinthepass.com

May

Rock N’ Roll Car, Jeep, Truck, and Bike Show: Enjoy hundreds of Cars, Jeeps, Bikes, Trucks, Live Entertainment, Food, Automotive, Arts & Craft Vendors, Cold Beverages, Kids Activities including a Fishing Rodeo, and more! In Biloxi, http://clearvisionent.net/pay-entry-fee/

Chandyfest: Join Chandyfest 2022 in front of Chandeleur Island Brewery in Downtown Gulfport, MS. This annual block party will be bigger and more fun than you've ever known! Expect incredible music, vendors of all sorts, special beer releases, food truck options and of course the much anticipated Bed Race! This kid and dog friendly event is sure to have something for everyone of all ages! https://chandeleurbrew.com/

Annual Pirate Day in the Bay: Join The Krewe of Mystic Seahorse & Capt. Longbeard and his pirate crew including the Lafitte Brothers (Jean & Pierre) for Pirate Day in the Bay. Festivities start Friday evening with the opening of "Krewe Central" (music and carnival rides). https://www.mkotsh.com/pirate-day-in-the-bay

Annual Blessing of the Fleet - The priest blesses all of the boats and then there is a boat parade on a Sunday. Annual tradition since 1929. In Biloxi. https://www.facebook.com/biloxiblessingms/

Under the Flower Moon Art Fest in the Woods -

June

Jeepin’ the Coast - JTC unites thousands of Jeep enthusiasts from all around the US for an annual 5 day Jeep event on the MS Gulf Coast which offers 26 miles of beautiful white sandy beaches. We set up multiple family friendly events for Jeepers to hang together or branch off into their own adventure throughout the Gulf Coast. https://jeepinthecoast.com/

Scrapin’ the Coast - This is a huge fest up and down the coast for all of those very low rider trucks and cars, hence the name, “scraping” the coast. https://www.scrapinthecoast.com/20th-Anniversary-Show-article

Ongoing Throughout the Summer:

Live entertainment in downtown Long Beach at Coastal Daquairi. Enjoy live music outside on the deck with views of the beach every Fri and Sat evening

Cinema by the Sea - Family friendly movies at Jones Park in Gulfport, free

Finally First Friday - First Friday of the month in downtown Long Beach features live music and antique cars

Artwalk in Bay St. Louis - Every 2nd Saturday from 4 - 8 PM with gallery openings, shops, restaurant specials and live music.

September

Biloxi Seafood Festival - For over 35 years the Biloxi Seafood Festival has been held as a celebration of Biloxi’s rich culture, heritage, and connection to the seafood industry. The two-day festival features continuous live entertainment, an array of seafood, Sunday’s Gumbo Contest, arts & craft booths, and children’s activities.

Diamondhead Arts and Crafts Festival

Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve - Has events with scientists, boats, guided hikes, Last weekend in September

October

Cruisin the Coast - from Bay St. Louis to Ocean Springs - Voted #1 by USA Today as the Best Car Show Competition, Cruisin’ the Coast brings car enthusiasts from over 40 states, as well as international visitors to celebrate antique, classic, and hot rod vehicles. Dubbed "America’s Largest Block Party," Cruisin' the Coast celebrates antique, classic and hot rod vehicles and nostalgic music. Car enthusiasts from 40 states plus Canada, Germany and Puerto Rico showcase their rides and cruise our beautiful 26-mile stretch of Beach -side highway.

Fall Festival - first weekend in October - Biloxi - vendor booths, crafts, pumpkin patch, games, food

The Monarch Festival - War Memorial Park in Pass Christian. Look forward to butterfly exhibits and activities for all ages.

Annual Fall Muster at the Jefferson Davis Beauvoir Home: Come experience the sights and sounds of the 1800's here in Biloxi! Vendors, food, on the 52 acres of the Beauvoir property. Reenactors will have camp set up in the back, battles twice a day on Saturday and Sunday.

Cemetery Tours -

Pumpkin Patches:

Trinity Episcopal Church Pumpkin Patch Pass Christian Lovely beachfront pumpkin patch. Great photo opportunities

Episcopal Church of the Redeemer Pumpkin Patch Biloxi

United Methodist Church Pumpkin Patch Diamondhead Another quaint little pumpkin patch.

Southern Promiseland Farm Kiln

Mitchell Farms Collins Pumpkin patch, corn maze, child-sized hay bale maze, tractor-pulled hay rides, wagon rides, slide, and corn pool.

Middleton Farms - Moss Point, Family owned - dairy farm. Live cow milk demonstrations, hay ride, petting animals, toddler hay maze, kid zip-line and pumpkin patch

Seward Farms Corn Maze & Family Fun Lucedale Corn maze, funny farm golf, pig races, train rides, hay ride (haunted hay rides after 6:30 p.m.), cow train, tube slide, corn cannon, farm animals, goat walk, pony rides and field of freight. Pumpkins for sale.

Farmer Browns Southern Farm CSA & Events Saucier Pumpkin patch, feed farm animals, face painting, horse shoe games, hay rides, and sack races.

Ferguson Family Farms - Perkinston “Fall on the Farm” corn maze, pumpkin patch, farm animals and hayrides. Runs October and part of November

November

Peter Anderson Arts Festival - Ocean Springs - celebrating the arts with more than 400 booths of artists and crafters from throughout the United States and beyond. From oil paintings to pottery, hand-made jewelry, digital portraits, American folk toys, metal works and so much more, spectators can enjoy a festive weekend of live music, coastal fare and more than 100 shops, restaurants and galleries set amongst 300-year-old oak trees.

Mississippi Coast Rail Fest - Over 32,000 square feet of train club displays and vendor displays, plus 20,000 square feet of outdoor trains from Fl, AL, MS, LA, and beyond.

December

Christmas Parades - Bay St. Louis, Pass Christian, Long Beach, Gulfport, Biloxi, Diamondhead, D’Iberville, and Ocean Springs all have their own Christmas parades. Long Beach does a Christmas Boat Parade where people decorate their boats and throw out lots of goodies to all spectators. The kids love it. Santa appears in a rinky dink shrimp boat!

Historic Tour of Homes - Gulfport, The Gulfport Civic League has been putting on this annual tour for 60 years. Tour local homes beautifully decorated for the holidays and enjoy holiday refreshments in the tea house. There is also a silent auction.

Miracle on Fulton Street - New Orleans - Miracle on Fulton Street, a holiday attraction in the heart of downtown New Orleans, will bring the magic and spirit of the holiday season alive for locals and visitors of all ages with a dazzling holiday boardwalk, complete with a Christmas Tree, which towers 30-feet in the sky, a Gingerbread village and holday lights. Carolers and live reindeer too! "Faux snow" will be another highlight of the attraction. Periodic snowfalls, while extremely rare in New Orleans, are nonetheless "forecast" for Fulton Street this holiday season every hour on the hour beginning at noon daily. On Friday and Saturday, guests can also enjoy live entertainment from 6 - 9 p.m. Performers will include top local bands and special performances. Santa will also be available for photos.

Landrum Homestead - An old - fashioned Christmas celebration that’s fun for the whole family. Attendees will enjoy food from the Smokehouse, photos with Santa, funnel cakes, hand-made craft vendors, civil war re-enactments, farm animals, gem mining, and LOTS of live entertainment. Stop by the General Store to listen to Bobby Hathorn pickin’ his banjo, grab some kettle korn, and take a wagon ride through our beautiful nature trails.Our thousands of twinkling Christmas lights are sure to bring on the holiday cheer.

Celebration in the Oaks in City Park - New Orleans is the most spectacular holiday lights festival in the country. City Park’s famous oaks are swathed in over a million twinkling lights and breathtaking light displays are scattered throughout the 2.25 mile driving tour of the Park. With more than 165,000 visitors pouring into the Park to see the magical winter spectacle in previous years, 2020 is a special year and City Park is planning a special event this year with a Driving Tour!

Columbia, MS - November 20th - Opening of Ice Rink, November 27th - Lighting of Downtown, December 4th - Parade of Lights, December 12th - Night of Hope, Rides & Activities, Grinch Train, Music, Light Shows, Fire Pit, and more! it is really fun where you stand in the town square and the Christmas story and Santa Claus show take place on the roofs of all the buildings around you…

Gulfport Harbor Winter Lights Festival - Gulfport - showcasing over 1.2 million lights in Jones Park

Lighted Boat Parade - Gulfport - Christmas on the Bayou is a lighted boat parade the whole family can enjoy. The parade hosts more than 50 lighted boats along Bayou Bernard and Gulfport Lake. More information at http://christmasonthebayou.org

Bellingrath Gardens - Magic Christmas in Lights. Featuring more than 3 million lights and 1,100 set pieces, Magic Christmas in Lights is a Gulf Coast tradition like no other. This is worth the 1 hour 15 minute drive away. It is our tradition to visit the Gardens every Christmas. The Gardens are huge and you can also tour the Bellingrath home which features all original furnishings, appliances, housewares, and artwork from 1935. It is like stepping back in time and is amazing how everything was perfectly preserved.

Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum - Christmas light and train displays; They have a light show in the evenings along with different special events each evening for kids. Nominal entry fee.

Christmas in the Pass - Pass Christian - Enjoy the merriment of the Christmas tree lighting; a holiday parade featuring Santa, Mrs. Clause and their elves; music, food, arts & gifts;

Find more events:

gulfcoastweekend.com

gulfcoast.org

wlox.com/community/calendar/