The Mississippi Gulf Coast is a blend of charming, oak-lined streets and luxury casino resorts. It’s a getaway with something for everyone, including 26 miles of beaches, barrier islands that can be reached by ferry or charter boat, and abundant waterways perfect for kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing and more. If you’re searching for a spot that’s off the beaten path, you won’t be disappointed with a region known for its southern hospitality, fresh seafood and renowned museums.
For The Family
Family attractions throughout the region range from interpretive centers to immersive outdoor playgrounds, with natural offerings acting as the focal point. Explore the Mississippi Gulf Coast’s rich culture and heritage indoors and outside at a variety of museums. Spend the day on 26 miles of beaches by renting jet skis, playing volleyball, enjoying a bonfire and more. Navigate local rivers and tributaries via a guided tour on kayak or paddle board. Catch a Shuckers game at MGM Park Biloxi beginning April 2017. The choice is yours, and each member of the family is guaranteed to make brag-worthy memories.
The Mississippi Gulf Coast is serious about its food. From family-friendly, open-air seafood restaurants overlooking scenic views to five-star options and award-winning BBQ, there’s a choice for even the pickiest eater. Hoping for something even more memorable? Take a chartered fishing trip out on the Mississippi Sound and bring back your fresh catch to one of several restaurants. The staff will clean and prepare your meal as you relax after a hard day’s work of reeling in your meal.
The Mississippi Gulf Coast is home to one of the Top 50 Children’s Museums in the United States — Lynn Meadows Discovery Center. This museum features interpretive exhibits and learning opportunities for the whole family. Continuing the educational fun westward, the Infinity Science Center in Bay St. Louis is a state-of-the-art center where visitors can explore the farthest reaches of outer space, the uncharted depths of the oceans, and the varied layers of earth.
The Biloxi Lighthouse, built in 1848, is a must-see. Families can tour the structure on weekdays beginning at 9 a.m. Discover the G.I. Museum in Ocean Springs, an exceptional museum filled with more than 16,000 pieces of memorabilia. Stop by the Mississippi Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Ocean Springs, which is also the site for USS Mississippi CGN 40 Main Mast and the WWII USS Tullibee Memorial. The Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum includes three model railroad train table layouts and five running, elevated G scale trails for the kids!
Experience the new Pascagoula River Audubon Center, located on the longest free-flowing river in the lower 48 states. Visitors can learn more about the area’s wildlife, conservation programs, venture on a boat tour on the Pascagoula River and more. Visit the oldest gator farm in Mississippi, Gulf Coast Gator Ranch, for pristine swamplands and plenty of gators.
Take a sunset cruise along the Mississippi Sound to see dolphins and marine life unique to the region. Beginning March 2017, an excursion to West Ship Island will offer a full day overlooking the Gulf of Mexico and a tour of Fort Massachusetts, built in the 1800s.
Want more adventure? Stop by the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, offering interpretive centers perfect for exploration. This is one of the best spots on the Mississippi Gulf Coast for bird and butterfly watching, botanizing and more!