When it involves locations to go to, Mississippi is among the most various states within the United States. Not solely that, it’s at all times a lot greater than you’d anticipate. Reaching from the Gulf Shores to the border with Memphis in Tennessee, there may be a lot to see and do – with the very best locations in Mississippi to go to all throughout the state.
Even if you happen to’re travelling by way of a number of the finest spots within the south of the United States, you’ll nonetheless have the ability to go to a good few unbelievable locations in Mississippi. It’s an unbelievable state to discover.
So, that will help you maximise your time in Mississippi, I’m sharing the highest spots you don’t wish to miss. You’re going to have an incredible journey visiting Mississippi – it truly is incredible.
1.) Gulf Islands National Seashore
The Gulf Islands National Seashore extends from the japanese tip of Santa Rosa Island, Florida, to Cat Island, Mississippi. It’s some of the beautiful elements of Mississippi’s shoreline, with some gems to find.
We completely love the Davis Bayou Area, which is an ideal place to go to simply throughout the border from Alabama. Once right here, you may head on the paths across the William M. Colmer Visitor Center or park up on the Davis Bayou Campground if you happen to plan to spend just a few days right here.
Also, don’t neglect about Cat Island and Horn Island. Both are gorgeous, and their shorelines are completely lovely. Just bear in mind that there are not any amenities in locations like Cat Island, so you have to make sure you’re ready earlier than landfall. Now, no particular ferries run to locations like Cat Island, however numerous native corporations hire boats or will take you throughout if you happen to fancy a go to.
Read extra: Best issues to do in Jackson
2.) Tupelo
Nestled on the northeastern fringes of Mississippi, Tupelo is a good metropolis to go to for an in a single day keep while travelling throughout the state. In truth, it’s the most effective locations in Mississippi to go to if you happen to’re travelling between Memphis (in Tennesee) and Birmingham in Alabama through Highway 22.
Once you’re right here, be sure that to go to Elvis Presley’s Birthplace and Museum. Here, you’ll get to discover the Life of Elvis Presley, which, after visiting Graceland, was a must-see for me.
You see, Elvis was born on this two-room home constructed by his father on January 8, 1935. It nonetheless has a really feel of what the house would have appeared like round 90 years in the past. It’s so surreal.
Afterwards, make a journey over to close by Elvis Presley Lake. It’s a beautiful space, fairly near the town and the proper place for a stroll.
For a chew to eat, head on over to Aunt B’s Soul Food Restaurant. It’s an off-the-cuff spot for lunch, and their catfish is the very best within the metropolis.
Read extra: Best issues to do in Jackson
3.) Vicksburg National Military Park
Close to the state border with Louisiana, the USS Cairo Gunboat and Museum is an unbelievable place to go to if you happen to’re interested by navy historical past.
After the huge restoration effort to salvage the USS Cairo, the USS Cairo Museum has turn out to be a must-visit place to see a Civil War-era gunship. It’s fairly unbelievable to consider and be taught extra in regards to the historical past of the Civil War. From a global perspective, it was eye-opening.
Afterwards, head over to Rusty’s Riverfront Grill for fried pickles and grouper. So good.
Read extra: Best issues to do in Jackson
4.) Indianola
Indianola is a comparatively small metropolis, however nonetheless the most effective locations in Mississippi to go to for just a few hours journey. You see, it’s obtained some nice spots to whisk away a morning journey, particularly the B.B. King Museum.
The B.B. King Museum exhibits you every part it’s good to learn about some of the iconic blues artists of all time. Which, in fact, is B.B. King.
Afterwards, if you happen to’re driving to the state border with Louisiana, be sure that to cease at Greenville (a 30-minute drive away from Indianola). Specifically, you’re going to cease for Doe’s Eat Place, that’s been going for the reason that Forties. Their porterhouse and ribeye steaks are a number of the finest within the state!
Read extra: Best issues to do in Jackson
5.) Biloxi
Just on the shoreline, north of Cat Island is Biloxi. It’s a coastal metropolis that’s obtained a lot appeal (and humidity at occasions) that’s nice for just a few days journey. Plus, you may companion up for a visit with Biloxi and the broader Gulf Islands space. It’s so lovely.
While right here, be sure that to go to the Beauvoir Mansion and the Jefferson Davis Presidential Library. The property has a wealthy historical past of being offered and transferred; right this moment, it’s a timestamp to the one Confederate president, Jefferson Davis, and Confederate troopers.
Afterwards, head over to Biloxi Beach for a day within the surf. Its white sandy shoreline is gorgeous and the proper place for a seaside day while in Biloxi.
Read extra: Best issues to do in Jackson
6.) Natchez Trace Parkway
If you’re on a highway journey by way of Mississippi, it’s best to undoubtedly drive a part of the Natchez Trace Parkway. It’s over 400 miles in size and is an unbelievable strategy to discover the state’s wider historical past.
As you enterprise north past Mississippi, you’ll have the ability to cease at many locations. The route right here has been used, in some capability, for 1000’s of years, and it’s a surprising drive.
Just be sure to plan your stops correctly and determine accommodations. Some areas are rural, so organising lodgings earlier than you depart is finest.
7.) Ocean Springs
Just shy of Biloxi, Ocean Springs is one other gorgeous little metropolis to go to while driving the Gulf route round southern Mississippi.
The city of Ocean Springs, with its many artwork studios and retailers, is a protected haven for craftspeople and artists – or simply these wanting a quieter little metropolis for a day journey
Also, if you happen to’ve obtained time, be sure that to discover Ocean Springs Beach. It’s a lot quieter than a few of Mississipi’s in style seashores and simply as lovely.
Read extra: Best issues to do in Jackson
8.) Mississippi Petrified Forest
A 30-minute drive from Jackson, the Mississippi Petrified Forest is among the finest locations in Mississippi to go to if you happen to’re interested by geological and pure historical past. The petrified forest dates again many tens of millions of years.
Once right here, you may discover the realm through the character trails and go to the museum that tells the turbulent historical past of present-day Mississippi. It’s fairly eye-opening.
Afterwards, go to the close by city of Flora for lunch at Bill’s Creole and Steak Depot. Their jambalaya is unbelievable.
9.) Mississippi Museum of Natural Science
Just on the outskirts of Jackson, the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science is a good place to go to with the entire household. Here, you’ll have the ability to be taught extra in regards to the pure world (from dinosaurs to dodos) with the assistance of detailed displays that additionally change seasonally.
Not solely that, you may companion a visit right here with a wider go to round LeFleur’s Bluff State Park. Here, you may head on a number of the trails round Mayes Lake. It’s pretty.
10.) Natchez
Perched proper on the banks of the Mississippi River, Natchez is a small metropolis that’s large on appeal.
Once right here, be sure that to go to Rosalie Mansion and Gardens to discover the broader historical past of western Mississippi. Oh, and you’ll want to go to Stanton Hall, which dates again to the 1800s. You’ll have the ability to head inside and discover the corridor and all its interval furnishings and historical past. It’s unbelievable.
Staying somewhat longer? Head out for a stroll alongside the Natchez Bluff Walking Trail. It’s a good way to discover the riverbanks and cease off at Magnolia Grill for his or her well-known pan-fried redfish.
Read extra: Best issues to do in Jackson
11.) Jackson
Right within the heartland of the state, Jackson is, for me, the most effective locations in Mississippi to go to for a metropolis break. You see, you may simply spend 2-3 days right here and nonetheless not discover all of it. There is heaps to do.
After arriving in Jackson, be sure that to go to the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. It’s sombre and harrowing, and its historical past is totally important for us all to recollect. You can simply spend just a few hours studying all in regards to the struggles for rights.
Also, don’t neglect to walk round Jackson, see the Governor’s Mansion, and pop into the Mississippi Museum of Art. The latter is a good place to see the work of worldwide artists and native artists, who change seasonally all year long.
Fancy a chew to eat? Head over to Stamps Super Burgers. Their tremendous burger is so good, particularly with added jalapenos.
Read extra: Best issues to do in Jackson
12.) Gulfport
Adjacent to the town of Biloxi, Gulf Port is the broader, westerly stretch of shoreline in Mississippi. It’s really lovely and the seashores listed below are a number of the finest in all of Mississippi. Though, throughout the holidays, they’ll get somewhat busy – so be ready for just a few crowds.
Heading to Gulf Port with youngsters? Then pop into the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center. The treehouses and displays are a lot enjoyable for youthful kids and you’ll simply spend just a few hours right here.
Hungry? Head over to Ben’s Deli for his or her scrumptious Po’Boy. It’s so good and completely scrumptious. Just bear in mind, we discovered that they didn’t take playing cards after we arrived, so be sure that to take some money with you.
Read extra: Best issues to do in Jackson
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