On the subject of locations to go to, Mississippi is among the most various states in the US. Not solely that, it’s at all times a lot larger than you’d anticipate. Reaching from the Gulf Shores to the border with Memphis in Tennessee, there’s a lot to see and do – with the perfect locations in Mississippi to go to all throughout the state.
Even in the event you’re travelling by a few of the best spots in the south of the United States, you’ll nonetheless be capable of go to a good few unimaginable locations in Mississippi. It’s an unimaginable state to discover.
So, that can assist you maximise your time in Mississippi, I’m sharing the highest spots you don’t need to miss. You’re going to have a tremendous journey visiting Mississippi – it truly is improbable.
1.) Gulf Islands Nationwide Seashore
The Gulf Islands Nationwide Seashore extends from the japanese tip of Santa Rosa Island, Florida, to Cat Island, Mississippi. It’s some of the beautiful components 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. As soon as right here, you may head on the paths across the William M. Colmer Customer Middle or park up on the Davis Bayou Campground in the event you plan to spend a number of days right here.
Additionally, don’t neglect about Cat Island and Horn Island. Each are gorgeous, and their shorelines are completely lovely. Simply bear in mind that there aren’t any amenities in locations like Cat Island, so it’s essential to make sure you’re ready earlier than landfall. Now, no particular ferries run to locations like Cat Island, however a lot of native firms hire boats or will take you throughout in the event you fancy a go to.
Read more: Best things 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 actual fact, it’s the most effective locations in Mississippi to go to in the event you’re travelling between Memphis (in Tennesee) and Birmingham in Alabama through Freeway 22.
When you’re right here, make certain to go to Elvis Presley’s Birthplace and Museum. Right here, you’ll get to discover the Lifetime 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 seemed 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 stunning space, fairly near town and the right place for a stroll.
For a chunk to eat, head on over to Aunt B’s Soul Food Restaurant. It’s an informal spot for lunch, and their catfish is the perfect within the metropolis.
Read more: Best things to do in Jackson
3.) Vicksburg Nationwide Army Park
Near the state border with Louisiana, the USS Cairo Gunboat and Museum is an unimaginable place to go to in the event you’re all for navy historical past.
After the huge restoration effort to salvage the USS Cairo, the USS Cairo Museum has turn into a must-visit place to see a Civil Conflict-era gunship. It’s fairly unimaginable to consider and be taught extra in regards to the historical past of the Civil Conflict. From a global perspective, it was eye-opening.
Afterwards, head over to Rusty’s Riverfront Grill for fried pickles and grouper. So good.
Read more: Best things to do in Jackson
4.) Indianola
Indianola is a comparatively small metropolis, however nonetheless the most effective locations in Mississippi to go to for a number of 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 reveals you every part it is advisable to find out about some of the iconic blues artists of all time. Which, after all, is B.B. King.
Afterwards, in the event you’re driving to the state border with Louisiana, make certain to cease at Greenville (a 30-minute drive away from Indianola). Particularly, you’re going to cease for Doe’s Eat Place, that’s been going for the reason that Nineteen Forties. Their porterhouse and ribeye steaks are a few of the finest within the state!
Read more: Best things to do in Jackson
5.) Biloxi
Simply 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 a number of days journey. Plus, you may accomplice up for a visit with Biloxi and the broader Gulf Islands space. It’s so lovely.
Whereas right here, make certain to go to the Beauvoir Mansion and the Jefferson Davis Presidential Library. The property has a wealthy historical past of being bought and transferred; right this moment, it’s a timestamp to the one Accomplice president, Jefferson Davis, and Accomplice troopers.
Afterwards, head over to Biloxi Seaside for a day within the surf. Its white sandy shoreline is gorgeous and the right place for a seaside day while in Biloxi.
Read more: Best things to do in Jackson
6.) Natchez Hint Parkway
In case you’re on a highway journey by Mississippi, it’s best to undoubtedly drive a part of the Natchez Trace Parkway. It’s over 400 miles in size and is an unimaginable technique to discover the state’s wider historical past.
As you enterprise north past Mississippi, you’ll be capable of cease at many locations. The route right here has been used, in some capability, for 1000’s of years, and it’s a shocking drive.
Simply be sure to plan your stops correctly and work out lodges. Some areas are rural, so organising lodgings earlier than you depart is finest.
7.) Ocean Springs
Simply 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 outlets, is a secure haven for craftspeople and artists – or simply these wanting a quieter little metropolis for a day journey
Additionally, in the event you’ve obtained time, make certain to discover Ocean Springs Beach. It’s a lot quieter than a few of Mississipi’s common seashores and simply as lovely.
Read more: Best things 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 in the event you’re all for geological and pure historical past. The petrified forest dates again many thousands and thousands of years.
As soon as 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 unimaginable.
9.) Mississippi Museum of Pure Science
Simply on the outskirts of Jackson, the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science is a good place to go to with the entire household. Right here, you’ll be capable of be taught extra in regards to the pure world (from dinosaurs to dodos) with the assistance of detailed reveals that additionally change seasonally.
Not solely that, you may accomplice a visit right here with a wider go to round LeFleur’s Bluff State Park. Right here, you may head on a few 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 huge on appeal.
As soon as right here, make certain to go to Rosalie Mansion and Gardens to discover the broader historical past of western Mississippi. Oh, and make sure to go to Stanton Hall, which dates again to the 1800s. You’ll be capable of head inside and discover the corridor and all its interval furnishings and historical past. It’s unimaginable.
Staying just a little longer? Head out for a stroll alongside the Natchez Bluff Strolling Path. 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 more: Best things to do in Jackson
11.) Jackson
Proper 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 may be heaps to do.
After arriving in Jackson, make certain to go to the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. It’s sombre and harrowing, and its historical past is completely important for us all to recollect. You possibly can simply spend a number of hours studying all in regards to the struggles for rights.
Additionally, 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 chunk to eat? Head over to Stamps Super Burgers. Their tremendous burger is so good, particularly with added jalapenos.
Read more: Best things to do in Jackson
12.) Gulfport
Adjoining to town of Biloxi, Gulf Port is the broader, westerly stretch of shoreline in Mississippi. It’s truly lovely and the seashores listed here are a few of the finest in all of Mississippi. Although, through the holidays, they’ll get just a little busy – so be ready for a number of crowds.
Heading to Gulf Port with children? Then pop into the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center. The treehouses and reveals are a lot enjoyable for youthful kids and you’ll simply spend a number of hours right here.
Hungry? Head over to Ben’s Deli for his or her scrumptious Po’Boy. It’s so good and completely scrumptious. Simply bear in mind, we discovered that they didn’t take playing cards once we arrived, so make certain to take some money with you.
Read more: Best things to do in Jackson
