Hidden Gems of Mississippi
Barrier Islands
The Gulf Coast boasts some of the most beautiful barrier islands in the United States, offering a combination of natural beauty, history, and recreation. Ship Island, part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, lies twelve miles offshore and features pristine white sands, clear turquoise waters, and Fort Massachusetts, an historic 19th-century military fort. Accessible only by ferry, Ship Island is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or spotting seabirds in their natural habitat. Kayaking along its shores reveals hidden coves and peaceful areas untouched by development, giving you a rare sense of solitude and connection with nature.
Nearby, Cat Island presents a more rugged and private experience, with a rich history as a pirate hideout, lumber hub, and military dog training site during the Second World War. Charter a boat to explore its unspoiled coastline and navigate its quiet channels by kayak. Both islands highlight Mississippi’s commitment to preserving its natural landscapes and provide unique opportunities to observe wildlife, including seabirds, turtles, and occasionally dolphins in the surrounding waters.
Quaint Towns
The Gulf Coast is home to a collection of towns that each offer their own character, culture, and attractions. Waveland is a serene destination with quiet beaches, Garfield Pier, and Buccaneer State Park, which provides walking trails and picnic areas. Bay St. Louis enchants you with its moss-draped oak trees, independent art galleries, and quirky cafés. Diamondhead is well known for its championship golf courses and opportunities for water-based activities such as boat rides and kayaking, while Long Beach combines beautiful beaches with a welcoming, walkable town centre that encourages exploration on foot.
Gulfport is a lively hub of activity, offering live music, family-friendly attractions, and a strong local culinary scene. Biloxi combines historical landmarks with modern entertainment and fresh seafood dining. Ocean Springs has cultivated a reputation as an artistic centre, with galleries, public art installations, and boutique shops lining its streets. Gautier, often called Nature’s Playground, offers kayaking adventures, birdwatching excursions, and the chance to explore the Singing River, a legendary waterway steeped in folklore. Together, these towns provide a diverse and authentic experience of Mississippi’s coastal culture, blending history, adventure, and Southern hospitality.
Ecotours
Ecotours across Mississippi reveal the diversity of the state’s ecosystems, from cypress swamps to salt marshes along the lower Pascagoula River. These tours allow you to experience nature while learning about the plants, animals, and habitats that make the region unique. Kayak trips, sunset cruises, and guided walks offer intimate encounters with wildlife, such as herons, pelicans, and alligators, providing unforgettable photographic opportunities.
The Gator Ranch, the oldest alligator farm in Mississippi, is set across 105 acres of protected swampland bordering the Grand Bay Estuary near Moss Point and Pascagoula. Walkways allow safe observation of some of the largest alligators in captivity, while the surrounding habitat is home to a wide variety of birds, amphibians, and other wildlife. Guided tours offer insights into the species’ behaviours and the importance of conservation efforts, making the experience both educational and thrilling. Ecotours in Mississippi allow you to experience the region’s natural beauty while understanding the delicate balance of its ecosystems.
Seafood and Dining
The culinary scene along the Mississippi Gulf Coast is defined by its fresh, locally sourced seafood. From oysters and shrimp to crab and a variety of fish, the flavours of the Gulf dominate menus across the region. Half Shell Oyster House in Gulfport serves oysters prepared raw, charbroiled, or Rockefeller style, while the Jourdan River Steamer offers both seafood and steak with panoramic river views, providing a fine-dining experience with a scenic backdrop.
Gulf Breeze Grill combines relaxed dining with creative chef-inspired dishes, making it ideal for breakfasts lunch, or dinner. Desporte Seafood and Lil Ray’s serve traditional dishes such as po’boys, gumbo, and generously portioned fried or grilled seafood platters. Buoy’s Bar offers a lively beachside atmosphere, complete with live music, cocktails, and fresh seafood, while Steve’s Marina presents a menu featuring house-made sauces and perfectly cooked seafood and steaks. The variety of dining options ensures that you can enjoy everything from casual meals to sophisticated culinary experiences while sampling the flavours of the Gulf.
River and Swamp Tours
Exploring the waterways of Mississippi provides a unique perspective on the region’s natural beauty and history. Guided swamp cruises and walking tours offer safe and informative ways to discover the Pearl River and surrounding wetlands. Along the 444 mile river, visitors can spot native birds, turtles, and alligators while learning about the stories and legends associated with the area. Boardwalks allow close access to swampland without disturbing the environment, and guided kayak trips provide an even more intimate way to experience these serene landscapes.
Combine walking tours with river excursions to gain a full understanding of the ecosystem. The combination of education, wildlife observation, and outdoor adventure ensures that every trip is engaging and memorable, making Mississippi’s rivers and swamps an essential part of your coastal visit.
Boutique Shopping and Galleries
Coastal Mississippi offers a rich blend of culture, art, and shopping. Biloxi Visitor Centre Gift Shop features locally handcrafted items, while Gulfport Premium Outlets offers a range of designer brands. Art enthusiasts can visit museums dedicated to figures such as Walter Anderson, George Ohr, Richmond Barthe, and Dusti Bonge, or explore galleries like Denise Hopkins Fine Art.
History and culture are celebrated across the region, with attractions including the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum, Beauvoir, the Gulfport Museum of History, the Lynn Meadows Discovery Centre, INFINITY Science Centre, and the Mary C O’Keefe Cultural Centre. In Ocean Springs, the Walter Anderson Museum of Art showcases the work of the Anderson brothers, while the Coastal Mississippi Mardi Gras Museum documents over 300 years of carnival tradition with colourful costumes, photographs, and memorabilia. These destinations offer the chance to combine artistic discovery with an appreciation of local history and heritage.
Beaches and Outdoor Lifestyle
Mississippi is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with warm weather and beautiful scenery throughout the year. Explore the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, paddle through bayous, or join eco-tours to observe wildlife in their natural habitats. Ship Island Excursions from Gulfport Small Craft Harbour provide access to calm waters ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and shell collecting.
Wolf River bayous and the upper Pascagoula River offer longer paddling adventures for more experienced adventurers, with opportunities for overnight camping on unspoiled islands. Deer Island, near Biloxi, is a secluded escape and habitat for several endangered species, perfect for canoeing, kayaking, or simply enjoying the tranquillity of nature. Whether birdwatching, fishing, or relaxing on the beach, Mississippi’s coast provides a wide range of activities for connecting with the outdoors, leaving only footprints behind.
