Uncover Mississippi’s Secret Coast – A Weekend in Biloxi and Gulfport

Coastal Mississippi is a slip of land located between two large neighbors. To the east we have Mobile, AL and to the west we have New Orleans, LA. Many times, people looking for a beautiful area to visit overlook us. I’m here to tell you, it is well worth your time, money and effort to stop in for a few days and experience us for yourself. We have gorgeous scenery, a variety of places to see, and so many things to do in Coastal Mississippi that you can’t go wrong spending a weekend in Coastal Mississippi, or an entire Mississippi Gulf Coast vacation.

Our local tourism board – Coastal Mississippi – as well as anyone living in the area, can tell you. We are the Secret Coast. We have a beautiful coastline and plenty of things to do for all ages, all walks of life and all interest levels.

I am Lisa Evans, and I’m what is known in the south as a “Damn Yankee”. Translation: someone who was not born in the South but has relocated to the area from the northern part of this great country. I could’ve stayed just a Yankee had I returned, but I’ve chosen to remain so there you have it – a damn Yankee. I visited the Coast for the first time in the early 2000’s and fell in love with the area. It took me over 10 years, but I became a resident.

I now have the pleasure of calling this temperate climate, loads of sunshine and fabulous coastal waters my home. I can tell you from personal experience there is nothing so calming and peaceful as walking (or driving) along the beach at the beginning or end of your day.

Due to the Barrier Islands in the Gulf of Mexico, our waters may not be the crystal blue of our neighbors to the east, but we are very thankful for those islands during hurricane season. While they may not stop all the storms (i.e. Katrina), many times they provide that natural barrier that breaks up a storm and lessens the impact on our coastline. Technically, our beaches are located on the Mississippi Sound but as a local, even one branded a damn Yankee, it makes no difference when you are strolling along, enjoying the view and the breeze off the water.

You’re going to love both Biloxi and Gulfport, and everything along our coast. If you’re out exploring the Gulf, you may wish to continue on west to Bay St. Louis, called one of the coolest coastal towns in the US, or take a day trip over to New Orleans. Or perhaps you’d prefer to go east and explore the Florida Panhandle, or on down the coast to Tampa or Punta Gorda. Of perhaps you’ll love it here so much during your weekend in Coastal Mississippi that you’ll just sit tight and make it a full vacation.

This Weekend in Coastal Mississippi Guide includes:

• Getting to the Mississippi Gulf Coast
• Places to Go in Coastal Mississippi
• Things to Do in Biloxi
• Things to Do in Gulfport
• Restaurants to Try During Your Weekend in Coastal Mississippi

Getting to the Mississippi Gulf Coast

If you are flying in, choose Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport, and you will land in the heart of Coastal Mississippi. For those who drive, US Route 90 is also known as Beach Boulevard, and it runs along the beach almost the entire length of the Mississippi coast. Interstate 10 runs parallel to Route 90 a bit to the north, and it is the fastest way to get to the area coming from the east or west. Coming from the north, Interstates 49, 55, 59 and 65 all come to an intersection with Interstate 10, so they are the fastest options to come south, then exit onto I-10.

Where to Stay in Biloxi or Gulfport

There is definitely an abundance of lodging options in the Biloxi and Gulfport area. Whether you prefer the posh surroundings of a full gaming resort, or a more basic hotel or bed and breakfast, you can find all the choices here.

Places to Go in Coastal Mississippi

If you are a nature lover and outdoorsy type, you have found paradise here on Coastal Mississippi. In addition to the walks along the beach enjoying spectacular sun rises and sunsets, you will see birds of all kinds, such as a Great Blue Heron, waiting patiently to catch his next meal. On any given day, you likely will also see a few terns, gulls, pelicans, ospreys or the magnificent Bald Eagle.

Ship Island

There are several other places to visit for the nature lover. Remember those Barrier Islands I mentioned earlier? Well, you can take the ferry from either Biloxi or Gulfport over to Ship Island. Spend a day exploring this beautiful spot roughly 12 miles offshore from Gulfport. The ride on the ferry over is simply stunning. You can see for miles and miles – nothing but sun and sparkling water.

Be sure to tour Fort Massachusetts when you arrive on the island (and look for the Ghost Crab!). It is a short-guided tour of the fort where you will learn all about history dating back to the Civil War and see the remains of an intact canon dating back to the 19th century.

Once you’ve gone through the fort, you’ll be ready to head to the beach and frolic in the Gulf of Mexico. Laze away the afternoon enjoying the sunshine. Enjoy the shore birds and sea life that is all around you. Swim in the deep blue warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Relaxation is the name of that game!

Ship Island is the westernmost point of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, managed by the National Park Service Essentially the National Seashore is a National Park along the coast, with a number of attractions stretching along the Mississippi and Florida coast. There are multiple visitors centers and a variety of ranger led activities throughout the park. (Check out our trip planner for another National Shorelines, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.)

Pascagoula River Audubon Center

Another great place for the nature lover to visit is the Pascagoula River Audubon Center. This is yet another fabulous place to while away a day. You can rent a kayak (or bring your own) and paddle around one of the most unique ecosystems in the United States (and maybe even see an alligator).

Fact: The Pascagoula River is the largest undammed river in the contiguous 48 states.

Not only can you paddle around in the river, they also have an indoor exhibit area and nature trails which showcase the flora and fauna as well as wildlife and bird species. Be sure to bring your binoculars. You will catch sight of all manner of birds as you walk through the trails or paddle along the shoreline. You will likely see an Osprey gliding over the water, in search of dinner.

Festivals and special events are also held here, such as the Hummingbird Festival that I attended. Conservation is a key element of the Audubon Center and during this festival, they were tagging, weighing and tracking the migration of hummingbirds. These tiny birds are simply amazing and so very small. I was able to touch one and feel its rapid heartbeat! It gives one such an appreciation of the fascinating creatures on this planet. They also had a bird of prey exhibit on hand. Seeing a Great Horned Owl up close and personal, seeing their talons and huge eyes, was yet another highlight of my visit.

Institute for Marine Mammal Studies

Ecotourism is strong here on Coastal Mississippi. Conservation and the study of marine wildlife is tantamount, as evidenced by the many other places to visit while you’re here.

The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies – provides public education, conservation and research of marine mammals. Ocean Adventures Marine Park is part of the IMMS where you can get up close and personal with dolphins, sea lions and stingrays. A great place for kids!

Marine and Seafood Industry Museum

Want to learn more about the history of the seafood industry here on the Coast? Then you’ll definitely want to visit the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum which is dedicated to preserving the maritime history and heritage that is so much a part of Biloxi and the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Mississippi Aquarium

The still almost- new Mississippi Aquarium is one of the highlights of Biloxi. Featuring both freshwater and seawater aquariums, and aviary, crocodiles, alligators, otters, and dolphins. The aquarium is both educational and fun, appealing to all ages. Beyond the main aquarium exhibits, there are also encounters that can be booked, including dolphin encounters and penguin encounters, as well as diving experiences and behind the scenes tours.

Gaming

If an adult playground sounds good to you, look no further. Coastal Mississippi has many casinos scattered along our beach and back bay. Not only do they have gaming of all kinds, the casinos offer first class resorts, golf courses, restaurants and entertainment and shows. Many of the casinos are within walking distance to each other, or you can take the shuttles to other properties. This allows you to sample what each casino has to offer. Mississippi now also offers sports book within the casino properties, one of the only states currently allowing this outside of Las Vegas.

Other Things to Do in Biloxi

• Head out on the Gulf and do some deep sea fishing.
• See the stunning art and architecture at the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art.
• Experience the vibe of the revelry at the Coastal Mississippi Mardi Gras Museum.
• Experience America’s pastime at a Biloxi Shuckers game. They’re Double A minor team for the Milwaukee Brewers.
• Take a walk on the I-10 Loop Boardwalk.
• See the view from the top of the Biloxi Lighthouse.
• Satisfy your need for speed at Finishline Performance Carting.
• Explore the other side of history at Beauvoir and the Jefferson Davis Presidential Museum.

Other Things to Do in Gulfport

• Take the little ones to the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center for all kinds of fun learning adventures.
• Rent rods and reels at Gulfport Harbor Light Pier, and pull in a big one.
• Play and ride at Traintastic, said to be the world’s largest model train facility.
• Splash around Gulf Islands Waterpark.

Festivals and Special Events

There are many festivals and special events that are held here on Coastal Mississippi, some small and some large. If you time your weekend in Coastal Mississippi right, you will enjoy your visit even more. I recently attended two of the more notable festivals that take place in the Fall.

Biloxi Seafood Festival

The Biloxi Seafood Festival is sponsored by the local Chamber of Commerce and celebrates the remarkable seafood which is available here in the area. In September each year, for two days on the Biloxi Town Green, you will find a varied assortment of food and vendor displays, live music, and a sense of community.

Highlighting this festival is the 200’ Shrimp Po’boy on Saturday (translated as a HUGE submarine sandwich) and the Gumbo Cookoff on Sunday. Great food for all!

Cruisin’ The Coast

If you are an admirer of classic cars, then we have a festival for you! Cruisin’ The Coast is where you want to be! Known as America’s Largest Block Party, this has grown to be the largest special event in the state of Mississippi, and it takes place every October right here on our Coast. It is 10 days of some of the most stunning restored classic cars you can ever see.

There are events and car shows sponsored by each of the coastal cities, ranging from block parties and sock hops, to classic car parades, to a Swap Meet where you can find just about anything a car enthusiast might need, to a Classic Car Auction in case you’re in the market to purchase your very own collectible car. Even if you’re not in the market to buy one, you are able to stroll through the hundreds of cars and likely see ones you might never have seen before. In my case, it was a Rolls Royce!

Restaurants to Try During Your Weekend in Coastal Mississippi

Of course, being on the Coast, fresh seafood is always available and at it’s finest. Whether you’re in the mood for seafood, steaks, BBQ, coastal favorites, or a casual family-friendly place that serves great food, we’ve got you covered. I’ve included links to a few places you might enjoy:

• Half Shell Oyster House
• The Reef
• Salute Italian Restaurant
• Mary Mahoney’s Old French House
• The Blind Tiger
• Pop’s Pizzeria

Find the perfect hotel for your weekend or vacation on the Mississippi Gulf Coast right now!

Come see us for a weekend in Coastal Mississippi soon, or for a longer stay. We will welcome you and give you our best Southern hospitality. We may be the Secret Coast, but we’ll share our little slice of heaven with you! Be sure to visit Coastal Mississippi to find a much more inclusive list of everything we have to offer. Something new that was recently started is a way to visit several of our exciting attractions for one low price. Check out the Coastal Mississippi Attractions Pass.

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If you’re combining your weekend in Coastal Mississippi with some other Gulf Coast locations, you might like:

• A Weekend in New Orleans, Louisiana
• A Weekend in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
• A Weekend in Lake Charles, Louisiana
• Exploring the Florida Panhandle
• Falling Waters State Park
• Kayaking Silver Springs
• A Tampa Bay Vacation
• A Weekend in Punta Gorda, Florida
• A Weekend in Key West, Florida

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