Relating to locations to go to, Mississippi is likely one of the most numerous states in the USA. Not solely that, it’s all the time a lot larger than you’d count on. Reaching from the Gulf Shores to the border with Memphis in Tennessee, there’s a lot to see and do – with the very best locations in Mississippi to go to all throughout the state.
Even for those who’re travelling by means of a few of the finest spots within the south of the USA, you’ll nonetheless be capable to go to a good few unbelievable locations in Mississippi. It’s an unbelievable 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 an incredible 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 one of the beautiful components of Mississippi’s shoreline, with some gems to find.
We completely love the Davis Bayou Space, 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 Heart or park up on the Davis Bayou Campground for those who plan to spend just a few days right here.
Additionally, don’t neglect about Cat Island and Horn Island. Each are beautiful, and their shorelines are completely stunning. Simply 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 lease boats or will take you throughout for those who fancy a go to.
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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 reality, it’s the most effective locations in Mississippi to go to for those who’re travelling between Memphis (in Tennesee) and Birmingham in Alabama by way of Freeway 22.
When you’re right here, ensure 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 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 stunning space, fairly near the town and the right place for a stroll.
For a chew to eat, head on over to Aunt B’s Soul Meals Restaurant. It’s an off-the-cuff spot for lunch, and their catfish is the very best within the metropolis.
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3.) Vicksburg Nationwide Navy Park
Near the state border with Louisiana, the USS Cairo Gunboat and Museum is an unbelievable place to go to for those who’re excited by 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 unbelievable to consider and be taught extra in regards to the historical past of the Civil Conflict. From a world perspective, it was eye-opening.
Afterwards, head over to Rusty’s Riverfront Grill for fried pickles and grouper. So good.
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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 bought some nice spots to whisk away a morning journey, particularly the B.B. King Museum.
The B.B. King Museum reveals you every part you’ll want to find out about one of the iconic blues artists of all time. Which, after all, is B.B. King.
Afterwards, for those who’re driving to the state border with Louisiana, ensure 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!
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5.) Biloxi
Simply on the shoreline, north of Cat Island is Biloxi. It’s a coastal metropolis that’s bought a lot allure (and humidity at instances) that’s nice for just a few days journey. Plus, you may associate up for a visit with Biloxi and the broader Gulf Islands space. It’s so stunning.
Whereas right here, ensure 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 now, it’s a timestamp to the one Accomplice president, Jefferson Davis, and Accomplice troopers.
Afterwards, head over to Biloxi Seashore for a day within the surf. Its white sandy shoreline is gorgeous and the right place for a seaside day while in Biloxi.
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6.) Natchez Hint Parkway
In case you’re on a highway journey by means of Mississippi, it’s best to undoubtedly drive a part of the Natchez Hint 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 be capable to cease at many locations. The route right here has been used, in some capability, for hundreds of years, and it’s a surprising drive.
Simply ensure you plan your stops properly and determine resorts. 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 beautiful 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 secure haven for craftspeople and artists – or simply these wanting a quieter little metropolis for a day journey
Additionally, for those who’ve bought time, ensure to discover Ocean Springs Seashore. It’s a lot quieter than a few of Mississipi’s fashionable seashores and simply as stunning.
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8.) Mississippi Petrified Forest
A 30-minute drive from Jackson, the Mississippi Petrified Forest is likely one of the finest locations in Mississippi to go to for those who’re excited by geological and pure historical past. The petrified forest dates again many hundreds of thousands of years.
As soon as right here, you may discover the world by way of 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 Invoice’s Creole and Steak Depot. Their jambalaya is unbelievable.
9.) Mississippi Museum of Pure Science
Simply on the outskirts of Jackson, the Mississippi Museum of Pure Science is a good place to go to with the entire household. Right here, you’ll be capable to 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 associate 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 beautiful.
10.) Natchez
Perched proper on the banks of the Mississippi River, Natchez is a small metropolis that’s huge on allure.
As soon as right here, ensure to go to Rosalie Mansion and Gardens to discover the broader historical past of western Mississippi. Oh, and remember to go to Stanton Corridor, which dates again to the 1800s. You’ll be capable to head inside and discover the corridor and all its interval furnishings and historical past. It’s unbelievable.
Staying a bit of longer? Head out for a stroll alongside the Natchez Bluff Strolling Path. It’s an effective way to discover the riverbanks and cease off at Magnolia Grill for his or her well-known pan-fried redfish.
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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’s heaps to do.
After arriving in Jackson, ensure 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 may simply spend just a few 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 Artwork. 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 Tremendous Burgers. Their tremendous burger is so good, particularly with added jalapenos.
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12.) Gulfport
Adjoining to the town of Biloxi, Gulf Port is the broader, westerly stretch of shoreline in Mississippi. It’s really stunning and the seashores listed below are a few of the finest in all of Mississippi. Although, through the holidays, they will get a bit of busy – so be ready for just a few crowds.
Heading to Gulf Port with children? Then pop into the Lynn Meadows Discovery Heart. The treehouses and reveals 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. Simply bear in mind, we discovered that they didn’t take playing cards once we arrived, so ensure to take some money with you.
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