In the case of locations to go to, Mississippi is without doubt one of the most numerous states in the US. 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 one of the best locations in Mississippi to go to all throughout the state.
Even if you happen to’re travelling via a number of the finest spots within the south of the US, you’ll nonetheless be capable 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 a tremendous journey visiting Mississippi – it truly is incredible.
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 probably the most 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’ll be able to head on the paths across the William M. Colmer Customer Middle or park up on the Davis Bayou Campground if you happen to plan to spend a couple of days right here.
Additionally, don’t overlook about Cat Island and Horn Island. Each are gorgeous, and their shorelines are completely stunning. Simply remember that there are not any amenities in locations like Cat Island, so you will need to make sure you’re ready earlier than landfall. Now, no particular ferries run to locations like Cat Island, however a number of native corporations hire boats or will take you throughout if you happen to 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 truth, it’s probably the greatest locations in Mississippi to go to if you happen to’re travelling between Memphis (in Tennesee) and Birmingham in Alabama through Freeway 22.
When you’re right here, be certain that 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 regarded 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 chew to eat, head on over to Aunt B’s Soul Meals Restaurant. It’s an informal spot for lunch, and their catfish is one of the 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 if you happen to’re keen on army historical past.
After the huge restoration effort to salvage the USS Cairo, the USS Cairo Museum has grow to be a must-visit place to see a Civil Struggle-era gunship. It’s fairly unbelievable to consider and study extra in regards to the historical past of the Civil Struggle. From a global 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 probably the greatest locations in Mississippi to go to for a couple of 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 all the pieces you might want to find out about probably the most 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 certain that 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 because the Forties. Their porterhouse and ribeye steaks are a number 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 occasions) that’s nice for a couple of days journey. Plus, you’ll be able to accomplice up for a visit with Biloxi and the broader Gulf Islands space. It’s so stunning.
Whereas right here, be certain that to go to the Beauvoir Mansion and the Jefferson Davis Presidential Library. The property has a wealthy historical past of being bought and transferred; as we speak, 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 seashore day while in Biloxi.
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6.) Natchez Hint Parkway
If you happen to’re on a street journey via 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 method 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 1000’s of years, and it’s a surprising drive.
Simply ensure you plan your stops properly 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 protected haven for craftspeople and artists – or simply these wanting a quieter little metropolis for a day journey
Additionally, if you happen to’ve bought time, be certain that to discover Ocean Springs Seashore. It’s a lot quieter than a few of Mississipi’s in style seashores and simply as stunning.
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8.) Mississippi Petrified Forest
A 30-minute drive from Jackson, the Mississippi Petrified Forest is without doubt one of the finest locations in Mississippi to go to if you happen to’re keen on geological and pure historical past. The petrified forest dates again many hundreds of thousands of years.
As soon as right here, you’ll be able to 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 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 study 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’ll be able to accomplice a visit right here with a wider go to round LeFleur’s Bluff State Park. Right here, you’ll be able to 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 allure.
As soon as right here, be certain that to go to Rosalie Mansion and Gardens to discover the broader historical past of western Mississippi. Oh, and make sure you 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 little bit 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, probably the greatest locations in Mississippi to go to for a metropolis break. You see, you’ll be able to simply spend 2-3 days right here and nonetheless not discover all of it. There may be heaps to do.
After arriving in Jackson, be certain 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’ll be able to simply spend a couple of hours studying all in regards to the struggles for rights.
Additionally, don’t overlook 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 town of Biloxi, Gulf Port is the broader, westerly stretch of shoreline in Mississippi. It’s truly stunning and the seashores listed below are a number of the finest in all of Mississippi. Although, in the course of the holidays, they will get a little bit busy – so be ready for a couple of crowds.
Heading to Gulf Port with youngsters? Then pop into the Lynn Meadows Discovery Middle. The treehouses and displays are a lot enjoyable for youthful youngsters and you’ll simply spend a couple 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 remember, we discovered that they didn’t take playing cards after we arrived, so be certain that to take some money with you.
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