Mississippi is a treasure trove of rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural beauty. Whether you’re a first-time visitor, a returning traveler, or a local looking to explore more, there’s no shortage of memorable experiences waiting for you. In this blog post, we’re sharing 59 cool and fascinating things to do across the Magnolia State that might make you fall in love with Mississippi—all over again.
Table of Contents
1. Wander Through the Hattiesburg Pocket Museum
Hidden in downtown Hattiesburg, this whimsical mini-museum is filled with tiny displays—think Lego climbers, mice in mischief, and pop-culture parodies. Be sure to explore every nook and cranny, wave at the live cam, and find the museum’s 13 resident cat figurines.
2. Relax in Style at Hotel Pass Christian
Stay in this chic Pass Christian boutique hotel with large soaking tubs, fun design details, and balconies overlooking the Mississippi Sound. Located near the beach and downtown restaurants, it’s perfect for a laid-back coastal getaway.
With its convenient location near the beach and local restaurants, this property offers an unforgettable stay. Free parking and Wi-Fi are included.
3. Marvel at a Mississippi Cotton Field
A drive through the Mississippi Delta in the fall reveals cotton fields stretching to the horizon. This iconic crop, first planted in 1795, continues to shape the state’s economy and scenery—worth pulling over for a photo (or three).
4. Tour the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art in Biloxi
Explore the wild world of “The Mad Potter of Biloxi,” George E. Ohr, inside the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art, an architecturally striking museum designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry. The self-sufficient deconstructivist buildings themselves are works of art.
The on-site ceramics studio invites visitors to take classes and create their own masterpieces. The Ohr Museum is closed on Sunday and Monday.
Fun Fact: Other famous buildings designed by Gehry include the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Guggenheim Museum, and Museum of Pop Culture, amongst others.
5. Indulge on an Ocean Springs Food Crawl
Start your foodie adventure at The Lady May with the famous biscuit board, then head to Maison de Lu for a goat cheese torte you won’t soon forget. This town is a culinary hotspot on the coast.
Head to The Shed Barbeque & Blues Joint for mouthwatering pulled pork and Southern sides. Finally, indulge in a Banana Foster Empanada from Empanola to complete your gastronomic journey.
6. Tailgate at The Grove in Oxford
There’s nothing like a Saturday at Ole Miss. The 10-acre Grove comes alive with elaborate tents, Southern hospitality, and spirited fans.
Don’t miss the Walk of Champions as the Ole Miss Rebels football team makes their way to Vaught Hemingway Stadium from the Student Union before kickoff at the grand University of Mississippi.
7. Sip Smooth Spirits at Cathead Distillery in Jackson
As Mississippi’s first legal distillery, Cathead offers unique small-batch spirits like honeysuckle and pecan vodka (made with pure Louisiana cane sugar) and Hoodoo Chicory Liqueur. Book a tasting tour or check out live music events.
Fun Fact: Cathead Distillery was named a James Beard semi-finalist for Outstanding Spirits Producer in 2020.
8. Visit Laurel’s Lauren Rogers Museum of Art
Mississippi’s first art museum, LRMA, is home to a world-class British Georgian silver collection, beautiful American Indian baskets, European and American art, and a colorful Chihuly glass sculpture. The cozy on-site library and well-curated gift shop add even more charm to the experience.
9. Browse Square Books in Oxford
One of the best independent bookstores in the country and a true literary paradise, Square Books spans multiple buildings and hosts more than 150 author events each year. The second-floor café, shelves of signed first editions, and two additional locations just steps away — Square Books Jr. and Off Square Books — make this a must-visit destination for book lovers.
10. Try Your Luck in Tunica
This small casino town—sometimes called “The Las Vegas of the South“—features several high-profile resorts, such as Horseshoe, Sam’s Town, and Hollywood Casino. From slots to poker, there’s plenty of gaming action.
11. Explore Greenwood’s “The Help” Film Sites
Take a self-guided tour through Greenwood and see where scenes from the 2010 movie The Help (Jessica Chastain, Viola Davis, Emma Stone) were filmed. Visit Celia Foote’s home, the Avent & Clark Booksellers, and stroll the charming downtown streets.
The award-winning book, on which the movie was based, was written by Mississippi native Kathryn Stockett.
12. Dive into the Mississippi Aquarium – Gulfport
The Mississippi Aquarium is impressive, home to more than 200 species, including bottlenose dolphins, sharks, stingrays, and playful North American river otters. Don’t miss the three-story tank and hands-on exhibits, as well as the touch tanks.
13. Roam Brooksville’s Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge
A haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers, this wildlife refuge offers hiking, fishing, photography, and scenic drives through peaceful wetland habitats. It is also commonly featured on USA Today’s 10Best National Wildlife Refuge list for the country.
14. Taste Southern Sweetness at Indianola Pecan House
This beloved shop offers all things pecan—from praline and cappuccino to key lime. It’s a great stop for snacks and Southern-made Mississippi-made gifts.
15. Tour the Eudora Welty House – Jackson
Step into the preserved home of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Eudora Welty. Take a guided tour, view her personal library and typewriter, and stroll her flower-filled garden. Reservations are recommended.
16. Learn and Play at Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, Gulfport
The Lynn Meadows Discovery Center is an award-winning children’s museum with hands-on indoor and outdoor exhibits. Explore construction (even the innards and outs of a house), veterinary care, maritime themes, and climb through a colossal structure with a treehouse village and water table.
Lynn Meadows features Sensory Sundays, and its entire museum and outdoor areas are all wheelchair accessible.
Children and adult tickets are $15.
17. Explore Rowan Oak, William Faulkner’s Historic Home
Rowan Oak, located in Oxford, is a stately 1844 home and longtime residence of Pulitzer Prize-winning author William Faulkner. Roam the beautifully shaded four-acre grounds and step inside to see original manuscripts, his typewriter, and personal treasures.
A short walk from The Square, you can also visit Faulkner’s gravesite, a popular pilgrimage for literary fans.
18. Celebrate the Holiday Season at Jackson’s Mistletoe Marketplace
A Jackson tradition for 45 years, this curated holiday shopping event features clothing, home decor, gourmet food, and handcrafted goods from across the country. Held at the Mississippi Trade Mart (ADA-accessible and parking available) and organized by the Junior League of Jackson each November, the Mistletoe Marketplace also features photo opportunities with Santa and festive decorations.
Admission is typically $15, with free entry for kids under 6.
19. Ride the Historic Dentzel Carousel in Meridian
Step back in time aboard the 1896 Dentzel Carousel in Highland Park. Initially crafted for the 1904 St. Louis Exposition, it’s one of the country’s finest hand-carved carousels—and a National Historic Landmark. Hand-carved lions, giraffes, and tigers, oh my!
20. Discover Mississippi’s Agricultural Past at the Ag & Forestry Museum
This 39-acre living history museum in Jackson features a recreated 1920s cotton-era town, farm animals, antique equipment, and 44 fascinating exhibits. Interact with costumed interpreters and explore the legacy of farming and forestry in the state.
21. Cool Off at Ms. Mary’s Old Town Snoballs in Bay St. Louis
Craving something sweet and icy? Ms. Mary’s delivers with snoballs in flavors like Tigers Blood (try it with condensed milk!), creamy shakes, root beer floats, and soft-serve. It’s the perfect treat after a day on the coast.
22. Shop Local at McCarty’s Pottery in Merigold
Founded in 1954 by Ole Miss grads, this famed pottery studio crafts one-of-a-kind pieces adorned with a trademark “river” to symbolize the Mighty Mississippi. Tour the charming gardens, browse stunning ceramics, and snag a handmade treasure.
23. Take a Driving Tour Through Vicksburg National Military Park
Commemorating one of the most significant Civil War battles, this expansive park includes a 16-mile driving loop, hundreds of monuments, and the USS Cairo ironclad gunboat museum. Admission is $20 per vehicle, or consider the $80 America the Beautiful pass for access to all National Park Service sites.
24. Indulge in Legendary Layered Cakes at Sugaree’s
This New Albany bakery has been featured in Southern Living—and for good reason. Sugaree’s makes old-fashioned layer cakes from scratch in flavors like caramel, red velvet, strawberry, and rainbow. They ship nationwide!
25. Dine at the Iconic Mammy’s Cupboard in Natchez
This 1940s roadside restaurant is as famous for its architecture as it is for its home-cooked food. Dig into hearty lunches, gourmet sandwiches, and towering pies inside the belly of a giant Southern belle-shaped building.
26. Have a Blast at the Mississippi State Fair
Held each October in Jackson, this 12-day celebration features livestock shows, carnival rides (including a Ferris wheel and scrambler), concerts, a petting zoo, and mouthwatering fair food—from ribbon fries and roasted corn on the cob to deep-fried Oreos—a family tradition for generations.
27. Step Inside the GRAMMY Museum Mississippi in Cleveland
Explore interactive exhibits about legendary artists, award-winning music, and iconic performances at Mississippi’s $22 mil GRAMMY Museum. Play instruments, sing along, dance on the light-up dance floor, and pose on the red carpet.
The museum also offers sensory bags and is entirely wheelchair accessible.
28. Grab a Treat at Meme’s Brick Street Bakery in Clinton
Housed in a historic 1872 home, Meme’s Brick Street Bakery’s petit fours are some of the best around. Stock up on cupcakes, brownies, and beautifully decorated desserts.
29. Tour the Mississippi State Capitol in Jackson
This Beaux-Arts-style building, built in 1903, is topped with a 15-foot gold-leaf eagle and offers free weekday tours. Learn about Mississippi politics, architecture, and history on a guided walk.
My favorite time to visit is during the Mississippi Book Festival, held on the state capitol grounds.
30. Visit the Jim Henson Delta Boyhood Exhibit in Leland
Celebrate the life of The Muppets creator in the small town where he grew up. This free exhibit features Kermit memorabilia, storytelling displays, and a kid-friendly play area.
31. Camp, Splash & Play at Jellystone Park in Pelahatchie
A family-favorite destination with cabins, RV spots, a sandy beach, and a splash park (think dump bucket, slides, etc). Seasonal events and summer fun make Jellystone Park Pelahatchie a perfect getaway just 30 miles from Jackson. Amenities include a jumping pillow, mini golf, pool, and a daily calendar of events.
This property was formerly known as Yogi on the Lake. For handicapped-accessible cabins, ask for Ranger Cabins.
32. Go Shopping at Tanger Outlets in Southaven
With nearly 70 stores, including Vera Bradley, Columbia Factory Store, and Tory Burch, the Tanger Outlets of Southaven offers stylish savings—and tasty eats, such as handcrafted pizza and Krispy Kreme.
33. Meet the Animals at Hattiesburg Zoo
Flamingos, tigers, sloths, and more await at the Hattiesburg 12-acre zoo. Don’t miss the Touch Africa petting zoo or the seasonal “Lights of the Wild” holiday display. Be sure to pack a swimsuit for the Serengeti Springs water park!
34. Learn Civil Rights History at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum
From Medgar Evers to the Freedom Riders, this Jackson museum honors the heroes and hardships of the Civil Rights Movement. Entry is free on Sundays, and admission includes the Museum of Mississippi History.
Pro Tip: Enjoy a great meal at the museum from Nissan Cafe by Nick Wallace, featuring southern-style ramen bowls, salads, Mississippi gumbo, shrimp and grits, and more.
35. Enjoy Sunday Brunch at Weidmann’s in Meridian
Mississippi’s oldest restaurant, Weidmann’s, serves up jazz and Southern brunch favorites, including shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, and peanut butter-banana-stuffed French toast—a must-do for foodies.
Pair your meal with a Bloody Mary or Mimosa for an unforgettable culinary experience.
36. Cool Down at Geyser Falls Water Park in Philadelphia
With towering slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers, Geyser Falls is Mississippi’s #1 family attraction. It’s clean, upscale, and packed with summer fun.
37. See the Town Grant Thought Too Pretty To Burn
Port Gibson, Mississippi, is often called “too beautiful to burn”—a phrase attributed to General Grant during the Civil War—and once you visit, you’ll understand why.
From the striking golden hand atop the steeple of First Presbyterian Church to the haunting ruins of Windsor, this small town is filled with unforgettable sights and rich Southern history.
38. Treasure Hunt at the Canton Flea Market
Held each May and October, this enormous outdoor market draws 1,000+ vendors selling handmade art, antiques, clothing, and more. Come early for the best finds!
39. Eat Your Way Through Hattiesburg with Chef Robert St. John
From Ed’s Burger Joint to The Midtowner and Loblolly Bakery, this chef’s collection of eateries makes Hattiesburg a top dining destination. Don’t leave without a cookbook (illustrated by Wyatt Waters) or sweet treat.
40. Catch a Concert at the Brandon Amphitheater
Intimate seating, superb acoustics, and big-name acts make this a top-notch venue. Check the Brandon Amphitheater online calendar for upcoming shows and save money by buying tickets at the box office.
Upcoming 2025 shows include Hardy, Whiskey Myers, and T-Pain. The amphitheater has a clear bag policy in effect.
41. Celebrate Mississippi Culture at The MAX in Meridian
The Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience highlights the state’s biggest icons—from B.B. King to Britney Spears. Interactive exhibits, recording booths, and a downtown Meridian Walk of Fame (think Jim Henson, Tennessee Williams, and Jimmie Rodgers) round out the fun.
42. Tour Longwood Mansion in Natchez
This octagonal antebellum home with sensational onion domes is famous for being unfinished. Discover its fascinating story and unique architecture on a guided tour. Tickets are around $25.
43. Shop Handcrafted Art at Waller Craft Center in Ridgeland
Home to the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi, the Waller Craft Center showcases pottery, woodworking, jewelry, and more from over 400 local artisans. Workshops and demos available.
Don’t be fooled by the outside — the inside is where it’s at.
44. Live It Up at Beau Rivage in Biloxi
This luxury MGM resort has it all—world-class gaming, shopping, spa treatments, 1400+ elegant rooms, a stunning pool, and fine dining. Book a table at BR Prime or Coraline’s for top-tier seafood.
45. Visit the Tennessee Williams Welcome Center in Columbus
Housed in the playwright’s childhood home, this Literary Landmark and welcome center offers a look at his early life and works like A Streetcar Named Desire and The Glass Menagerie.
46. Walk the Blues Trail at Dockery Farms
Regarded as the birthplace of Delta Blues, this historic site hosted legends like Charley Patton, Robert Johnson, and Howlin’ Wolf. It’s a sacred stop for music fans.
47. Learn About Ulysses S. Grant at MSU in Starkville
The Grant Presidential Library, housed at Mississippi State, is a hidden gem with Civil War artifacts and presidential history. Plans for a larger standalone site are underway.
48. Soak Up the Sun Along Mississippi’s Gulf Coast
Enjoy 62 miles of white-sand beaches, perfect for birdwatching, reading, or a casual stroll. Boat tours and dolphin cruises are popular additions in Pass Christian, Bay St. Louis, Ocean Springs, Biloxi, and Gulfport.
49. Cruise the Natchez Trace Parkway
One of America’s best scenic drives, the Natchez Trace runs 444 miles from Natchez to Nashville. It’s ideal for a relaxed road trip with stops at nature sites, waterfalls, and historic markers.
50. Score Vintage Finds at The Lucky Rabbit in Hattiesburg
This quirky and curated market is filled with treasures, ranging from vintage toys to upcycled furniture. If you love thrifting or retro decor, don’t miss it. Even a drive by Lucky Rabbit’s eclectic property is worth the trip.
51. Hang Out in Jackson’s Coolest Neighborhood: Fondren
This colorful district has it all—murals, boutique shopping, indie restaurants, and live music. Grab a bite at The Pig & Pint or Saltine, then satisfy your sweet tooth at Campbell’s Bakery.
52. Get in the Holiday Spirit at Merrehope Mansion
Each December (and possibly the last week of November), this Meridian mansion showcases over 50 decorated Christmas trees. Adults $15, and it’s worth every twinkling light for holiday cheer.
See why this treasure made the USA TODAY 10Best – Holiday Historic Home Tour list.
53. Explore Gulfport’s Ocean Adventures Marine Park
Ocean Adventures Marine Park is a one-of-a-kind ocean life park and museum. Admission includes interactive exhibits, dolphin, bird, and sea lion shows, touch tanks, and educational programs, making it a great place to learn about marine life and conservation.
54. Taste a TatoNut Donut
Treat yourself to the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of TatoNut’s iconic donuts, a locals’ favorite for over 50 years. Maple bacon, S’mores, and Churro are our faves.
55. Experience the Old Capitol Inn Thanksgiving Buffet
Treat yourself and your family to a beautiful Thanksgiving Day buffet at the stunning Old Capitol Inn in downtown Jackson. We had a fantastic time and the food was incredible.
For a more private table space, request the upstairs level.
56. Wander Through Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum
Explore the two-room house where Elvis was born and learn about his childhood at the Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum in Tupelo. The grounds are filled with all sorts of fun things to see and do and learn about the King of Rock ‘n Roll.
57. History Buffs Rejoice at Grand Gulf Military State Park
Visit the lesser-known Grand Gulf Military State Park where you’ll find the Rodney Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, one of the prettiest in the state and one of the most photographed Mississippi images.
58. Chow Down at Oxford’s Big Bad Breakfast
Commence your day the Mississippi way with a Big Bad Breakfast that will satiate your hunger and Instagram feed. By the way, this is the OG location. You’ll also find locations of BBB in Memphis, Louisville, and Tuscaloosa, among others.
Try the Breakfast Crumble, served with its rich tomato gravy and crumbled bacon.
59. Explore Famous Movie Locations in Canton, Mississippi
Step into the cinematic charm of Canton, Mississippi, where A Time to Kill and several other films were brought to life. Explore the Canton Film Museums and take a guided tour highlighting iconic movie sites (My Dog Skip, O Brother, Where Art Thou, and more), including courthouse square and local landmarks featured in major productions.
Mississippi: A State Worth Road Tripping
Whether you’re road-tripping through the Delta or discovering historic coastal towns, Mississippi promises warm welcomes, surprising treasures, and experiences that stay with you.
Order your Visit Mississippi travel guide here.
