In terms of locations to go to, Mississippi is likely one of the most various states in america. Not solely that, it’s all the time a lot larger 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 the perfect locations in Mississippi to go to all throughout the state.
Even for those who’re travelling by way of a few of the greatest spots within the south of america, you’ll nonetheless be capable to go to a good few unimaginable locations in Mississippi. It’s an unimaginable 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 unbelievable.
1.) Gulf Islands Nationwide Seashore
The Gulf Islands Nationwide Seashore extends from the jap 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 possibly can 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 a number of days right here.
Additionally, don’t overlook about Cat Island and Horn Island. Each are beautiful, and their shorelines are completely stunning. Simply remember that there aren’t any services in locations like Cat Island, so you could make sure you’re ready earlier than landfall. Now, no particular ferries run to locations like Cat Island, however plenty of native firms 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 actual fact, it’s among the finest locations in Mississippi to go to for those who’re travelling between Memphis (in Tennesee) and Birmingham in Alabama through Freeway 22.
When you’re right here, ensure 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 beautiful 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 the perfect 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 unimaginable place to go to for those who’re considering army historical past.
After the large restoration effort to salvage the USS Cairo, the USS Cairo Museum has change into a must-visit place to see a Civil Conflict-era gunship. It’s fairly unimaginable to consider and be taught extra concerning 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 among the finest locations in Mississippi to go to for a number of hours journey. You see, it’s received some nice spots to whisk away a morning journey, particularly the B.B. King Museum.
The B.B. King Museum reveals you every thing you’ll want to learn about probably the most iconic blues artists of all time. Which, in fact, is B.B. King.
Afterwards, for those who’re driving to the state border with Louisiana, ensure 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 Nineteen Forties. Their porterhouse and ribeye steaks are a few of the greatest 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 received a lot appeal (and humidity at occasions) that’s nice for a number of days journey. Plus, you possibly can accomplice up for a visit with Biloxi and the broader Gulf Islands space. It’s so stunning.
Whereas right here, ensure that to go to the Beauvoir Mansion and the Jefferson Davis Presidential Library. The property has a wealthy historical past of being offered and transferred; immediately, it’s a timestamp to the one Accomplice president, Jefferson Davis, and Accomplice troopers.
Afterwards, head over to Biloxi Seaside 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
In case you’re on a street journey by way of Mississippi, you need to undoubtedly drive a part of the Natchez Hint Parkway. It’s over 400 miles in size and is an unimaginable 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 1000’s of years, and it’s a shocking drive.
Simply be sure to plan your stops correctly and work out resorts. Some areas are rural, so organising lodgings earlier than you depart is greatest.
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 protected haven for craftspeople and artists – or simply these wanting a quieter little metropolis for a day journey
Additionally, for those who’ve received time, ensure that to discover Ocean Springs Seaside. 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 likely one of the greatest locations in Mississippi to go to for those who’re considering geological and pure historical past. The petrified forest dates again many hundreds of thousands of years.
As soon as right here, you possibly can discover the world 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 unimaginable.
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 concerning the pure world (from dinosaurs to dodos) with the assistance of detailed displays that additionally change seasonally.
Not solely that, you possibly can accomplice a visit right here with a wider go to round LeFleur’s Bluff State Park. Right here, you possibly can head on a few 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 huge on appeal.
As soon as right here, ensure that to go to Rosalie Mansion and Gardens to discover the broader historical past of western Mississippi. Oh, and you should definitely 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 unimaginable.
Staying a bit of longer? Head out for a stroll alongside the Natchez Bluff Strolling Path. It’s a good 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, among the finest locations in Mississippi to go to for a metropolis break. You see, you possibly can simply spend 2-3 days right here and nonetheless not discover all of it. There may be heaps to do.
After arriving in Jackson, ensure 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 possibly can simply spend a number of hours studying all concerning 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 here are a few of the greatest in all of Mississippi. Although, in the course of the holidays, they will get a bit of busy – so be ready for a number of crowds.
Heading to Gulf Port with children? Then pop into the Lynn Meadows Discovery Heart. The treehouses and displays are a lot enjoyable for youthful youngsters and you may simply spend a number 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 ensure that to take some money with you.
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