Top Things to do in Mississippi
The 10 Best Free Things to do in Mississippi, United States
From 24-hour casinos, upscale shopping and luxurious spas in Tunica to the Civil War sites in Vicksburg to the lush golf courses, beaches and upscale casinos in Biloxi and Gulfport, Mississippi offers visitors a wide range of vacation experiences. Vacationers to Mississippi can choose from a diverse group of destinations and activities. On the Gulf Coast in Biloxi and Gulfport, casino gaming, big name entertainment shows, deep-sea fishing and golf, are popular pastimes. In Vicksburg, the Vicksburg National Cemetery and Civil War sites draw many visitors. In historic Natchez, you can take a scenic drive on the Natchez Trace Parkway or visit Frogmore Plantation, one of eight plantations originally owned by a wealthy Natchez planter. For an urban experience, Jackson, dubbed the “City with Soul” has over 50 nightclubs featuring Soul, Jazz, Blues, Rock and other musical genres. Tunica offers great casinos, golf and big name entertainers such as Bonnie Rait, Smokey Robinson and George Jones. Golfers, rejoice! Mississippi has more than 150 golf courses. Among the high-profile courses on everybody’s must play list are The Links at Cottonwoods and Tunica National Golf Tennis Club in Tunica and Grand Bear Golf Club in Saucier and The Bridges Golf Club at Hollywood Casino. Families visiting Mississippi fall in love with the heaping portions of Southern hospitality. Family-oriented activities are plentiful in Mississippi whether it’s enjoying the beaches on the Gulf Coast, visiting the home of Elvis Presley in Tupelo or riding a huge paddlewheeler on the Mississippi River.
Restaurants in Mississippi
1. Mississippi Armed Forces Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 90 reviews
The Mississippi Armed Forces Museum is proud to serve as the military history museum for the state of Mississippi. The museum aims to educate the public about Mississippi’s role in military history, while honoring the service of both Mississippi veterans and those who have trained in Mississippi during times of war. Visit us today, located approximately 10 miles south of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center.
Reviewed By 722barryl - New Orleans, United States
I had no idea this museum existed but what a gem. Even though it was free, clearly there was plenty of money spent in the creation and curation of the Mississippi Armed Forces Museum. The presentation is top rated and compares favorably to famous institutions such the National WWII Museum in New Orleans. The fact that the museum is located on Camp Shelby, the training location of the highly decorated Japanese American 442nd Infantry Regiment, was a bonus. Oh, German POWs were kept on Camp Shelby during WWII as well. So much history!
2. Mississippi State University
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 177 reviews
Reviewed By 42bettyh - Clinton, United States
My daughter and I visited the MSU campus and loved the architecture of the various buildings around campus. Students were coming and going to classes, dorms, and campus events. The event we attended was very well organized and everyone was so helpful with information about the various programs, activities, and locations on campus. A great visit!
3. Lauren Rogers Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 108 reviews
Reviewed By Lawlockman
We went in the afternoon and there were few there. We were warmly greeted by the front desk personnel and the security guard, who barbeques and who recommended a good place to eat. We learned the history of the museum and spent two or three hours exploring the many rooms and exhibits. There are European, American and British isles artist as well as an exhibit of an Indian artist and many collections including a fascinating exhibit of baskets. This museum could be in any major metropolitan city but is a true gem in Laurel. Due to the generosity of its benefactor it is free to see.
4. St. Mary Basilica
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 453 reviews
Recognized as an architectural masterpiece among Catholic churches in the south, it is the spiritual home of a vibrant St. Mary Catholic community today. The construction of this place of worship was begun in 1842 as the Cathedral of the newly established Diocese of Natchez. The St. Mary congregation takes pride in the basilica's colorful and prayerful setting, and welcomes visitors from near and distant places. The city of Natchez, on the Mississippi River and the birthplace of Mississippi, is a tourist destination because of its historic ante-bellum homes. St. Mary Basilica, also ante-bellum, is the city's central landmark.
Reviewed By stephaniemW5432WT
On a recent trip with our 11 year old grandson, we stopped in and where so amazed at the beauty of this old church. The grounds are beautiful also. Pictures do not do it justice.
5. Beau Rivage Casino
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,412 reviews
This Gulf Coast casino resort offers the whole package: accommodations, dining, gaming, shopping, charter boat fishing, access to 19 championship golf courses and big-name acts for nighttime entertainment.
Reviewed By lonnieb519 - Biloxi, United States
Ever felt like you were living the "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous?" Nah, me neither !!!, Until I stepped out of the elevator and walked into the lavish world of the Beau Rivage for the first time !!! It's like you are walking down the yellow brick road with Dorothy and Toto(but Toto is invisible, and Dorothy is that beautiful girl by your side !!! In my case, that would be my sweet and beautiful little wife, the most beautiful girl in the world !!! You might think you could give me someone more beautiful, but Oz never did give nothing to the Tinman that he didnt already have, and, no disrespect, You are not Oz !!! LoL !!! Not to boast, but I'm kinda proud of my baby !!! That brings me to a different set of songs, the ones that are sang and played at the end of the yellow brick road, physical address: Eight75, the name of the lounge just prior to stepping into the gaming area of the casino and also the actual physical address of the Beau Rivage(875 Beach Boulavard, Biloxi Mississippi). Eight75 holds a special place in my heart because it is where she(yes, you guessed it, my beautiful wife) and I began this wonderful life together. We would meet there for a glass of Merlot and would get lost in each other as the band played and as the packed house kept the energy alive with conversation and laughter. One thing(Merlot) led to another(Merlot) and before we knew it, we knew how to dance(Merlot) !!! Neither of us knew how before, but it's like a wizard stepped in and cast a spell on us...wait a minute, that's Merlin(Merlot), LoL !!! Anyway, we fell in love, dancing the night away on the dance floor in front of the band, with lots of other happy couples who didnt know how to dance either, or was it only the two of us(Love) !!! Everyone is there to assure that you have a Great time, from the band to the bartenders to the waitresses to the Beau Rivage itself !!! The scenery is breathtaking and you Really Do get a sense of living the Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous !!! Head to the Beau Rivage for a Super Great Time and I'm sure, that you too, will fall in love !!!
6. Mississippi State Capitol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 255 reviews
COVID-19 UPDATE FOR OUR VISITORS: Tours may be reserved for groups of 30 people or fewer. The unreserved, drop-in guided tours remain suspended, but guests are welcome to participate in self-guided tours. The gift shop remains closed. The building is open Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., should you wish to visit. We look forward to returning to a full tour schedule in the near future. Thank you. (Updated as of May 3, 2021) Patterned after the National Capitol, this has been the Capitol building for the state of Mississippi since 1903. Today it is major tourist attraction as well as the focus of Mississippi state government activities.
Reviewed By curtispat - Philadelphia, United States
The Mississippi State Capitol building is a very impressive building. The 1 hour guided tour (several times a day) is well worth your time.
7. St. Michael's Catholic Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 76 reviews
This church has beautiful stained glass windows.
Reviewed By O1670HAjenniferw - Natchez, United States
We attended the 10 am service on Christmas day. The stained glass windows and architecture of the building are unique. Covid distancing and hand sanitizing was being observed, but communion was very risky, so we did not participate. It is well worth stopping to visit the church.
8. New Palace Casino Point Cadet
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 446 reviews
Palace Casino Resort is the only smoke free casino on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and the premiere destination for luxurious accommodations, superior guest service and endless excitement. Nestled along the beautiful Gulf of Mexico and Biloxi’s Back Bay, the resort offers newly renovated hotel rooms and suites with stunning views, award winning restaurants, non-stop gaming, championship golf at The Preserve Golf Club and amazing amenities to complement your stay.
Reviewed By lisav871 - Marathon, United States
Nice casino very strict on masks. Constant cleaning of premises and restrooms. Fun games, free drinks, nice lounge for sports viewing and non smoking. Will go again.
9. University of Mississippi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 347 reviews
Reviewed By FLYDL - Boston, United States
My daughter chose this university as her number one choice when she was still in grade school. At the time it was based on pictures she saw. When it came time to tour colleges, and we toured several, Ole Miss did not disappoint. The campus is absolutely stunning! Brimming with southern charm. My daughter fell in love with this school, as did we. Although far away from her home in Boston, our daughter could not imagine herself at another school. The city of Oxford is charming as well, yet numerous amenities are still at your fingertips.
10. Biloxi Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 497 reviews
The Biloxi Lighthouse was erected in 1848 and was one of the first cast-iron lighthouses in the South. It is the city's signature landmark and has become a post-Katrina symbol of the city's resolve and resilience. The light was civilian operated from 1848 to 1939, and is notable for its several female lightkeepers, including Maria Younghans, who tended the light for 53 years. In 1939, the U.S. Coast Guard assumed responsibility for the light's operation.After being declared surplus property in 1968, the Biloxi Lighthouse was deeded to the City of Biloxi, which eventually opened it to public tours.The lighthouse has withstood many storms over the years. Katrina's storm surge enveloped a third of the 64-foot tall lighthouse, and the constant pounding from the water and winds toppled many bricks that lined the interior of the cast iron tower. The storm’s winds also broke many of the windows in the light cupola and destroyed the structure's electrical systemIn March 2010, the city re-opened the lighthouse to public tours after a 14-month, $400,000 restoration that was funded by FEMA and MEMA and completed by Biloxi contractor J.O. Collins.
Reviewed By genoacowboy - Houston, United States
A very Historical Lighhouse, Can Be toured Visit the visitor center across from it and there you can buy tickets for a tour, Recommended
