Top Things to do in Mississippi
What to do and see in Mississippi, United States: The Best Zoos & Aquariums
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. SafARI TAILS - Teaching about Animals In Live Shows
2. Safari Wild Animal Park and Preserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
Safari Wild is a 450 Acre Authentic African Drive Through Safari Park and Wild Animal Preserve located in Historic Como, MS just 40 miles south of Memphis, TN. From the comfort of your own vehicle, you can drive through miles of Safari Roads as you view hundreds of rare and endangered animals. At Safari Wild you will have opportunities to get up close and personal with animals.
Reviewed By krogersku - Johnston, United States
We decided to go to the Safari Wild Animal Park as it was cloudy and a little cold in Memphis. This is an easy drive from downtown Memphis. We ended up spending about 3 hours in the park feeding the various animals out of our car and enjoying the bird enclosure/petting zoo. They have a wide variety of animals including giraffes that you can feed. My kids had a blast. This was their favorite activity on our entire spring break trip. They recommend one bag of feed per person, I would suggest going with two per person. It is pretty easy for the animals to grab the entire paper bag out of the kids hands so it’s better to have extra.
3. Hattiesburg Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 295 reviews
12-acre Zoo featuring over 100 species of animals including tiger, tapir, capybara, zebras, alpacas, primates, birds, sloths, reptiles, flamingos, servals, porcupines, fennec fox, and more! Attractions located within the zoo include: train, carousel, high ropes adventure course, splash pad, wallaby walkabout, mining expedition, Asbury Discovery Center, Safari Grill, Pop's Brothers Popsicles, Snow Cones, and a whole lot more. We are open Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Admission is $5 for everyone, children under two get in free!
Reviewed By Dixie_Windham
There is never a bad day when you visit the Hattiesburg Zoo! Some may think, well it's not a very big zoo, but it doesn't have to be to be outstanding! The grounds are well kept, the staff if friendly, and the spotlight is always on the animals. And the animals are always well cared for and healthy! The new additions being built for new animals coming soon are beautiful. The train and carousel are charming. The splash pad is great during the hot MS summers. The kids love the ropes course, and mining for gems is always a favorite. I promise you won't be disappointed. Like I said, there's never a bad day at the Hattiesburg ZOO.
4. The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 780 reviews
The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies (IMMS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 1984 for the purposes of public education, conservation, and research on marine mammals and sea turtles in the wild and under human care. IMMS's Ocean Adventures Marine Park is open to the public year-round, reservations are not required. The Park is open seven days a week from 9:00AM to 4:00PM. All admission and interactive program proceeds go toward our conservation efforts. IMMS has been an active participant of the National Stranding Network since its inception. IMMS is the premier stranding organization in the Mississippi-Louisiana-Alabama region of the Gulf Coast with the capability and expertise to care for sick and injured marine mammals and sea turtles. IMMS serves as an important educational resource for the Mississippi Gulf Coast, incorporating programs for conservation, education and research of marine mammals, sea turtles, and their environment.
Reviewed By megann1680
I recently visited and had an amazing time! The trainers and staff are all so friendly and could answer every question I had about the animals. There are so many things to do and see like stingrays, birds, gators, fish, snakes, sea lions, and dolphins! All of the shows are excellent and are sure to put a smile on any visitors face. The encounters offered with the animals are amazing and 100% worth it! For the stingray encounter, I got to snorkel and feed the stingrays in the large Ray Pool. For the sea lion encounter I got to feed and get a big kiss from McCoy. For the dolphin interaction, I got in the water with Turner and was able to feed and give him a big kiss. I will never forget the time I was able to spend here. This is a must-do for any visitor or resident of Gulfport and your visit also contributes to the conservation efforts of marine life!
5. The Jackson Zoo
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 246 reviews
Temporarily Closed
Reviewed By SplashMLS - Aledo, United States
During COVID times, this zoo is only open on the weekends. It’s a low key zoo that’s relatively small with some pretty neat animals, such as a Sumatran tiger, playful cougars and Pygmy hippos. As always, zoo’s depend on customers attendance to feed and take care of their animals. So why not learn something new, get some exercise and support a local zoo?
6. Mississippi Aquarium
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 52 reviews
Now Open in downtown Gulfport, MS! Mississippi Aquarium tells the incredible story of all of Mississippi's aquatic resources from the Delta to the coastline and the remarkable connection that ties all of the state's natural resources uniquely together. Featuring the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and beyond, the roaring waters of the mighty Mississippi River and the wetlands and marshes of the tranquil bayous, the story of Mississippi's natural resources had never been told in this extraordinary way. The Aquarium understands that living in Mississippi is about the outdoor experience and the relationships of its people. Mississippi Aquarium represents education, conservation and community. The Aquarium provides visitors many opportunities to be entertained and fully immersed in the aquatic wonder that Mississippi has to offer.
Reviewed By kathrynmT6366FH
The aquarium is absolutely amazing. We had a wonderful time. The dolphin show was wonderful. We even did the sea trek, and it was one of the most wonderful experiences we have ever had. The guides were very very helpful and kind and patient. We feel that it was worth every penny of our experience. We were extremely happy to support them. We also ate lunch at the café, and we will go back to eat there again! Also I really loved that there were guides all throughout the aquarium readily available to answer questions. We bought T-shirts in the gift shop and had a hard time deciding which one to purchase because there were so many cute ones.
