Things to do & places to visit 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.

Mississippi #39 destination in United States 2023. The average rating score is 4.31 based on 77.3k traveler reviews, of 1.023 attractions. Timezone: America/Chicago, current date and time: Thursday, April 25, 2024, 4:38.

Top things to do (31)

Top destinations in Mississippi 100

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Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Betsy Ann Riverboat (2.160 reviews)
- Wonderful date night, can't wait to bring kids!
Boat Tours • Eco Tours • Night Tours • Sightseeing Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

My husband is doing training at Keesler AFB and my 6 children and I traveled down from Kansas City to see him for spring break and our 12th anniversary. For our date night we came to the BetsyAnn ecological sunset cruise. We loved learning about the area, and the views were fantastic. It got chilly and many people went to the lower level inside. My husband and I enjoyed having the higher level mostly to ourselves and dancing to the music while watching the sunset. We actually met in dance class nearly 14 years ago so it was super nostalgic and special for us. The service was amazing, everyone was friendly, checked in on us, greeted us by name, and made it very fun and relaxing The only negative I had is that I SO wish our kids could of come with us. We were on a tight time schedule to book again, but hopefully someday we can return. I know our 10, 9, 7, 4, 4, and 1 year Olds would have loved it. See more..
5.0 U.S.S. Cairo Museum (1.521 reviews)
- Awesome!!
Ships • History Museums

Tour the first boat to be sunk by a torpedo. See more..
5.0 Enter/Locked Escape Rooms (499 reviews)
- Great fun!
Thursday: 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

Enter/Locked (former JXN Escape Room) is Jackson’s First Escape Game and the only one with all original rooms. We offer five unique themes handcrafted by our team. This is our only location - you won't play these rooms anywhere else in the world! We offer private experiences only (no playing with strangers!). Our rooms are not scary and the doors are never locked. Perfect for team building, birthdays, night out with friends & family fun! See more..
5.0 St. Mary Basilica (475 reviews)
- Gorgeous stain glass windows--beautiful like a European cathedral
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 4:15 PM Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals

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. See more..
5.0 Red's Lounge (394 reviews)
- Reds is real authentic blues in place dripping with character!
Blues Bars

“Real” blues with “Big T” and his 3 piece band and patrons dancing on the rug! Our hotel hosts suggested Reds over Groud Zero for authenticity. Place is combo of locals and tourist blues lovers. Don’t let outside or inside appearances scare you. Cash only and beer only, unless you want to bring your own. Great time , stayed for two sets, just go! See more..
5.0 B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center (317 reviews)
- A Must visit on Mississippi Blues Trail
Speciality Museums

The comprehensive and interactive exhibits are well worth the 15 dollar adult admission. As you go through the exhibits on life in the delta, BB King's Life, and delta music, their are several listening stations to hear music from multiple artists through several decades. Other highlights include a complete sound recording studio from BB King's house with his personal guitars. After paying for admission, the tour starts in a video auditorium. After the video finishes, their is a non-descript door on the side to star touring the exhibits. The gift shop has some good memorabilia items relating to delta music. The grave site outside is under some development, but worth seeing before you go. They don't allow photography in the exhibit areas. See more..
4.5 Vicksburg National Military Park (3.133 reviews)
- The Battle that Turned the Civil War
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Battlefields • Parks

1800 acres of now peaceful countryside, this park was once the scene of a bloody 47-day Civil War battle. See more..
4.5 Beau Rivage Casino (2.461 reviews)
- Beautiful property and casino!!
Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Casinos

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. See more..
4.5 Natchez Trace Parkway (1.764 reviews)
- Short cut to Nashville
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent More than 3 hours Scenic Drives

This 444-mile parkway follows a Native American footpath from Natchez, MS to Nashville, TN. See more..
4.5 Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum (1.635 reviews)
- Great roadside stop!
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums • Historic Sites

Museum showing objects from Elvis' childhood. See more..
4.5 Longwood (1.619 reviews)
- An unfinished gem.
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Construction on this architectural gem, the largest octagonal house in the U.S., began in 1860, but was interrupted by the onset of war. A National Historic Landmark, the still-unfinished mansion is an enduring symbol of the impact of the Civil War. See more..
4.5 Biloxi Visitors Center (1.367 reviews)
- Wonderful Visitor’s Center
Visitor Centers

My family and I visited the lovely Biloxi Visitor’s Center everyday that we were in town. I absolutely loved their small gift shop. I bought many items while there. The gift shop features the creations of many local artists. They have jewelry, wind chimes, oyster trees, ornaments, postcards, food, etc. Their prices are extremely reasonable in the gift shop. The Visitor’s Center offers a small, free museum that featured the history of Biloxi. They also show a 45-50 minute film about Hurricane Katrina. The restrooms are very clean, as well. Of course, they have brochures to chose from and the employees are very happy to offer their assistance and give recommendations for things to do while in town. The Visitor’s Center is located behind the lighthouse and across the street from Biloxi Beach. I highly recommend making this your first stop while in Biloxi. See more..
4.5 Beauvoir (1.218 reviews) from $13.62
- Beauvoir
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Home of Ex-Confederate President of the Confederate States of America where he lived his remaining 12 years of his life (post-war) and where he wrote "The Rise and Fall of the Confederate Government." Golf Carts are now available to rent. Guided tour of the home showing how life was lived by the President and his family and self guided grounds (Varina's Garden, Cemetery, and nature trail), Museum, separated into 3 sections: Rotating Gallery, Soldier's Exhibit, and President Davis Exhibit. Research Library including reference books to accommodate most genealogy research focused on the Civil War. See more..
4.5 Stanton Hall (887 reviews)
- Don’t miss Stanton Hall!
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites

Stanton Hall, one of the most magnificent and Palatial Greek homes in America, occupies an entire city block in downtown Natchez, MS. This home stands 5 stories tall and was originally 14,000 square feet. Many original furnishings and beautiful antiques are displayed throughout the home as well as one of a kind arched millwork throughout the halls and parlors. Designed for Fredrick and Hulda Stanton by Natchez architect Thomas Rose, Stanton Hall contains beauty unlike any other. Mr. Stanton imported immense gilt mirrors from France, ordered unusually executed gasoliers from Philadelphia, and brought in beautifully sculptured marble mantels from New York. The original Gothic-style hall stand and matching chairs are an important part of the Stanton's original furnishings. Stanton Hall is owned and beautifully maintained by the Pilgrimage Garden Club. See more..
4.5 Natchez Visitor Center (842 reviews)
- Wonderful Natchez, Mississippi
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM Visitor Centers

We knew nothing of this region and had many questions. Sean (National Park Service) answered all our questions and explained the area much more. Julia worked in the visitor center focusing on Mississippi in general. She gave us two outstanding recommendations. One was to tour the Myrtle Terrace home in Natchez. We found that to be one of the most beautiful homes ever! She also recommended the Walnut Hill restaurant in Vicksburg (Vicksburg was our next stop). It’s a beautiful restaurant with delicious southern cooking. The people at the visitor center saved us time and money and helped us see a wonderful part of the country. See more..
4.5 The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies (834 reviews)
- IMMS- you have to take your family!
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Aquariums

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. See more..
4.5 Rosalie Mansion (772 reviews)
- RV Trip
Speciality Museums • Historic Sites • History Museums

Home of the Daughters of the American Revolution and a unique collection of children's dolls and toys made from cloth and porcelain. See more..
4.5 Ship Island Excursions (605 reviews)
- Great Day Trip from Louisiana
Sightseeing Tours

Visited on Saturday, June 11th! It was the first time we had been out to Ship Island, and we will definitely do it again! The boat ride out is comfortable and fun. There are concessions, clean bathrooms, and shade on the boat. There are chair and umbrella rentals on the island for a reasonable price. There is a concession stand and gift shop that also sells floaties and other things to play with while on the island. There are two nice, clean, shaded picnic areas to eat/rest with clean bathrooms. The water on the side with the umbrellas and chairs is not as clear as the water on the side where the boat docks, but it is nice and calm, so no worries about large waves or undertow. I recommend buying a float from the concession stand ($5, already inflated), and spending a large portion of time floating. :) We also saw lots of dolphins, both on the boat ride out there and while sitting on the beach. And I cannot complete my review without mentioning Fort Massachusetts! There are guided tours a few times a day, and you can walk through it on your own as well. It is quite an adventure. We bought our tickets online, caught the 9 a.m. boat out there, and returned at 5 p.m. Afterwards, we went down the road to a restaurant with a great beach view called Shaggy's, which was delicious and had a great atmosphere. It made for a really great day. See more..
4.5 Old Court House Museum (602 reviews)
- Wonderful Way to Learn about the History of Vicksburg and the Civil War
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM History Museums

We've lived in Vicksburg for over 20 years and I had never been thru the Old Courthouse Museum. Our adult children were home for a visit and wanted to check it out. I'm so glad they suggested it! Well worth the money and is so very interesting, especially if you enjoy history! See more..
4.5 The Delta Blues Museum (592 reviews)
- Refreshed My Interest in Delta Blues!
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums • History Museums

Housed in the newly renovated Yazoo and Mississippi River Valley Railroad Depot, the museum presents the history of the Blues through photos, written word, artifacts and instruments. See more..
4.5 Vicksburg Riverfront Murals (543 reviews)
- Beautiful Art
Points of Interest & Landmarks

We stopped by on Sunday (10-23-22) and it was a great day. Taking pictures and learning the history of Vicksburg through the murals was a beautiful experience. The artwork is very detailed and I was very impressed on how they have stood up to the weather. Right on the river and we watched some barges moving around on the river too! See more..
4.5 Historic Natchez Cemetery (538 reviews)
- Interesting afternoon
Cemeteries

One of my favorite places to take guests when they visit Natchez. Gravesites day’s back to the 1700s. The stories that have been handed down through history are timeless. If you can book a cemetery tour, you will not be disappointed. The Angels on the Bluff tours happen each November and are quickly sold out within a week. Worth a visit if you have time while visiting Natchez. See more..
4.5 Melrose (535 reviews)
- Excellent and a good value for families
Historic Sites • National Parks

Part of Natchez National Historical Park, Melrose is an antebellum plantation that features a slavery exhibit. See more..
4.5 Big Play Entertainment Center (458 reviews)
- So Much Fun!
Thursday: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Game & Entertainment Centers

It is Big Play's mission to deliver a memorable guest experience through an innovative combination of food, drinks and games in a fun, safe environment. We, the Big Play family, are dedicated to providing exceptional guest service and value. See more..
4.5 New Palace Casino Point Cadet (453 reviews)
- Great to have a smoke-free environment
Casinos

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. See more..
4.5 Vicksburg National Cemetery (392 reviews)
- Honored
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Cemeteries

Established by the U.S. Congress in 1865 as a military burial ground, the 116-acre cemetery is the final resting place of more than 17,000 Union Soldiers. See more..
4.5 Mississippi Children's Museum (359 reviews)
- Plan to spend the majority of the day here is you have young kids
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Children's Museums

The Mississippi Children's Museum is your Destination for Imagination. The mission of the Mississippi Children's Museum is to create unparalleled experiences to inspire excellence and a lifelong joy of learning. Visit the Mississippi Children's Museum and get inspired! Open Tuesday through Saturday 9am-5pm and Sunday 1pm-5pm Admission is $10 per person; children under the age of 1 year are free. See more..
4.5 Ship Island Excursions (358 reviews)
- Perfect day trip!
Boat Tours

My family took a day trip yesterday and had a fantastic time. Ship Island Excursions’s staff is so friendly, the boat ride to the island is easy and safe and the full experience exceeded our expectations. The island is beautiful and well maintained. Do rent an umbrella and chairs, prices are very reasonable! We had a good lunch on the island - prices again very reasonable and food was really good! We brought a cooler of drinks but buying lunch on the island was easy and preferable. Perfect day for our family, highly recommend!! See more..
4.5 University of Mississippi (356 reviews)
- A Typical Southern University
Educational sites

Ole Miss is a typical southern university worthy of its SEC affiliation. Their footfall stadium is huge since all SEC schools seem to be obsessed with football. When we visited all of the Magnolia trees on campus were in bloom which really add to the attractiveness of the campus. See more..
4.5 Gulf Islands National Seashore (338 reviews)
- Davis Bayou Campground
Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas

Part of the Gulf Island NSS system this campground is located in the heart of Ocean Sprigs MS. Sites are W/E with picnic table and fire pit. Due to the age and size of sites be sure to look at the site restrictions before booking your reservation. Some sites have height or slide restrictions. Pros Water pressure is good W/E at sites All sites offer picnic table, grill/fire pit combo There is a gate that is locked at night, visitors are given an access code. Cons Sand fleas even in winter as you would expect in a area named for a salt water marsh Verizon cell coverage steadily at 2 bars, iPhone See more..