Last updated on January 11th, 2024 at 09:00 pm
Last Updated on January 11, 2024 by
25 things to do on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. This list includes active and passive experiences and it’s just a start. There is so much to do on the Coast but the twenty things listed are a great start.
Of course, sitting on the porch with a cool drink watching fireflies would qualify but was intentionally left off in favor of off-site activities. I stopped at 25 for those visiting for just a weekend. If you are a snowbird visiting from Canada, you need to dig deeper. We have far more than 25 things to do on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
None of the things listed below come close to the events that occur during the year which supplement the regular activities described below.
The list is in no specific order of importance or order. So here goes:
#1 Golf
So you want to golf? There are a variety of excellent golf courses throughout the Gulf Coast, some designed by golf legends. Most will permit guests.
#2 Boating
If you own a boat, you can cruise the bayous and rivers of the Gulf Coast or go out into the Gulf of Mexico and tour the barrier islands. Boat rentals are available as are jet ski rentals as well. There are hundreds of miles of waterways and the Gulf to have fun.
#3 Walking the Beaches
With miles of beaches to walk, the question is where to start. The City of Biloxi has completed a nice boardwalk in the vicinity of several beach restaurants.
#4 Swimming
At several points along the Gulf beach, you will find rental companies who will rent beach toys and chairs. The water is warm a good part of the year and the water is shallow, a great place for children to swim.
#5 Take the Buffet Tour
Eating your way through the Gulf Coast may not be good for your health but it’s great for your well-being. Casinos along the coast offer a variety of Gulf Coast specialties in their buffets. Try the Sunday brunch buffet, a massive combination of good things to eat at reasonable prices.
#6 Entertainment
Casinos are bringing top names in entertainment to the Gulf Coast. Regardless of your tastes, at any one time, there are several choices of quality entertainment. At different times during the year, the Colosseum hosts concerts as well.
#7 Drive around
There are many interesting things to see in the area from the beaches to the waterways. There are beautiful older homes and hundreds of years old oak trees that line mature neighborhoods. Drive through the harbors and look at the boats and view the commercial fishing boats unload their catch. Stop and buy some shrimp.
#8 Take an RV trip
If you have an RV, you can travel just a few hours and enjoy some interesting sights. Visit Natchez, New Orleans, and wonderful old plantation homes. Visit the ships in Mobile. Do not forget to return.
#9 Planting your Garden
Nearly everything seems to grow in the Gulf Coast climate. Flowers, trees, and shrubs in an amazing variety thrive here. The soil is generally easy to plant in. Gardening is a great pastime on the Gulf Coast and there are several gardening clubs and events.
#10 Join a Club
There are so many clubs in the area that no doubt there is one that will meet your needs. Carnival clubs or Crews support the annual Mardi Gras events. There is a French club and many others plus organized events such as runs for charity. Most cities have a Yacht club, if you are a member of another club there may be reciprocal privileges.
#11 Target Shooting
There are several public shooting ranges along the Coast. Some will take visitors, others charge modest fees to join. Mississippi is a constitutional carry state which means that any person can carry a weapon to the shooting range without a permit.
#12 Night at a Casino
Treat yourself to a night at a casino. Book a room for a night and obtain tickets for a show. Have a great dinner, a few drinks, watch a show, perhaps gamble a bit and sleep well. The next morning enjoy breakfast in bed. Even if you live locally this is a great treat for a special day. Check out our article about the top 12 casinos on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
#13 Trip to Islands
Take the boat to visit our heritage and see a fort built in the mid-1800s which was once high and dry. After several storms and rising seawater, water laps at the stone foundation. Walk across the island and experience a different view of the Gulf. Boats leave from Gulfport harbor.
#14 Go Sailing
You can rent a sailboat and sail the calm waters of Biloxi bay or other Gulf Coast waterways. The nice thing about sailing is that the barrier islands hold back large waves making a windy day perfect for a beginner to sailing close to shore. Contact one of the many Yacht clubs about renting one of their boats and the possibility of taking lessons.
#15 Drink on the Beach
Have a drink at one of the many beachfront restaurants and watch the sunset from their decks. Have a snack or even a complete meal. It’s an enjoyable experience. After your drink, take a walk along the beach.
# 16 Baseball Game
The Shuckers play in a new stadium across from the Beau Rivage on Beach Blvd. Watch a game, you will forget that you are not in a big-league stadium. After the game, enjoy yourself on the beach or at the casino.
#17 Paddle Boarding
Paddleboarding is popular because of the calm water along the beaches, the bayous, and the rivers of the area. You can rent a paddleboard from various vendors who will provide suggestions about where to use them. You can kiteboard as well. Just add another number to the 22 things to do on the Mississippi Gulf Coast
# 18 Attend an Event
There are so many events during the year that few weeks go by without something to attend. Some big ones are the annual Cruisin the Coast, Blues & Heritage Festival, Mardi Gras, Air Show, and more. Events are held in all cities during the year with some larger stationary events held at the Coliseum.
#19 Fishing
Well, some would say that this one should have been near the top. A large portion of the population fish either close in on the rivers and bayous or out in the Gulf. Attend one of the annual fishing tournaments. Anyone in the area will direct you to boat rental facilities and tell you where to go for the best fishing. The Mississippi Gulf Coast has a world-renowned reputation for sport fishing of all types.
#20 Mississippi Aquarium
The new aquarium is a great place to visit, just across from the City marina and port. Discover the types of fish and wildlife to be found in and around the Mississippi Gulf Coast. This is one of the must-do of the 22 things to do on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
#21 Visit Historic Sites
One of the most remarkable sites is Beauvoir, the last home of Jefferson Davis, president of the Confederate States of America. This was a summer home and there is a museum and civil war cemetery on the grounds. Visit the Biloxi Cemetery, the lighthouse in Biloxi, and some of the many historical markers in the area
#22 Visit Art Galeries
The Gulf Coast is known for its art galleries. There are several in the area featuring work by local artists and famous people as well.
#23 See the Alligators
You can take a trip on an airboat down a bayou and see real live alligators. Don’t worry, they won’t bite you. Check out the Gulf Coast Gator Ranch. You will have a guided tour of the bayou with a stop to see the alligators. Some have names. Click here for their website
#24 – Southern Live Oak Trees
Many of these trees are older than the United States, some are many hundreds of years old. These trees that stretch across streets can be more than 150′ wide and 60′ feet tall. These trees helped the United States win the War of Independence by providing wood for building ships. Drive down some of the Mississippi Gulf Coast tree-lined streets such as Ocean Springs and experience history. Read more here.
#25 – Gulf Islands National Seashore
There are several parts of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, the closest is located in Ocean Springs. This is a beautiful setting located on a coastal marsh. A wide variety of animals, plants, and trees are all located in this park-like setting. Check out all of the activities here at the National Park site.
“Is the Mississippi Gulf Coast a Fun Place?”
I could go on and discuss even more than 23 things to do on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. If you want to know more about life on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, read our blog articles on this site and at our main site Logan&Anderson, Gulf Coastal Realtors
Another site with extensive information about living on the Mississippi Gulf Coast is RetireCoast.com
