When many people think of visiting the coast in the U.S, vacations to the east coast or west coast come to mind. However, it’s also fun to take a trip down to America’s southern coast to the Gulf Shore areas of Mississippi, Alabama, Texas, Louisiana, and Florida. One popular destination in Mississippi is Biloxi, which offers lots of fun things to do in within its small city and the greater region. Here are the best ways to spend your days in Biloxi.
Relax at the Beach
By far, one of the most fun things to do on your trip to Biloxi is to hang out on the beach and simply relax. On the beach here, you’ll enjoy soft, white sand that’s well-maintained and popular with families. The average water temperature near the Biloxi beaches is between 71 and 85 degrees from April to October. This makes these beaches perfect for swimming. Popular beach areas are between Harrah’s Gulf Coast and Hard Rock and just west of the Beau Rivage. There are dozens of miles of scenic shoreline here, with popular nearby destinations being Ship Island, Gulf Islands National Seashore, Gulfport, and the chain of Gulf Coast Islands.
Ride a Beach Tricycle
While you’re at the beach, you can also get active and enjoy some unique ways to get around the area. Beach tricycles, also known as aqua cycles, are fun to drive and have flexible steering to make maneuvering the sand easy and fun. Local rental companies, including Get Wet Inc., rent these out along with jet skis, paddleboards, kayaks, beach chairs, and umbrellas. Unlike the tiny tricycles you probably associate with little kids, these wheels are made for all-ages fun and an increasingly popular way to explore the Gulf Coast beaches.
See the Biloxi Lighthouse
The Biloxi Lighthouse is an iconic landmark in town that symbolizes the city’s history and resilience. This lighthouse dates back to the mid-1800s and was one of the first of its kind in the region. It has been operated by various lighthouse keepers and survived Hurricane Katrina. This lighthouse was restored and opened to the public for tours in 2010. Guided tours take place daily (weather permitting) at 9am, 9:15 am, and 9:30am. It’s just south of the new Biloxi Visitor’s Center too, where you can find more information about other local attractions and events.
Try to Catch a Fish
Biloxi is a prime spot for fishing, and one of the most popular things to do along the Mississippi coast is to go fishing. Fishing charter boats that offer hands-on and personalized fishing experiences are available for hire if you don’t have your own boat or aren’t an experienced fisherman. Mega-Bite Fishing Charters and Fish-On Charters are local guide companies, for example. It’s also fun to book a shrimping trip along the Mississippi Gulf Coast that includes a boat tour and opportunities to catch shrimp with an experienced local guide.
Get Lucky at the Casinos
Biloxi is well-known as a local casino destination, and there are lots of great casinos to visit during your time in the area. For example, there’s Harrah’s Gulf Coast that has a huge casino, spa, pool, multiple restaurants, golf course, and musical performance space. In total, there are eight casinos for your Biloxi entertainment. Check out the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, Boomtown Casino, Golden Nugget Biloxi, and others for your vacation stay.
See the Hurricane Katrina Memorial
The Biloxi area was hit hard by Hurricane Katrina, and there is a memorial to help locals and visitors remember those affected by the tragedy here. You’ll find the memorial at Highway 90 and Main Street, which is across from the Hard Rock Casino. Here you can read the names of the victims that lost their lives to the 2005 storm and see items collected from the local destroyed buildings.
Check Out the Mardi Gras Museum
Although New Orleans is best known for its Mardi Gras celebration, Biloxi has some rich Mardi Gras traditions as well. There is a Mardi Gras Museum in town that displays costumes and artifacts that anyone who enjoys this traditional holiday will enjoy seeing. The museum is located downtown and is fun to visit if you aren’t able to join in the fun of a local Mardi Gras celebration. Admission is free and the small museum is typically open from 9am to 4pm on weekdays and 9am to 5pm on Saturdays.
Explore the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum
Another museum to check out in town is the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum in Biloxi, especially if you’re interested in the region’s fishing history and operations. These are the industries that have helped Biloxi thrive over the years, and you can learn about this history by exploring the museum’s displays about shrimping, marine protection, and repairing nets. Here you can learn about over 300 years of local history and attend events that include culinary classes and boat shows. There are also exhibits here that highlight artistic works, historic photographs, and boat building. The museum is open on Sundays from noon to four between spring and fall and every other day of the year between 9am and 4:30pm.
