Bay St. Louis Travel Guide

Explore the culturally and naturally rich Bay St. Louis with our comprehensive guide featuring places to visit, hiking/biking trails, food and drink scene, local culture, safety tips, transportation options, nearby destinations, and a week-long itinerary.


Introduction to Bay St. Louis

Bay St. Louis is a charming coastal city located in the Gulf Coast region of Mississippi in the South of the United States. With its warm climate, pristine beaches, picturesque bay views, vibrant arts scene, and a rich history, Bay St. Louis is an ideal destination for travelers who love cultural and natural exploration.

List of Places to Visit in Bay St. Louis

Bay St. Louis offers a plethora of attractions to explore and activities to enjoy, ranging from cultural and historical attractions to outdoor adventures and scenic views.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Alice Moseley Folk Art and Antique Museum
  • 100 Men Hall
  • Historic Train Depot Museum
  • St. Rose de Lima Catholic Church
  • Historic Bay St. Louis Cemetery

Natural Attractions of Bay St. Louis: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Buccaneer State Park
  • Bay St. Louis Beach
  • Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast
  • Silver Slipper Casino Hotel
  • The Bridges Golf Club

Hiking/Biking Routes of Bay St. Louis

Bay St. Louis offers some of the most scenic hiking/biking trails in the South. Some of the popular routes include:

  • Buccaneer State Park Campground Trail
  • Silver Slipper Trail
  • Betsy Ann Riverboat Trail
  • Bay St. Louis Bridge Path

Best Things to Do in Bay St. Louis: Activities and Tours

  • Kayaking and Canoeing
  • Fishing and Crabbing
  • Boat Tours and Charters
  • Sailing and Boating
  • Stand-Up Paddleboarding
  • Sunset Cruises

Week-Long Itinerary for Bay St. Louis

Day 1: Visit Alice Moseley Folk Art and Antique Museum, Historic Train Depot Museum, and St. Rose de Lima Catholic Church. Day 2: Spend the day at Bay St. Louis Beach and enjoy various water activities, including kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Day 3: Explore the Scenic Bay Drive and enjoy the picturesque bay views while biking on the Bay St. Louis Bridge Path and visiting the Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast. Day 4: Take a boat tour or charter and enjoy fishing and crabbing on the Mississippi Sound. Day 5: Visit the Betsy Ann Riverboat and take a tour of the Gulf of Mexico. Day 6: Go hiking and biking on the Buccaneer State Park Campground Trail and enjoy outdoor activities. Day 7: Take a sunset cruise and enjoy the beautiful sunset views of the Gulf Coast.

Food and Drink Scene of Bay St. Louis

Must-Try Dishes

Bay St. Louis offers a diverse culinary experience with a blend of Cajun, Creole, and Southern flavors. Must-try dishes include:

  • Seafood Gumbo
  • Po’ boys
  • Fried Oysters
  • Crawfish Etouffee
  • Shrimp and Grits
  • Beignets

Local Beverages

Bay St. Louis offers a variety of local beverage options that are a must-try for any visitor, including craft beers, cocktails, and wines.

Where to Stay in Bay St. Louis: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Bay St. Louis offers a range of accommodation options, including hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals. Some of the popular options include:

  • Bay Town Inn
  • French House Bed and Breakfast
  • Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast Hotel
  • Silver Slipper Casino Hotel

What to Buy in Bay St. Louis: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Bay St. Louis is known for its unique handmade souvenirs and local products, including:

  • Handmade pottery
  • Artistic glasswork
  • Jewelry
  • Coastal-themed paintings
  • Local honey and jam

Local Culture and Customs of Bay St. Louis

Bay St. Louis has a vibrant arts scene, with numerous art galleries and studios. The city celebrates various festivals throughout the year, including the Second Saturday Artwalk, Shakespeare in the Park, and the Mardi Gras parade.

Best Time to Visit Bay St. Louis

The best time to visit Bay St. Louis is during the spring and fall seasons when the temperatures are pleasant for outdoor activities. The summer season is perfect for enjoying the beaches, and the winter season offers lower rates for accommodation.

Do’s and Don’ts of Bay St. Louis

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Enjoy the beaches but follow the safety guidelines and rules.
  • Support local businesses by shopping at small stores and boutiques.
  • Take advantage of the outdoor and cultural activities.

Don’t:

  • Litter or leave trash on the beaches or hiking trails.
  • Disturb local wildlife.
  • Take advantage of the local hospitality excessively.

Safety and Health

Safety in Bay St. Louis

Bay St. Louis is a safe city, but visitors should take basic safety precautions, such as keeping valuable belongings safe and always locking doors.

Health in Bay St. Louis

Visitors should consult with their healthcare providers before traveling to Bay St. Louis for recommendations on vaccinations. The area is also prone to hurricanes, so visitors should stay updated on weather forecasts and follow local guidelines.

Getting to Bay St. Louis: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Bay St. Louis

The nearest airport to Bay St. Louis is the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport, located around 30 miles away.

Bus Stations Near Bay St. Louis

The nearest bus station to Bay St. Louis is located in Gulfport, around twenty miles away.

Other Options

Visitors can also reach Bay St. Louis by car or taxi, or they can take a train to Bay St. Louis Station, located in nearby Waveland.

How to Get Around in Bay St. Louis

Bay St. Louis is a compact city, and visitors can easily explore it on foot or by bike. Bike rentals are available at various shops and rental companies in the city.

Where to Go Next from Bay St. Louis: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Bay St. Louis is located in a region that offers numerous day trips to nearby destinations. Some popular options include:

  • New Orleans, Louisiana
  • Biloxi, Mississippi
  • Mobile, Alabama
  • Pensacola, Florida

Conclusion

Bay St. Louis is a gem in the Gulf Coast region of Mississippi that offers visitors a rich cultural and natural exploration experience. From museums and historical attractions to outdoor adventures and scenic views, Bay St. Louis has something for everyone.