Biloxi Travel Guide

Explore the best things to do and see in Biloxi, Mississippi including cultural attractions, hiking/biking routes, food and drink scene, and more.


Introduction to Biloxi

Located in the Gulf Coast region of Mississippi, Biloxi is famous for its natural beauty, historical sites, and vibrant nightlife. With numerous cultural attractions, outdoor adventures, and great local cuisine, Biloxi offers something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Biloxi

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Beauvoir - the final home of Confederate President Jefferson Davis
  • Ohr O’Keefe Museum of Art - showcasing the works of Mississippi artist George Ohr
  • Biloxi Lighthouse and Visitors Center - historic lighthouse with an observation deck offering stunning views of the Gulf Coast
  • Walter Anderson Museum of Art - displaying the works of Walter Anderson, famous for his depictions of Gulf Coast flora and fauna
  • Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum - featuring exhibits on the history of Biloxi’s seafood industry and the role of the port in Biloxi’s development

Natural Attractions of Biloxi: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Ship Island - accessible only by ferry, this barrier island boasts stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters
  • Biloxi Beach - one of the longest man-made beaches in the world, stretching from Biloxi to Gulfport
  • Pascagoula River Audubon Center - offering birdwatching tours and nature trails through wetlands and forests
  • Gulf Islands National Seashore - a protected area with beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and numerous historical sites
  • De Soto National Forest - sprawling over 500,000 acres, the forest has hiking and biking trails, campsites, and fishing areas

Hiking/Biking Routes of Biloxi

  • Biloxi Ocean Springs Bridge Walkway” - a scenic 1.6-mile trail crossing the Biloxi Bay on a former railroad bridge
  • Tanglefoot Trail - a 43-mile flat, paved trail running through forests, wetlands, and small towns
  • Beach Boulevard Scenic Trail - a 26-mile paved trail running parallel to the Gulf Coast
  • Davis Bayou Bike Trail - a 1.5-mile trail through marshes and woodlands in the Gulf Islands National Seashore
  • Longleaf Trace - a 41-mile route stretching from Hattiesburg in the north to Prentiss in the south

Best Things to Do in Biloxi: Activities and Tours

  • Biloxi Shrimping Trip - a guided tour of Biloxi’s shrimping industry, including the opportunity to catch shrimp yourself
  • Kayak and Paddle Boarding Tours - explore the wetlands and waterways around Biloxi with experienced guides
  • Cruisin’ the Coast - an annual car show featuring thousands of classic cars lining the streets of Biloxi
  • Deep-Sea Fishing - charters are available for group or solo fishing, targeting species such as red snapper, tuna, and grouper
  • Casinos - Biloxi is known for its vibrant casino scene, with numerous establishments offering gambling and entertainment

Week-Long Itinerary for Biloxi

Day Activity
1 Visit the Biloxi Lighthouse and Visitors Center in the morning, then enjoy an afternoon on Biloxi Beach
2 Take a Biloxi Shrimping Trip in the morning, then visit the Ohr O’Keefe Museum of Art in the afternoon
3 Spend a day exploring Ship Island
4 Go hiking or biking on the Tanglefoot Trail
5 Go deep-sea fishing in the morning, then take a kayak or paddleboard tour in the afternoon
6 Explore the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, then try your luck at one of Biloxi’s casinos in the evening
7 Take a trip to nearby New Orleans for the day, just a 90-minute drive away

Food and Drink Scene of Biloxi

Must-Try Dishes

  • Seafood platter - sampling a variety of Gulf Coast seafood, including shrimp, oysters, and crab
  • Gumbo - a hearty, spicy stew made with seafood and vegetables
  • Crawfish - boiled and spiced crawfish is a specialty of the Gulf Coast
  • Fried chicken - Biloxi’s Southern cuisine also includes perfectly crispy fried chicken
  • Po’ boy - a classic Louisiana-style sandwich with fillings such as shrimp, oysters, or roast beef

Local Beverages

  • Sweet tea - a staple of the South, Biloxi’s sweet tea is refreshing and perfectly sweet
  • Muscadine wine - the native grape of the South, muscadine wine is fruity and unique
  • Hurricane - a fruity cocktail with a potent kick, served at many Biloxi bars and restaurants
  • Abita beer - brewed in nearby Louisiana, Abita offers a variety of craft beers and seasonal brews

Where to Stay in Biloxi: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Beau Rivage Resort and Casino - luxury hotel with a spa and stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico
  • Hard Rock Hotel and Casino - rock-and-roll themed hotel with live entertainment and a 24-hour casino
  • White House Hotel - a restored historic hotel featuring a blend of traditional and contemporary decor
  • Star Inn - a budget-friendly option with clean, comfortable rooms in downtown Biloxi
  • Hostelling International - Mississippi Gulf Coast - a hostel located just a block from Biloxi Beach, perfect for budget travelers

What to Buy in Biloxi: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Local art - Biloxi has a thriving arts scene, and artist studios and galleries are found throughout the city
  • Seafood - take home fresh Gulf Coast shrimp, oysters, or crab
  • Mardi Gras memorabilia - the Gulf Coast celebrates Mardi Gras in its own unique way, and souvenirs such as beads and masks are popular
  • Beignet mix - bring a taste of New Orleans home with beignet mix, a classic French doughnut often found in Biloxi
  • Muscadine wine - a local wine that is both delicious and unique

Local Culture and Customs of Biloxi

Biloxi is known for its friendly, Southern hospitality. Visitors should expect to encounter a laid-back, relaxed pace of life, with a focus on good food, good company, and enjoying the great outdoors.

Best Time to Visit Biloxi

The best time to visit Biloxi is in the fall, from September to November, when the weather is mild and humidity is low. Spring is also a good time to visit, from March to May, before the hot and humid summer sets in. However, Biloxi is a year-round destination, with enjoyable weather and plenty to do in every season.

Do’s and Don’ts of Biloxi

Do:

  • Enjoy the beautiful Gulf Coast beaches
  • Try local seafood cuisine, such as crab and shrimp
  • Take a tour of the local casinos and try your luck
  • Visit the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art for unique Gulf Coast artwork
  • Explore the natural wonders of the Gulf Islands National Seashore

Don’t:

  • Swim in the Gulf of Mexico during a hurricane season
  • Ignore the history of Biloxi, such as the Jefferson Davis Presidential Home
  • Litter and pollute Biloxi’s natural wonders, such as the wetlands and the barrier islands

Safety and Health

Safety in Biloxi

For the most part, Biloxi is a safe place to visit. However, as with all travel destinations, visitors should exercise common sense precautions such as being aware of their surroundings, locking their vehicles and hotel rooms, and avoiding unfamiliar areas at night.

Health in Biloxi

Biloxi’s hospitals and medical facilities are top-notch, with modern equipment and experienced medical professionals. Visitors should be mindful of the heat and humidity during the summer months and take precautions such as drinking plenty of water and staying cool.

Getting to Biloxi: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Biloxi

  • Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport - located just a 20-minute drive from Biloxi, with direct flights from major US cities such as Houston, Atlanta, and Dallas
  • Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport - located a 90-minute drive from Biloxi, with flights from numerous US cities, as well as international destinations

Bus Stations Near Biloxi

  • Greyhound Biloxi - located in downtown Biloxi, with connections to numerous cities throughout the US

Other Options

  • Driving - Biloxi is easily accessible by car, with major highways such as I-10 and I-20 running through the region
  • Train - Amtrak’s Crescent service stops in nearby Hattiesburg, with connections to New Orleans, Atlanta, and other major US cities

How to Get Around in Biloxi

The best way to get around Biloxi is by car, with rental cars available at the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport. However, visitors without a car can also use ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft or local taxis.

Where to Go Next from Biloxi: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • New Orleans - just a 90-minute drive away, New Orleans is a vibrant city rich in history, music, and food
  • Mobile, Alabama - located just across the state line, Mobile is a charming Southern city with a rich history and numerous cultural attractions
  • Pensacola, Florida - less than two hours east of Biloxi, Pensacola boasts beautiful beaches, a rich history, and numerous outdoor activities

Conclusion

Biloxi is a vibrant, welcoming destination with plenty to see and do. From outdoor adventures to cultural attractions to great local food and drink, Biloxi offers something for every traveler. Plan a trip today and experience all that Biloxi has to offer!