Waveland Travel Guide
Discover the best places to visit, activities to do, and local culture and customs of Waveland, Mississippi with this comprehensive tour guide.
- Introduction to Waveland
- List of Places to Visit in Waveland
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Waveland
- Best Things to Do in Waveland: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Waveland
- Food and Drink Scene of Waveland
- Where to Stay in Waveland: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Waveland: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Waveland
- Best Time to Visit Waveland
- Do’s and Don’ts of Waveland
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Waveland: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Waveland
- Where to Go Next from Waveland: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Waveland
Located in Hancock County, Mississippi, Waveland is a charming coastal city on the Gulf of Mexico. Known for its beautiful beaches, historical landmarks, and bustling food scene, Waveland is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for the perfect Southern getaway. Explore the culturall important museums and historical spots, experience the outdoor adventures, and indulge in the local cuisine.
List of Places to Visit in Waveland
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Alice Moseley Folk Art Museum - A museum dedicated to southern folk art which showcases a variety of artworks
- Ground Zero Hurricane Museum - Experience the impact of Hurricane Katrina and learn about the heroic efforts of the people citizens that survived it
- Waveland Cemetery - A historical site with a number of graves carrying the backstories of several war heroes of Waveland
- Lighthouse of the Pass - A historical lighthouse with a stunning view of the Mississippi coastline
Natural Attractions of Waveland: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Buccaneer State Park - A beautiful park located on the beachfront, perfect for a day trip with family and friends.
- Buccaneer Bay Waterpark - Perfect for adventure and relaxation where visitors can choose to lounge around in a lazy river or ride the waves
- Waveland Beach - A stretch of nice sandy beaches of crystal clear water
- Stennis Space Center - Take a trip to the Space Center and enjoy the informative and interactive exhibits and displays about space exploration
Hiking/Biking Routes of Waveland
- Buccaneer State Park Trail - A scenic 3.5 mile trail along the water that’s perfect for hiking and biking
- Bridges of Waveland Bikeway - An adventurous trail with beautiful views that spans 3.2 miles
- Roger Beach Trail - A rugged trail perfect for off-road biking spaning over 10 miles
Best Things to Do in Waveland: Activities and Tours
- Charter Fishing - Enjoy a day of fishing in one of the most popular fishing spots in Mississippi
- Water Sports - Experience the thrill of boating, jet skiing, and parasailing in the Gulf of Mexico
- Golf - Tee off at the Oaks Golf Club and witness the picturesque greens and natural scenery
- Waveland Farmers’ Market - A weekly organized market that brings a fresh range of local produce
Week-Long Itinerary for Waveland
| Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explore the Museums | Visit the Lighthouse | Day Trip to Gulfport | Beach and Water Sports | Golf | Relax at the Park | Indulge in Local Food Scene |
Food and Drink Scene of Waveland
Must-Try Dishes
- Gumbo - A savory, stew-like dish made with seafood and meat
- Fried Oysters - A southern classic made with the freshest catches from the Gulf of Mexico
- Crawfish - Little crustaceans boiled in spicy broth perfect with potatoes and corn
- Po’boy Sandwich - A classic southern-sandwich with toasted bread, lettuce, tomatoes, and a choice of fried seafood or roast beef.
Local Beverages
- Fat Tire Amber Ale - Locally brewed beer with rich flavor and aroma of malt and hops
- Southern Prohibition Brewing - Beers range from lagers to IPAs, with a special touch of local flavors
- Fresh Juice Cocktails - They come in different flavors from Southern Specials to fresh juice mixtures
Where to Stay in Waveland: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Best Western Seaway Inn - Affordable accomodations with amenities like a fitness center and pool.
- Waveland Motel - Newly renovated room choices all with kitchenettes and pet-friendly areas, an excellent choice for a budget stay.
- Hollywood Casino & Hotel Gulf Coast - Offers an entertainment suite with pool tables and other games, a hotel stay perfect for couples.
What to Buy in Waveland: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- MoseleyMart- A gift shop next to Alice Moseley Museum that sells folk art traces, harps, and souvenirs featuring Alice’s artwork.
- The Poonicorn - A store offering homemade magical gifts and also houses an art gallery.
- Gulf Coast Heritage and Artisans Center - Where you can obtain souvenirs like pottery, artistry, and accessories made by local artisans.
Local Culture and Customs of Waveland
The city is known for its hospitality where visitors are treated with courtesy and kindness, with their local culture heavily influenced by French, Creole, and Native American traditions.
Best Time to Visit Waveland
Waveland is an all-year-round destination with temperatures ranging from 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The winters in Waveland are mild, and summers are scorching as the humidity can get pretty high, making Fall the best time to visit.
Do’s and Don’ts of Waveland
Do:
- Greet people with southern hospitality and southern charm
- Plan for outdoor activity, especially during the summer, and always wear sunscreen and drink plenty of water
- Try local cuisine such as crawfish, po’boy sandwiches and seafood gumbo
- Respect the historical landmarks and nature reserves
Don’t:
- Litter on beaches or public areas
- Disturb local housing and natural habitats
- Walk barefoot on beaches
- Ignore instructions and safety signs close to the Gulf of Mexico
Safety and Health
Safety in Waveland
Waveland is a safe place, but it’s always good to keep doors locked, be careful in unfamiliar areas, and avoid walking alone at night.
Health in Waveland
Waveland has several pharmacies and medical centers around the city. In an emergency, the Hancock Medical Center provides quality healthcare service 24/7.
Getting to Waveland: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Waveland
- Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT) - Located 22 miles away from Waveland, a 30-minute drive
- Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) - Located 77 miles away from Waveland, a 1-hour and 30-minute drive.
Bus Stations Near Waveland
- Greyhound Bus Station - Located in Biloxi, 21.7 miles from Waveland, a 31-minute drive.
Other Options
Waveland is easy to navigate by car, so renting a car is a great option. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also good options.
How to Get Around in Waveland
Renting a car is the most reliable way to get around in Waveland, especially if you want to explore nearby attractions. Taxis, ride-sharing services, and bikes are readily available for rental.
Where to Go Next from Waveland: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- New Orleans, LA - Experience the city’s nightlife, food, and music scene, only an hour-and-a-half drive from Waveland.
- Gulfport, MS - Visit the annual Gulfport Music Fest and experience the rapidly redeveloping downtown and nearby attractions.
Conclusion
Waveland is an excellent beach destination filled with outdoor adventure, history, and culture. From the beautiful beaches to the historic landmarks and nature reserves, the city has something for everyone. It’s easy to get here, easy to explore, and something you won’t forget easily.
