From upscale shopping malls, sandy beaches, lush golf courses, state-of-the-art accommodation facilities to modern eateries and casinos, Mississippi offers you an array of vacation experiences like no other. You have a diverse range of popular tourist attractions to visit here. Plus, you can indulge in fun and leisure activities, such as swimming, boating, food tours, cooking classes, and more. Some popular places of interest in the region include Biloxi Lighthouse, Vicksburg National Military Park, Delta Blues Museum, and Ship Island. You’ll love the mix of historic sites and contemporary tourist spots. So whether you’re in the state for a solo adventure through day trips or family-oriented and extended getaways, Mississippi has got you covered. That said, read on below to find out the top things to do in Mississippi, USA.
1. Observe and study wildlife at The Jackson Zoological Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
#HappyThanksgiving! A group or family of Diana guenons is called a troop, tribe, barrel or (our fave) a cartload. We are...
Posted by The Jackson Zoo on Thursday, November 24, 2022
Established in 1919, The Jackson Zoo is home to different kinds of mammals, birds, reptiles, and fishes. The black-headed spider monkey and Major Mitchell’s cockatoo are only some rare creatures found on the premises. Insects like the Madagascar Hissing Cockroach are also housed in the zoo.
The Jackson Zoo is a place not only to observe and study the beautiful wildlife but to be informed about them as well. School trips can be reserved on Thursdays and Fridays for licensed educators, with discounted rates for students.
The Jackson Zoological Park
Address: 2918 W Capitol St, Jackson, MS 39209, United States
Website: The Jackson Zoological Park
Opening hours: Tue, Thu - Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed on Wed & Mon)
Price: 8 USD
2. Learn all about the King in the Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Elvis Presley Birthplace on Thursday, April 14, 2022
Nestled in Tupelo, the Elvis Presley Birthplace museum is where you can learn about the King of Rock and Roll. This historic site is dedicated to preserving the musician’s birthplace. It features Elvis Presley’s actual birthplace home, not to mention a chapel and a church building where his family worshipped. There is also a museum on-site with exhibits, Tupelo artifacts, and large photomurals. Audiovisual presentations that focus on Elvis “The Boy” are also displayed. For 20 USD, guests can join a full tour of the place.
Other areas include a theater with a full stage and a gift shop with over 2000 souvenir items for sale.
Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum
Address: 306 Elvis Presley Dr, Tupelo, MS 38801, United States
Website: Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 4pm; sun: 1pm - 4pm
Price: 10 USD
3. Interact with animals at the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
During this time of a great uncertainty and anxiety, IMMS would like to thank all of our friends and families for their...
Posted by The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies on Friday, March 27, 2020
If you don’t consider yourself an animal lover, chances are, you will by the time you finish your visit to the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies. Found in Gulfport, this non-profit organization is home to numerous adorable animals, including resident stingrays, parakeets, and parrots. It also houses resident dolphins and sea lions, which can be observed interacting with their professional trainers.
Visitors can witness a macaw and parrot show, snorkel with the sharks, and explore the walk-through aviary during their time here. There is also a Turtle Café on-site that offers a refreshing break from the activities. After a quick recharge, guests can hop on the Tour Train, which takes them to the museum, touch pools, and display aquariums.
Institute for Marine Mammal Studies
Address: 10801 Dolphin Ln, Gulfport, MS 39503, United States
Website: Institute for Marine Mammal Studies
Opening hours: 9am - 4pm (daily)
Price: 16.50 USD
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4. Get spooked on the Historical Haunted Bayou Cruise (from USD 79.0)
Mississippi is known for its fair share of haunted sightings. Thus, joining a spooky tour is one of the best experiences here. This Historical Haunted Bayou Cruise, in particular, takes tourists on a unique trip down Bayou Caddy while hearing goosebumps-inducing stories from Mystic Molly. The ride lasts approximately an hour and features a theatrical musical spooky theme. It also provides hot chocolate and delicious s’mores so guests can get cozy while listening to disturbing legends.
The trip begins from and ends on Bayou Caddy, stopping at Bay Saint Louis and Silver Slipper Casino Hotel along the way.
Bay St. Louis Small-Group Haunted Bayou Cruise
Duration: 1 hour
5. Explore the history of music at GRAMMY Museum Mississippi in Cleveland (from USD 16.0)
Music and history buffs will certainly enjoy a tour inside the GRAMMY Museum. This attraction showcases the genres of music we have come to know and love as well as the colorful history behind them. The fascinating museum was opened in 2016 and is clean, spacious, and neatly arranged. As you wander around the facility, you can’t help but notice the interactive exhibits on display. These exhibits include recordings, musical instruments, and clothes worn by artists. What’s more, there is a fun indoor play center in the establishment where you can record songs, play drums, and dance.
Skip the Line: GRAMMY Museum Mississippi General Admission Ticket
Duration: 2 to 3 hours
6. Discover the wonders of wildlife at Mississippi Museum of Natural Science in Jackson
Mississippi Museum of Natural Science is a lovely family attraction in the heart of Jackson and is one of the largest museums in Mississippi. It has many unique exhibits such as turtles, alligators, and dinosaurs for you to marvel at. The exhibits are well organized and the establishment is clean, making it easy for you to walk around. So if you’re looking for an educational museum with plenty of information about Mississippi’s habitat and wildlife, this is the place to be. Remember to pass by the gift shop to buy presents or souvenirs. If you still have time to spare after exploring the museum, you can opt to visit LeFleur’s Bluff State Park. This public recreation area is just a short 10-minute drive from the museum.
Mississippi Museum of Natural Science
Address: 2148 Riverside Dr, Jackson, MS 39202, United States
Website: Mississippi Museum of Natural Science
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm; Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm
Price: Adult: 6 USD; Youth ages 3-18: 4 USD; Senior citizens 60 and over: 5 USD; Children under 3: FREE
7. Listen to some live Mississippi blues at Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale
Editor’s note: This establishment is temporarily closed due to COVID-19
For a combination of tasty food, good music, and a wide variety of drinks, make Ground Zero Blues Club a priority. It was founded by Morgan Freeman, a renowned American actor who has starred in movies such as Angel Has Fallen and Going In Style. Enjoy relaxing blues as you engage your taste buds in sampling sumptuous cuisines and drinks or while playing pool. Their deliciously cooked meals such as sandwiches, chicken, and burgers will leave you wanting more. Who doesn’t like relaxing music in a serene ambiance with great customer service?
Ground Zero Blues Club
Address: 387 Delta Ave, Clarksdale, MS 38614, United States
Website: Ground Zero Blues Club
Opening hours: Mon & Tue: 11am - 2pm; Wed & Thu: 11am - 12am; Fri & Sat: 11am - 2am (closed on Sun)
8. Spend some time amid nature at Tishomingo State Park
Tishomingo State Park is a great place to relax, hike, and spend time with family and friends. The hiking and nature trails in the park are not only gorgeous and scenic but also vary in difficulty. If you’re lucky, you can even catch sight of various wildlife in their natural habitat. For more fun, cross the wooden hanging bridge that passes over a creek and enjoy amazing views of the park and surrounding areas from an elevated point. Besides that, you’ll be served by a dedicated and welcoming staff, adding to the park’s charm. Tishomingo State Park is ideal for people of all ages and physical capabilities as there’s something for everyone to indulge in.
Tishomingo State Park
Address: 105 Co Rd 90, Tishomingo, MS 38873, United States
Website: Tishomingo State Park
Opening hours: Open 24 hours (daily)
9. Get a glimpse of the "King of Rock and Roll" at Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum in Tupelo
If you love rock and roll or Elvis Presley, then make it a point of visiting Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum. This establishment is home to the original house where Elvis was born, and it also has a replica of his childhood church. The church played a big role in his life as it’s where he learned musical skills, making him America’s most famous rock and roll star. Inside the museum, you’ll watch a film that gives you insights into Elvis Presley’s life until he was about 13 years old. Also, there’s a well-stocked gift shop that sells fairly priced souvenirs. This attraction is roughly within a 90-minute driving distance from DeSoto County. On a historical note, Tupelo is home to many archaeological sites in Mississippi that contributes to the rich native American history.
Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum
Address: 306 Elvis Presley Dr, Tupelo, MS 38801, United States
Website: Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 4pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm
Price: 9 - 15 USD
10. Catch and learn about shrimps at Mississippi Sound (from USD 30.0)
Perhaps you’ve been eating shrimp without knowing much about them. But not to worry as Mississippi gives you a chance to know more about shrimps in a detailed way by offering a 60-minute trip that involves being taught by a knowledgeable crew. As you sail into the protected and calm waters of the Mississippi Sound, the captain explains how the shrimps are caught, preserved, and where to find most of them. What’s more, the captain is welcoming and always ready to answer questions. At the end of the trip, you’ll also have information about where to buy and eat tastefully cooked fresh shrimps.
Biloxi Shrimping Trip
Duration: 1 hour
11. Enjoy traditional pub grub and classic cocktails at Brent's Drugs in Jackson
Walk into this 1950s-style diner that has been creatively renovated and tastefully decorated to bring out a serene ambiance. Its throwback feel shows you an era of peace, fun times, and great music. You can easily reach it from Jackson State University as it is only a quick 10-minute drive from there. The establishment also has a good selection of top-shelf liquor such as vodka, bourbon whiskey, and cognac that are fairly priced. Additionally, Brent’s Drugs serve delicious food such as tacos, burgers, sandwiches, and fries in a traditional way, adding to its uniqueness. You’ll love their 1946 soda fountain that’s a perfect spot for tasty drinks and snacks.
Brent's Drugs
Address: 655 Duling Ave, Jackson, MS 39216, United States
Website: Brent’s Drugs
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 7am - 7:30pm; Sat: 8am - 7:30pm; Sun: 10am - 2pm (closed on Mon)
12. Escape the mainland and soak up the sun at Ship Island
Ship Island is a small barrier island that’s only accessible by boat or ferry services out of Biloxi Beach and Gulfport. Along the water to the island, you might be fortunate enough to see marine mammals such as dolphins. So, take time off from the usual city tour and visit the island to enjoy the sandy beach and the magnificent marine ecosystem. You’ll surely love a beach day here as you can laze around the coast and bask in the Mississippi’s warm weather. You’ll also find plenty of nice rental chairs and umbrellas along the shores of the beach. And if you feel like swimming, the waters are clear and clean, thus making it easy for you to swim. Ship Island is one of the six Islands of Mississippi Gulf Coast, joining Cat Island, Horn Island, Petit Bois Island, Round Island, and Deer Island.
13. Take home a piece of Mississippi at Shearwater Pottery in Ocean Springs
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Shearwater Pottery on Thursday, March 31, 2022
A visit to Mississippi would be incomplete without memorabilia or souvenir. So, drop by Shearwater Pottery and shop till you drop for gifts and souvenirs such as bowls, mugs, candle holders, and soap dishes. There are also decorative pieces of art, such as tiles and human and animal carvings to make your home more attractive. All products in this 1928 establishment are made with customers in mind, thus showcasing the passion and hard work that went into making them.
Shearwater Pottery
Address: 102 Shearwater Dr, Ocean Springs, MS 39564, United States
Website: Shearwater Pottery
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5:30pm; Sun: 1pm - 5:30pm
14. Enjoy a biscuit-making class over brunch in Natchez (from USD 90.0)
Nothing beats cooking lessons from a renowned chef. In Natchez, there’s a famous chef, Regina Charboneau, who teaches people about her cooking techniques and recipes. She demonstrates how to make tasty biscuits and omelets to the best of her ability. In addition, she’s friendly and goes out of her way to ensure personalized cooking lessons. As the classes wouldn’t be complete without refreshments, tasty snacks and drinks are served, adding to the fun. While in this city, you can add Stanton Hall to your itinerary if you fancy visiting a Greek Revival antebellum mansion. This historic building is famous for its grandeur, outstanding marble mantles, and expansive grounds.
Natchez Mississippi Saturday Biscuit and Brunch Class
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
The captivating Mississippi
Mississippi is not a travel destination that you visit and just stay indoors as there are no fun leisure activities to indulge in. Being home to a wide range of attractions, friendly people, and thrilling events, this state provides unforgettable moments of a lifetime. Waste no time. Take that road trip or book that flight now so you can indulge in the above-listed fun recreational activities and enrich your personal stories and experiences.
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