From picture-perfect beaches to historic hikes, artistic alleyways, and an exciting line-up of events, Coastal Mississippi offers a wealth of affordable and free activities to brighten your spirits and lighten your travel budget load. Make the most of your vacation dollars with these ten budget-conscious ways to enjoy the area!
WATERFRONT ADVENTURES
1. Spend the Day on the Beach
Of all the free things to do in Coastal Mississippi, visiting the beach is a must. Soak up the sun and surf at the peaceful coastlines in Bay St. Louis, Waveland, Pass Christian, Long Beach, Gulfport, Biloxi, Ocean Springs, or Pascagoula.
2. Embrace Exciting Events
If vibrant festivals and free events are what you crave, you’ll find a bounty of free and budget-friendly options to explore. Savor seaside eats from a food truck, groove to the sounds of a local band, examine artisan crafts and fresh produce at local markets and fairs, and join in the revelry in a variety of seasonal celebrations throughout the region.
3. Discover Gulf Islands National Seashore
America’s largest national seashore spans 160 miles. With six distinct areas of watery wonderland to explore, there’s plenty to see and do while celebrating the natural beauty of this Gulf Coast treasure. An affordable entrance fee is required for most national seashore areas, but the William M. Colmer Visitor Center as well as the Davis Bayou area trails, picnic tables, and boat ramp are free to use.
4. Go Birding, Butterfly Watching, Wildflower Peeping, and More
Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve offers visitors a free year-round destination for exploration and discovery. Grab your camera and snap photos of everything from local flora and fauna to spectacular sunsets and marine mammals such as river otters and bottlenose dolphins.
SCENIC STROLLS & DRIVES
5. Take a Hike
From coastal hiking trails boasting stunning seaside views to wooded wonderlands just waiting to be uncovered, hiking along one of Mississippi’s trails is the perfect way to experience the region’s unspoiled beauty.
6. Embark on a Historic Walking Tour
Take a scenic stroll past charming cottages and elegant mansions dating to the 19th century in the Pass Christian Historic District. Next, put on your walking shoes for an informative self-guided tour of historic Bay St. Louis.
7. Blaze a Trail Steeped in Musical History
Drive along the Mississippi Blues Trail to find clubs where African American blues singers performed regularly before paying homage to former residents who’ve made a name for themselves in the music industry by exploring the Mississippi Country Music Trail.
ART & CULTURE
8. Admire Impressive Murals and Sculptures
Take in the 120-foot-long Ocean Springs Bridge Mosaic Mural, duck into Fishbone Alley Downtown Gulfport to take in funky art displays, and explore other works of public art throughout Coastal Mississippi
9. Let the Trees Do the Talking
Drive down Highway 90 and view dozens of beautiful live oaks that have been transformed into Hurricane Katrina Tree sculptures by award-winning artists. Then, head to downtown Bay St. Louis to admire even more carved creations.
10. Take a Trip Back in Time
To truly immerse yourself in the local culture, visit one of Coastal Mississippi’s fee-free museums. The Bay St Louis Mardi Gras Museum highlights more than a dozen elaborate Mardi Gras costumes, while the Biloxi Fire Museum, located in a former firehouse, features red-hot relics, including five original fire bells, an 1880s hose cart, a 1908 American LaFrance steam fire engine, and more. Don’t leave without stopping by the Gulfport Museum of History, which offers a wide variety of changing exhibits.
