Memorial Day Weekend is around the corner! Observed on the last Monday of May, Memorial Day reminds us to honor and remember the fallen soldiers who lost their lives protecting our country. Commemorate the occasion and the unofficial start of summer by adding one more day of play and enjoying the three-day weekend on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Enjoy Gulf Coast Beaches & Ship Island
There are 26 miles of stunning, white-sand beaches peppered throughout our unique coastal communities. Biloxi Beach offers plenty of fun under the sun with various watersports and pristine sandy shores lined with casino resorts, restaurants, and attractions. At Gulfport Beach, enjoy a day on the beach or water and visit any of the beachfront restaurants and cafes when you get hungry or thirsty. From Gulfport, you can access Ship Island, a barrier island off the Gulf Coast that’s part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. If you’re lucky, you may spot dolphins as you journey through the Mississippi Sound with Ship Island Excursions, which ferry island goers to and from the secluded destination, offering birding, shelling, and swimming opportunities.
Take a Swing at Mississippi Gulf Coast Golf
The Mississippi Gulf Coast has 12 golf courses that attract golfers year-round. Some reside on the coast, while others are slightly further inland, offering stunning views of the region’s wetlands and pine forests.
The Oaks Golf Club is in Pass Christian and features 18 holes among stunning wetlands and timberlands. The Jack Nicklaus-designed 18-hole course at Grand Bear offers challenging play in a secluded setting, with parts in the De Soto National Forest. These award-winning courses have hosted major tournaments.
Hiking, Biking & Birding
Enjoy the warm weather in Coastal Mississippi and explore our natural wonders through activities like hiking, biking, or bird watching.
The Pascagoula River Audubon Center in Moss Point features bayou walkways and observation decks, perfect for wildlife watching. Grab your binoculars to catch some of the region’s most beautiful birds.
There are numerous biking trails throughout the coast. For a bit of cycling, history, and culture, the Historic Pascagoula Bike Trail offers an excellent ride and 15 historical sites, including Jimmy Buffett’s childhood house.
The coast is full of beautiful parks offering recreational activities, like hiking and camping, and amenities, including splash pads and picnic areas for the ultimate family fun day.
Watersports
With diverse waterways and warm Gulf of Mexico waters, Coastal Mississippi is a happening spot in the springtime with numerous water sports.
Enjoy a leisurely dip in the Gulf, go for an adrenaline-filled jet ski ride along the shoreline, soak in aerial views of the coast on a parasail, or explore the Pascagoula River and Biloxi Bay on a stand-up paddleboard or kayak. Countless local outfitters offer gear, tours, and rentals for every activity under the sun.
Attend Gulf Coast Events
Experience the local culture and have a good time at Mississippi Gulf Coast events held throughout Memorial Day Weekend.
Over four days, May 26-29, a bike frenzy will take over Gulfport Dragway for the annual Memorial Day Blowout. There’ll be motorcycle races, food, vendors, and a bike load of fun.
Join us as we celebrate our fishing heritage during the Annual Blessing of the Fleet in Biloxi on May 28. The ceremony marks the start of fishing season for local shrimp boaters.
If a jazz-filled afternoon or evening sounds good, bring your toe-tapping shoes to the annual Jazz in the Pass at Pass Christian’s War Memorial Park. The one-day music event on May 28 showcases local and regional jazz musicians and includes kids' activities, food and beverage vendors, and arts and crafts.
Stay & Play in Gulf Coast Casinos
The Mississippi Gulf Coast has 12 casinos offering 24-hour gaming, plush accommodations, delicious restaurants, and waterfront views.
Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi features relaxing activities and non-stop fun with slots and table games, vibrant bars, concerts and events, and a resort-style pool. For a rockin’ good time, stay at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi, featuring lux rooms and suites, a world-class casino, gym, spa, and more.
With so many attractions and events, you’ll want to make Coastal Mississippi your Memorial Day Weekend go-to spot.
