Biloxi is a charming coastal city located along the Gulf of Mexico in Harrison County, Mississippi. Known for its sandy white beaches, array of casinos, mouthwatering seafood, and rich history, Biloxi offers visitors plenty of ways to enjoy themselves.
With an array of attractions including pristine shorelines, a lighthouse, museums, souvenir shops, and amusement parks, Biloxi appeals to travelers of all ages and interests. Families appreciate the kid-friendly activities, couples value the romantic seaside charm, and everyone enjoys the Southern hospitality.
Biloxi has something for everyone, which is evident in the diverse range of attractions that call this city home. Below are 12 of the top attractions in Biloxi that highlight the best this coastal town has to offer.
1. Biloxi Beach
Biloxi Beach is the central shoreline attraction of the city. Stretching across the edge of town all along Beach Boulevard, Biloxi Beach is the place to head for seaside fun.
Visitors flock to the sandy shores year-round to soak up the sun, build sandcastles, splash in the gentle waves of the Mississippi Sound, and watch breathtaking sunsets over the water. The beach has a relaxed, sunny atmosphere with families playing volleyball, people fishing off piers, and kids searching for seashells along the surf.
Several beachfront resorts and rental properties offer accommodation right off the sand. After a day spent relaxing on Biloxi Beach, tourists can find various restaurants and attractions just steps away on the other side of Beach Boulevard.
2. Biloxi Lighthouse
Standing 62-feet tall along the Biloxi Beach shoreline, the Biloxi Lighthouse has been a beloved landmark and cherished piece of history since it opened in 1848. Lit up beautifully at night, this charming lighthouse still operates today to welcome incoming ships in the harbor.
Visitors are welcome to tour the interior of the red-brick structure and climb to the top for panoramic views across town, the sandy beaches, and into the Gulf of Mexico.
The site features exhibits detailing the history of the lighthouse, photo ops of the striking structure, and park benches to relax on and gaze out at the water. Nearby are walking paths, more pristine shorelines, and a visitor’s center for more information on this National Register of Historic Places icon.
3. Beauvoir House
History buffs will appreciate a visit to the meticulously preserved Beauvoir House, which served as the final home of Confederate President Jefferson Davis for over 10 years until his death in 1889.
The majestic white-columned Southern mansion sits on over 50 acres along Biloxi Beach and offers an intimate look into Davis’ life and career through photographs, artifacts, restored rooms, and the library where he penned his memoirs.
The immaculately manicured grounds feature oak trees, gardens, statues, and several outbuildings to meander through on self-guided tours. Reenactments, lectures by costumed interpreters, and various events give further insight into this unique historical site that features prominent Confederate history.
A visit to Beauvoir House provides a glimpse into Biloxi’s past and the life of one of America’s most influential figures.
4. Biloxi Visitor Center
Before embarking on a trip around town, make the air-conditioned Biloxi Visitor Center your first stop. Friendly staff greet guests and provide pamphlets, brochures, maps, and personalized suggestions on things to see and do during your stay.
Exhibits highlight top attractions, museums, details the area’s culture and history, and the helpful attendants can outline walking/driving tours to cater to your particular interests.
If looking for specific directions, restaurant menus, event postings, or city information, the Biloxi Visitor Center offers everything easily accessible in one convenient spot. Visitors appreciate utilizing the clean, accessible restrooms while there too. Open daily, this center gets travelers oriented with the city and serves as a one-stop hub on planning what to prioritize.
5. Ship Island Excursions
Accessed by a quick ferry ride 10-miles offshore into the Gulf of Mexico sits pristine Ship Island, a barrier island featuring sandy beaches, historic Fort Massachusetts, diverse ecosystem trails, and clear waters prime for swimming, fishing, shelling or dolphin sightseeing boat tours.
Visitors can relish in a relaxing day of sun and surf removed from bustling civilization across 28-miles of shoreline. Pack a picnic lunch or browse the food vendors near the ferry port. Lifeguarded areas allow safe family-friendly swimming or visitors can embark on nature hikes spotting various bird species and native vegetation through restored habitats and marshes.
Don’t miss exploring the partially restored 1856 Fort Massachusetts with self-guided tours, panoramic ocean views from the parapets, and exhibits detailing military history. Ship Island makes for an idyllic day or half-day escape surrounded by beautiful beaches in the middle of the Gulf.
6. Mardi Gras Museum
While Mardi Gras celebrations transpire throughout Louisiana and beyond, the birthplace started in the French neighborhoods of Biloxi dating back to 1699. Today visitors can embrace Biloxi’s festive spirit any time of year with a stop at the Mardi Gras Museum.
With an array of displays and information on the history, culture, costumes, pageantry, and excited madness surrounding Mardi Gras, guests quickly get a lively taste of this huge annual bash.
See the sparkling sequined outfits, artistry of float design and construction, photographs of elaborate parades, and details behind the extensive planning required each year to celebrate Carnival.
Visitors also view videos and imagery bringing the events, parties, and family-friendly extravaganzas to life. The Mardi Gras Museum illustrates how integral this event remains ingrained as part of Biloxi’s cultural identity.
7. Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum
Given Biloxi’s prime peninsular location along fertile fishing grounds, a rich maritime tradition permeates local history. Diving into this heritage, the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum outlines the experiences of shrimpers, fishermen, boat craftsmen, factory line workers, and the wide economic impact still influential across the region.
Featured exhibits explore international conflicts, hurricanes, immigration trends tied to arrival of Slavic and Asian cultures, and even prohibition’s effect on the fishing economy and adaptation of boats for rum running.
Historic vessels on display include wooden fishing boats, tugs, and schooners while demonstrations showcase net-mending, shrimp peeling, and oyster-shucking techniques. This intriguing museum provides an inside look into Biloxi’s fishing heyday and close ties to the Gulf Coast waterways.
8. Biloxi Brewing Company
Beer enthusiasts visiting Biloxi will want to immerse themselves in the city’s take on craft beers and ales at the hugely popular downtown Biloxi Brewing Company.
This lovingly renovated old hardware store now houses a trendy tasting room filled with exposed brickwork walls, communal tables, live music stages, and games like beanbag toss and arcade consoles.
Not just a brewery and bar, the establishment also boasts an upstairs speakeasy style lounge and outdoor beer garden.
Of course the main draw lies in sampling over a dozen unique homemade beers like Strawberry Cream Ale, Pass Christian Pilsner, Black Gold Stout aged in bourbon barrels, and other seasonal offerings on tap. The charismatic staff gladly pours sample glasses so visitors can taste test their way through the entire beer list.
Between playlist tunes, beer flights, and good company in a laid-back pub atmosphere, an afternoon at Biloxi Brewing Company offers an ideal break while touring around town.
9. Jefferson Davis Presidential Library
As the only facility in the nation dedicated as a library and museum celebrating Jefferson Davis’ eventful life and prolific career, the Jefferson Davis Presidential Library merits a spot on any history buff’s sightseeing list.
This massive 40,000-square foot institution displays an unmatched collection of artifacts, papers, clothing, and personal items that help frame Davis’ legacy as a soldier, senator, Secretary of War, president of the Confederate States of America, and writer.
Interactive exhibits let visitors glimpse Davis’ personality through portraits, letters in his own elegant script, furniture from family homes, period clothing he once wore, vintage medical tools used to treat his ailments, as well as the pistol and bible he relied on during the Civil War.
An extensive research library also provides resources for students and Civil War scholars looking to learn more about this complex, pivotal figure in American history.
10. Margaritaville Casino
For casual entertainment, good eats, and tropical vibes in Biloxi, head to the popular three-story Margaritaville Casino. Based on the carefree lifestyle made famous by musician Jimmy Buffett, the resort brings a festive atmosphere downtown through two hotel towers, an amusement park, and Vegas-style gaming.
Visitors try their luck at slots, blackjack, roulette, and poker in the lively casino. When ready for a break, stop by iconic restaurant LandShark Grill for burgers, seafood, sandwiches or head upstairs to Changes in Latitude Sky Bar for pretty sunset views, boat drinks, and nightlife.
The Lost Penguin frozen drink station quenches thirst by churning out margaritas, daiquiris, and signature cocktails too. Elsewhere onsite, kids love playing mini golf, racing go-karts, or riding thrill rides like a giant Ferris Wheel overlooking the Back Bay waterway.
11. Gulfport Harbor Square
Just a quick 10-minute drive west over the Biloxi Bay Bridge lies charming Gulfport Harbor Square. Nestled along a marina packed with fishing charters, yachts, sailboats, and shrimpers, this vibrant plaza gathers locals and tourists alike.
Unique boutiques sell coastal décor and fashion while visitors sip coffee at waterfront cafes eyeing the boats drifting in and out of port.
Kids delight in the hands-on marine Touch Tank aquarium housing stingrays, horseshoe crabs, hermit crabs, starfish, and other sea creatures native to the Gulf environment. When hunger strikes, families flock to Shaggy’s for generous seafood platters on the patio beside the rocky pier.
Throughout the afternoon, harbor square explodes in bustling activity with people browsing shops and peeking at the day’s catch reeled in by commercial fishermen.
12. Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art
Dedicated to showcasing pottery and the legacy of iconic artist George Ohr, dubbed “The Mad Potter of Biloxi”, this dazzling modern museum seamlessly combines culture with architectural creativity across foursleek steel, brick, and glass pod buildings.
The galleries house an unrivaled collection displaying over 100 pieces of Ohr’s innovative, often asymmetric pottery he molded by hand.
Rotating exhibits highlight regional and national artists in mediums spanning blown glass, metalwork, fiber art, oil paintings, and mixed media creations.
The 3-acre campus also oversees an outdoor concert pavilion, rose garden with bronze artworks, and the bright Center for Ceramics with workshops plus monthly demonstrations.
Surrounded by live oaks and scenic brick paths linking thevarious vibrant buildings, the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum enthralls art enthusiasts and pottery devotees while celebrating the city’s creative roots.
Conclusion
From historic homes and military forts to hands-on museums, amusement parks, breweries, beachfront resorts, offshore barrier islands, charming harbor towns, and creative art spaces, Biloxi offers visitors endless sights to see and fun things to do.
Welcoming countless tourists each year with special events and celebrations embracing the city’s rich culture, Biloxi makes an ideal vacation destination any time of year thanks to gorgeous sunny weather and family-friendly southern hospitality.
With delicious fresh seafood dining, convenient condos and hotels along pristine shorelines, awe-inspiring pottery collections, visitor centers to assist with trip plans, and attractions catering to all interests, this coastal Mississippi city truly has something for everyone. The array of unique sights outlined above merely scratches the surface of all Biloxi has to offer tourists.
Whether planning a romantic weekend escape, family vacation full of kid-approved excitement, guy’s golfing getaway, girls shopping extravaganza, or outdoor adventure to soak up scenic views, Biloxi serves up memorable experiences.
Come discover why so many travelers flock back year after year to uncover more hidden gems scattered throughout this vibrant waterfront destination.