Mississippi is a pretty cool place to visit. It is in the Deep South of the United States. It’s known for its strong and sometimes rough past and heritage, as well as its writing and music. As people move around, they will see everything from beautiful beaches and green fields and hills to flashy casinos, college towns, and battlefields from the Civil War.
The Mississippi River, which goes to the Gulf of Mexico, runs through the middle of the state and forms its western border. The lovely delta area is where the beautiful style of music called “blues” was created.
1. Biloxi
People love to visit Biloxi because it has beautiful beaches and casinos right on the water. It is located on the state’s gorgeous and sun-kissed coastline. At first glance, the city may seem loud and flashy, but it has many sides, including a lovely historic centre that people can discover.
Most people, though, come because it has so many fancy casinos. These casinos have views of the Gulf of Mexico and have a huge selection of slot machines and card games. The themes of many of them are western, tropical, or live music, and there are lots of restaurants and fun things to do.
People can relax on the golden sands or enjoy sailing and water sports along the seafront, as well as gamble, play games, and enjoy the city’s busy nightlife. Even better, if you want to combine your trip to Biloxi with a stop in “The Big Easy,” it only takes an hour.
2. Natchez
Natchez is in the southwest corner of the state, on top of a high hill with a view of the Mississippi River. The small city is right next to Louisiana and has a beautiful historic centre full of amazing old antebellum houses that make you think of the Old South.
The small town was a major trade hub before the Civil War. So, lots of money and wealth poured into its beautiful streets. The centre of the town is now a charming place to visit, and horse-drawn carriage rides are one of the best ways to see all of its grand houses and historical sites.
There is history and heritage to see everywhere in Natchez, but the city is also very much alive and has a fun party vibe on the weekends. In addition to its many bars and live music places, the last stop on the Natchez Trace Parkway has beautiful nature and scenery nearby that people can enjoy.
3. Tupelo
The small, sleepy city of Tupelo is in the northeast of the state. It is best known for being the home of Elvis Presley, one of the most famous pop stars in the world. Even though most of the town’s attractions are related to “the King,” it’s still a nice and quiet place to visit, especially if you’re on the Natchez Trace Parkway.
Right in the middle of the city, there are lots of great restaurants and beautiful paintings that have brought much-needed colour and life to the downtown area. In addition to the place where Elvis Presley was born, you can visit the Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo. Every second weekend of the month, there is a fun and lively flea market.
A couple of interesting Civil War sites are just outside of the city, as well as the Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Centre, which can help you find all of the route’s most beautiful tourist spots.
4. Natchez Trace Parkway
One of the most famous places to visit in Mississippi is the Natchez Trace Parkway. It has hot swamps, muddy bayous, epic overlooks, Indian burial mounds, and a lot of beautiful scenery. The national parkway is 715 kilometres long and goes from Nashville, Tennessee, to Natchez, Mississippi. It is a great place to hike, ride a bike, or drive, and there are many beautiful places to stop along the way.
The scenic road goes along what was once a Native American footpath. It goes through beautiful forests and wilderness, along roaring rivers and still lakes. Since before the American Revolution, it has been used by travellers and farmers in the Ohio Valley. Because of this, the route is full of historic sites, from battlegrounds and burial mounds from long ago to beautiful statues and museums.
The Natchez Trace Parkway has beautiful scenery, including sparkling waterfalls, amazing views, and dramatic landscapes. It also has a lot of history, tradition, and culture. Visitors can also stop at some great towns and cities in Mississippi along the way, such as Tupelo, Jackson, and Natchez.
5. Gulf Islands National Seashore
The Gulf Islands National Seashore is a group of beautiful coastal islands that are just south of both Mississippi and Florida. The beautiful scenery has a lot of great white sand beaches and forests, so there are lots of ways to enjoy the outdoors.
The islands are peaceful and far away, so they haven’t been developed or spoiled in any way. They have beautiful beaches next to wild wetlands and interesting woods. The islands of Horn, Sand, Petit Bois, and East Ship have the most beautiful scenery, but they are also the hardest to get to. Visitors have to rent a boat to get there and then camp out in the dunes for the night.
Because the park protects and preserves nature, there are many great outdoor activities to enjoy. Hiking, cycling, and swimming are some of the most common. In addition, tourists can swim in the clear Gulf of Mexico or take pictures of the many bird species that live on the barrier islands.
6. Oxford
The Gulf Islands National Seashore is a group of beautiful coastal islands that are just south of both Mississippi and Florida. The beautiful scenery has a lot of great white sand beaches and forests, so there are lots of ways to enjoy the outdoors.
The islands are peaceful and far away, so they haven’t been developed or spoiled in any way. They have beautiful beaches next to wild wetlands and interesting woods. The islands of Horn, Sand, Petit Bois, and East Ship have the most beautiful scenery, but they are also the hardest to get to. Visitors have to rent a boat to get there and then camp out in the dunes for the night.
Because the park protects and preserves nature, there are many great outdoor activities to enjoy. Hiking, cycling, and swimming are some of the most common. In addition, tourists can swim in the clear Gulf of Mexico or take pictures of the many bird species that live on the barrier islands.
7. Tunica
The town of Tunica is in the northwest of the state, about an hour’s drive south of Memphis, Tennessee. It used to be one of the poorest places in the whole US. When gaming was legalised in the 1990s, it changed its fortunes in a big way. A lot of people are now going to what is now the third-largest betting market in the world, after Atlantic City and Las Vegas.
There are now many fancy casinos in the popular vacation town, each with a lot of slot machines, table games, and poker rooms. Each has a wide range of rooms and suites for guests to choose from, as well as amenities like spas, pools, golf courses, and high-end restaurants.
Most people who visit Tunica come to see the flashy casinos and shows that look like they belong in Las Vegas. However, the nearby Tunica RiverPark has beautiful scenery, nature, and hike trails. Also, Memphis is not far away if you want to see something different.
FAQ’s
Q1. What makes Natchez a must-visit destination in Mississippi?
Natchez is famous for its well-kept antebellum houses, its beautiful bluffs that look out over the Mississippi River, and the Natchez Pilgrimage, which happens every year. People can go back in time and experience the culture and friendliness of the South.
Q2. Why choose Oxford for a visit in Mississippi?
Oxford is a cute town with a literary history. It is also the home of the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss). Visit Rowan Oak, William Faulkner's home, and look around the Square's shops and restaurants. Take in the culture vibe.
Q3. What attractions does Vicksburg National Military Park offer?
Vicksburg National Military Park has statues, cannons, and the USS Cairo museum, all important Civil War sites. Its well-kept battles and interesting displays give visitors a deep historical experience.