Are you looking for the best things to do in Biloxi? You’ve come to the right place! We have a bunch of suggestions for what to do in Biloxi.
Biloxi, Mississippi is known for its coastline, seafood, and casinos. In fact, going to Biloxi Beach is one of the best things to do in Mississippi. Located on the Gulf of Mexico, between New Orleans, LA, and Pensacola, FL this coastal city has a long maritime history. However, there is more to Biloxi than the ocean!
While you can go to the beach and coastal preserve, there are also art and historical museums to visit. Or you can enjoy a night on the town (or riverboat) and dine at one of the best restaurants in Biloxi. Whether you are visiting Biloxi with a partner, with kids, or on a solo trip, you can find the Biloxi activities that are right for you.
So grab your sunscreen and your lucky charm and check out the best things to do in Biloxi, MS!
15 Best Things to Do in Biloxi MS You Shouldn’t Miss
Biloxi Beach
At the top of the list of best things to do in Biloxi would have to be going to the beach. At Biloxi Beach, you can relax in the sun, go for a swim, and walk along the coast.
With 26 miles of beach, you can find the perfect spot. The water is nice and calm, and pleasantly warm during the warmer half of the year. Biloxi Beach offers both beautiful sunrises and sunsets.
A lot of money and work has been put into cleaning up the beach since Hurricane Katrina and the BP oil spill, and the efforts have been worth it. The sand at Biloxi’s beach is clean and white.
Stroll along the boardwalk for pretty views of the gulf before grabbing some extremely local seafood nearby!
Biloxi Lighthouse
While you’re visiting the beach, another of the best things to do in Biloxi is to visit the historic Biloxi Lighthouse. Erected in 1848, this cast-iron lighthouse has become a Biloxi landmark.
From 1848 to 1939, the light-keeping was civilian-operated, and one of the most famous lightkeepers was a woman named Maria Younghans, who tended the light for over 50 years.
You can actually go inside the Biloxi Lighthouse! The lighthouse is open daily for morning tours (weather permitting), and it’ll cost $5 per adult. (Tickets can be purchased at the Biloxi Visitors Center.) Take in the views from 64 feet above the beach!
Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum
One of the most popular places to visit in Biloxi is the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum. The museum celebrates and educates visitors on the Mississippi Gulf’s long maritime history and how it has been influenced by the seafood industry.
After the American Civil War, Biloxi opened its first cannery, leading to shrimp, oyster, and other seafood processing factories. Since then, the seafood industry has been an important part of Biloxi’s economy.
Originally destroyed by Hurricane Katrina, the museum was rebuilt and is now better than ever. It now includes videos and information on how hurricanes affect the seafood industry.
Exhibit highlights include the Biloxi Seafood Factory Gallery and the Wooden Boat Gallery. Visiting the museum is one of the best things to do in Biloxi for all ages, as everyone is sure to learn something new!
Shrimping Trip
Once you’ve learned about Biloxi’s seafood industry, why not give it a go yourself? Going on a shrimping trip is one of the best things to do in Biloxi to really immersive yourself in its culture.
Climb aboard the Sailfish and learn about catching shrimp (among other seafood creatures) as real fishermen cast their nets in the gulf. Take part in the process as seasoned tour guides explain their techniques.
The Biloxi Shrimping Trip leaves and returns from Beach Blvd, across from Main Street. Tours last 70 minutes and do not have to be reserved in advance. (Be aware it is cash only!)
Shaggy’s Biloxi Beach
After everything you’ve learned at the museum and shrimping tour, one of the best things to do in Biloxi is to try the local seafood of course! At Shaggy’s Biloxi Beach, you’ll find a lively, family-friendly beach spot serving fresh seafood.
Shaggy’s serves some of the best shrimp in the area, as well as delicious crab cakes and fish tacos. Beyond seafood, they also serve some excellent fried green tomatoes.
Original to the Mississippi Gulf coast, Shaggy’s now has multiple locations, and is loved by locals and tourists alike. Enjoy your dinner while watching the sunset from one of the best restaurants in Biloxi.
Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art
For those interested in art, one of the best things to do in Biloxi is to visit the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art. Honoring Mississippi’s potter, George E. Ohr, this contemporary art museum is a work of art in itself.
Designed by artist and architect, Frank Gehry, the unique-looking buildings hold ceramics, photographs, paintings, and other mediums by American artists.
George E. Ohr was the self-proclaimed, “Mad Potter of Biloxi”. He experimented with clay forms, and he claims to have made over 20,000 pieces. When he passed away in 1918, he was mostly unknown, and his work sat in a garage for years. However, today he is viewed as a grandfather of the American Abstract-Expressionism movement.
The Ohr-O’Keefe Museum has a large permanent collection of his work, as well as rotating exhibits by other artists, and an artist-in-residence program.
The Salvation Army Kroc Center MS Gulf Coast
One of the best things to do in Biloxi with kids is to spend some time at the Salvation Army Krock Center. If it’s a rainy day but the kiddos still want to go for a swim, you can do so at this Biloxi community center.
You do not have to be a member of The Salvation Army Kroc Center to swim there! Simply reserve a swim pass, which allows for two hours of playtime. Swim passes cost $10 a person and children under two years old are free.
This small indoor water park offers fun for the whole family! In addition to the regular recreational pool, there are splash pads, a water slide, and vertical water sprays. The Salvation Army Kroc Center is a fun alternative to the beach if you have little ones.
Ship Island
If you’re looking to really get away, one of the best things to do near Biloxi is to take a trip to Ship Island. This barrier island is only reachable by boat and makes for a fun day trip from Biloxi.
To reach Ship Island, you can take the pedestrian Ship Island Excursions Ferry which leaves from Gulfport, Mississippi Small Vessel Harbor, and the Margaritaville Resort in Biloxi. The ride is about an hour one way.
Ship Island is part of the Gulf Island National Seashore and has some of the best beaches in Mississippi! Swim in turquoise waters, snorkel to look for marine life, and relax under a picnic pavilion or umbrella. There are outdoor showers and restroom facilities available.
While on Ship Island you can also explore the historic Fort Massachusetts. Construction on the fort was completed in 1866, and it has withstood the elements ever since. Today you can take an educational ranger-led tour of the fort.
Beau Rivage Resort & Casino
Of course one of the best things to do in Biloxi is to visit one of its famous casinos. Beau Rivage Casino and Resort has it all: accommodations, dining, gaming, entertainment, and shopping. In fact, it’s one of the best resorts in Mississippi.
Whether you are staying at Beau Rivage or not, exploring it is one of the best things to do in Biloxi for adults. Choose from a variety of restaurants, such as a sophisticated steakhouse, a classic Italian restaurant, or an award-winning sushi restaurant. Or grab a co*cktail at their swanky Black Clover Lounge.
If you are into gambling, Beau Rivage has been called the “Bellagio of Biloxi”. There are slot machines and plenty of table games such as baccarat, blackjack, and craps. Plus, there’s a separate poker room, where you can settle in whether you’re new to the game or an old pro.
Coastal Mardi Gras Museum
When one thinks of Mardi Gras, the city that comes to mind is usually New Orleans, LA. However, Mardi Gras is celebrated all along the gulf coast, including Biloxi. For those interested in Mardi Gras, one of the best things to do in Biloxi is to visit the Coastal Mardi Gras Museum.
Here you will find costumes, artifacts, and photographs detailing Mardi Gras celebrations along the coast. Learn about Mardi Gras royalty and krewes (groups who come together to host balls, ride on floats, and participate in celebrations), and all those who make Mardi Gras the magical time that it is.
The Coastal Mardi Gras Museum is located on Howard Ave. and is open Tuesday-Saturday. You can stroll the museum at your leisure or take a guided tour. Take advantage of one of the lesser-known attractions in Biloxi!
Biloxi Bay Bridge
If you are looking to stretch your legs, one of the best free things to do in Biloxi is to walk the bridge. The Biloxi Bay Bridge stretches from Biloxi to Ocean Springs, MS.
Enjoy the views of the Mississippi Sound as you walk, run, or bike across the bridge. Coming at sunrise or sunset is especially pretty!
The distance if you walk across and back is a little over three miles. On the Ocean Springs Side, take a second to rest at the Bridge Mosaic Mural park before turning back to Biloxi.
The Project Lounge
If you’re looking for a more laid-back atmosphere than the swanky restaurants at Beau Rivage, head over to The Project Lounge. Having a burger and a beer at this local dive bar is another one of the best things to do in Biloxi for adults.
It’s dark and loud, and the drinks are strong at The Project Lounge; it is a true dive bar experience. However, the hamburger has been hailed as one of the best on the Mississippi coast! They also do an excellent steak sandwich.
The Project Lounge is open until 4 am, so if you’re looking for things to do in Biloxi at night, you’ve got plenty of time to swing by after a night out on the town. Be aware that it is cash only!
Betsy Ann Riverboat
One of the best things to do near Biloxi is to go on a riverboat cruise. Step back in time when you step aboard a real old-fashioned paddlewheel boat and cruise along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
The Betsy Ann Riverboat offers multiple types of cruises. If you are interested in the area’s history, perhaps you might choose the Historical and Ecological Tour, during which you will spend two hours learning about local history, folklore, wildlife, and ecology. You might see alligators, pelicans, herons, or even dolphins!
If you’re looking for something romantic, one of the best things to do in Biloxi for couples is to book a sunset cruise with live music. There is a full bar available, and you are allowed to bring your own picnic meal on board.
The main cabin of the Betsy Ann Riverboat holds about 70 people and can be both heated or air-conditioned. The upper deck is open but covered, with bench-like seating available.
The Betsy Ann departs and returns to Bay Saint Louis, MS which is about 30 miles from Biloxi.
Walter Anderson Museum
Another of the best things to do near Biloxi is to visit the Walter Anderson Museum. Located just across the Biloxi Bay Bridge, this deceptively small art museum holds delights for the whole family.
The museum is named for local artist, writer, and philosopher Walter Anderson. Born in 1903 in New Orleans, Walter Anderson lived in Ocean Springs, MS after attending art school. He is most known for his paintings, murals, and drawings of the natural world. His works are a colorful celebration of the Mississippi Gulf area.
The Walter Anderson Museum not only tells the story of the artist’s life while displaying his work, but it also exhibits works by other artists. The museum also hosts special events, education programs, and art classes.
Deer Island Coastal Reserve
For those looking for a secluded getaway, one of the best Biloxi activities is to take a little trip to Deer Island Coastal Reserve. Similar to a barrier island, Deer Island is uninhabited and reachable only by boat.
Visiting Deer Island is one of the best things to do in Biloxi for outdoor lovers. Cool off on the sandy shores, hike the nature trails, or cast your fishing rod as you take in the views and spot local wildlife.
If you want to make a night of it, camping on Deer Island is allowed, but there are no restroom facilities.
To reach Deer Island, you can take a canoe, kayak, or small boat. There is a boat pier at the north end of the island, but be aware that the pier is about 3.5 feet high at high tide.
Biloxi has some of the best things to do in South Mississippi. From spending time along the coast to exploring the artwork inspired by the area, there is something for everyone in Biloxi. Enjoy all views, seafood, and entertainment the Mississippi Gulf Coast has to offer!
