Biloxi, Mississippi: 10 Short Road Trips for Coastal Adventure

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10 Easy Road Trips Near Biloxi, MS: Fun Day Trips Outside Harrison County

If you’re in Biloxi, Mississippi and itching to explore beyond Harrison County, you’re in luck. Within about an hour or so, you can find quiet beaches, swamp tours, small-town diners, and even a rocket engine test site. This guide focuses on short road trips from Biloxi that take you into nearby counties and parishes:
  • Hancock County, MS
  • Jackson County, MS
  • Pearl River County, MS
  • Stone County, MS
  • St. Bernard Parish, LA
All of these are outside Harrison County, so they’re perfect when you want a change of scenery but don’t want an all-day drive.

1. Bay St. Louis, MS – Art, Antiques, and a Relaxed Beach Vibe (Hancock County)

Just about 30–40 minutes west of Biloxi, Bay St. Louis feels like a tiny coastal town pulled from a movie. Stroll through the Old Town area and you’ll find:
  • Colorful art galleries and studios
  • Antique and vintage shops
  • Cozy cafés and waterfront bars
It’s an easy place to park the car, walk around, and just see what you find. I once went in “just for lunch” and ended up spending the whole afternoon popping in and out of little shops, chatting with owners who seemed to know everyone in town. If you like relaxed, small-town beach energy instead of crowded boardwalks, Bay St. Louis is a perfect day trip.

2. Waveland Beach – Quiet Sand and Easy Sunsets (Hancock County)

Right next to Bay St. Louis, Waveland is one of the sleepiest beaches on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Here’s why it’s worth the short drive:
  • Wide, quiet beach that’s great for walking or shell hunting
  • Long stretches of road where you can pull over and enjoy the view
  • Fantastic sunsets over the water with fewer crowds
If Biloxi Beach sometimes feels a bit busy, Waveland is where you go to slow down. Pack a small cooler, a couple of camp chairs, and you’ve got a simple, low-cost day trip from Biloxi.

3. Stennis Space Center & INFINITY Science Center (Hancock County)

A short hop off I‑10 west of Biloxi lies a place that might surprise you: NASA’s Stennis Space Center. Right at the entrance is the INFINITY Science Center, which is open to the public. What you can experience:
  • Interactive exhibits about space and rocket engines
  • Real NASA equipment and displays
  • Nature trails and boardwalks into the surrounding wetlands
If you’re a space nerd, or you’ve got kids who love rockets, this road trip from Biloxi is a must. Even if you’re not, it’s pretty wild to realize huge rocket engines for major space missions were tested just a short drive from the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

4. Pascagoula, MS – Riverfront Views and Coastal History (Jackson County)

Head east from Biloxi into Jackson County and you’ll hit Pascagoula, a laid-back coastal city with a strong shipbuilding history. Highlights include:
  • Pascagoula Beach Park – a clean, family-friendly beach with picnic areas
  • Point Park – nice river views and a good place for a simple walk
  • Local seafood spots serving fresh Gulf shrimp and oysters
Pascagoula has a quieter feel than Biloxi, and it’s a nice break if you want waterfront scenery without the casino vibe. Grab lunch at a local seafood joint, then drive along the water and enjoy the breeze.

5. Ocean Springs’ Neighbor: Gautier Nature Trails (Jackson County)

Many folks know about Ocean Springs (also in Jackson County), but Gautier, just a little farther east, is often overlooked. That’s good news if you like nature without big crowds. Look for:
  • City parks with boardwalks over marshes
  • Simple nature trails ideal for short walks
  • Quiet spots to watch birds, especially wading birds and herons
If you’ve ever thought, “I just want a peaceful place to walk and listen to the wind,” a quick road trip to Gautier might surprise you. It’s not flashy, but that’s exactly the charm.

6. Desoto National Forest Trails Near Wiggins (Stone County)

Drive about 45–60 minutes north from Biloxi and you’ll swap the beach for the piney woods of Stone County. Near Wiggins, parts of the DeSoto National Forest offer easy ways to reset your mind. Depending on the season, you can:
  • Walk forest trails under tall pine trees
  • Enjoy creek views and quiet picnic spots
  • Try simple day hikes that aren’t too steep or long
If the Gulf Coast heat is wearing on you, the forest can feel a few degrees cooler, especially in the shade. It’s a great Biloxi day trip when you’ve had your fill of sand and surf and just want to hear your footsteps on a dirt path.

7. Wiggins, MS – Small-Town Mississippi Comfort Food (Stone County)

While you’re in Stone County, make time to roll through Wiggins itself. It’s the kind of place where you can still find:
  • Local diners serving fried catfish, burgers, and plate lunches
  • Friendly folks who’ll strike up a conversation just because
  • That classic “everyone knows everyone” small-town feeling
One of the best parts of a road trip from Biloxi is discovering a little restaurant you’d never find on a big-city food blog. Don’t be afraid to ask a local, “Where should I eat?”—that’s usually how you find the good stuff.

8. Picayune, MS – Antiques, Local Eats, and a Slower Pace (Pearl River County)

Drive northwest into Pearl River County and you’ll find Picayune, a handy little stop when you’re ready for something different from the coast. You might enjoy:
  • Antique stores and local shops in and around downtown
  • Small cafés and bakeries with homemade treats
  • A general slower, more relaxed pace than the beach towns
If you like to hunt for treasures—old signs, vintage furniture, quirky collectibles—a half-day in Picayune is a fun change of pace from Biloxi’s more touristy attractions.

9. Pearl River Area – Swamps, Back Roads, and River Views (Pearl River County)

For a more outdoorsy feel, explore the areas along the Pearl River in Pearl River County. This is where the landscape starts to feel a bit wilder. You can:
  • Drive back roads with tall trees and open fields
  • Look for boat ramps and river access spots
  • Bring a fishing pole (with the right license) and spend a quiet afternoon on the water
This kind of short trip from Biloxi is all about slowing down. Roll down the windows, put on your favorite playlist, and let the road lead you to a new little spot by the river.

10. St. Bernard Parish, LA – A Different Slice of Gulf Coast (St. Bernard Parish, LA)

If you’re up for crossing state lines, head southwest into St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana. It’s an easy jump from Mississippi and offers a different flavor of Gulf Coast life. Along the way you can find:
  • Marshes and bayous that feel very “Louisiana”
  • Small communities with a strong local identity
  • Spots where you can grab Cajun-style seafood and po’boys
If you’ve ever wanted to mix a Biloxi road trip with a quick taste of Louisiana culture—but without diving into the chaos of New Orleans—St. Bernard Parish is a great in-between option.

Tips for Enjoying These Short Road Trips from Biloxi

To make these day trips near Biloxi smoother, keep a few simple tips in mind:
  • Plan for 30–90 minutes of drive time each way, depending on the spot.
  • Check opening hours for museums, science centers, and some parks before you go.
  • In summer, pack water, sunscreen, and bug spray—the Gulf Coast sun and mosquitoes are no joke.
  • Bring a small cooler for drinks and snacks so you’re not always hunting for a gas station.
I like to keep a simple “day trip bag” in the car: a hat, sunglasses, a lightweight jacket, and a phone charger. It makes last-minute adventures a lot easier.

Where Will You Go Next?

Living in or visiting Biloxi, Mississippi means you’re surrounded by easy road trips—quiet beaches in Hancock County, forests in Stone County, river country in Pearl River County, coastal towns in Jackson County, and even Cajun flavor in St. Bernard Parish. Now I’m curious: Which of these short road trips would you take first? Are you more of a beach person, a forest wanderer, or a small-town café hunter?
  • Have you tried any of these spots already?
  • Do you have a favorite hidden gem outside Harrison County?
Share your experiences in the comments—your tips might help someone else plan their next Biloxi day trip. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends or family who are looking for new things to do near Biloxi. The more we share, the more people discover just how much there is to explore right outside the city limits.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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