Biloxi, Mississippi: 10 Unforgettable Things To Do Near The Coast

10 Fun Things To Do In And Around Biloxi, Mississippi

If you’re dreaming about a relaxed beach getaway with a little casino sparkle on the side, Biloxi, Mississippi in Harrison County is a great pick. This Gulf Coast town mixes white-sand beaches, fresh seafood, and rich history in a way that feels both laid-back and exciting. Whether you’re planning a long weekend from New Orleans, a road trip from Alabama or Florida, or a family vacation from anywhere in the USA, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Biloxi and nearby. Below are 10 fun things to do near Biloxi, Mississippi that work for couples, families, friend groups, and even solo travelers.

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1. Stroll (or Snooze) Along Biloxi Beach

Biloxi Beach is the star of the show. The soft, light-colored sand stretches for miles along Highway 90, and you can easily pull off and find a spot to relax.

• What to do: Sunbathe, walk the shoreline, build sandcastles, or just sit and listen to the waves.
• Good to know: The water here is usually calm thanks to the barrier islands, so it’s great for kids or nervous swimmers.
• Parking tip: You’ll find lots of free or low-cost parking areas right along the beach road.

If you like long walks, try heading out early in the morning. The Gulf Coast sunrise over the water is simple but unforgettable. On my first trip, I ended up walking way farther than I planned—about 2 miles down the sand—just because I kept wanting to see what was around the next bend in the shoreline.

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2. Try Your Luck at Biloxi’s Casinos

Biloxi is known as a Gulf Coast casino destination, and the gaming scene is huge here. Even if you’re not a big gambler, the casinos offer restaurants, shows, and great views of the water. Some popular options include:

• Beau Rivage Resort & Casino – One of the most iconic properties on the coast, with shops, a spa, and great dining.
• Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi – Loud, fun, and full of music memorabilia.
• IP Casino Resort Spa – A bit north of the beach, with a rooftop pool and spa services.

You can:

• Play slots or table games
• Catch a concert or comedy show
• Enjoy a steakhouse dinner or buffet
• Relax at the pool or spa

If you’re worried about spending too much, set a small budget—maybe $40 or $60—and treat it like the cost of a night out at the movies. Once it’s gone, you’re done. That way you can enjoy the atmosphere without stress.

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3. Visit the Biloxi Lighthouse & Take a Tour

Right in the middle of Highway 90, you’ll spot the tall white Biloxi Lighthouse, one of the city’s most famous landmarks. This cast-iron lighthouse has survived hurricanes, wars, and major storms, including Hurricane Katrina. It’s a symbol of the city’s strength and stubbornness—in the best way.

• Highlights:
• Guided tours that take you up inside the lighthouse (usually in the morning)
• Stories about how keepers once lived and worked there
• Great photo spot with the beach in the background

If you like a bit of history with your beach day, this is a quick, easy stop that adds meaning to the view you see all along the coast.

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4. Explore Beauvoir, the Jefferson Davis Home & Presidential Library

Just a short drive west of central Biloxi along the beach road is Beauvoir, the historic home of Jefferson Davis. Whatever your feelings about Civil War history, this site offers a deep look into a complicated chapter of the South.

• What you’ll see:
• A restored 19th-century home with views of the Gulf
• Gardens and old trees that feel like stepping back in time
• A museum and library with Civil War and Southern history exhibits

Tours help explain the history in context, and you can go at your own pace. If you enjoy historic houses and want to understand more about Mississippi’s past, this is worth a few hours of your day.

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5. Take the Ferry to Ship Island

Looking for a more natural beach experience? Head out to Ship Island, part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. It’s about 11 miles off the coast, and you’ll get there by passenger ferry from Gulfport, just a short drive from Biloxi.

• Why people love it:
• Clearer, bluer water than closer to shore
• Wide, open beaches that feel less crowded
• Fort Massachusetts, a historic fort you can explore
• What to bring:
• Sunscreen and a hat (shade is limited)
• Plenty of water and snacks
• Beach chairs or a blanket

The ferry ride itself is part of the fun. If you’re lucky, you might even spot dolphins racing alongside the boat. It’s one of the top things to do near Biloxi for nature lovers.

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6. Taste Fresh Gulf Seafood at Local Restaurants

You can’t talk about Biloxi without talking about the seafood

Mary Mahoney’s Old French House – A historic restaurant in a charming old home, known for gumbo and seafood platters.

Half Shell Oyster House – Great for oysters on the half shell, chargrilled oysters, and Southern sides.

Local beachside joints – Look for small places along Highway 90 with handwritten menus and lots of locals.

If you’re not sure what to order, try:

• Gulf shrimp (fried, grilled, or in a po’ boy)
• Oysters – raw, chargrilled, or fried
• Redfish or snapper when it’s in season

Think of Biloxi as a giant taste-test of Gulf Coast cooking. You really can’t go wrong if you stick to places that smell like butter, garlic, and spices the moment you walk in.

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7. Learn Local History at the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum

To really understand Biloxi, it helps to learn how closely tied this city is to the sea and seafood industry. The Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum makes that story come alive. Inside, you’ll find:

• Exhibits on shrimping, oystering, and boat-building
• Stories of hurricanes and how the community rebuilt after storms
• Beautiful old wooden boats and replicas of schooners

It’s a great rainy-day activity, or a good way to spend a few hours out of the sun. Families often enjoy it because it mixes hands-on pieces with easy-to-understand information. If you’ve ever eaten a shrimp po’ boy and wondered how that shrimp got from the Gulf to your plate, this museum connects the dots.

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8. Walk the Biloxi Bay Bridge and Enjoy the Views

The Biloxi Bay Bridge connects Biloxi with Ocean Springs and includes a dedicated pedestrian path. It’s about 2 miles long one way, so you can choose how far you want to go.

• Why it’s worth it:
• Beautiful views of the water, boats, and coastline
• Art panels and markers along the path
• A chance to work off all that seafood

You can start on the Biloxi side, walk partway to take photos, and then turn around. If you go all the way to Ocean Springs, reward yourself with coffee or ice cream in its cute downtown area before heading back. Walking the bridge at sunset is extra special. The sky lights up, the water reflects the colors, and you get a real sense of how the bay shapes life here.

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9. Enjoy Family Fun at Margaritaville Resort & Nearby Attractions

If you’re traveling with kids or just want some playful time, check out Margaritaville Resort Biloxi. While it’s a hotel, it also doubles as a mini amusement zone.

• Indoor family entertainment center with games and attractions
• Rooftop water attractions (check access rules if you’re not staying there)
• Restaurants with Gulf views

Nearby, you can also find:

• Escape rooms
• Bowling alleys
• Mini-golf and arcades in the wider Biloxi–Gulfport area

If you’re planning a family trip and wondering whether Biloxi has enough to keep kids busy, the answer is yes—especially when you mix these activities with beach time and maybe a ferry trip to Ship Island.

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10. Day-Trip to Ocean Springs’ Artsy Downtown

Just across the Biloxi Bay Bridge sits Ocean Springs, a charming small town with a walkable downtown. It’s technically a separate city, but close enough that it feels like part of the same vacation zone.

• What to do in Ocean Springs:
• Browse art galleries and local shops
• Visit the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, dedicated to a beloved Gulf Coast artist
• Grab coffee, craft beer, or a casual brunch

Spending an afternoon here gives your Biloxi trip a nice mix of beach, history, and artsy small-town vibes. It’s a good choice if you want to slow down a bit and wander on foot.

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Tips for Planning Your Biloxi, Mississippi Trip

To make the most of your time on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, keep these simple tips in mind:

• Best time to visit: Spring and fall usually offer warm weather without peak summer heat. Summers can be hot and humid but are great for full-on beach days.
• Getting around: A car makes things much easier. The beach road is simple to navigate, and parking is usually easy.
• Weather check: Because this is the Gulf Coast, keep an eye on hurricane season (roughly June through November). Always check the forecast.
• Mix it up: Try balancing your trip with a mix of beach time, casinos, local food, and one or two history or museum stops.

If you enjoy coastal road trips, you can easily combine Biloxi with other Gulf Coast spots in Mississippi, Alabama, or even Louisiana.

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Final Thoughts: Why Biloxi Belongs on Your Gulf Coast Bucket List

Biloxi, Mississippi may not be the first city you think of when planning a beach vacation, but that’s exactly what makes it so fun to discover. It offers:

• Relaxed Gulf Coast beaches
• Bright casinos and nightlife
• Rich seafood and maritime history
• Easy day trips to islands and nearby towns

If you’re looking for things to do in Biloxi, this list of beaches, ferries, museums, restaurants, and casinos should give you a solid start. From quiet sunrise walks to lively nights at the tables, Biloxi offers a little bit of everything along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

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Share Your Biloxi Experience

Have you visited Biloxi or anywhere else along the Mississippi Gulf Coast?

• What was your favorite thing to do in Biloxi?
• Did you discover a hidden gem restaurant or quiet beach spot?
• Any tips you’d give first-time visitors?

Drop your thoughts, questions, or travel stories in the comments below—I’d love to hear about your experience. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends or family who are planning a trip to Biloxi, Mississippi or looking for new Gulf Coast vacation ideas.