Gulfport, Mississippi Weekend Escapes: 10 Easy Short Road Trips

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10 Easy Road Trips From Gulfport, Mississippi You’ll Love

If you’re in Gulfport, Mississippi and itching to get out of town for a day, you’re in the perfect spot. Within about an hour or so, you’ll find quiet beaches, swamp tours, small-town diners, and even a NASA test site. The best part? These are all out-of-county road trips, so you’ll be exploring beyond Harrison County in nearby places like Hancock, Jackson, Pearl River, Stone County, and St. Bernard Parish in Louisiana. Let’s hit the road.

1. Bay St. Louis & Waveland – Art, Beach Strolls, and Small-Town Charm (Hancock County, MS)

About 30–40 minutes west of Gulfport, Bay St. Louis and nearby Waveland feel like a laid-back coastal movie set. It’s one of those places where you park once and just wander.
  • Stroll the Old Town Bay St. Louis area with its art galleries, antique shops, and cafés.
  • Walk the Bay St. Louis Beachfront and enjoy calm waters and soft sand.
  • Check out the Depot District for local art, murals, and history.
I like to grab a coffee, find a bench near the water, and just people-watch. It’s a simple trip, but it always resets my brain.

2. Silver Slipper Beachfront & Scenic Highway 90 (Hancock County, MS)

Keep driving west toward the Louisiana line and you’ll hit the area around the Silver Slipper. Even if you’re not into casinos, this stretch of coast is worth the short road trip from Gulfport.
  • Drive along Highway 90 with nonstop views of the Gulf.
  • Walk the quiet beaches near the state line, which are often less crowded.
  • Watch the sunset from a beach pull-off – bring a folding chair if you have one.
If you like peaceful drives with lots of water views, this little run along the coast is hard to beat.

3. INFINITY Science Center – NASA’s Front Yard (Hancock County, MS)

Just off I-10 near the Mississippi–Louisiana line, the INFINITY Science Center makes a fun half-day trip, especially if you’re curious about space or traveling with kids.
  • See space-related exhibits connected to the nearby Stennis Space Center.
  • Check out rockets, engines, and hands-on science displays.
  • Walk the nature trails around the property for a little fresh air.
It’s about a 35–45 minute drive from Gulfport, so you can easily pair this with a stop in Bay St. Louis. If you’ve ever wondered what goes on at NASA’s Gulf Coast test site, this is your chance to peek behind the curtain.

4. Pascagoula – Riverfront, Shipbuilding, and Beach Time (Jackson County, MS)

Head east about 45–55 minutes and you’ll reach Pascagoula, a working coastal town with a surprisingly pretty waterfront.
  • Relax at Front Beach, with its long walking path and views of the Sound.
  • Take a leisurely walk along the Pascagoula Riverfront and watch boats and barges roll by.
  • Look for local murals and small restaurants tucked into older parts of town.
Want something extra? Search out local tours of the Pascagoula River if you enjoy nature and wetlands. It’s a nice contrast to the more touristy beaches west of Gulfport.

5. Ocean Springs – Artsy, Walkable, and Full of Flavor (Jackson County, MS)

Just across the Biloxi Bay Bridge (and into Jackson County), Ocean Springs makes an easy day trip from Gulfport, usually under 40 minutes depending on traffic.
  • Wander the walkable downtown full of local shops, art galleries, and cafés.
  • Visit the Walter Anderson–focused art spots and see why this town is known for creativity.
  • Grab a bite at a local restaurant and sit outside if the weather is nice.
If you enjoy Gulfport but want a place that’s more compact and artsy, Ocean Springs has that cozy, small-town feel while still giving you great food, music, and nightlife options.

6. Gautier & the Pascagoula River Nature Area (Jackson County, MS)

A bit farther east along I-10, Gautier (pronounced kinda like “go-chay”) is a quieter spot with pretty views of the Pascagoula River and nearby marshland.
  • Visit local riverfront parks and simple boat landings where you can watch wildlife.
  • Look for boardwalks and nature trails that wind through coastal wetlands.
  • Pack a picnic and enjoy the breeze off the river.
If you’re the type of traveler who likes peace and nature more than crowds, this low-key road trip from Gulfport is a nice change of pace.

7. Picayune – Small-Town Mississippi With a Nature Bonus (Pearl River County, MS)

Drive about an hour northwest and you’ll find Picayune in Pearl River County, a classic small Southern town with a friendly feel.
  • Stroll through the historic downtown with its older buildings and shops.
  • Check out local diners for homestyle cooking and sweet tea.
  • Look for nature areas or gardens around town if you want some quiet walking time.
This is the kind of place where you slow down, talk to locals, and maybe discover your new favorite hole-in-the-wall lunch spot.

8. Pearl River County Backroads – Scenic Drives & Country Views (Pearl River County, MS)

While you’re up around Picayune, take some time to explore the backroads of Pearl River County. It’s not one single attraction, but more of a vibe.
  • Enjoy rolling two-lane roads lined with trees and open fields.
  • Stop at roadside produce stands if you spot them, especially in warmer months.
  • Look for small churches and old cemeteries that tell the area’s story.
If you ever feel burned out by traffic and noise in Gulfport, a quiet country drive an hour inland can feel like a reset button.

9. Wiggins – Pine Forests, Fishing, and Country Eats (Stone County, MS)

About 40–50 minutes north of Gulfport on Highway 49, you’ll reach Wiggins in Stone County. It’s a good base for outdoor fun in the piney woods.
  • Explore nearby lakes and recreation areas for fishing, kayaking, or just sitting on the shore.
  • Drive through long stretches of pine forest that smell amazing after a rain.
  • Stop in town to try local spots that specialize in simple, hearty Southern food.
Think of this as your “get out of the humidity for a bit and head to the woods” trip. It’s still close to Gulfport, but the scenery feels completely different.

10. St. Bernard Parish – Louisiana Swamps and Fishing Villages (St. Bernard Parish, LA)

Head west toward New Orleans and drop south into St. Bernard Parish for a taste of Louisiana swamp life. From Gulfport, plan on about 1.5–2 hours, depending on your exact destination.
  • Drive through fishing communities and see a different side of Gulf Coast life.
  • Look for swamp tours or airboat tours offering close-up views of marshes and bayous.
  • Try fresh seafood at simple local spots where the day’s catch often goes straight to your plate.
If you’ve only seen New Orleans or the Mississippi coast, St. Bernard Parish gives you that “real Louisiana” feel—water, marsh grass, boats, and long, flat horizons.

Tips for Planning Your Gulfport Road Trips

  • Drive times: Most of these spots are between 30 minutes and 2 hours from Gulfport.
  • Best seasons: Spring and fall are ideal. Summer is fun but hot and humid, so bring water, sunscreen, and a hat.
  • Weather check: Always check the forecast, especially during hurricane season.
  • Local flavor: Ask locals where they eat. That’s usually where you’ll find the best food.
Whether you’re living in Gulfport or just visiting, these short road trips near Gulfport, MS give you a mix of beaches, nature, small towns, and Louisiana culture without burning a full tank of gas.

Share Your Favorite Road Trip From Gulfport

Have you taken any of these day trips from Gulfport?
  • Which stop was your favorite?
  • Did you find a great restaurant or quiet beach?
  • Do you know a hidden gem in Hancock, Jackson, Pearl River, Stone County, or St. Bernard Parish?
Drop your stories, questions, and tips in the comments—I’d love to hear where you’re heading next. If you found this guide helpful, please share it with a friend who’s planning a Gulfport getaway. The more we share these local spots, the more support we give to the small towns and coastal communities that make this corner of the Gulf Coast so special.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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