Gautier, Mississippi Weekend Escapes: 10 Short Scenic Road Trips

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10 Easy Road Trips from Gautier, Mississippi: Fun Things To Do Just Beyond Jackson County

If you’re in Gautier, Mississippi and itching to get out of town for the day, you’re in a sweet spot. You’re close to beaches, pine forests, small towns, and even another state — all within a couple of hours’ drive. Below are 10 short out-of-county road trips from Gautier, focusing on nearby counties:
  • Mobile County, Alabama
  • George County, Mississippi
  • Harrison County, Mississippi
  • Stone County, Mississippi
Each trip idea is easy, low-stress, and perfect for a day or simple overnight getaway.

1. Explore the Historic Streets of Downtown Mobile, Alabama (Mobile County)

Looking for a change of scenery that still feels Southern and familiar? Point your car east and head to Mobile, AL, about an hour from Gautier, depending on traffic. In downtown Mobile you can:
  • Wander past colorful historic homes with iron balconies
  • Grab a coffee or beignet along Dauphin Street
  • Walk under giant live oaks dripping with Spanish moss
It has a laid-back New Orleans vibe, but it’s easier to navigate and less crowded. I still remember the first time I walked Dauphin Street on a Sunday morning — it was quiet, the air smelled like coffee and river breeze, and it felt like stepping into a slower time. Road trip tip: Park once near Dauphin Street and explore on foot. Downtown is compact enough to cover in a couple of hours.

2. Step Back in Time at Battleship Memorial Park (Mobile County, AL)

If you love history or have kids who are obsessed with ships and planes, this is a must-do road trip from Gautier. At USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, you can:
  • Walk the decks of the massive USS Alabama battleship
  • Crawl through the USS Drum submarine
  • Check out military aircraft and tanks on display
Be ready for lots of climbing and tight spaces. It’s a hands-on kind of visit, not a “stand and look” museum. Practical notes:
  • Wear comfy shoes — there are steep ladders and metal surfaces.
  • Bring water, especially in the summer. Metal decks + Southern heat = hot.
From Gautier, it’s an easy drive across I-10 into Mobile County, and the park is right off the interstate.

3. Enjoy Sun and Sand at Gulfport Beach (Harrison County, MS)

Want a classic Mississippi Gulf Coast beach day without staying overnight? Head west to Gulfport in Harrison County. Here you can:
  • Stroll along miles of white sand beach
  • Dip your toes in the Gulf of Mexico
  • Rent a chair or just toss down a towel and relax
  • Grab casual seafood along Highway 90
The vibe here is easygoing and family-friendly. It’s the kind of place where you can pack a cooler, an umbrella, and stay until sunset without much planning. Parking tip: Look for public parking areas along Highway 90. They’re usually just a short walk from the sand.

4. Try Your Luck and Entertainment in Biloxi (Harrison County, MS)

If you like a little more action with your coastal views, Biloxi is your spot. Things to do in Biloxi:
  • Visit one of the casinos for gaming, shows, or buffets
  • Walk the Biloxi Lighthouse area and beachfront
  • Hit the local seafood restaurants for fresh Gulf shrimp and oysters
Even if you’re not big on gambling, the casinos often have good concerts and restaurants. You can spend the day walking the waterfront, then settle in for dinner and a show. From Gautier, it’s a straight shot west on I-10 or Highway 90, making Biloxi an easy evening or weekend road trip.

5. Go Wild at Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport (Harrison County, MS)

Traveling with kids or just love marine life? Put the Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport on your list. Here you can:
  • Walk through underwater viewing tunnels
  • See sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles up close
  • Learn about Gulf Coast marine conservation
It’s a great rainy-day backup plan if your beach day gets washed out. And because it’s not a huge aquarium, you can see everything in a few hours without feeling rushed. Make a full day of it: Pair the aquarium with a walk on Gulfport Beach or an early seafood dinner nearby.

6. Disconnect in Nature at Flint Creek Water Park (Stone County, MS)

If you’re more into trees and lakes than waves and sand, head north to Stone County and spend the day at Flint Creek Water Park. What you’ll find:
  • A large lake for fishing and paddling
  • Picnic areas and grills
  • Swimming areas (seasonal)
  • Cabins and camping if you want to stay overnight
It’s a peaceful escape from the busier Gulf Coast. Picture tall pines, quiet water, and the smell of campfire smoke in the air. If you’ve been stuck in traffic along Highway 90 a lot lately, this kind of quiet, shady park feels like a complete reset.

7. Explore the De Soto National Forest Backroads (Stone County, MS)

Another great nature-filled road trip from Gautier is exploring the De Soto National Forest areas that stretch into Stone County. In this pine-filled landscape you can:
  • Drive scenic forest roads
  • Hike short trails (check local maps for options)
  • Pack a picnic and find a peaceful spot to relax
The forest is perfect if you just want to breathe fresh air and listen to birds instead of traffic. It’s not a theme park — it’s more of a “make your own adventure” kind of place. Practical tip: Cell service can be spotty in some forest areas, so download maps before you go and keep an eye on your gas tank.

8. Small-Town Stroll in Lucedale (George County, MS)

If you enjoy simple, slower-paced trips, drive north into George County and visit the town of Lucedale. While it’s not a big tourist hotspot, it does offer:
  • A classic small-town downtown area with local shops
  • Friendly diners and cafes
  • A chance to wander without crowds or noise
This is the kind of road trip you take when you want to get out of Gautier but don’t need a major attraction. Sometimes, just sipping a sweet tea in a new little café can feel like a vacation all by itself.

9. Fish and Paddle the Pascagoula River Area Near George County

While the Pascagoula River flows near your home base in Jackson County, you can drive up toward George County and explore quieter stretches and nearby launch spots just outside your own county. Things to do:
  • Bring or rent a kayak or canoe to paddle calm sections of the river system
  • Try fishing for local freshwater species
  • Watch for birds and wildlife along the banks
If you enjoy peaceful water and you’re okay getting a little sun, this makes for a relaxing day trip. Just remember sunscreen, bug spray, and a dry bag for your phone.

10. Day Trip to Dauphin Island, Alabama (Mobile County)

For a coastal adventure that feels like another world, drive through Mobile County and on to Dauphin Island, Alabama. On this barrier island you can:
  • Visit Dauphin Island beaches for a more natural, less built-up shoreline
  • Walk the Audubon Bird Sanctuary trails
  • Check out historic Fort Gaines
The island has a slower, almost “end of the road” vibe that’s different from busy resort towns. It’s a great choice if you like nature, photography, or simply quiet waves and open sky. Driving note: You’ll cross a long bridge to reach the island. It’s scenic, but if you’re nervous about bridges, plan for that.

Making the Most of Road Trips from Gautier

Living in or visiting Gautier, MS means you’re close to:
  • Historic cities in Mobile County, AL
  • Beaches, casinos, and family attractions in Harrison County, MS
  • Lakes, forests, and campgrounds in Stone County, MS
  • Quiet small towns and river access in George County, MS
You don’t need a week off or a big budget. Many of these places are an hour or less away, perfect for a simple Saturday road trip. So, which one will you try first — Biloxi’s bright lights, Gulfport’s beaches, Mobile’s history, or the forests of Stone County?

Share Your Favorite Road Trips from Gautier

I’d love to hear from you:
  • Have you taken any of these road trips from Gautier?
  • Do you have a hidden gem in Mobile, Harrison, Stone, or George County that locals should know about?
Drop your tips and stories in the comments so other travelers can discover new places too. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends and family who are looking for easy day trips near Gautier, Mississippi. Your shares and comments help keep guides like this going!
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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