Pascagoula, Mississippi: 10 Best Things To Do Nearby

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10 Fun Things To Do In And Around Pascagoula, Mississippi

Pascagoula, Mississippi might not be the first place that pops into your mind when you think “Gulf Coast getaway,” but it honestly should be. This laid-back town in Jackson County sits right on the water, has a rich shipbuilding history, and offers easy access to beaches, bayous, and charming small‑town spots. If you’re planning a road trip along the Mississippi Gulf Coast or looking for a weekend escape from New Orleans, Mobile, or even Atlanta, here are 10 things to do in and near Pascagoula that are worth your time.

1. Stroll The Pascagoula Beachfront Promenade

If you do only one thing in Pascagoula, make it this. The Pascagoula Beachfront Promenade is a long, paved walkway that runs along the shoreline. You get wide-open views of the Mississippi Sound, salty air, and plenty of spots to stop and just watch the waves.
  • Walk, jog, or bike along the path
  • Check out the small sandy stretches and piers
  • Bring a folding chair and relax at sunset
On a calm evening, the water turns shades of pink and orange. I remember one walk where the dolphins were surfacing just offshore like they were putting on a show for everyone on the path. It’s simple, but that’s the charm. SEO tip for trip planners: If you’re searching online, look up “Pascagoula Beachfront Promenade parking” to find the easiest access points.

2. Visit The Round Island Lighthouse

You can’t talk about things to do in Pascagoula without mentioning the Round Island Lighthouse. Originally built offshore on Round Island, this historic lighthouse was moved to the mainland after hurricane damage. Now it stands near Beach Park as a symbol of the city’s coastal past. Why stop here?
  • It’s a great photo spot with a classic Gulf Coast vibe
  • You get a feel for the area’s maritime history
  • It’s an easy add-on after a walk on the promenade
If you enjoy lighthouses along the USA Gulf Coast, this one makes a nice checkmark on your list.

3. Explore Pascagoula River Audubon Center

About 10–15 minutes from downtown Pascagoula, in the small town of Moss Point, you’ll find the Pascagoula River Audubon Center. It sits on the Pascagoula River, often called the “last large, free‑flowing river system” in the lower 48 states. Even if you’re not a hardcore birder, this place is peaceful and worth a visit. What you can do:
  • Walk the boardwalks over marshes and bayous
  • Look for herons, egrets, ospreys, and other coastal birds
  • Check out small exhibits on local wildlife
  • Launch a kayak or join a guided tour if available
The river feels wild in a way that’s getting rare in the U.S. Gulf Coast. You’re just a few miles from the highway, but it can feel like another world.

4. Take A Boat Or Kayak Tour On The Pascagoula River

If you really want to experience the area, get out on the water. Several local outfitters offer Pascagoula River boat tours, swamp tours, or kayak rentals. Depending on your comfort level, you can:
  • Join a guided swamp tour on a small boat
  • Rent a kayak and paddle through calm bayous
  • Look for gators, turtles, birds, and old cypress trees
Gliding between cypress trunks draped in Spanish moss feels like paddling through a movie set. It’s that classic Deep South river scenery people imagine when they think of Mississippi. If you’re traveling with kids or aren’t used to paddling, ask about shorter, beginner‑friendly routes. Guides are usually happy to match the trip to your comfort level.

5. Relax At Beach Park In Pascagoula

Beach Park is one of the easiest places to hang out if you just want a low‑key day near the water. The park offers:
  • Green space with shade trees
  • Playground areas for kids
  • Picnic tables and pavilions
  • Easy access to the Beachfront Promenade
You can bring a cooler, spread out a blanket, and make an afternoon of it. On some weekends and holidays, you might catch local events, festivals, or live music. It’s a very “small-town USA on the water” kind of scene.

6. Walk Through Historic Downtown Pascagoula

Downtown Pascagoula isn’t huge, but it has a growing mix of local spots that make it fun to wander for an hour or two. Things to look for:
  • Locally owned restaurants serving Gulf Coast seafood
  • Casual bars with live music on some nights
  • Small shops and boutiques
  • Public art and murals that show off Pascagoula’s history
If you like supporting local businesses when you travel, this is a good place to do it. Grab a plate of shrimp, a burger, or some Southern comfort food, and then stroll around. Parking is usually pretty easy compared to bigger coastal cities.

7. Step Into History At The LaPointe–Krebs House & Museum

Just outside Pascagoula in Gautier, you’ll find the LaPointe–Krebs House, often called the oldest standing building in Mississippi. It dates back to the mid‑1700s and sits right on a quiet bayou. Why visit?
  • Learn about early French and Spanish settlement along the coast
  • See an example of old Gulf Coast architecture
  • Enjoy peaceful water views and open grounds
If you enjoy historic homes and you’re curious about how people lived here long before highways and shipyards, this site adds some depth to your trip.

8. Visit Shepard State Park In Gautier

About 15–20 minutes from Pascagoula, Shepard State Park offers a nice mix of woods, water, and camping in Jackson County. At this Mississippi state park, you can:
  • Hike or bike on wooded trails
  • Play disc golf
  • Camp overnight in tents or RVs
  • Look for deer, birds, and other wildlife
If you’re doing a Gulf Coast road trip and want a more budget‑friendly stop than a beachfront hotel, camping here and day‑tripping into Pascagoula can work well. It gives you the best of both worlds—nature and the coast—within a short drive.

9. Tour Nearby Biloxi & Ocean Springs For A Day Trip

One of the best things about Pascagoula is how close it is to other Gulf Coast towns. If you’re based in Pascagoula, you can easily head west along Highway 90 for a day. Within about 30–45 minutes, you can reach:
  • Ocean Springs – a charming artsy town with galleries, boutiques, and great restaurants.
  • Biloxi – known for its casinos, big-name shows, museums, and longer stretches of beach.
You can spend the morning in Pascagoula—maybe walking the promenade or visiting the lighthouse—then drive over to Ocean Springs for lunch and end the day in Biloxi, watching the sunset on the beach or trying your luck at a casino. It’s a nice way to experience different flavors of the Mississippi Gulf Coast from one home base.

10. Enjoy Fresh Gulf Seafood Around Jackson County

Pascagoula is at the heart of a working Gulf Coast region, and that means one thing: seafood
  • Fried shrimp and oysters
  • Po’boys loaded with seafood or roast beef
  • Grilled fish straight from the Gulf
  • Seasonal crab and, if you hit the right time of year, crawfish boils
    • There’s something special about eating seafood a few miles from where it was caught. No fancy dress code, just good food and cold sweet tea (or a cold beer if that’s your style). Ask locals where they like to go—those are usually the best spots.

    Is Pascagoula Worth A Stop On Your Gulf Coast Trip?

    If you’re driving along the I‑10 corridor or taking a slow cruise on Highway 90, Pascagoula, Mississippi is absolutely worth a stop. It’s quieter than some other coastal cities, but that’s part of the appeal. You get:
    • Relaxed beaches and waterfront walks
    • Access to wild coastal rivers and bayous
    • Small‑town charm with real local flavor
    • Easy day trips to other Mississippi Gulf Coast hot spots
    Whether you’re into birdwatching, history, kayaking, or just sitting by the water with a good cup of coffee, you’ll find something here that fits.

    Share Your Pascagoula Experience

    Planning a trip to the Mississippi Gulf Coast? Or have you already spent time in Pascagoula or Jackson County?
    • Which spot on this list are you most excited to visit?
    • Did I miss one of your favorite things to do near Pascagoula?
    Drop a comment and share your tips, stories, or questions. Your experience might help someone else plan their first visit. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends or family who are planning a USA road trip along the Gulf Coast. The more people discover places like Pascagoula, the more these small coastal communities can thrive.
    Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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