Picayune, Mississippi Weekend Escapes: 10 Easy Short Road Trips

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10 Easy Out‑of‑County Road Trips Near Picayune, Mississippi

If you live in Picayune, Mississippi and feel like you’ve “done it all” around town, a short road trip can be the perfect reset. The good news? You’re surrounded by fun places in Louisiana and Mississippi that are close enough for a simple day trip, but different enough to feel like a real getaway. Below are 10 short out‑of‑county road trips from Picayune, focused on nearby areas in:
  • St. Tammany Parish, LA
  • Washington Parish, LA
  • Forrest County, MS
  • Hancock County, MS
  • Harrison County, MS
  • Lamar County, MS
  • Marion County, MS
  • Stone County, MS
All of these are outside Pearl River County, so you can truly say you “got out of town” for the day.

1. Stroll the Lakefront & Old Mandeville – St. Tammany Parish, LA

Drive about 45–55 minutes south from Picayune and you’ll hit Old Mandeville, tucked along the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain in St. Tammany Parish. What makes it special? It feels like a small coastal town, minus the big crowds. You can:
  • Walk or bike along the lakefront and watch the sailboats
  • Grab coffee or brunch at one of the local cafés
  • Wander through boutiques and antique shops
  • Relax in the shade under live oaks dripping with Spanish moss
I still remember the first time I stepped out of the car in Old Mandeville — there was this mix of lake breeze and barbecue smoke in the air. It felt like summer vacation, even though I was home in time for dinner. If you want to stretch your legs, hop on the Tammany Trace, a paved trail that runs right through town. It’s great for a casual bike ride, family walk, or even rollerblading if you’re feeling nostalgic.

2. Kayak Bayous & Spot Wildlife in Lacombe – St. Tammany Parish, LA

While you’re already in St. Tammany, another short hop takes you to the Lacombe area, about an hour from Picayune. Here you can explore the bayous and marshes that make Louisiana so famous. Consider:
  • Booking a guided kayak tour through cypress-lined bayous
  • Looking for gators, turtles, and tons of birds
  • Snapping photos of mossy trees and mirror‑calm water
If you’re not a hardcore outdoor person, don’t worry. Most tours are slow and beginner‑friendly. Think of it like floating through a nature documentary—just with sunscreen and bug spray. This is a great road trip from Picayune if you want something peaceful but still a little adventurous.

3. Family Fun at Global Wildlife Center – Folsom, St. Tammany Parish, LA

Need something that kids (and kids at heart) will love? Head about an hour west to Global Wildlife Center near Folsom in St. Tammany Parish. This place is basically a drive‑through safari, but you ride on big open‑air wagons. You can:
  • Feed giraffes right from the wagon
  • See zebras, camels, and all kinds of exotic animals roaming free
  • Learn a bit about conservation from the guides
Bring a hat, some water, and a camera with plenty of storage. Kids usually lose their minds (in the best way) when a giraffe leans in for a snack. For families in Picayune, this is one of the easiest “wow factor” day trips you can do without driving all day.

4. Tube the Bogue Chitto River – Washington Parish, LA

When the weather heats up, locals know the drill: grab a tube and head to the Bogue Chitto River in Washington Parish, Louisiana. Depending on where you put in, it’s usually around an hour or so from Picayune. Outfitters along the river make it simple:
  • Rent tubes, kayaks, or canoes
  • Get shuttled to the starting point
  • Float back down to your car
It’s slow, lazy, and incredibly relaxing. Picture a moving picnic. You float, chat, splash around, and stop on sandbars when you feel like it. Just remember:
  • Wear sturdy sandals or water shoes
  • Bring sunscreen and a dry bag
  • Check water levels and river conditions before you go
If you’ve been asking yourself, “What’s something different to do near Picayune on a hot weekend?”—this is a great answer.

5. Soak Up Beach Vibes in Bay St. Louis – Hancock County, MS

Head south about 40–50 minutes and you’ll hit Bay St. Louis in Hancock County, one of the Gulf Coast’s most charming small towns. This is a perfect out‑of‑county road trip if you want:
  • Sandy beaches along the Mississippi Sound
  • Colorful shops and galleries in Old Town
  • Fresh seafood with a water view
  • A laid‑back, artsy vibe
You can park once and spend the whole day walking:
  • Stroll the Beach Boulevard area
  • Check out local art and coastal décor stores
  • Grab a po’boy, shrimp tacos, or oysters on the half shell
If you time it right, Bay St. Louis often has festivals, live music, and “Second Saturday” art events, which make the town feel like one big block party.

6. Casino Lights & Coastal Views in Gulfport & Biloxi – Harrison County, MS

Sometimes you want a little more buzz—bright lights, bigger crowds, and more choices. In that case, drive about 1–1.5 hours from Picayune to the Gulfport–Biloxi area in Harrison County. Here you’ll find:
  • Casinos with gaming, concerts, and buffets
  • Long stretches of Gulf Coast beaches
  • The Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport
  • Fishing charters and boat tours
You don’t have to gamble to enjoy the area. You can:
  • Take a sunset walk along the sand
  • Grab ice cream or snowballs near the beach
  • Watch shrimp boats and pelicans from the pier
This is a good choice if you want more options for dining and nightlife but still stay within a comfortable drive from Picayune.

7. Hattiesburg’s Downtown & Hidden Foodie Spots – Forrest County, MS

About an hour and fifteen minutes north of Picayune is Hattiesburg in Forrest County. It has a fun, college‑town energy thanks to the University of Southern Mississippi. What to do on a Hattiesburg day trip:
  • Walk around downtown Hattiesburg and check out murals
  • Browse local shops and record stores
  • Try one of the many local restaurants—from barbecue to international food
  • Visit the Hattiesburg Zoo if you’re traveling with kids
Hattiesburg has a surprisingly strong food scene. On one of my visits, I stopped at a small, no‑frills place that served some of the best fried chicken I’ve ever had. That’s the fun of this city—half the adventure is stumbling onto hidden gems. If you’re into trails, the Longleaf Trace runs through the area and is perfect for biking or a long walk.

8. Nature Time in Paul B. Johnson State Park – Forrest County / Near Stone County Line

If you’d rather trade shops and restaurants for pine trees and lake views, head to Paul B. Johnson State Park, south of Hattiesburg, about 1–1.5 hours from Picayune. Here you can:
  • Walk easy nature trails
  • Have a picnic under the pines
  • Fish or rent a small boat on the lake
  • Let the kids burn energy on the playgrounds
This park sits not far from Stone County, and the whole area has that quiet, forested feel. If you want a low‑stress day trip near Picayune where you can unplug, this is a solid pick. Tip: Pack a cooler with sandwiches and snacks so you don’t have to leave once you settle into a shady picnic spot.

9. Columbia & the Pearl River Bluffs – Marion County, MS

About an hour northwest of Picayune, Columbia in Marion County offers a small‑town riverfront escape along the Pearl River. Why go?
  • Walk along the river and enjoy the scenic bluffs
  • Hit local shops and eateries in town
  • Visit riverfront parks for picnics or photos
During certain times of year, Columbia hosts seasonal attractions like a big Christmas lights display downtown. If you time your trip with an event, you get that extra “holiday movie” feel—twinkling lights, hot cocoa, and small‑town charm just a short drive from home. Even on a regular weekend, though, Columbia is calm and pretty, especially if you love river views.

10. Lumberton & De Soto National Forest Adventures – Lamar & Stone Counties, MS

For a real dose of pine woods and fresh air, point your car toward Lumberton, sitting near the line between Lamar and Pearl River Counties, and then continue into the surrounding De Soto National Forest and Stone County area. Within about an hour or so of Picayune, you can:
  • Hike forest trails under tall pines
  • Look for creeks and small swimming holes
  • Enjoy birdwatching and quiet back roads
De Soto National Forest is huge, so you can pick a trail that fits your comfort level—anything from a short stroll to a longer day hike. Think of it as your giant backyard playground, just outside your own county. If you’re craving a break from screens and city noise, this is one of the best quick escapes near Picayune.

Tips for Planning Your Picayune Road Trips

To make these out‑of‑county adventures smooth and stress‑free, keep a few simple tips in mind:
  • Check drive times: Most of these spots are 40 minutes to 1.5 hours away.
  • Watch the weather: Summer storms and coastal winds can change plans fast.
  • Bring basics: Sunscreen, bug spray, a hat, and plenty of water.
  • Call ahead: For tours, rentals, or seasonal attractions, it’s smart to confirm hours.
You don’t have to plan every detail. Part of the fun of living near Picayune is that you can wake up on a Saturday, glance at the sky, and say, “Beach or woods today?” and just go.

Ready to Explore Beyond Picayune?

Living in Picayune puts you in a sweet spot—close to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, near the bayous of Louisiana, and within easy reach of forests, rivers, beaches, and small towns. From:
  • Strolling Old Mandeville’s lakefront
  • Floating the Bogue Chitto River
  • Hitting the beaches in Bay St. Louis and Gulfport
  • Exploring Hattiesburg’s food scene
  • Hiking in De Soto National Forest
…you’ve got plenty of options for quick, memorable getaways—no plane ticket required. Now I’d love to hear from you:
  • Which of these day trips from Picayune sounds best to you?
  • Do you have a favorite hidden spot in any of these parishes or counties?
Drop a comment with your go‑to road trip ideas near Picayune, or share your latest adventure story. And if you know someone who’s always saying “there’s nothing to do around here,” go ahead and share this post with them—they might change their mind after a couple of these trips.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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