Ultimate Guide To Experiencing The Mississippi Gulf Coast, The Pearl In An Oyster

Spanning a total of 12 cities along the Gulf of Mexico, the Mississippi Gulf Coast is like a glistening pearl inside an oyster that has yet to be discovered. While each of these cities has its own unique characteristic - from the charming Bay St. Louis to the beachfront Biloxi - one thing about the Mississippi Gulf Coast remains consistent across all cities: its perfect blend of natural beauty with exhilarating activities and genuine Southern hospitality will make you want to visit the region over and over again.

How to Get to Mississippi Gulf Coast

Located between Mobile and New Orleans, Mississippi Gulf Coast can be best reached from the nearby Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport, the hub for those traveling from afar. The airport serves three major airlines including American Airlines, Delta, and United with direct flights to Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, and Houston. You can also take a scenic, 1-hour drive along the coast from New Orleans to the west or Mobile to the east.

Where to Stay on the Mississippi Gulf Coast

Suite-style lodging at the South Beach Biloxi Hotel & Suites

Sonheim Photography

While there are several casinos and mega hotels lined up along Beach Blvd. in Biloxi, opt for the cozy yet spacious South Beach Biloxi Hotel & Suites for a suite-style, family-friendly lodging. As Biloxi’s only hotel located directly on the beach, this all-suite hotel offers a breathtaking, panoramic view of the gulf from the balcony where you can watch the sun rise or catch a sunset. Some suites are also equipped with a full kitchen, washer and dryer, and other amenities to provide a feel of being at home.

What to Do on Mississippi Gulf Coast

Revive the rich history at Beauvoir

J.D.R. Hawkins

A former home of Jefferson Davis, the only President of the Confederate States of America, the beautifully restored Beauvoir is a majestic, 51-acre estate that features a rose garden, confederate soldiers’ cemetery, nature trails, and the Presidential Library. Revive the rich history of the American South by visiting the gulf-facing, National Historic Landmark where Jefferson Davis once wrote his memoirs.

Discover the coast from a new perspective withPaddles Up

Whether you are a newbie or an experienced paddle boarder, you can be at one with the water when you take a stand up paddle boarding or a yoga session with Paddles Up, which offers lessons, rentals, and retail in stand up paddle boards and accessories. Row out to the gentle gulf on a paddle board, where you can test your balance and strengthen your core, all the while discovering the beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast from a whole new perspective.

Tour a craft brewery at Chandeleur Brewing Company

Started by twin brothers Cain and Cam Roberds, Chandeleur Brewing Companyoffers tour and tasting at its brewery located in downtown Gulfport. With the purchase of a ticket, you can get a behind-the-scenes look at craft brewing and sample delicious beers made using the freshest malted barley, hops, and local ingredients. Try a sample of Surfside Wheat Ale, which has an interesting flavor profile of spicy Germany hops and fresh pineapple juice, or Curlew’s Toasted Coconut Porter, which is infused with a touch of coconut.

Enjoy the natural beauty of Deer Island

Bask in the natural beauty of Mississippi Gulf Coast by taking a quick boat ride or kayaking toDeer Island, which is located just a quarter mile away from the shore. Boasting rich resources and wildlife with beautifully conserved walking trails managed by theDepartment of Marine Resources, Deer Island recently welcomed a new, 170-foot pier on its north side to expand public access to the island and to promote eco-tourism on Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Learn about the Sea Life at the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum

With the mission of preserving the maritime history and heritage of Mississippi Gulf Coast, the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts and photographs that focus on the wealthy sea life in the region. The newly built, three-floor museum features an array of exhibits that ranges from charter boats to shrimping to net making, as well as valuable artifacts like the original Ship Island lighthouse lens and the U.S.S. Biloxi bell.

Get pampered at Senses Spa and Salon

IP Casino Resort

Rejuvenate your mind and body at Senses Spa and Salon at the IP Casino Resort in Biloxi. Indulge in spa treatments inspired by nature, including a full body massage based on traditional Swedish techniques of long strokes that soothe muscles and increase blood flow. Additionally, the spa offers a complete facial, manicure, and even a special treatment designed for men. You can also enjoy a relaxing sauna or work out at its state-of-the-art gym before your treatment.

Where to Dine on Mississippi Gulf Coast

Sweet and savory biscuits at The Greenhouse on Porter

The Greenhouse on Porter, a quaint cafe on the quiet west end of Porter Avenue in Ocean Springs, specializes in delectable, homemade biscuits (plain or sweet potato) with a rotating menu of special biscuits, such as onion biscuit roasted with cheddar and mushrooms or Louisiana strawberry biscuit with ricotta and citrus marmalade. Top it off with various fixin like pimento cheese, seasonal fruit jam, honey butter, or goat cheese fluff, and add a cup of pour over coffee for the perfect way to start your morning.

Innovative blend of cuisines at Corks & Cleaver

A Gulfport native, Chef David Dickensauge of Corks & Cleaver has worked at highly acclaimed restaurants across the country - from New York to Chicago to Miami - before packing his knives back to his roots to introduce the Deep South to his culinary ingenuity. Sourcing only the freshest ingredients, Corks & Cleaver highlights a creative menu with items that seamlessly fuses cuisines from around the world, including tuna poke over a bed of seaweed and edamame salad with kimchi puree and duck confit beignets with bok choy kimchi, smoked date marmalade, and cayenne powder sugar.

Seasonal menu with local ingredients at Vestige Restaurant

Featuring a constantly evolving menu that highlights local, seasonal ingredients,Vestige Restaurant in Ocean Springs serves modern American cuisine with a Southern flair. Start your meal with a couple small plates to share, including the tender, slow cooked pork cheeks over local rice risotto or house-made orecchiette pasta with garlic cream and parmigiano-reggiano. Highlights from the main course includes juicy, sous-vide pork chop with seasonal vegetables and pan-roasted fresh catch of the day with purple sweet potatoes.

Upscale dining in a historic house at Mary Mahoney’s

Located in the historic Old French House built in 1737, Mary Mahoney’s provides an upscale dining experience in one of the oldest homes in the U.S. Satisfy your hunger with the ultimate surf and turf menu of stuffed snapper, lobster, and filet mignon while enjoying the elegant ambiance of high ceilings, exposed brick walls, and open fireplaces. Don’t forget to leave room for Mary Mahoney’s famous bread pudding with rum sauce.

Island-style, patio dining with gulf view at Shaggy’s

With three locations across Mississippi Gulf Coast, Shaggy’s is a favorite spot among locals and tourists alike. This family-friendly, beachfront restaurant offers fresh seafood, burgers, and drinks on a colorful patio with a stunning view of the gulf. Enjoy shareable appetizers like fried green tomatoes topped with house-made remoulade and crab meat or blackened shrimp or a platter of boiled, cajun-spiced crawfish. Beach tacos with an assortment of seafood or meat selections like blackened mahi, fried oyster, or pulled pork enhance Shaggy’s lively, island ambiance.

Finger-licking, authentic Southern barbecue at Murky Waters BBQ

Get ready to use all 10 fingers while enjoying authentic, Southern barbecue at Murky Waters BBQ. Murky Waters smokes everything from tender brisket to fall-off-the-bones ribs for an ultimate BBQ experience. Try three different types of homemade BBQ sauces, including regular (sweet), spicy, and vinegar, and mix + match different sides like baked beans, fried okra, and sweet potato fries to create the perfect meal. The restaurant also hosts some of the south’s most renowned Blues musicians.

Ultimate Guide To Experiencing New Orleans Beyond Mardi Gras

Everyone knows about Mardi Gras, but New Orleans offers so much more to do, eat, and see beyond this annual festival. Laissez les bon temps roulez!

Best Ways to Tour New Orleans

John Elk / Getty Images

While New Orleans prides in being a walkable city, there are multiple unique ways other than by foot to explore the city.

Board a Streetcar

Board the city’s historic streetcar that costs just $1.25 per ride. You can also purchase the discount Jazzy Pass, which is good for unlimited ride for $3 a day. The streetcars make a stop at all key destinations throughout the city.

Ride a Mule-Drawn Carriage

Ride a friendly mule-drawn carriage with a knowledgeable driver who will guide you through New Orleans. Both romantic and family-friendly, the mule-drawn carriage, which you can reserve with a company that has been around since 1941, will surely provide a memorable experience.

Relax on a Pedicab

Relax on the back of a three-wheeled pedicab that maneuvers through even the narrowest alleyways. The manually powered pedicab, which has a maximum capacity of two people per vehicle, operates on the streets of the city with retractable canvas roofs to protect you from rain or sun.

Hop on a Double-Decker Bus

Hop on and off the iconic, red double-decker bus that frequently rolls through top destinations like Jackson Square, French Market, and the Arts District. In addition to getting you to your desired destination, the tour includes a live guide narration and many deals & discounts at local shops when you present your ticket.

Glide on a Segway

Glide effortlessly through the historic streets of the French Quarter, the spooky cemeteries, and the breathtaking Mississippi River Front via the most fun and efficient transportation - Segway! The two- or three-hours guided tour offers unique local stories and fantastic photo opportunities…all on your favorite two-wheeler.

Best Place to Stay in New Orleans

Hyatt Regency in New Orleans

Hyatt Regency

Perfect location, state-of-the-art amenities, and top hospitality: Hyatt Regency in New Orleans has got it all. Situated in the heart of Downtown and located just minutes from the French Quarter, the Garden District, and the Warehouse District, Hyatt Regency in New Orleans offers the best blends of activities for those traveling for leisure or business. The majestic, high-tech hotel - equipped with nearly 1,200 guest rooms - features button free elevators for efficiency, swimming pool and 24-hour gym, relaxing spa, and a variety of restaurants and bars serving everything from barbecue to sushi.

Enjoy a breathtaking, panoramic view of the cityscape from your spacious room or suites. The modern interior of the room infuses southern elegance. Each room is equipped with Smart TV’s for an all day entertainment. Don’t forget to start your day at the 8 Block Kitchen & Bar to indulge in a delicious assortment of breakfast pastries, artisanal meat & cheese board, freshly made smoothies, and make-your-own omelets.

Best Places to Eat and Drink

Jazz Brunch at The Court of Two Sisters

Get the best of both worlds - live music and tasty food - when you attend the daily Jazz Brunch at The Court of Two Sisters. Located in the heart of the French Quarter, The Court of Two Sisters offers scrumptious Jazz Brunch that includes an impressive buffet selections of traditional brunch items with Southern and Creole influence. The made-to-order omelets includes options like seafood omelet stuffed with crawfish and shrimp. Sample other traditional New Orleans cuisines like Creole jambalaya and Chicken & Andouille Gumbo, all the while enjoying live jazz music.

Decadent Beignets at Cafe Du Monde

A must stop in New Orleans, Cafe Du Monde specializes in warm beignets (a French donut) with fluffy, pillow-y center and crispy exterior. Operating since 1862, Cafe Du Monde is open 24 hours to indulge those early-risers as well as late party-goers. These decadent, square-shaped doughnuts are topped with a generous amount of powdered sugar. Pair it with chocolate milk or coffee, and see who can get the most powdered sugar on their lips

Comfort Food at Mother’s Restaurant

Experience the ultimate comfort of home-cooked meals at Mother’s Restaurant, a New Orleans culinary landmark that opened its doors in 1938. Having served as a local hang-out place for the U.S. Marine Corps during and after WWII, Mother’s is famous for its expansive menu of traditional breakfast fares (i.e. buttermilk biscuit, grits, and pancakes) that are served all day, as well as the world famous juicy baked ham, an assortment of po’ boys, and big plates of Creole favorites like jambalaya or crawfish etouffee served with a choice of two hearty sides.

Elegant Dinner at Brennan’s Restaurant

Brennan’s Restaurant

Celebrating its 70th anniversary, Brennan’s recently reopened after undergoing an $18 million renovation. The family-owned and -operated restaurant highlights the culinary creativity of James Beard Award finalist Chef Slade Rushing, who infuses an innovate flair to the traditional Creole cuisine. You can bask in the elegant yet whimsical and colorful dining room while enjoying signature dishes like BBQ Lobster, Vadouvan Spiced Black Drum, and - of course - the famous Bananas Foster that is made at the tableside.

Shareable Plates at Shaya

The bustling dining scene in the Big Easy is certainly not limited to Creole, Southern food. Shaya, an upscale, modern Israeli restaurant, draws influence from a region rich in diversity of cuisine and culture (i.e. Middle East, Eastern Europe, and North Africa) to prepare delicious food that also celebrates the fresh, seasonal ingredients of Louisiana. The “For the Table” option featuring 3 to 5 dips and garnishes like baba ganoush, tabouleh, and Moroccan carrots are perfect for sharing, and pairs well with Shaya’s warm, wood-fired pita. Other items like a small plate of Crispy Halloumi and Roasted Cabbage are a must.

Eclectic Cuisine at Vitascope Hall

Catch up with friends or watch sports on the big screen at Vitascope Hall, a modern and casual restaurant + bar named after the world’s first for-profit movie theater in New Orleans. At Vitascope Hall, you can pair high-tech entertainment system with trendy food items and delicious cocktails. Try everything from homemade potato chips and fried oyster po’ boy to fresh sashimi and sushi rolls.

Hand-Crafted Cocktails at Public Belt

Relax in a warm ambiance with live piano music at Public Belt, a recently opened cocktail lounge at Hilton New Orleans Riverside. Named after the iconic railroad of the early 20th century, Public Belt features candle-lit rooms and intimate nooks to provide a mystique vibe of the prohibition era in a contemporary setting. Sip on hand-crafted, classic NOLA cocktails, such as the Hurricane concocted with dark rum, passion fruit syrup, fresh lime and orange juice, and cherry, while enjoying great company and live music.

Best Places to Visit in New Orleans

French Quarter

Take a free, self-guided tour of the historic French Quarter. As the cultural epicenter and the oldest neighborhood in the city, the French Quarter is home to numerous historic landmarks, colorful architecture, and lively music venues. Don’t miss sights like the 222-year-old St. Louis Cathedral, bars lined up on Bourbon Street, as well as antique shops and galleries.

Louisiana State Museums

Showcasing the unique history and traditions of New Orleans, the consortium ofLouisiana Sate Museums include nine landmark properties like the Cabildo, Presbytere, Old US Mint, and the 1950 House. Each museum has its own distinct characteristics, ranging from the elegant, Spanish colonial building Cabildo that houses rare artifacts of America’s history to the 1850 House where visitors have the chance to glimpse into the lifestyle of the 17th century.

Mardi Gras World

It’s Mardi Gras all year long at Mardi Gras World. Embark on a festive journey at this warehouse where you can get a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Mardi Gras floats and costumes. In addition to getting close and personal with the colorful floats, visitors can also watch a short video about the history of this beloved festival, get a chance to don authentic Mardi Gras costumes, and have a bite of the famous King Cake.

The National World War II Museum

Home to an impressive collection of World War II memorabilia, recordings, and artifacts, the massive National WWII Museum is a destination worth spending the whole day. Starting from D-Day, the museum highlights many important aspects of the war that are complemented by the oral recordings of war participants. With an additional fee, you can experience the “Beyond All Boundaries” 4-D movie, which is narrated by Tom Hanks.

Longue Vue House and Gardens

Bask in the beauty of the elaborate garden and elegant mansion at the Longue Vue House and Gardens. This breathtaking estate, designated as a National Historic Landmark, features a classical, revival-style mansion surrounded by eight acres of garden inspired by the Gardens of the Alhambra in Spain. Beautiful both inside and out, the mansion - built by the late philanthropists Edgar Bloom Stern and his wife Edith Rosenwald Stern - is filled with a diverse collection of antiques, pottery, carpets, and needlework.