Deeply rooted in American history, unparalleled musical heritage, and gentle coastal breezes, Mississippi is a state that demands to be experienced slowly.
From the neon-lit casino resorts of the Gulf Coast to the fertile plains of the Delta where the blues was born, the Hospitality State offers travelers a profound look into the culture of the American South.
If you are mapping out an authentic Southern itinerary, we have added two incredible destinations to round out your travel checklist.
Here are the top 12 famous places to visit in Mississippi, what they are known for, and why they should top your travel list.
1. Biloxi
Sunsets, Shrimping, and Southern Gaming
Perched right on the shimmering waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Biloxi blends a rich maritime history with modern coastal luxury, making it one of the most vibrant resort towns in the South.
- What it is famous for: Its beautiful Gulf Coast beaches, lively 24-hour casino resorts, and the historic 1848 Biloxi Lighthouse. It is also deeply celebrated for its seafood heritage, serving up fresh gulf shrimp and oysters along the shoreline while offering incredible charter fishing excursions.
2. Natchez
Elegant Antebellum Architecture on the River
Perched high on the bluffs overlooking the mighty Mississippi River, Natchez feels like a town frozen in time. It holds one of the largest collections of preserved historic homes in the United States.
- What it is famous for: Its stunning antebellum homes (grand mansions built before the Civil War) like Stanton Hall and Longwood. Visitors love taking horse-drawn carriage tours through the historic district and enjoying the breathtaking, sweeping sunset views over the Mississippi River.
3. Jackson
The Capital of Culture and Civil Rights
As Mississippi’s state capital and largest city, Jackson—affectionately called the “City with Soul”—stands as a powerful beacon of American history, music, and political progress.
- What it is famous for: Housing the highly interactive Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and the adjacent Museum of Mississippi History. The city boasts a legendary live music scene, a portion of the Mississippi Blues Trail, and the historic State Capitol building, highlighting the state’s complex past and bright future.
4. Vicksburg National Military Park
A Turning Point in American History
Situated at the crucial convergence of the Mississippi and Yazoo rivers, Vicksburg preserves the hallowed ground of one of the most critical campaigns of the American Civil War.
- What it is famous for: Marking the site of the 47-day Siege of Vicksburg in 1863, which gave the Union control of the Mississippi River. The expansive park features over a thousand historic monuments, a vast national cemetery, and the remarkably salvaged USS Cairo, an authentic ironclad gunboat.
5. Gulfport
Family Fun and Pristine Coastlines
Right next door to Biloxi, Gulfport serves as Mississippi’s second-largest city and acts as the commercial and recreational hub of the state’s scenic 26-mile public beach coastline.
- What it is famous for: Its wide, white-sand relaxing beaches and family-friendly entertainment. It is home to the Mississippi Aquarium, the bustling Port of Gulfport, and serves as the primary departure point for ferry trips to Ship Island, a pristine barrier island with historic fortifications.
6. Oxford
Literary Legends and Small-Town Charm
Nestled in the rolling hills of North Mississippi, Oxford is a sophisticated college town bursting with creative energy, historic architecture, and deep intellectual roots.
- What it is famous for: Being the home of the prestigious University of Mississippi (“Ole Miss”) and the legendary Nobel Prize-winning author William Faulkner. Book lovers routinely tour Faulkner’s historic estate, Rowan Oak, and explore the independent bookstores flanking the vibrant, historic downtown square.
7. Tupelo
The Birthplace of the King
Located in the northeast corner of the state, Tupelo is a dynamic, welcoming community that has earned international fame as the starting point for a global cultural phenomenon.
- What it is famous for: Being the birthplace of Elvis Presley. Millions of music fans travel from across the globe to step inside the humble, two-room shotgun house where the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll was born in 1935, alongside an onsite Elvis museum and the historic church he attended as a boy.
8. Clarksdale
The Crossroads of Delta Blues
Deep in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, Clarksdale is the undisputed birthplace of the raw, acoustic musical style that fundamentally reshaped global popular music.
- What it is famous for: The legendary Crossroads (highways 61 and 49), where myth says bluesman Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil. It features the Delta Blues Museum, actor Morgan Freeman’s Ground Zero Blues Club, and authentic, rustic juke joints echoing with live guitar strings every single night.
9. Bay St. Louis
A Coastal Arts Haven
This artistic, bohemian beach community offers a quiet, laid-back alternative to the larger casino towns on the Eastern side of Mississippi’s coastline.
- What it is famous for: A highly walkable waterfront historic district bursting with eclectic art galleries, colorful boutiques, and fantastic open-air seafood restaurants. It is frequently recognized as one of the best coastal small towns in America for its community warmth and coastal views.
10. Laurel
Small-Town Restoration Sparkle
Located in the Pine Belt region of Southeast Mississippi, Laurel combines a rich turn-of-the-century timber history with a massive resurgence of modern Southern hospitality.
- What it is famous for: Its beautiful historic downtown and residential districts that have captured hearts worldwide on HGTV’s hit home renovation show, Home Town. Visitors love shopping for locally crafted goods at the Laurel Mercantile and admiring the stunning oak-lined avenues.
11. Ocean Springs
An Artistic Village Under the Live Oaks
Just across the bay from Biloxi lies Ocean Springs, a quaint, leafy coastal enclave celebrated for its vibrant creative community, lush landscapes, and historic charm.
- What it is famous for: Being an artistic haven defined by the legacy of famed American artist Walter Anderson. The town features the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, miles of tree-shaded streets packed with independent restaurants, craft breweries, and immediate access to the beautiful coastal marshes of the Gulf Islands National Seashore.
12. Corinth
A Historic Crossroads of the North
Tucked into the far northeast corner of the state, Corinth was one of the most strategically vital railroad junctions during the mid-19th century, making it a prize fought over fiercely by opposing armies.
- What it is famous for: Its immense Civil War heritage and historic crossroads. Visitors can explore the pristine Corinth Contraband Camp (which protected thousands of newly freed slaves) and the Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center. Afterward, travelers can grab a famous “slugburger”—a delicious, historic Depression-era local delicacy—at a classic downtown diner.
