1

Visit Biloxi Lighthouse

Biloxi Lighthouse is one of the city's most recognizable landmarks and has stood near the Gulf Coast since the 19th century, becoming an enduring symbol of Biloxi's maritime heritage.

Why go: The lighthouse provides a memorable introduction to Biloxi's coastal identity and offers visitors an opportunity to learn about the city's maritime history.

What to see: Explore the historic lighthouse, surrounding waterfront area and views toward Biloxi Beach and the Gulf Coast.

What to expect: Lighthouse access and tour schedules can vary by season and weather. Visitors should check current operating information before planning a dedicated tour.

Recommended time: 1–2 hours.

Best for: History lovers, photographers, families, couples and visitors interested in Biloxi's coastal heritage.

2

Relax at Biloxi Beach

Biloxi Beach stretches along the Mississippi Gulf Coast and provides an easy way to enjoy the waterfront, sandy shoreline and Gulf scenery close to the city's major attractions.

Why go: The beach offers a relaxed coastal experience and is convenient for visitors who want to combine sightseeing with time near the water.

What to see: Enjoy views across the Gulf of Mexico, walk along the shoreline and explore nearby beachfront areas, parks and landmarks.

What to expect: Conditions can vary depending on weather, tides and seasonal activity. Summer afternoons can be hot, so sunscreen, water and sun protection are useful for longer beach visits.

Recommended time: 1–3 hours.

Best for: Families, couples, beachgoers, photographers and travelers looking for Gulf Coast scenery.

3

Explore Beauvoir

Beauvoir is a historic estate on the Mississippi Gulf Coast best known as the final home of Jefferson Davis and as a preserved historic property with gardens, buildings and museum exhibits.

Why go: Beauvoir offers a different perspective on Gulf Coast history through historic architecture, preserved grounds and museum collections.

What to see: Explore the historic house, grounds, gardens and museum exhibits while learning about the people and history associated with the property.

What to expect: The site combines indoor and outdoor attractions. Visitors should allow enough time to explore both the house and surrounding grounds.

Recommended time: 1–2 hours.

Best for: History travelers, architecture enthusiasts, photographers and visitors interested in Mississippi history.

4

Visit the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum

The Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum explores the maritime traditions, fishing culture, boatbuilding and seafood heritage that have shaped Biloxi and the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Why go: The museum provides an important introduction to the Gulf Coast industries and traditions that helped define Biloxi's identity.

What to see: Explore exhibits covering seafood processing, fishing, boatbuilding, maritime traditions and the history of the local coastal community.

What to expect: The museum is primarily an indoor educational attraction, making it a useful option during hot, rainy or windy weather.

Recommended time: 1–2 hours.

Best for: Families, history enthusiasts, maritime travelers, children and visitors interested in Gulf Coast culture.

5

Explore the Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art

The Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art celebrates the work of Mississippi ceramic artist George Ohr along with contemporary art and distinctive architecture on its Biloxi campus.

Why go: The museum adds art, architecture and design to a Biloxi itinerary and highlights one of the Gulf Coast's distinctive cultural attractions.

What to see: Explore galleries featuring George Ohr's ceramics and other exhibitions, along with the museum's unusual buildings and landscaped grounds.

What to expect: Allow time to experience both the indoor galleries and the architectural setting. Exhibition schedules can change throughout the year.

Recommended time: 1–2 hours.

Best for: Art lovers, architecture enthusiasts, photographers, couples and cultural travelers.

6

Explore the Biloxi Visitors Center

The Biloxi Visitors Center is located near the city's lighthouse and provides information about Biloxi's history, attractions, coastal culture and visitor experiences.

Why go: The center is a convenient starting point for understanding Biloxi and planning visits to the city's beaches, museums, historic sites and waterfront attractions.

What to see: Explore interpretive displays, visitor information and views around the lighthouse and beachfront area.

What to expect: The visitors center can be combined with Biloxi Lighthouse and the beach, making it easy to include several attractions in one stop.

Recommended time: 1 hour.

Best for: First-time visitors, families, history travelers and anyone looking to organize a Biloxi itinerary.

7

Take a Trip to Ship Island

Ship Island is a barrier island off the Mississippi Gulf Coast and is part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, offering beaches, Gulf scenery and a more natural coastal experience away from the mainland.

Why go: Ship Island provides an opportunity to experience the Gulf Coast through beaches, open water and protected coastal landscapes.

What to see: Enjoy sandy beaches, Gulf views, coastal wildlife and Fort Massachusetts, a historic masonry fort located on the island.

What to expect: Reaching Ship Island requires transportation from the mainland, and schedules are seasonal and weather-dependent. Plan the excursion in advance and allow several hours for the trip.

Recommended time: Half day to full day.

Best for: Beach lovers, families, photographers, outdoor travelers and visitors seeking a Gulf Coast excursion.

8

Explore Historic Downtown Biloxi

Downtown Biloxi combines historic buildings, local restaurants, museums, cultural attractions and access to the waterfront, creating a useful base for exploring the city's heritage.

Why go: Downtown makes it possible to experience Biloxi's history, food and culture while remaining close to the Gulf Coast.

What to see: Explore historic streets, local businesses, cultural attractions and nearby waterfront landmarks.

What to expect: Downtown attractions have individual operating schedules. Visitors can combine walking with short drives to nearby beaches and museums.

Recommended time: Half day.

Best for: Couples, history travelers, food travelers, shoppers and first-time visitors.

9

Discover Biloxi's Seafood and Shrimping Heritage

Seafood has played a major role in Biloxi's history and culture, particularly through commercial fishing and the Gulf Coast shrimping industry.

Why go: Learning about the seafood industry provides context for Biloxi's development as a coastal community and working waterfront.

What to see: Explore seafood-focused exhibits, working waterfront areas and local restaurants serving Gulf Coast seafood specialties.

What to expect: The experience is best combined with a museum visit and a meal featuring regional seafood. Availability of working waterfront activity can vary.

Recommended time: 2–3 hours.

Best for: Food travelers, families, history enthusiasts and visitors interested in Gulf Coast culture.

10

Enjoy Biloxi's Gulf Coast Scenic Drive

Driving along the Biloxi waterfront is an easy way to experience the Mississippi Gulf Coast, connecting beaches, historic landmarks, museums, restaurants and waterfront viewpoints.

Why go: A coastal drive allows visitors to experience several Biloxi attractions without having to dedicate an entire day to one location.

What to see: Stop at Biloxi Beach, the lighthouse, waterfront parks, historic sites, museums and scenic areas along the Gulf Coast.

What to expect: The drive works particularly well as a flexible half-day itinerary. Traffic and weather conditions can affect how quickly visitors move between stops.

Recommended time: Half day.

Best for: Road trippers, families, photographers, couples and first-time visitors.

How to Plan a Biloxi Trip

Biloxi is especially appealing for travelers interested in Gulf Coast beaches, seafood, maritime history, historic landmarks, museums and outdoor activities. A short visit can cover the lighthouse, beach, historic attractions and downtown, while a longer stay allows time for Ship Island and additional Gulf Coast experiences.

Trip Length Suggested Plan
1–2 Days Focus on Biloxi Lighthouse, Biloxi Beach, Beauvoir, the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum and historic downtown.
3 Days Add the Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art, Biloxi Visitors Center, additional waterfront attractions and time for local Gulf Coast seafood.
4–5 Days Take a Ship Island excursion, spend additional time on the beaches and explore more of Biloxi's museums, historic sites and surrounding Gulf Coast.
6+ Days Use Biloxi as a base for a broader Mississippi Gulf Coast road trip, combining nearby coastal communities, beaches, museums and outdoor attractions.

For a first visit, combining Biloxi Lighthouse and Beach with Beauvoir, a maritime museum, downtown sightseeing and Gulf Coast seafood provides a useful introduction to the city's history, culture and coastal setting.

Best Time to Visit Biloxi

Spring and fall are popular seasons for visiting Biloxi because temperatures are generally comfortable for beach walks, sightseeing, historic tours and outdoor activities. Spring brings pleasant conditions for exploring the coast, while fall can offer comfortable temperatures for walking and scenic drives.

Summer is a popular beach season but can be hot, humid and occasionally stormy. Visitors planning beach activities or outdoor sightseeing should carry water and sun protection and monitor weather conditions, particularly during hurricane season.

Winter is generally milder than in many northern destinations and can provide a quieter setting for museums, historic sites and Gulf Coast sightseeing. Visitors should check seasonal schedules because some attractions, tours and excursions may operate on different schedules throughout the year.

Getting Around Biloxi

A car is useful for exploring Biloxi because beaches, museums, historic homes, the lighthouse and other attractions are spread along the Gulf Coast and surrounding area.

Some waterfront attractions can be combined into a walking itinerary, particularly around the lighthouse, beachfront and nearby visitor areas. Comfortable shoes are helpful for longer walks along the coast and historic sites.

Visitors planning to explore multiple Gulf Coast communities or travel to excursion departure points should consider having a vehicle. Driving also makes it easier to combine museums, beaches, historic attractions and restaurants in a single day.

Biloxi Travel Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the number one thing to do in Biloxi?

Biloxi Lighthouse and the surrounding beachfront are among the city's defining visitor experiences. The lighthouse provides a connection to Biloxi's maritime history while the nearby beach offers Gulf Coast scenery.

How many days do you need in Biloxi, Mississippi?

Two to three days is a useful amount of time for a first visit. A weekend can cover the lighthouse, beach, Beauvoir, museums and downtown, while additional days provide more time for Ship Island and other Gulf Coast attractions.

What is Biloxi known for?

Biloxi is known for its Gulf Coast beaches, maritime heritage, seafood industry, historic lighthouse, museums, historic sites and location along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Is Biloxi good for a family vacation?

Biloxi can work well for families interested in beaches, museums, history and outdoor activities. Families can combine beach time with the lighthouse, maritime attractions, historic sites and a possible Ship Island excursion.

What are the best historic attractions in Biloxi?

Major historic attractions include Biloxi Lighthouse, Beauvoir, the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum, historic downtown Biloxi and other landmarks connected to the city's maritime and Gulf Coast history.

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