If you’ve been looking for a coastal destination that blends Southern hospitality, rich history, quirky art, and some of the best seafood you’ll ever eat, visiting Biloxi, MS should be on your travel list. Situated along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Biloxi offers a mix of old-school fishing town vibes and modern entertainment, with casinos, museums, public art, and outdoor spaces that are worth the trip.
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I’ve spent time roaming Biloxi’s waterfront, chasing murals down alleys, and indulging in more fried shrimp po’boys than I care to admit. And let me tell you — Biloxi is one of those places that feels like its own little world. Whether you’re into military history, offbeat art, or long walks beneath ancient oak trees, there’s something here for everyone.
A Brief History of Biloxi, Mississippi
Biloxi’s story dates back to 1699, when French explorer Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville established it as one of the earliest European settlements in the United States. Its strategic location along the Gulf of Mexico made it a hub for shipping, fishing, and trade.
Through the 19th and early 20th centuries, Biloxi blossomed into a booming seafood port, known especially for its shrimp and oyster industries. By the mid-1900s, it gained a reputation as a beach resort destination, attracting visitors with its mild climate, waterfront resorts, and entertainment venues.
The city’s resilience was tested in 2005, when Hurricane Katrina devastated much of Biloxi and the surrounding Gulf Coast. Today, the city has rebuilt itself while preserving its historical character, incorporating storm memorials and public art into the streetscape as reminders of both loss and survival.
Best Time to Visit Biloxi, MS
The Mississippi Gulf Coast has a humid subtropical climate, meaning warm summers, mild winters, and plenty of sunshine. Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect:
- Spring (March–May): Pleasant temperatures in the 70s and 80s, with blooming flowers and seafood festivals.
- Summer (June–August): Hot and humid, with temps climbing into the 90s — perfect for beachgoers, though afternoon storms are common.
- Fall (September–November): Warm and less crowded, with hurricane season tapering off by November.
- Winter (December–February): Mild, with temps ranging from the upper 50s to 70s. It’s a quieter season, but still a nice time to visit.
If you want to catch Mardi Gras parades, seafood festivals, or outdoor art shows, late winter to spring is your sweet spot.
Things to Do When Visiting Biloxi, MS
Biloxi offers a surprisingly diverse mix of attractions for a city its size. From historic landmarks to quirky alleyways, here’s what you’ll want to add to your itinerary:
Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum
A personal favorite — this museum celebrates Biloxi’s rich seafood and boat-building traditions. You’ll find everything from old shrimp boats to exhibits on hurricanes and the city’s fishing history. The handcrafted wooden boats are incredible, and there’s even a schooner you can sail on if you plan ahead.
Mardi Gras Museum
Biloxi loves its Mardi Gras almost as much as New Orleans, and this small but lively museum showcases elaborate costumes, floats, and the history of the Gulf Coast’s unique Carnival culture. It’s a colorful, photo-worthy stop.
USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park (Mobile, AL)
Yes, it’s about an hour from Biloxi, but absolutely worth the detour. The USS Alabama is a World War II battleship you can climb aboard, complete with restored turrets, ship’s quarters, and a collection of vintage military aircraft. I’ve visited twice, and it’s one of the best military museums in the South.
Stennis Space Center (Infinity Science Center)
Located about 30 minutes west of Biloxi, this NASA facility offers interactive exhibits on space exploration, science, and local wildlife. The highlight is a behind-the-scenes bus tour of the actual rocket testing grounds.
Gulf Beach RV Resort
The Gulf Shores RV Resort‘s location couldn’t have been better. It is just across from the beach, easy walking distance, and has gorgeous facilities.
Historic Areas
Friendship Oak (Long Beach, MS)
One of the most majestic trees you’ll ever see, this 500+ year-old live oak sprawls out over 100 feet. Legend says anyone who stands beneath its branches will remain friends for life. It’s a peaceful, grounding place to visit, especially at sunset.
Biloxi Lighthouse
An enduring symbol of the city since 1848, the cast-iron Biloxi Lighthouse stands right on Highway 90. You can climb to the top for panoramic views of the Gulf, and it’s especially pretty at dawn
Outdoor Activities
Fishbone Alley
A funky, graffiti-covered alley in downtown Gulfport (about 20 minutes from Biloxi) filled with murals, string lights, and quirky photo ops. There’s live music and pop-up food stands some weekends, too. I spent a rainy afternoon wandering here, and it’s one of the more unexpected cool spots on the Coast.
Katrina Carved Trees
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Biloxi, Mississippi, found a unique way to transform devastation into art through the creation of the Katrina Tree Sculptures. These sculptures, carved from dead trees that fell victim to the storm’s fury, stand as poignant reminders of resilience and renewal. Artists like Dayton Scoggins and Marlin Miller used chainsaws to sculpt marine-related figures—such as dolphins, pelicans, and egrets—out of the remnants of once-majestic live oaks along Highway 90. Miller, inspired by the community’s spirit, volunteered his time to contribute to this project, turning tragedy into a celebration of life and nature. Today, these sculptures not only beautify the coastline but also serve as enduring symbols of the Gulf Coast’s strength and determination to rebuild and thrive after adversity.
Ship Island Excursions
Catch a ferry to Ship Island for white-sand beaches, clear water, and Fort Massachusetts, a preserved 19th-century fort. Great for swimming and history buffs alike.
FAQs About Visiting Biloxi, MS
Is Biloxi family-friendly?
Absolutely. Between museums, the beach, Ship Island, and interactive attractions like the Infinity Science Center, there’s plenty for all ages.
How far is Biloxi from New Orleans?
Roughly 90 miles (about 90 minutes by car), making it an easy day trip from the Big Easy or a great stop on a Gulf Coast road trip.
Is there a beach in Biloxi?
Yes — Biloxi Beach runs along Highway 90. The sand is white and soft, though the water is calmer and more shallow compared to Florida’s Gulf Coast.
What’s Biloxi known for?
Seafood, casinos, military history, live oaks, Mardi Gras celebrations, and its resilience after Hurricane Katrina.
Are there casinos in Biloxi?
Plenty. Popular options include Beau Rivage, Hard Rock, IP Casino, and Golden Nugget — all offering gaming, restaurants, and entertainment.
Do you need a car to get around?
It’s helpful. While there’s a small trolley-style transit system, attractions are spread out along the Gulf Coast.
Visiting Biloxi, MS offers a blend of history, quirky culture, art, and outdoor adventures that’s hard to replicate elsewhere. I’ve been more than once and always found something new — from Katrina-carved trees to space rocket test centers. It’s a coastal city with stories to tell and locals eager to share them.
