7 Charming Mississippi Towns For The Perfect Getaway
Combine Southern hospitality, miles of coastline, the mighty Mississippi River, and fragrant green forests, and you have the makings of a perfect getaway in Mississippi. These small towns capture everything there is to love about the Magnolia State, from the warm waters of Ocean Springs to the shaded hardwood forests in Port Gibson, they’re the ideal blend of rich history and natural beauty. Whether you love touring antebellum architecture, walking the path of Civil War soldiers, or just cozying up with a good book on the beach, these seven charming Mississippi towns for the perfect getaway are just what you need.
Ocean Springs
Ocean Springs is one of those small, quaint beach towns where you can soak up the sun during the day along the beach and explore the laid-back artsy village in the evening. The best place to plant your beach umbrella is at Front Beach, one of the most popular public beaches in Ocean Springs. You can relax along the sandy shores or walk the paved boardwalk on the sand’s edge. Fort Maurepas City Park & Nature Preserve is a more engaging and family-friendly public space, with playgrounds, scenic piers jutting out into the water, and long stretches of sandy shores along the warm waters on the Gulf of Mexico.
But Ocean Springs is so much more than beach life. It’s a fun, artsy town with unique attractions like the Walter Anderson Museum of Art. One of the best exhibits at the art museum is the community center murals, a 3,000-square-foot mural that puts the artist vibe of Ocean Springs on full display. If you’re looking for a cozy place to stay, the Inn at Ocean Springs offers modern accommodations in a beachy setting, making you feel like a local.
Natchez
On the banks of the mighty Mississippi River on the border of Louisiana is the town of Natchez. Famous for its stunning antebellum homes, it’s known as the birthplace of Mississippi and a great getaway for history buffs. One of the most breathtaking sites in Natchez is Longwood, an octagonal antebellum mansion that is as stunning on the inside as it is outside. Longwood is the crown jewel of Natchez and offers self-guided tours of this iconic estate. Other notable museums in the area debuting Southern architecture at its finest are the Rosalie Mansion and Gardens (which is amazing in the summer when the flowers are in full bloom) and Historic Auburn.
To admire Natchez's natural beauty (with a historical context) the Natchez National Historical Park is home to breathtaking views and a rich history. It’s home to the Forks of the Road slave market site and historical locations like the Melrose mansion. Every inch of Natchez is steeped in history from the scenic public parks to the 18th century estates. To really appreciate the architecture of the area, why not stay in one of its historical estates? The Clifton House provides the best of both Â鶹AVs: serene views of the Mississippi River in a historical estate built in 1904.
Port Gibson
In the hardwood forests of Mississippi not too far from the Louisiana border is the underrated gem of Port Gibson. Its classic antebellum architecture and scenic views earned it the nickname the “City Too Beautiful to Burn” during the Civil War. While Union troops may have spared Port Gibson from fires during the Civil War, its luck didn’t last forever. An accidental fire in the late 1800s took out The Windsor Estate, now known as the Windsor Ruins. Only a few columns remain from the original structure, but it’s a stunning and eerie place to visit and take photos.
If you love Civil War history, the Grand Gulf Military Park blends the beauty of Port Gibson with its rich history during the Civil War. Visitors can walk the lush green trails of the park which were once battlefields. It has a museum that not only details Port Gibson's Civil War history but also artifacts from when mastodons once roamed the lands. Another great historical site is the A.K Shaifer House, a crucial landmark during the Battle of Port Gibson. After a long day of exploring the town, the best place to hang up your hat is at the Isabella Bed and Breakfast built in 1880.
Bay St. Louis
In the mood for a laid-back, beachy retreat? Then look no further than Bay St. Louis, nestled on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. The best place to soak up the sun and let your worries melt away is the Bay St. Louis Beach, popular among locals and visitors. The air is warm and salty, and it’s far less crowded than bigger beach towns in Mississippi. It’s also home to the Washington Street Pier and Boat Launch, offering fantastic views of the area.
After a day on the beach, you can explore Old Town Bay St. Louis with its beachy local storefronts and friendly locals. You can stop by places like the Hancock County Bank and the Antique Maison or grab a cup of coffee at the cozy Mockingbird Cafe. The Bay St. Louis Historic L & N Train Depot, designated a Mississippi Landmark, is home to three different museums: the Hancock County Tourism, Bay St Louis Mardi Gras Museum, and Alice Moseley Folk Art Museum. It’s easy to spend a whole day exploring this massive collection of museums. While there are plenty of hotels to choose from, the Bay Town Inn is a favorite thanks to its modern amenities and central location to the beach.
Holly Springs
In Northern Mississippi on the Tennessee border just outside of Memphis, you’ll find the beautiful city of Holly Springs. It’s a small southern town surrounded by the natural beauty of the Holly Springs National Forest. It offers secluded wooded views and accessible hiking trails. Within the forest are the calm waters of Chewalla Lake, offering visitors the opportunity to swim, fish, or relax along its shores. Another great spot to get lost in nature is the Strawberry Plains Audubon Center. You can hike the trails, birdwatch, or explore amazing historical landmarks like the Antebellum Davis House.
If you’re looking for a weekend of serene, wooded views and solitude, there’s no better spot than the Wall Doxey State Park. It has several miles of lush hiking trails, a lake to go fishing, and ample opportunities for wildlife photography. Be sure to book a cabin in the Wall Doxey State Cabins for the ultimate nature retreat. It’s located around 7 miles south of downtown Holly Springs, so you get the solitude of the woods within close proximity to the amenities of downtown.
Columbus
In the Northeastern Hills Region of Mississippi is the city of Columbus— a treasure trove of arts, history, and experiences unique to this underrated gem. The first stop in Columbus should be the Tennessee Williams House Museum and Welcome Center. For a small fee, you can take a tour of the former home of Tennessee Williams and talk to the friendly employees about some of the best spots to hit while you’re in town.
They’ll likely suggest taking a walk down the Columbus Riverwalk, a scenic paved trail tracing the town and along the picturesque Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway. For more nature views, Lake Lowndes State Park is a peaceful lake just outside of Columbus with isolated hiking trails and amazing lake views perfect for canoeing or fishing. The most popular spot to stay in Columbus is the Shadowlawn Bed & Breakfast located in an elegant antebellum mansion.
Pass Christian
Pass Christian, often referred to as "The Pass" by locals, is a laid-back coastal town in Mississippi known for its stunning ocean views and incredible food. If you love lazy beach days, Henderson Point Beach is where to be. It’s never overly crowded and offers miles of white sandy shores perfect for swimming, beachcombing, or just digging your toes in the sand. Or you can grab a morning cup of coffee at the Cat Island Coffeehouse and watch the ships come to port at the Pass Christian Harbor.
Due to its prime beach location, Pass Christian has some of the best seafood in the state. Make sure to visit Whiskey Prime on East Beach Boulevard for modern American cuisine in a relaxed setting. If the fresh Gulf oysters are in season, forget about the steak and order them. You won’t be disappointed. When you’ve had your fill of fresh oysters and are ready to call it a night, Hotel Whiskey is a fun, modern hotel that is the very image of a beachy vacation.
Start Planning Your Dream Getaway in Mississippi
The hardest part of planning a Mississippi getaway is figuring out where to start because no two towns are alike. They weave their individual stories into their communities, from the beachy streets of Bay St. Louis to the antebellum allure of Natchez. From their amazing Southern cuisine to good old-fashioned Southern hospitality, a trip to these small, underappreciated gems will feel like a home away from home. So pack your bags, leave your problems behind, and cozy up to these seven charming Mississippi towns for the perfect getaway.
