things to do in biloxi, ms range from relaxing on the Gulf Coast beach to exploring historic landmarks, seafood spots, museums, and casinos. This Mississippi city is a friendly coastal stop with a mix of local history and easygoing beach time.
Biloxi sits on Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, about 90 miles east of New Orleans and close to Gulfport and Ocean Springs. It works well for a weekend break, a family holiday, or a longer road trip through the southern United States.
The city is spread out, so a car can make it easier to visit several attractions in one day. You can still enjoy the central waterfront and nearby sights without planning a packed itinerary. Check opening hours and seasonal schedules before setting out, especially for boat trips and museums.
20 Things to Do in Biloxi, MS
| Plan | Useful to know |
|---|---|
| Best time to visit | Spring and autumn usually bring pleasant outdoor weather. Summer is hot, humid, and busy. |
| Getting around | A rental car is useful for attractions spread along the coast. Rideshares and taxis may suit shorter trips. |
| Good for | Beach time, seafood, local history, casinos, family outings, and Gulf Coast road trips. |
| Plan ahead for | Ship Island ferries, popular casino shows, holiday weekends, and major events. |
| Emergency number | Call 911 for police, fire, or medical emergencies in the United States. |
Tip 1 – Walk along Biloxi Beach
Biloxi Beach runs beside the city’s coastal highway, with public access points and views across the Gulf of Mexico. Take a stroll, sit by the water, or make time for a picnic. The shoreline is convenient to reach from many hotels, although the beach experience is different from a secluded island beach.
Conditions vary with weather, tides, and water quality notices. Check local guidance before swimming, and keep an eye on children near the water. Bring sun protection, drinking water, and shoes that can handle warm sand and pavement.
Tip 2 – Visit the Biloxi Lighthouse
The Biloxi Lighthouse is one of the city’s best-known landmarks. It stands near the beach and makes a good photo stop, particularly in the softer light of morning or late afternoon. Learn about its history at the nearby Biloxi Visitors Center, where staff can also help with local maps and current visitor information.
Access to the lighthouse interior may be limited by hours, weather, or maintenance. Check before making a special trip to climb it. Even when you cannot go inside, the lighthouse and surrounding beach area are worth including on a waterfront walk.
Tip 3 – Explore the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art
The Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art celebrates the work of Mississippi potter George E. Ohr and presents changing exhibitions. Its distinctive buildings, designed by architect Frank Gehry, are also part of the visit. Give yourself time to see both the galleries and the architecture rather than treating it as a quick stop.
Exhibitions, workshops, and opening hours can change, so check the museum’s official information before you go. It is a useful indoor choice when the weather is rainy or the midday heat makes outdoor sightseeing less comfortable.
Tip 4 – Learn about the coast at the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum
Biloxi’s fishing and seafood traditions are closely tied to its identity. The Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum offers exhibits about working on the water, local boats, seafood, and the region’s maritime history. It adds context to the seafood restaurants and waterfront views you will encounter elsewhere in town.
Allow time to read the displays and ask about any special exhibits or programs. As with smaller museums, hours and events may vary by season. Confirm the current schedule before planning your day around a visit.
Tip 5 – See Beauvoir, the Jefferson Davis Home
Beauvoir is a historic estate and museum on the Biloxi coast. The grounds and buildings offer a look at the property’s history and its connection to Jefferson Davis, the former president of the Confederacy. The site also presents a difficult period in American history, so visit with an open mind and take time to read the historical interpretation.
Check which parts of the property are open, since tours and access can vary. Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to walk around the grounds, and bring water during warm weather.
Tip 6 – Spend time at the Biloxi Visitors Center
The Biloxi Visitors Center is a practical first stop, particularly if it is your first visit to the city. Pick up maps, ask about current events, and get local advice on beaches, museums, and transportation. The building itself is beside the lighthouse and waterfront, so it fits easily into a coastal walk.
Ask about temporary closures or weather-related changes before setting off. Local information can help you avoid driving to a venue that has adjusted its hours or to a beach area affected by current conditions.
Tip 7 – Take a boat trip to Ship Island
Ship Island is part of Gulf Islands National Seashore and is known for open shoreline, natural scenery, and historic Fort Massachusetts. Passenger ferries typically leave from Gulfport, not central Biloxi, and schedules are seasonal and weather dependent. Treat this as a half-day or full-day outing rather than a quick side trip.
Check the National Park Service information for Gulf Islands National Seashore and confirm current ferry details before you travel. Pack water, sunscreen, snacks, and anything you need for several hours outdoors. Facilities and services on the island are more limited than in town.
Tip 8 – Try fresh Gulf seafood
Seafood is one of the main pleasures of a Biloxi visit. Look for Gulf shrimp, oysters, fish, crab, and locally popular seafood boils. Menus and availability change with the season and catch, so ask what is fresh rather than expecting every item to be available year-round.
Restaurants range from casual counters to polished dining rooms. If you have food allergies or dietary needs, explain them clearly when ordering. For a quieter meal, consider eating earlier than the busiest dinner period or choosing a weekday.
Tip 9 – Enjoy a casino resort, even if you do not gamble
Biloxi has several casino resorts with restaurants, lounges, live entertainment, and hotel facilities. You do not need to gamble to enjoy a meal or a show, but check age rules and event details before making plans. Some performances sell out, especially on weekends and holiday dates.
Set a spending limit if you choose to gamble, and treat casino games as entertainment rather than a way to make money. If you are travelling with children, check the resort’s age policies and family facilities in advance.
Tip 10 – Visit the Biloxi National Cemetery and Katrina Memorial
Biloxi’s memorial sites offer a quieter way to reflect on military service and the region’s experience of Hurricane Katrina. The cemetery is a place of remembrance, so keep your voice low and follow posted guidance. The Katrina Memorial helps visitors understand the impact of the 2005 storm on the local community.
These stops are best approached with respect rather than as quick photo opportunities. Check location details and access information before visiting, and leave time to read the memorial inscriptions and interpretive material.
Tip 11 – Take a short trip to Ocean Springs
Ocean Springs is just across the bay from Biloxi and makes an easy change of pace. Browse its compact downtown, independent shops, cafés, and art spaces, or visit the Walter Anderson Museum of Art. The town is a good option if you want a walkable stretch of local businesses beyond Biloxi’s resort areas.
Driving is usually the simplest way to combine the two places. Check traffic before crossing the bridge, especially during commuter hours or busy weekends. If you want to eat there, confirm restaurant hours because some smaller businesses close earlier or on particular weekdays.
Tip 12 – Try a local seafood boil or shrimp dish
A seafood boil is a sociable way to sample Gulf Coast flavours. Depending on the restaurant, it may include shrimp, crab, corn, potatoes, and seasoning. If you prefer a milder meal, ask about spice levels before ordering. Fried shrimp po’boys and grilled fish are other easy choices for a casual lunch.
Prices depend on the catch and portion size. Ask whether seafood is priced by the pound and check the market price before ordering, especially for crab or oysters. This helps avoid surprises when the bill arrives.
Tip 13 – Take in the Gulf Coast views from the Biloxi Bay Bridge
The Biloxi Bay Bridge connects Biloxi and Ocean Springs and offers broad views of the water when you cross by car. It is a memorable part of a coastal drive, but it is a working road rather than a sightseeing stop. Do not stop in traffic lanes or try to take photographs while driving.
Use a safe public waterfront location for photos instead. If you are planning a longer US trip that includes another city, our guide to Things to do in mason ohio can help with planning a separate Ohio stop.
Tip 14 – Look for live music and local events
Live music, seasonal festivals, and community events bring extra energy to Biloxi. Check local event listings when you know your travel dates, since performances and festivals can affect hotel availability and traffic. Casino venues, restaurants, and outdoor spaces may all host events at different times of year.
Book tickets through the venue or event organiser when possible, and confirm the address and start time on the day. If an event is outdoors, bring a light rain layer and check for weather updates before leaving your hotel.
Tip 15 – Choose a family-friendly beach day
Biloxi Beach is an easy family outing because it is close to the city and many places to eat. Keep expectations practical: facilities can differ between access points, and the beach is not always quiet or uncrowded. Bring towels, shade, snacks, and a change of clothes for children.
Check water conditions and follow any posted swimming guidance. Keep children within sight, especially around roads, parking areas, and the water. If the sun is strong, plan a break indoors during the hottest part of the afternoon.
Tip 16 – Explore Biloxi’s historic downtown and waterfront
Spend time around the historic core and waterfront to see a side of Biloxi beyond hotels and casinos. Look for older buildings, local businesses, and public spaces, and make a relaxed route that includes the lighthouse or a museum. Some blocks are more active than others, so check a map and plan your walk in daylight.
The city’s official website is a helpful source for local services and visitor updates. See the City of Biloxi website for municipal information, notices, and links to local resources.
Tip 17 – Plan for Biloxi’s weather and seasons
Spring and autumn are often comfortable for walking and sightseeing, while summer can be hot, humid, and stormy. Winter is usually milder than in many northern parts of the United States, though cool or wet days still happen. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June through November, so monitor official forecasts during those months.
For a broad view of the region’s attractions and seasonal ideas, browse Visit Mississippi’s official tourism site. Avoid planning every activity outdoors, and keep a flexible indoor option in case of heavy rain or extreme heat.
Tip 18 – Get around with a realistic transport plan
A car is useful because Biloxi’s attractions are spread along the coast and into nearby communities. Rideshare services and taxis can work for short trips, but availability and wait times may vary. If you are staying at a casino resort, check whether it offers shuttles or other transport to selected venues.
Allow extra time for traffic on busy weekends and event nights. If you rent a car, confirm parking arrangements at your hotel and check whether your destination has paid or limited parking. Do not assume that every attraction is within a comfortable walking distance.
Tip 19 – Pack for the coast and make bookings at the right time
Pack breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, insect repellent, and a light waterproof layer. A reusable water bottle is useful in warm weather. If you plan to swim, bring beach footwear and check local water conditions before getting in.
Reserve accommodation early for holiday weekends, large events, and peak summer dates. Book ferry trips and popular shows ahead when possible, but confirm cancellation terms and weather policies. For quieter travel dates, you may have more flexibility, though individual venues can still close on certain days.
Tip 20 – Avoid the most common Biloxi travel mistake
A common mistake is trying to see all of Biloxi and the surrounding coast in one rushed day. The city is spread out, and the best experiences often involve taking time for a museum, a beach walk, or a leisurely meal. Choose a few priorities each day and leave space for changing weather or a longer lunch.
Another easy mistake is assuming the beach will be the same in every season or that a ferry operates every day. Check current conditions and schedules, then keep a nearby alternative in mind. This simple planning makes the trip more relaxed.
Visa & Entry Requirements
Biloxi is in the United States, so visitors entering from another country must meet the US entry requirements that apply to their own passport and circumstances. Visa, passport-validity, authorization, vaccination, customs, and length-of-stay rules depend on the traveler’s passport and current government policy. Requirements can change, so do not rely only on old travel advice or on rules that apply to a different nationality.
Start with the US Department of State visa information. Some travelers may need a visa, while eligible travelers using the Visa Waiver Program generally need an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization before travel. Check the official ESTA website to see whether that process applies to you. An authorization or visa does not guarantee admission; US border officials make the final decision on arrival.
Before departure, check that your passport will remain valid for the period required for your trip and has any necessary blank pages. Confirm whether you need a visa or electronic travel authorization, and review current rules for return or onward travel and proof of accommodation. Carry details of your lodging and travel plans in an accessible format. Travel insurance is a sensible practical safeguard, although it is not a substitute for entry documents.
Vaccination and health recommendations can depend on your itinerary and current conditions. Review official advice from the US government and relevant health authorities before leaving. Check the US Customs and Border Protection travel guidance for customs rules, restricted goods, and declaration requirements. For final decisions, use official US government or embassy sources for your situation, and contact the relevant embassy or consulate if anything is unclear. This information is general travel guidance, not legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Biloxi, MS
Is Biloxi worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you enjoy Gulf Coast scenery, seafood, local history, casinos, and an easygoing beach break. Biloxi has a mix of indoor and outdoor attractions, so it can suit different kinds of trips. It is less suited to visitors looking for a large, highly walkable city centre.
How many days should I spend in Biloxi?
Two or three days is a useful starting point for the main museums, beach, waterfront, and a relaxed meal or show. Add another day if you plan to take a ferry to Ship Island or explore nearby Ocean Springs and Gulfport.
What are the best things to do in Biloxi, MS for families?
Families can enjoy Biloxi Beach, the lighthouse area, museums, and a boat trip when ferries are operating. Check age limits, tour schedules, beach conditions, and facilities before setting out. A flexible plan with indoor breaks is helpful in hot or rainy weather.
Do I need a car in Biloxi?
A car is helpful for reaching attractions spread along the coast and for visiting nearby towns. If you are staying near the beach or a casino resort and plan only a few short outings, taxis or rideshares may be enough. Compare transport costs with parking and rental fees before deciding.
When is the best time to visit Biloxi?
Spring and autumn are popular for comfortable outdoor weather. Summer brings beach season but also heat, humidity, and the possibility of storms. Winter can be a quieter time to visit, though some tours and outdoor services may operate on reduced schedules.
Is Biloxi Beach good for swimming?
Biloxi Beach offers easy access to the Gulf, but conditions can change. Check local water-quality notices, weather, and posted swimming guidance before entering the water. Do not assume that conditions are safe simply because other people are on the beach.
What should I eat in Biloxi?
Try Gulf shrimp, oysters, crab, fresh fish, seafood boils, and shrimp po’boys. Ask what is in season and check market prices for seafood sold by weight. Many restaurants also offer non-seafood choices if you are travelling with a group.
Conclusion
Biloxi is a relaxed Gulf Coast destination with enough variety for a short break or a longer Mississippi road trip. You can combine time on the beach with local museums, seafood, historic sites, and a trip to nearby communities.
The most enjoyable things to do in Biloxi, MS are often the ones you leave time to appreciate. Pick a few main activities, check current opening hours and weather, and keep your plans flexible. With a little preparation, Biloxi can be an easy and memorable stop on the Mississippi coast.
