Looking for the best things to do in Mississippi? From exploring the roots of American music to touring antebellum mansions, sampling Southern cuisine, and relaxing on Gulf Coast beaches, this easy-to-use Mississippi itinerary helps you experience the very best of the Magnolia State.
From the birthplace of Elvis to the blues clubs of Clarksdale and the white sand beaches of Biloxi, or a relaxing coastal escape, use these guides to navigate your dream Mississippi vacation.
- Biloxi: Gulf Coast vibes with white-sand beaches, seafood shacks, and casinos lighting up the shoreline.
- Natchez: Antebellum mansions, bluff-top river views, and a dreamy slow pace that feels frozen in time.
- Vicksburg: Where Civil War history meets riverfront charm—don’t miss the battlefield, murals, and Southern hospitality.
- Jackson: The capital buzzes with history, music, museums, and a rising food scene rooted in soul and grit.
- Oxford: Literary soul meets college-town cool—home of Ole Miss, indie bookstores, and Southern gothic charm.
- Tupelo: Birthplace of Elvis Presley—snap a photo at his boyhood home and explore the King’s humble roots.
- Clarksdale: The heart of the Delta Blues—juke joints, music festivals, and crossroads legends come alive here.
- Bay St. Louis: Laid-back beach town energy with art galleries, cozy cafés, and old-school Gulf Coast charm.
- Cleveland: Small town with a big cultural punch—visit the GRAMMY Museum Mississippi and explore Delta heritage.
- Greenwood: Southern elegance, rich Delta history, and a growing culinary scene in the heart of cotton country.
- Meridian: Music roots and architecture collide in this underrated stop with Southern soul and charm.
📅 Mississippi Calendar
- Mardi Gras Celebrations (February–March, Biloxi): Parades, balls, and Gulf Coast flair rivaling New Orleans
- Natchez Spring Pilgrimage (March–April, Natchez): Tour grand historic homes in bloom with period guides
- Double Decker Arts Festival (April, Oxford): Art, food, and live music on the town square
- Juke Joint Festival (April, Clarksdale): Live blues all day in local venues and outdoor stages
- Wanee Music Festival (May, near Clarksdale): A mix of jam bands, blues, and Southern rock at Spirit of Suwannee Park
- Tupelo Elvis Festival (June, Tupelo): Live music, Elvis impersonators, and street dancing
- Mississippi Book Festival (August, Jackson): Literary panels, author talks, and Capitol tours
- Sunflower River Blues Festival (August, Clarksdale): One of the oldest blues festivals in the world
- Cruisin’ the Coast (October, Gulf Coast towns): Classic car parades and beachside festivals
- Natchez Fall Pilgrimage (October, Natchez): More home tours during peak fall color season
- Great Mississippi River Balloon Race (October, Natchez): Watch colorful balloons float above antebellum rooftops
- Biloxi Seafood Festival (October, Biloxi): Seafood, music, and a parade along the coast
- Cruisin’ the Coast (October, Gulfport/Biloxi area): Classic car caravans, beach events, and car shows up and down the coast
- Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival (November, Ocean Springs): Mississippi’s largest fine arts festival
- Christmas on the Water (December, Biloxi): Holiday boat parade and fireworks on the Gulf
- Christmas in Natchez (December): Experience a storybook holiday season in historic Mississippi style