By: Lisa
Looking for things to do in Coastal Mississippi? You may be surprised at just how much the area has to offer. From shrimp boat excursions to art galleries and museums, there is no shortage of family friendly things to do in Coastal Mississippi.
When Sun Country Airlines recently expanded to include non-stop flights from Ft. Myers, FL to Gulfport, MS, I jumped at the chance to visit Coastal Mississippi. I’d always heard it was a fun place to visit but never had the chance to experience it first-hand.
I knew it would be a blast because it was a girls weekend with my friend Hannah from Eat, Drink & Save Money. It turned out to be even more fun than expected. There’s so much to do in Coastal Mississippi and now that Sun Country Air makes it so easy to get there, I’ll have to go back more often! It’s a really great getaway, whether it’s for a girl’s weekend, a romantic getaway or a family vacation. Ready to explore? Here’s what you won’t want to miss…
Things To Do In Coastal Mississippi
Biloxi Lighthouse Pier
10 Of The Best Things To Do In Coastal Mississippi | Fun Money Mom
You can’t go to the beach and not hang out on the pier, right? The Biloxi Lighthouse Pier is a great place to relax and enjoy some coastal scenery.
We didn’t get there early enough to tour the Biloxi Lighthouse but it’s definitely on my to-do list when I go back, especially if I’m traveling with the kids. They’d love it and even I’ve never been in a real lighthouse before!
If you’re planning a visit this Biloxi landmark, tickets for the tours are reasonably priced at $5 for adults and $2 for children under 12. Tours run every morning, weather permitting.
Downtown Ocean Springs
Love strolling through small towns with lots of shops and restaurants? If so, you’ll want to visit downtown Ocean Springs. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon and there’s no better way to start than with drinks and appetizers on the patio of Maison De Lu.
10 Of The Best Things To Do In Coastal Mississippi | Fun Money Mom
Afterwards we wandered through the town, peeking into all the shops along the way. My favorites were the ones that featured creative decor and I discovered these fun crafts when I peeked into a back room at Layton’s Gift Shop.
10 Of The Best Things To Do In Coastal Mississippi | Fun Money Mom
From pretty dresses to coastal decor, these shops had a little bit of everything.
You can’t leave Ocean Springs without peeking in to the old-timey Lovelace drug store. The inside is set up to look like 50’s soda shop inside and I felt like I’d stepped right on to the set of Happy Days!
Walter Anderson Museum Of Art
If you like museums, you’ll want to pop into the Walter Anderson Museum Of Art. Dedicated to artist and philosopher, Walter Anderson and his two brothers, the museum features paintings, drawings, sculpture, carvings and more.
Anderson was a pretty fascinating character and known for riding his bicycle on journeys that took him across New York, Tennessee, Texas and Florida. He also loved visiting Horn Island, his own private oasis off the Coastal Mississippi mainland. It was an important place to him and is featured quite a bit in his art.
10 Of The Best Things To Do In Coastal Mississippi | Fun Money Mom
Anderson didn’t like the spotlight and most of his work was kept secret until after his death. His wife didn’t even discover the “Little Room” until after his death. She opened the door to find thousands of paintings and drawings in a large wooden chest and murals covering every wall.
If you’re spending the day in Ocean Springs, this is a fun stop, though more for adults and older kids than families with young children.
Downtown Bay St. Louis
Next, head to Downtown Bay St. Louis for even more unique shops and restaurants.
I absolutely loved this little town. Everything was very folksy, from the storefronts to the mailboxes. Like Ocean Springs, there were plenty of shops and restaurants and it’s another fun place to just wander around.
10 Of The Best Things To Do In Coastal Mississippi | Fun Money Mom
As we walked towards the water, we discovered the beautiful Angel Trees that can be found throughout the town. Live oak trees have been transformed into beautiful works of art by chainsaw sculptor Dayle K. Lewis. This area was hit hard by Katrina in 2005 and one of these trees was even used as a life raft by three survivors of Hurricane Katrina and their dog.
