Five Questions for Visit Mississippi Gulf Coast's Kristen Parker
By Andrea Doyle
Mississippi's Gulf Coast offers 62 miles of scenic shoreline and is the ideal year-round destination for all types of groups. With a temperate climate and wide array of attractions and activities -- from the beach to golf to seafood to casinos -- the Mississippi Gulf Coast has you covered.
What's new for groups?
The folks at Ship Island Excursions are now offering dolphin cruises, and you are bound to see some of our finned friends, as we are home to the highest concentration of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in the nation.
Sunset cruises are also available, so you can soak in some of the most astounding natural beauty from the water.
We are also very excited about the new Watermark Hotel, which will open in 2018 and will offer 154 suites in the heart of Biloxi. This luxury high rise is in the perfect location, just across from the Small Craft Harbor and right on the corner of all the entertainment that Downtown Biloxi has to offer.
What's a venue or activity that's a "hidden gem" for visiting groups?
The Mississippi Gulf Coast has been designated as a National Heritage Area, and is home to an enormous amount of flora and fauna that cannot be found elsewhere. The Pascagoula River Audubon Center is a beautiful educational facility, where groups can learn about local wildlife throughout the year, both on land and from the water on an extremely informative river and bayou boat tour.
What's a good outing for a group looking to get a sense of the city's culture or history?
Life on the Mississippi Gulf Coast revolves around the water, and visitors can learn about the region's shrimping industry on The Biloxi Shrimping Trip with this 70-minute "Living Marine Adventure" cruise. Another great way to explore the essence of Gulf Coast life by water is to climb aboard the Biloxi Schooner, an authentic replica of a Biloxi oyster schooner, and enjoy the beautiful views, sunsets, and even dolphin-watching. For a full list of attractions and experiences, click here.
Where should a group go to get a truly local culinary experience?
Our culinary scene is booming: the Mississippi Coast has a huge variety of gastronomic offerings, from beach seafood shacks serving the freshest gulf seafood, to fine dining and fusion cuisine. There is something to satisfy every taste bud, and you can jump on a Tasty Tour to experience the very essence of the Mississippi Gulf Coast's culinary scene. For a full list of dining options across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, click here.
What else makes your destination great for groups?
We at Visit Mississippi Gulf Coast love to showcase the plethora of outdoor activities that this region has to offer. Some group activities that we have previously organized include fishing charters, paddle boarding, and kayaking our many waterways, Biloxi Schooner trips, and boat tours. The Mississippi Gulf Coast also boasts 13 award-winning golf courses, which provide the perfect excursion for a group of golf aficionados looking to tee off in South Mississippi.
