12 Unforgettable Mississippi Day Trips, One For Each Month of The Year

Ready to make the next 12 months your best (and most fun) year yet? Well, you’re in luck, then, because the Magnolia State is chock-full of fun day trips near you. In fact, there may be too many things to do. Lucky for you, we put together this list to narrow down the options. And since we’ve included 12 amazing Mississippi day trips, you can embark on a new adventure each month. Take a look at our picks for some of the best day trips in Mississippi and embark upon the adventure of a lifetime!

1. Go snorkeling with stingrays

If simply seeing sea life isn’t enough for you, we’ve got some great news. Ocean Adventures Marine Park in Gulfport offers several ways for you to interact with marine life, including snorkeling with stingrays.

Let's go on one of our favorite Mississippi day trips to Ocean Adventures Marine Park in Gulfport, MS in this video from Elementary Explorers:

2. Embark on a safari

Opened in May 2019, Safari Wild Animal Park is a 467-acre wildlife preserve that’s home to hundreds of animals from Africa. The best part is that Safari Wild offers drive-thru safari tours, so you can view the animals from the comfort of your own car.

3. Shop at one of the top five flea markets in Mississippi

Held twice a year – once in the spring and once in the fall - Vicksburg’s Old Court House Flea Market attracts vendors from across the country. Woodworking, antiques, pottery, jewelry, paintings, metalworking, and toys are just a few of the things you’ll find at the market.

4. Get in touch with nature, including alligators

Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is an ideal spot for hikers and nature lovers alike. In addition to beautiful scenery and hiking trails, the refuge features a butterfly garden and wildlife observation areas, which offer great views of the alligators who call the refuge home.

5. Check out one of the state’s biggest farmer's markets

Located in Brandon, Cockrell’s Farmers Market proves that bigger is better. Absolutely enormous, the year-round indoor and outdoor market carries everything from fruits and veggies to plants and unique gifts.

6. Walk among some of the Earth’s oldest trees

Located in the small town of Belzoni, Sky Lake WMA is an incredible natural wonder. The 3,500-acre area is home to the oldest -and largest - bald cypress trees on Earth. Learn more about the stunning natural wonders of Mississippi at this one-of-a-kind place.

Belzoni, Mississippi, is also known as the Catfish Capital of the World and you can bet on some of the best fried catfish in this awesome town.

Check out the oldest trees in Mississippi at Sky Lake WMA in this video from Rob and Christy Hike Across America:

7. Have some fun in the sun…and the water

Don’t let the summer pass without a visit to one of the state’s best swimming spots – Rials Creek. Part of Merit Water Park in Mendenhall, the pristine creek features a flowing waterfall and old-fashioned swimming hole.

8. Peruse the merchandise at one of the state’s biggest flea markets

Housed in an old cotton factory, Mill Town Mall Antiques and Flea Market is practically overflowing with incredible merchandise. With two floors and 15,000 square feet of indoor shopping space, you could easily spend hours perusing the merchandise.

9. Have some old-fashioned fun at the Pecan Festival

The perfect way to kick off the fall season, Beaumont’s Pecan Festival always takes place the last weekend of September. Fittingly held on a farm with a pecan orchard, the small-town fest boasts over 200 vendors and plenty of opportunities for old-fashioned fun, including wagon rides, mule pulls, and demonstrations.

10. Re-visit the past at Mississippi’s official military history museum

Somewhat hidden, Mississippi Armed Forces Museum (MAFM) is located on the National Guard Base in Hattiesburg. A treat for all ages, the museum features a plethora of information, artifacts, and intricate, life-sized exhibits. The best part is that it’s free to visit!

11. Take in the colors of the season

Bold, colorful foliage isn’t as prevalent here in Mississippi as it is in other states, especially in the southern portion of the state. However, there are plenty of places to experience seasonal hues in the Magnolia State – and the famed swinging bridge at Tishomingo State Park is one of them.

Head to Tishomingo State Park for a little outdoor adventure on one of the best day trips for nature lovers. Get a closer look at this video from Welcome To:

12. Relax with cocktails and painting

Release your inner artist – and bartender – at Canvas and Cocktails. The Gulfport art studio offers a variety of painting classes AND lets you bring your favorite adult beverage.

So, have you done any (or all) of the things listed above? Can you think of something we forgot? What are some of your favorite things to do in Mississippi? Share this article with someone you want to embark on one (or all!) of these epic day trips in Mississippi with.