There’s nothing like a nice, relaxing weeklong beach getaway. Unfortunately, that’s not in everyone’s budget. So, what’s the next best thing? Perhaps you'll do a search for "day trips in Mississippi." Okay, so maybe it’s not the next best thing but if planned correctly, a day trip can be a good way to take a break from everyday life, and these 16 best day trips in Mississippi are proof.
1. Go Shrimpin’ with Biloxi Shrimping Trip
One of the best day trips from Biloxi you can take is to learn about one of the Gulf Coast’s biggest industries - shrimping! You'll have a firsthand experience as you board the Sailfish and tag along on a real shrimping expedition. In business since 1955, Biloxi Shrimping Trip has been entertaining and educating guests for several years now and has been voted the number one attraction in Mississippi. Visit the Biloxi Shrimping Trip website for more information.
2. Travel Back in Time at Landrum's Homestead & Village
If traveling back in time seems like your idea of a good day then you’ll want to visit Landrum’s Homestead & Village in Laurel. Thanks to exhibits depicting the life and daily activities of our early ancestors, visitors are transported back to the 1800’s for an experience like no other. It's one of the most fascinating must-visit day trips from Jackson MS. Visit the Landrum's Homestead & Village website for more information.
3. Take a Cooking Lesson at Viking Cooking School
Who better to help you hone your cooking skills than high-end kitchen appliance manufacturer, Viking Range Company? One of only two nationwide locations, Greenwood’s Viking Cooking School offers classes on everything from "southern specialties" to "Japanese steakhouse." Visit the Viking Cooking School website for more information.
4. Spend the Day in the Ghost Town of Rodney
Once slated to be the capital of Mississippi, the town of Rodney is now home to only a handful of residents and a lot of old, deserted buildings. The once-booming city began to dwindle thanks to the changing course of the Mississippi River, two severe fires, and the yellow fever epidemics of 1843 and 1898. Rodney is the perfect destination for those who enjoy Mississippi road trips to ghost towns and abandoned places. Read our previous coverage on this ghost town in Mississippi to learn more.
5. Sail Away to Ship Island
If you ask any Gulf Coast local they’ll tell you that some of the best beaches are on Ship Island. Accessible by a quick 50-minute ferry ride, a visit to the barrier island is perfect for a day of swimming, recreation, and exploration of Fort Massachusetts, which is located on the island. Visit the Ship Island Excursions website for more information.
6. Get to Pickin’ at Hope Fruit and Berry Farm
Looking for a truly unique way to spend a day outdoors? A visit to Hope Fruit and Berry Farm in Morton should do the trick. After a day of picking blueberries, blackberries, muscadines, and other fruits, you can relax for a bit on the huge front porch – the perfect end to a perfect Mississippi day. It's a seasonal farm so check the website before you visit to make sure it's open. Visit the Hope Fruit and Berry Farm Facebook page for more information, including when it's open for the season.
7. Rock ‘n Stroll in Tupelo
If you’re a fan of the King, music enthusiast, or history buff, then taking part in all of the Elvis-related sites the city of Tupelo has to offer is a must. The now infamous home in which the King was born is part of the Elvis Presley Birthplace Park which also includes a museum, chapel, gift shop, "Elvis at 13" statue, Fountain of Life, Walk of Life, "Memphis Bound" car feature, and story wall. This is one of the best Mississippi road trips destinations especially if you're a fan of Elvis. Visit the Tupelo website for more information.
8. In the Capitol? Forget Shopping, Go Museum Hopping
When it comes to good museums, Jackson is definitely not lacking. The city is home to several, which include basics like the Mississippi Museum of Art and the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science to more specific options like the Capitol Museum and the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Museum. Head to the Visit Jackson website for more information.
9. Spend the Day at Sea With Captain Ron's Charters
Ready to spend the day on the water with a fishing pole in hand? Well, you’ll want to plan a visit to the Gulf Coast because it’s teeming with fishing charter companies. For a fee, you can charter a boat, spend the day fishing with professionals, and even have your catches cleaned. Visit the Captain Ron's Charters website for more information.
10. Go for a Drive on the Natchez Trace Parkway
If you’re in Mississippi then you have to drive along this famous 444-mile stretch, which spans from Natchez, Mississippi to Hohenwald, Tennessee. This scenic area is filled with just as much history as beauty, and many must-visit places in Mississippi. There are several possible stops along the way that include everything from an Indian village site and Cypress swamp to the Old Country Store, which is known for serving nationally recognized "Mr. D"s Heavenly Fried Chicken." Learn more when you read our article on the Natchez Trace Parkway.
11. Visit a State Park
Home to over 20 state parks, spending the day outdoors is the ideal Mississippi day trip. And with everything from breathtaking views that could include waterfalls, depending on your location, to activities like biking and canoeing, state parks have something for everyone. Visit the Mississippi State Parks website for more information.
12. Learn the Art of War at Vicksburg National Military Park
Known for its rich history and dedication to preservation, Mississippi is filled with battlefield sites as well as military parks, cemeteries, and museums – all of which would make for an interesting and educational day trip. From well-known sites like the Vicksburg National Military Park to lesser-known attractions like Centreville’s Camp Van Dorn World War II Museum, the state is the perfect place to brush up on some of the most important parts of our nation’s history. It's one of the most extraordinary must-visit places in Mississippi. Visit the Vicksburg National Military Park webpage for more information.
13. Tour a Piece of History
There are numerous historic homes scattered throughout the state, many of which are available for touring. Visit the homes of well known Mississippi residents like Jefferson Davis and William Faulkner or head to Holly Springs or Natchez where the options will seem endless, especially if visiting during the cities’ pilgrimage celebrations. You can learn more about the historic buildings of Natchez in this article.
14. Get Your ‘Gator On at Gulf Coast Gator Ranch
At Gulf Coast Gator Ranch and Airboat Swamp Tours in Moss Point, you’ll have the chance to get up close and personal with alligators. Whether you opt for the walking tour where you’ll be able to feed them or choose to board an airboat where you’ll be able to observe alligators along with birds and other marine life in their natural habitat, this is one day trip in Mississippi guaranteed to create lifelong memories. Check out this article to learn more about Gulf Coast Gator Ranch.
15. A Walk Among the Trees at the Mississippi Petrified Forest
One of the best Mississippi road trips you can take is to the state's petrified forest. The only one of its kind in the area, Mississippi’s Petrified Forest in Flora is a must-see. Spend a relaxing day strolling around the forest and enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by ancient beauty. Markers will guide you along the way and will lead you to a museum filled with fossils, petrified wood, and minerals from around the world. Read on to learn more about the Mississippi Petrified Forest.
16. Ride the Rails
Part of Mississippi’s Rails to Trails conversion program, the Tanglefoot Trail spans 43.6 miles through the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in the Mississippi Hills National Heritage Area. In addition to the historically significant sites in the Mississippi Hills, the trail also includes access to several small towns along the way – all of which exude southern hospitality and the kind of charm that only a small town can offer. Check out this article to learn more about Tanglefoot Trail.
If you're wondering if there are any day trips near me in Mississippi, this list should give you some great ideas! Have you been to any of these or have another idea for an awesome Mississippi day trip? Share your thoughts in the comments section. We would love to hear from you!
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!
