If You Only Have One Day to Visit This Small Town in Mississippi, Here’s Everything You Absolutely Can’t Miss

Mississippi’s small towns are the heartbeat of the state. While I love visiting bigger cities like Jackson, Oxford, and Hattiesburg, there’s just something special about all of our small towns in Mississippi. These are the destinations rooted in history, have a strong sense of community, and where southern hospitality thrives. Days are slow, and your neighbors’ porch is the gathering place at the end of the day.

Bay St. Louis is one of my favorite small towns in Mississippi, though every time I visit, it gets bigger! The population of Bay St. Louis hovers just south of 11,000 residents, which I think is the perfect size for a small town. You’ll still have all of the best parts of a big city without the fast-paced atmosphere. Plus, it’s on the water, and waterfront towns in Mississippi are always the best of both worlds: equally charming and naturally beautiful. If I had just a few hours (or a day) in Bay St. Louis, here is what I would do in this gorgeous Mississippi Gulf town.

Discover Bay St. Louis

Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, is a coastal town right on the Gulf Coast. Whether you’re hoping to sink your toes in the sand or set off on an epic fishing excursion, you’ll love spending a day in Bay St. Louis. The French settled this coastal gem in the 17th century, and due to its location on the water, it became a hub for trade, fishing, and shipping.

Eventually, the town became a vacation hideaway for folks in New Orleans and the surrounding area. Its Creole and maritime heritage still lives on, even after the resort town was devastated by Hurricane Katrina. Although the city is a prime destination for vacationers, its artistic charm, walkable downtown with art galleries, cafés, and mom-and-pop seafood joints, is a sweet reminder that its small-town soul still lives on.

Where to Eat in Bay St. Louis?

There are plenty of restaurants in Bay St. Louis. Start your adventure at the Mockingbird Cafe, one of our favorite places to eat in Bay St. Louis. The cafe was established in 2006 and resides in a building that dates back to 1868. The cafe offers a fabulous breakfast/brunch menu, as well as a tasty cocktail menu if you want to kick it up a notch. 

For lunch, swing by The Ugly Pirate Cafe and Bar and grab a slice of pizza. It’s only about a block from the beach, so feel free to walk over. The restaurant is as casual as you want it to be, and also kid-friendly. For dinner, head over to Blind Tiger. This regional chain is the go-to spot for delicious seafood and has a sensational waterfront view. In the mood for down-home comfort food? Check out Murky Waters BBQ, a beloved gem serving mouthwatering BBQ with a side of smoky Blues music. Order the ribs and burnt ends platter and thank me later.

Things to Do in Bay St. Louis

There are plenty of things to do in Bay St. Louis. One of my favorite ways to explore a town is to stroll through the downtown area, checking out the local boutiques and mom-and-pop shops. You'll find lots of art galleries and cute stores to browse and shop for unique items. As you wander around, you'll soon discover how artsy and quirky this beachside community is.

The Bay St. Louis Historic L&N Train Depot is one of the town’s most popular attractions. There are a few different exhibits here, including the Bay St. Louis Mardi Gras Museum and the Alice Moseley Folk Art Museum. This is also where you’ll find Hancock County Tourism. If you're a history buff, make this your first stop while you're here.

Of course, a visit to Bay St. Louis isn’t complete without a beach stroll. Bay St. Louis Beach may not have the Caribbean blue water that you’ll find further East along the Gulf Coast, but it’s just as pretty. While you’re at it, wander along the Washington Street Pier. Buccaneer State Park is only six miles from the Bay St. Louis Beach. Even though it’s technically in Waveland, you can easily sneak it into your Bay St. Louis day trip, especially when you need to spend time in nature.  

End your day trip to Bay St. Louis with a sunset cruise on the water. The tour leaves Bay St. Louis about an hour before sunset and sails off to the best place to watch the sun go down. The tour typically lasts about three hours, so plan accordingly!

If you're planning a day trip to Bay St. Louis, be sure to check out our Ultimate Road Trip Guide, where we reveal the best things to pack for a road trip. And when you're feeling inspired, use Only In Your State’s itinerary planner to discover more day trip destinations in Mississippi. Safe travels!