Your Ultimate Guide to Summer Fun in Mississippi

Ready or not, summer will be here before we know it! We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of some of our favorite things to do in Mississippi in summer, covering everything from epic sunset sails to activities that won’t cost you a dime. Of course, summer in Mississippi can be a little hot, so we’ve included plenty of ways to beat the heat on those hot summer days.

Best Summer Vacation Destinations In Mississippi

Are you ready to pack your bags and enjoy a summer vacation? Here are our top picks for summer vacation destinations in Mississippi:

1. Oxford

Popularity: Popular

Need To Know: There will be fewer crowds since Ole Miss students typically head home for the summer.

Oxford has a college-town reputation, but it won’t feel like it in the summer. The town settles into much quieter vibes when the college kids head home for the summer. With its rich history and exceptional restaurants, you’ll never be bored. Spend some time exploring Oxford’s historic Downtown Square. Be sure to swing by Square Books and then grab a bite to eat at AJax Diner while you’re there. Afterward, head over to Rowan Oak—William Faulkner’s home. The residence has been carefully preserved, and you can tour the home.

2. Gulfport

Popularity: Very popular

Need To Know: Gulfport is the second-largest city in Mississippi

Thanks to its beautiful beaches, Gulfport is a fabulous summer destination in Mississippi. Families with kids of all ages will love visiting the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies. Not only will you learn all about marine life, but you can even swim with dolphins! Other Gulfport attractions include the Gulf Islands Waterpark, Fishbone Alley, and many others.

3. Biloxi

Popularity: Very popular

Need To Know: Parking for the public beaches can fill up quickly, so get there early to get a spot.

Gulfport and Biloxi are less than 15 miles away from each other, and it’s a very scenic drive! Biloxi’s casinos are popular year-round and a great option when you need to escape the heat for a while. You can’t miss the Biloxi Lighthouse (Literally. It’s in the middle of the road). The views from the top are extraordinary!

Best Beaches, Lakes & Rivers To Visit In Mississippi This Summer

Summer was meant for splashing around. Grab your swimsuits and sunscreen and head over to one of these spots. Whether you want to pull up a patch of sand or float carelessly down a river, these are some of the best beaches, lakes, and rivers to visit in Mississippi this summer:

4. Ship Island

Location: Barrier Island on the Gulf Coast

Popularity: Very popular

Need To Know: There is very little shade on Ship Island. Bring hats, umbrellas, etc.

If Caribbean blue water and white sandy beaches are what you seek, make your way to Ship Island. Ship Island Excursions offers a ferry service that takes about an hour. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins along the way! Once you arrive on the island, you’ll be met with a tropical paradise. You can rent beach chairs and umbrellas, but you can also bring your own. History lovers will also enjoy getting the opportunity to explore Fort Massachusetts. It’s not in use anymore, but it was used during the Civil War as a base for Union troops and a prison for Confederate soldiers.

5. Ross R. Barnett Reservoir

Location: Madison and Rankin counties

Popularity: Very popular

Need To Know: The 33,000-acre lake is Mississippi's largest drinking water resource.

Often called “the Rez” by locals, you can’t go wrong with a summer day here. Several public parks are dotted along the water, so if you find one too crowded, you can just find another! Pelahatchie Shore Park is a good first pick. The park overlooks Pelahatchie Bay and offers a disc golf course, a boat launch, and plenty of spots to pull up a beach chair and relax. You can also take a scenic drive along the Reservoir, which coincidentally takes you along the historic Natchez Trace. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head over to Cock of the Walk for some of the best catfish in Mississippi!

6. Sardis Lake

Location: Lafayette, Panola, and Marshall counties

Popularity: Very popular

Need To Know: Perfect for families

Sardis Lake is a great option if you can’t reach the Gulf Coast. This 98,520-acre reservoir is not far from Oxford and can easily be done as a day trip from Oxford, Tupelo, or even Memphis. As one of the clearest lakes in Mississippi, it’s a popular swimming area. Sardis Lake is also perfect for fishing. There are plenty of day-use areas, several boat launches, beaches, playgrounds, and more.

Parks To Visit In Mississippi This Summer

There are 24 state parks in Mississippi, and each one of them is worthy of a visit. If you had to narrow it down to just a few, we’ve got you covered. If you plan on hiking around these parks, we recommend picking up some trail maps beforehand. Here are some of the best parks in Mississippi to visit this summer:

7. Buccaneer State Park

Location: Waveland, Mississippi

Popularity: Very popular in the summer

Need To Know: Entrance to the state park is $4. Entrance to Buccaneer Bay is $21 for individuals 48” + and $15 for under 48”

Splash the day away at Buccaneer State Park. The park is home to Buccaneer Bay, a 4.5-acre waterpark that overlooks the Gulf with waterslides and wave pools galore. Nature lovers will also enjoy the park’s nature trail, or challenge the family to a game of disc golf.

8. Roosevelt State Park

Location: Morton, Mississippi

Popularity: Fairly popular

Conveniently located between Meridian and Jackson, Roosevelt State Park is a great park to visit in the summer. Explore the hiking trails, enjoy the 150-acre lake, or have fun on the water slide! There are plenty of activities to keep you entertained all day long this summer in Mississippi.

9. Tombigbee Lake State Park

Location: Tupelo, Mississippi

Popularity: Fairly popular

Need To Know: Cabin rentals book quickly, so make reservations as early as possible if you plan to spend a few days here.

Sitting pretty in Tupelo, Tombigbee Lake State Park is a favorite hangout for locals during the Mississippi summer months. Fishing on the lake is one of the most popular things to do. On land, visitors can enjoy epic mountain biking trails, scenic hiking trails, a legendary disc golf course, and more.

Best Free Summer Activities

I firmly believe that a good time doesn’t have to cost a fortune. You can have a fabulous day with a little planning and only pay for the gas. These summer activities won’t cost you a dime:

10. Natchez Trace Parkway

Location: Mississippi/Tennessee/Alabama

Popularity: Some sections are more popular than others

Need To Know: You don’t have to tackle the entire 444 miles. Start wherever you’d like and drive until you see something you’re interested in!

Summer is the perfect season for road trips, and the Natchez Trace Parkway is one of the most epic road trips in Mississippi you can take. Beginning in Natchez and ending in Nashville, the Natchez Trace Park clocks in at 444 miles, but you don’t need to drive the entire route. There are many historic landmarks, hiking trails, and scenic views along the route. You can make the drive as long or as short as you’d like!

11. Red Bluff

Location: Marion County, just outside of Morgantown

Popularity: Not very popular

Need To Know: Wear good sneakers, and have a towel and water back in the car. Your shoes will get muddy!

If you want to experience one of the most unique landscapes in Mississippi, visit Red Bluff. Red Bluff looks like a mini Grand Canyon! These “canyons” result from erosion, which has removed part of a nearby road. Don’t worry, you won’t be driving along that part. Grab a trail map before you go, and be sure you’re wearing some sneakers you won’t mind getting dirty. That red clay can (and will) stick to everything!

12. Public Beaches

Location: All along the Mississippi Gulf Coast

Popularity: Very Popular

Need To Know: Parking can fill up quickly!

Mississippi has countless public beaches peppered along the coast. We mentioned Ship Island earlier, but these beaches don’t require a boat. Most of Mississippi’s public beaches have free parking, so you’ll only pay for the gas.

Best Summer Events And Festivals In Mississippi

Grab your favorite festival shirt and head out to one of the summer festivals in Mississippi this year:

13. Ridgeland Celebrate America Balloon Glow

Location: Ridgeland, Mississippi

Popularity: Very popular

Need To Know: This year's festival date is June 27, 2025, starting at 5 p.m. at Northpark.

The Ridgeland Balloon Glow is one of the best ways to celebrate the start of summer. Enjoy plenty of food vendors, a kids’ corner, and live music while watching more than 15 colorful hot air balloons in the sky. In the evenings, there’s also an incredible fireworks display. The festival takes place at the Northpark Mall. Visit the Ridgeland, MS website for more on this summer event in Mississippi.

14. Crystal Springs Tomato Festival

Location: Crystal Springs, Mississippi

Popularity: Very popular

Need To Know: The festival date is Aug. 15, 2025

The one-day festival takes place on Aug. 15, 2025, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. in downtown Crystal Springs. It will feature a 5K run, arts and crafts, and plenty of food vendors. Don’t forget to swing by the Farmers’ Market in Railroad Park to pick up fresh produce and tomatoes! Head over to Crystal Springs at the end of June to experience the Tomato Festival. Follow the Crystal Springs Chamber of Commerce Facebook page for updates on this exciting Mississippi summer event.

15. Slugburger Festival

Location: Corinth, Mississippi

Popularity: Very popular

Need To Know: The festival takes place July 10-12, 2025.

The Slugburger is one of Mississippi’s most iconic culinary creations. As the story goes, a Corinth resident named John Weeks started making these special burgers in 1917. He mixed potato flakes into the ground beef to stretch the ground beef and drive costs down. Today, these burgers are usually mixed with soybean grit and are just as popular as they were over a century ago. Every year, the town of Corinth hosts the Slugburger Festival, which is filled with music, a talent show, carnival rides, and plenty of slugburgers to go around. Head to the Enjoy Corinth website for event updates.

Are you as excited as I am for summer in Mississippi? As you can see, there is so much to do to keep you busy while having fun all season long. If you're planning a road trip this season, check out our road trip essentials guide before starting your grand adventure. Safe travels this summer!