10 Best Things to Do in Biloxi

Biloxi Lighthouse is a historic landmark dating back to the mid-19th century that you can visit to learn more about the area and enjoy a scenic view. The accompanying museum offers valuable insight into the structure, including the sheer number of hurricanes that never managed to make it topple. Photography is popular here, as it's one of the most photographed objects on the Gulf Coast. Of course, taking photos from its peak is popular as well, considering the scenic views. You'll find this lighthouse on the southern coast right by the pier.

The Mardis Gras Museum is home to numerous artifacts detailing the more than 300-year history of Mardis Gras as celebrated on the Gulf Coast. On display, you'll find costumes and memorabilia as well as actual photographs demonstrating the celebration from years past. In addition to all the costumes and memorabilia, you'll also find a dedicated staff who are knowledgeable and happy to answer any questions you might have. You can find this museum right downtown just a short walk from the shore.

Ship Island is an isolated island off the coast of Biloxi where you can enjoy the pristine gulf waters and local history without the hustle and bustle of town. The island is most widely known for its sandy beaches and welcoming waters where you can go for a swim, ride boogie boards, and go snorkeling. Ship Island is also home to Fort Massachusetts, a 19th-century fortification that you can tour. You'll find Ship Island a few miles south of the Biloxi shore, and you can reach it via a 1-hour ferry ride.

Biloxi Beach is arguably the most popular aspect of the entire city, thanks to its soft sands and inviting waters that are calm enough for the whole family to enjoy. The beach, like most of the Gulf Coast, is notably white with fine sand that makes every step soft under your feet. Given the calm nature of the waves, it's easy to go for a swim without having to worry about riptides. You'll find his beach on the southern edge of town, just a short walk from the downtown area.

The Hurricane Katrina Memorial is a massive structure you can visit to pay respects to and honor the victims of 2005's Hurricane Katrina. The memorial is 12 feet tall to represent just how high the water was in Biloxi during the storm surge. Within the glass case of the memorial, you'll find various pieces of destroyed buildings as well as names of victims of the storm. You'll find the memorial within the Biloxi Town Green downtown, across from the Hard Rock Casino.

The Jefferson Davis Presidential Library was the seaside estate of the only Confederate president and is now a museum preserving history related to the man. In the antebellum home, you'll find numerous artifacts relevant to Davis's life, including memorabilia, official papers, and other documents. Although the library suffered heavy damage from Hurricane Katrina in 2005, it was later rebuilt and features both temporary exhibits and a permanent exhibit that details the life of Jefferson Davis. You'll find it a few miles west of downtown near the coast.

The Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum aims to preserve the maritime history of the Mississippi coast with numerous exhibits on shrimping, fishing, oystering, and boating. Among the many exhibits in the museum, you'll find 2 full-size replica Biloxi schooners that were recreated in their 65-foot glory. Inside this museum, you'll also find a smaller museum, the Wade Guice Hurricane Museum. Here, you'll find a theater as well as additional exhibits focusing on hurricanes that have hit the area. The museum can be found on the eastern edge of Biloxi by Biloxi Bay.

The Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art is a local art museum dedicated to George E. Ohr and his stunning ceramics, which are on display for you to see. The Ohr exhibitions are part of the museum's permanent collection, but you'll find temporary exhibitions on display as well, so check what's on before visiting. You'll find additional sections of the museum's campus highlighting different kinds of art. For example, you can visit the Gallery of African American Art as well as the City of Biloxi Center for Ceramics. You'll find the museum on the eastern side of town by the yacht club.