Discover the captivating allure of the Mississippi River Valley, a hidden gem in the American South. Unveil historic monuments, vibrant college towns, serene beaches, and the Blues. Dive into our guide for the “Top Places to Visit in Mississippi” to explore its rich legacy of music, literature, and cuisine, and embrace its unique charm.
Located in the southeastern United States, Mississippi is known as the “Magnolia State” and gets its name from the mighty Mississippi River that forms most of its western border. The other states that border Mississippi are Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Alabama. Flat coastal plains and low hills make up much of this warm and inviting region, with a small portion of the territory also bordering the glistening Gulf of Mexico.
Jackson is the state capital and biggest city, so it’s natural that it’s where most tourists begin their exploration of Mississippi. The city is home to several historical sites and museums that explore the state’s culture, history, and involvement in the civil rights struggle. Natchez, with its stunning antebellum architecture, and the picturesque and young university town of Oxford are other popular tourist destinations in Mississippi.
The Mississippi Delta city of Clarksdale, often known as the “Birthplace of the Blues,” is another must-see because of its numerous blues-related landmarks and venues. Despite New Orleans being just an hour away, Biloxi’s coastal casinos, restaurants, and beaches make it the ideal spot to decompress.
The beautiful Natchez Trace Parkway is a great opportunity to see a lot of the state in a short amount of time, as it winds through a variety of landscapes, from swamps and bayous to rivers and lakes, all the while showcasing the state’s natural beauty.
Mississippi, located in the United States’ Deep South, is a fascinating place to explore. Its rich and, at times, harsh history and traditions are well-known, but so are its literature and music. On their travels, tourists will see everything from pristine beaches and lush fields and hills to glittering casinos, college towns, and Civil War battlefields.
The Mississippi River, which empties into the glistening Gulf of Mexico, runs across the western border of the state and serves as a visual and geographic focal point. The Blues, a charming musical genre, originated in the south’s pleasant delta area. This means that if you’re looking for a place to hear live music, you won’t have any trouble finding it among the many pubs and clubs in the area. Its moniker, “The Hospitality State,” is well-deserved since Mississippi is a warm and inviting location to visit.
Top Places to Visit in Mississippi: Vicksburg
Small yet picturesque, Vicksburg sits on a hill above the Mississippi River. At the western end of the state, near the border with Louisiana, lies a city that gained national attention as the result of a pivotal fight in the American Civil War.
There is more to Vicksburg than the notorious triumph of General Ulysses S. Grant, which is now celebrated in the city’s artwork, museums, and customs. Besides its remarkable past, it now has a number of world-class museums and a charming historic district with many lovely buildings and picturesque streets.
Hiking in the nearby woods and hills, or a romantic carriage ride through the city’s historic district, are other popular activities for visitors visiting Vicksburg.
9. Tunica
Tunica, Tennessee, an hour south of Memphis, was historically one of the poorest cities in the United States. It is located in the northwest corner of the state. Gambling’s advent in the 1990s radically altered its fortunes. As a result, it has become the third most popular gambling destination in the world, after only Las Vegas and Atlantic City.
Popular resort towns now have a lot of big, fancy casinos with lots of slot machines, table games, and poker rooms. They all provide guests with a wide variety of amenities, from pools and spas to fine dining and golf courses.
Tunica RiverPark is home to some magnificent landscapes, wildlife, and hiking trails, despite the fact that most, if not all, visitors to Tunica come for its opulent casinos and Las Vegas-style performances. If you’re looking for a change of scenery, Memphis isn’t too far away.
8. Oxford
Oxford, Mississippi, is as picturesque as it gets, nestled as it is in the wooded North Central Hills area of the Magnolia State. Oxford, Mississippi is so named because the University of Mississippi is located there and has a big and active student population, much like the famous university in England from which it takes its name.
It’s true that the state’s most well-known college town has a wild side, but it’s also known for its beautiful central square, upscale atmosphere, and genuine Southern hospitality. In addition to its charming, oak-lined districts, the city has a number of impressive historical buildings and sites, many of which may be found on the vast university grounds.
The large number of students in Oxford means that the city often plays host to a dizzying number of conferences, exhibitions, and performances. In addition, there are several excellent dining options and nightlife hotspots in The Square.
Top Places to Visit in Mississippi: Gulf Islands National Seashore
The Gulf Islands National Seashore is a collection of stunning barrier islands located to the south of both Mississippi and Florida. Incredibly beautiful beaches and untamed nature provide limitless options for exploring the great outdoors.
Thanks to their remote location, the islands have remained remarkably natural and pristine, with beautiful beaches, untamed marshes, and mysterious woods. The islands of Horn, Sand, Petit Bois, and East Ship are the ones with the most beautiful scenery, but they are also the most difficult to reach; visitors must rent a boat to get there and then camp overnight in the sand dunes.
The park’s untouched, protected environment makes it ideal for a wide variety of recreational pursuits; among these are hiking, cycling, and swimming. In addition, vacationers may go bird watching on the barrier islands or swim in the glistening Gulf of Mexico.
6. Natchez Trace Parkway
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a popular tourist destination in Mississippi because it passes through a wide variety of landscapes, from sweltering swamps and swampy bayous to breathtaking overlooks and Indian burial mounds. The 715-kilometer national parkway from Nashville, Tennessee, to Natchez, Mississippi, is a great place to go walking, cycling, or driving because of all the amazing places to stop and visit along the route.
An ancient Native American pathway provides the picturesque route’s journey through beautiful forests, wildness, rushing rivers, and placid lakes. It has been in use since before Colonial times, when it was first employed by explorers and then by farmers in the Ohio Valley. Along the way, you’ll be able to see a wide variety of amazing structures and museums, as well as the sites of ancient battles and burial mounds.
In addition to its cultural and historical significance, the Natchez Trace Parkway is also known for its breathtaking natural beauty. Tupelo, Jackson, and Natchez are just a few of the fantastic cities and villages that may be visited along the way in Mississippi.
5. Tupelo
Tupelo, a somewhat unremarkable community in the state’s northeast, is most famous as the birthplace of Elvis Presley, perhaps the most well-known music star in history. Despite the fact that most of the town’s attractions are focused on “the King,” it is a lovely site to stop along the Natchez Trace Parkway.
The downtown part of the city has recently been revitalised with the addition of several amazing murals, as well as a bustling restaurant scene. You may visit the Elvis Presley Birthplace Museum and the Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo, and on the second Sunday of every month, there’s a lively flea market to enjoy.
The Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center, located just outside the city, can provide directions to the many beautiful sights along the parkway, including a couple of Civil War sites well worth seeing.
Top Places to Visit in Mississippi: Natchez
Natchez is located in the southwestern corner of Mississippi, on a hill that provides a breathtaking view of the Mississippi River. Located on the state line with Louisiana, the charming downtown is home to some very remarkable antebellum buildings.
The town was a thriving commercial hub prior to the Civil War. That’s why all that money and splendour now fills its lovely streets. Horse-drawn carriage rides are a wonderful opportunity to see the town’s vast collection of exquisite mansions and historical sites, making a visit to the town’s attractive core a must.
Even though history and heritage are everywhere in Natchez, the city is still very much alive and has a fun party vibe on the weekends. The penultimate destination along the Natchez Trace Parkway is not only known for its abundance of nightclubs and concert halls, but also for the stunning natural beauty that surrounds it.
3. Biloxi
Beaches and casinos on the water make Biloxi, Mississippi, a popular tourist destination in the state. Although the city’s outward appearance might be boisterous and ostentatious, it also boasts many subtler facets, including a charming historic district.
However, most visitors come to try their luck at one of the many sparkling casinos that line the coast and provide breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico and many gaming options. Numerous restaurants and activities, such as live music and hors d’oeuvres, may be found at these establishments, many of which have cowboy, tropical, or live music themes.
In addition to the city’s many casinos and exciting nightlife, vacationers may unwind on the sandy beaches or try their hand at sailing and other watersports. By taking advantage of the short distance between the two cities, you can easily combine a vacation to Biloxi with a trip to New Orleans.
2. Jackson
Jackson, the state capital and biggest city in Mississippi, is sometimes overlooked by travellers. However, there is more than plenty to enjoy in this metropolis. Located on the Pearl River, this city is home to world-class museums and a vibrant live music scene.
The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and the Museum of Mississippi History are two of the state’s most popular destinations. The former provides an intriguing glimpse into the culture and history of the state, while the latter emphasises the struggle for racial equality in Mississippi. The artistic Fondren District, with its boutiques and coffee shops, is another attraction in addition to the city’s many world-class museums.
With a tagline like “The City with Soul,” it’s no wonder that Jackson is home to so many fantastic places to see live music. Weekends are ideal since that’s when the city comes alive with music of all kinds, from blues and folk to jazz.
Top Places to Visit in Mississippi: Clarksdale
Clarksdale, Mississippi, a tiny, somewhat rundown community on the banks of the Sunflower River, has long been a popular tourist destination as the epicentre of the Delta blues movement. This is where many African-American artists of the early 20th century created the blues before moving north to places like Chicago and New York.
The fascinating Delta Blues Museum delves further into this fascinating history, and around the city you’ll see memorials to the city’s most influential performers and the enthralling blues they created. In addition, there are a few cultural events and festivals held each year, and a few taverns and clubs routinely host famous blues bands.
Clarksdale is a fantastic home base for exploring the Mississippi Blues Trail since it is just a few hours away from the majority of the trail’s most important stops. If you wish to see more of the area, you’re not far from the bustling college town of Oxford or the huge metropolis of Memphis.
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