Mississippi swings to its own tunes, from Delta blues to Elvis’ hip-shimmying twang. Visitors come on pilgrimages for world-famous music and equally renowned barbecue and leave hungry for more. Things to do in Mississippi go from Natchez Trace Parkway road-tripping to the high-tech Grammy Museum Mississippi and island-hopping in the Gulf Islands National Seashore. The state’s history—fraught and inspiring—is on display at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, Vicksburg National Military Park, and Emmett Till Interpretive Center.
Hot, humid summers slow Mississippi life to an easy-going crawl—great for sweet iced tea and beach days at the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Big events generally happen outside the hottest months. April brings the Township Jazz Festival and blues-mad Juke Joint Festival. Things cool off for the September William Faulkner Literary Festival, Biloxi Seafood Festival, and the Delta Blues Heritage & Music Festival.
Many visitors explore Mississippi by car, as public transit is limited in rural areas. With some forethought, you can get around by train; the state has 10 Amtrak stations on the City of New Orleans and Crescent lines. Or, try pedaling: The scenic 444-mile (715-kilometer) Natchez Trace Parkway has become a favorite destination for cyclists and links Natchez, Mississippi, with Nashville, Tennessee.
You can find Mississippi-style barbecue—pork-focused, slow-cooked, and served with a sweet, finger-licking sauce—everywhere, from high-end eateries to low-key diners. Don’t overlook humble spots. Gas stations and convenience stores, like Vine Brothers in Centreville or the Rib Daddy’s BBQ locations in Jackson, Canton, and Carthage, serve some of the state's most beloved barbecue.
Local Currency US Dollar ($) | Time Zone CDT (UTC -6) | Country Code +1 | Language(s) English | Attractions 3 | Tours 24 | Reviews 45 |
Marking a pivotal Civil War battlefield, the Vicksburg National Military Park is Mississippi’s number-one attraction. Run by the National Park Service, the site features reenactments, films, monuments, memorials, and living history events. Many visitors explore the military park by car, with the option to visit battlefields with licensed guides.
...MoreIt’s a toss-up: Mississippi is famed for blues music and fabulous barbecue. The state’s Delta blues are the draw at the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale. The Mississippi Barbecue Trail links up eateries that span old-school barbecue pits, big-city restaurants, and gas stations serving secret family recipes.
...MoreThings to do in Mississippi are scattered across the state. Tupelo is home to the Elvis Presley Birthplace and Tupelo National Battlefield. Music-loving Cleveland has the Grammy Museum Mississippi. Jackson is the biggest city, with the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, Mississippi Children's Museum, and Mississippi Museum of Natural Science.
...MoreGet ready for history, music, and gorgeous scenery. The top Mississippi attractions include Vicksburg National Military Park, the Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum, Natchez Trace Parkway, and the U.S.S. Cairo Museum. There are plenty of historic homes, too, such as Longwood, Beauvoir, Stanton Hall, and Rosalie Mansion.
...MoreYou need at least three days to explore Mississippi’s top sites, visiting cities like Jackson, Tupelo, and Cleveland. Add a few extra days if you’re following one of the state’s sightseeing “trails,” like the Mississippi Barbecue Trail, the Mississippi Blues Trail, or the impressive, civil rights–focused Mississippi Freedom Trail.
...MoreSeptember is the best month to explore Mississippi, as warm days replace sweltering summer heat. It’s also festival season, with the Delta Blues Heritage & Music Festival and the Biloxi Seafood Festival happening then. You'll make most of the state's Gulf coast's culinary traditions (and maritime bounty).
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