10 Stress-Free Mississippi Towns For A Weekend Retreat

So much of Mississippi’s charm lies in its smaller corners, where tree-lined streets, historic homes, sea breezes, and music-filled squares invite visitors to unwind for a few days. In the Magnolia State’s small towns, travelers are met with peace rather than crowds. Whether you spend your weekend watching the sunset over the Mississippi River, wandering through art-filled streets, or strolling on a quiet beach, a retreat to Mississippi promises gentle discovery and deep relaxation.

Natchez

Set upon high bluffs near the Louisiana border overlooking the mighty Mississippi River, Natchez is filled with thousands of structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including homes, churches, and mansions. Start your relaxing stay in Natchez by checking into the Dunleith Historic Inn, an elegant estate that offers restful rooms amid sweeping colonnades. A tour of Longwood, also called Nutt's Folly, invites visitors to explore America's largest octagonal house with the original furnishings still intact and learn about the story behind the build.

For those who find peace amid beautiful scenery, a walk through Bluff Park is a fantastic way to slow down, especially if you time it to catch the sun setting over the river. When you are ready to kick back and relax, head to Old South Winery for a glass of sweet, fruity local wine or Magnolia Grill for fresh seafood with a river view.

Ocean Springs

Located on the Gulf Coast, Ocean Springs is a quaint beach town and an artsy enclave brimming with creativity. It offers a slower coastal pace that soothes the spirit of visitors who love falling asleep to the sound of the ocean. While there are numerous accommodation options in Ocean Springs, Front Beach Cottages offer a unique and fun choice just a quick walk from the beach.

Speaking of the beach, East and Front Beaches are both great places to sunbathe, swim, fish, or go paddleboarding. The Walter Anderson Museum of Art is a cultural hub, dedicated to the art and legacy of the artist himself. The site features an imaginative café that doubles as a gallery and event space. Meanwhile, Maison De Lu offers an eclectic menu of Southern favorites and French-inspired cuisine with a beautiful courtyard for dining al fresco.

Oxford

Oxford, located in northern Mississippi near Sardis Lake, is filled with peaceful corners and a unique history. The town’s literary heritage, as evidenced by the celebrated American author William Faulkner’s home and legacy, still permeates many parts of Oxford. A relaxing afternoon may consist of a serene walk through Rowan Oak, Faulkner’s woodland-shaded estate, and then browsing Square Books, a legendary indie shop serving Oxford since 1979. Lamar Park is a lovely arboretum that also contains lakeside paths and sculpture gardens, which should not be missed on your visit. For stress-free accommodations, The Oliver Hotel Oxford provides boutique comfort just steps from the town’s historic Square.

Bay St. Louis

Bay St. Louis is a Gulf town featuring a walkable Old Town district lined with pastel storefronts, galleries, and cafés. Locals and visitors alike go to Bay St. Louis Beach to unwind and relax, while the Washington Street Pier is the perfect spot for casting a line or enjoying magical sunset views. For a bit of culture, a nice indoor activity in Bay St. Louis consists of strolling through the whimsical Alice Moseley Folk Art and Antique Museum. The gallery honors the beloved local artist with over 100 of Alice Moseley's original paintings, as well as a gift shop for unique souvenirs. Finally, fall asleep to the sounds of the gentle waves at Pearl, a boutique hotel that offers cozy accommodations, an oyster bar, and an elegant swimming pool.

Laurel

Laurel is a quaint gem filled with creativity and quiet discovery. The revitalized murals, boutiques, and cafés downtown set the scene for a relaxing getaway. Grandiflora Bed & Breakfast, an inviting inn located within walking distance of Laurel’s historic district, is a fantastic choice for those looking to unwind.

Take a picnic to Mason Park and spend a leisurely afternoon on the shaded lawns. Art lovers should visit the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, Mississippi’s oldest art museum, with an impressive collection of American and Native American art. When it's time to refuel, try The Loft for dinner. Their menu has something for everyone, and they offer outdoor seating as well as live music.

Port Gibson

Small and unhurried, Port Gibson is brimming with moss-draped oaks and striking historical remnants. At the Isabella Bed and Breakfast, guests are treated to comfortable rooms and a full Southern breakfast in the morning in a beautiful and convenient location. After a morning meal, a walk through history along the winding trails and tall trees of Sunken Trace is a great way to get in tune with nature and release stress just outside of town. The drive to this hiking trail along the Natchez Trace Parkway is also wonderfully scenic.

One of the most iconic landmarks in the state can be found just south of Port Gibson. Windsor Ruins consists of 23 Corinthian columns from the largest antebellum mansion ever built in Mississippi. Back in town, check out the stunning First Presbyterian Church, a building that pierces the small-town skyline and whose architecture provides a gorgeous backdrop for photos.

Cleveland

In the heart of the Mississippi Delta, Cleveland is a peaceful town where music abounds. The GRAMMY Museum Mississippi on the Mississippi Blue Trail anchors its heritage with interactive exhibits and tons of music memorabilia, while the town’s charming streets carry the soul of the blues. If shopping brings you peace, wander the local boutiques and cafés, such as Zoe Coffee Co., which serves coffee with a purpose, with profits going to support clean water and sustainability initiatives.

For leisurely outdoor recreation, Great River Road State Park is a short drive away, offering boat launches and a fishing pier, as well as walking trails and scenic viewpoints. As for accommodations, Cotton House Cleveland offers chic rooms and a rooftop bar in the heart of the action, perfect for watching the sunset.

Corinth

Corinth, a town nestled in the northeastern corner of Mississippi near the Tennessee border, is a popular destination for its Civil War significance and relaxed present-day charm. History buffs will enjoy visiting local museums, such as the Shiloh National Military Park Corinth Interpretive Center, a small museum dedicated to the Battle of Corinth, the Crossroads Museum, housed in a historic depot with an impressive range of artifacts and exhibits, and the Corinth Coca-Cola Museum, for a bit of pop culture.

If you are looking for a space to reflect, the Corinth Contraband Camp commemorates those who began their journey to freedom during and after the Civil War. When it is time to turn in for the evening, consider a stay at The Generals’ Quarters Inn, a boutique hotel with quiet gardens and on-site spa services.

Tupelo

Best known as Elvis Presley’s birthplace, Tupelo is both a pilgrimage for music lovers and a gateway to the Natchez Trace Parkway. Visit the Elvis Presley Birthplace for a unique bit of insight into the singer's childhood and American music history, as well as to stroll among the property’s peaceful gardens and stop for a photo at the statue of Elvis as a young teenager.

For more fun pictures to remember your trip, go to the bright neon sign of the Tupelo Business District Arrow Sign at night. If you want to stay in the heart of downtown, Hotel Tupelo is a stylish boutique hotel that puts you within walking distance of the town’s charming restaurants, cafes, and shops.

Holly Springs

Holly Springs, a small town just 60 miles southeast of Memphis, invites visitors to slow down for a while. A cozy option for accommodation is the Court Square Inn Bed and Breakfast, which features suites with full private kitchens. From there, you can easily walk to the Kate Freeman Clark Art Gallery, a unique museum featuring hundreds of works by the reclusive painter.

If you happen to be in Holly Springs in the spring or summer, check out live blues music at Firefox Ranch on Sunday afternoons, paired with Southern homecooking and cold beer. Finally, a short drive away from town will lead you to the beautiful Wall Doxey State Park. This peaceful park features a spring-fed lake perfect for fishing, canoeing, or a picnic by the water.

Final Thoughts

When you are looking for the perfect backdrop for relaxation, comfort is never far away in the Magnolia State. From its riverside towns to coastal areas, Mississippi carries its own unique blend of history, nature, and hospitality, making a weekend in one of Mississippi’s small towns the perfect opportunity to recharge. Rest here doesn’t require elaborate plans or long itineraries, as long as you desire a quiet, slow-paced retreat filled with warmth and tranquility.