7 Best Small Towns In Mississippi For A Crowd-Free Summer
If you’ve ever wished for a summer escape that didn’t involve traffic jams, packed restaurants, or waiting in line for ice cream, Mississippi’s smaller towns might be just what you need. These quaint communities in the Magnolia State move at a pace that invites you to settle in, take your time, and enjoy the summer without the frantic rush of tourist traps. Here, summer days are meant for long lunches at the local café, short walks to the water, and conversations with locals who seem genuinely happy you're there. Whether you’re into kayaking, antique-hunting, or just looking for a quiet corner of the South to explore, these towns let you enjoy summer on your own terms—no schedules, crowds, or rush. Here are seven Mississippi towns that make slipping away for the summer season feel as natural as an ocean breeze.
Bay St. Louis
This Gulf Coast town might be small, but it’s big on coastal charm. With just under 15,000 residents, Bay St. Louis offers a relaxing mix of sandy shorelines, historic buildings, and local flavor, without the resort town crowds. Spend the morning browsing art galleries and boutiques along the walkable Old Town Main Street, then grab lunch with a view at The Blind Tiger, a breezy dockside seafood spot. The beach here is quiet and clean and often uncrowded, perfect for sunbathing, paddleboarding, or just watching sailboats drift by. If you're into history, check out the Alice Moseley Folk Art Museum, which celebrates one of Mississippi’s most beloved folk artists. And when the sun sets, stroll out to the Bay St. Louis Municipal Harbor for a peaceful view over the water. This is the kind of town where things move slower—and that’s precisely the point.
Water Valley
Tucked into the rolling hills of north Mississippi, Water Valley is the kind of town that invites you to linger a little longer. With a population of just under 3,500, it offers a refreshing break from city life while still surprising you with its creative energy. Start with a visit to Bozarts Gallery, a community-run art space showcasing regional artists. Then walk over to BTC Old-Fashioned Grocery, a quirky local favorite where you can grab a classic Southern lunch and even pick up some local produce. Take a peaceful stroll through the town’s charming neighborhoods, or head to nearby Enid Lake for boating, swimming, or just enjoying a picnic under the trees. Water Valley also comes alive on summer evenings with casual live music, especially during monthly events like the annual Watermelon Carnival, which brings food trucks, artists, and friendly faces out into the warm night air.
Port Gibson
Often called “too beautiful to burn” by General Grant during the Civil War, Port Gibson remains one of Mississippi’s most picturesque small towns—and a perfect place to dodge the summer crowds. With fewer than 1,500 residents, this town is steeped in Southern history and wrapped in Spanish moss. Start your day at the hauntingly beautiful Windsor Ruins, the remains of a massive antebellum mansion surrounded by towering columns. In town, the First Presbyterian Church is worth a visit for its one-of-a-kind golden hand pointing toward heaven atop its steeple. History lovers will also enjoy the Grand Gulf Military Park, a peaceful, tree-shaded site with old cemeteries, Civil War relics, and scenic walking trails. And if you want to get on the water, the Mississippi River is just minutes away, offering lovely views and excellent birdwatching. Port Gibson is quiet, visually striking, and full of stories if you take the time to listen.
Iuka
Cradled near the Tennessee border and surrounded by forested hills and lakes, Iuka is a quiet mountain-flavored town with fewer than 3,000 residents—perfect for a low-key summer trip. The star attraction here is Pickwick Lake, where you can boat, fish, swim, or relax by the water with a good book. For a dose of nature on dry land, head to J.P. Coleman State Park, a rugged riverside retreat with scenic overlooks and shaded hiking trails. Back in town, be sure to dine at the Cream and Sugar Cafe, a popular local breakfast and lunch spot. Afterward, stop in at the Old Tishomingo County Courthouse Museum, which shares quirky and fascinating stories about the area’s past. Iuka’s peaceful streets, piney air, and old-time charm make it an underrated summer treasure in Mississippi’s northeast corner.
Holly Springs
Holly Springs is one of Mississippi’s most underrated summer towns, known for its grand antebellum homes, walkable downtown, and a quiet charm that sneaks up on you. Start your visit with a stroll through Hillcrest Cemetery, sometimes called “Little Arlington of the South,” where mossy oaks shade intricate stonework and Civil War history whispers from every corner. Architecture buffs won’t want to miss Montrose, a striking Greek Revival mansion, or spend time exploring the Marshall County Historical Museum. On a warm afternoon, the Strawberry Plains Audubon Center is a peaceful place to walk shaded nature trails, spot butterflies, or catch a glimpse of migrating birds. Downtown Holly Springs offers vintage storefronts, small cafés, and an unhurried atmosphere perfect for a relaxed afternoon. If you’re looking to beat the crowds while diving deep into history and small-town hospitality, Holly Springs fits the bill.
Columbus
Set along the banks of the Tombigbee River, Columbus is a historic and surprisingly vibrant small town known for its well-preserved antebellum homes, shady streets, and quiet neighborhoods. Its claim to fame is as the birthplace of playwright Tennessee Williams. Begin your day at the Tennessee Williams Home & Welcome Center, housed in the playwright’s childhood home. Then wander downtown, where redbrick buildings house antique shops, cafés, and galleries. Don’t miss Friendship Cemetery, often credited as the birthplace of Memorial Day, and filled with striking stonework and stories. For outdoor time, the Riverwalk offers a peaceful paved path along the water, perfect for an early morning stroll or a golden-hour walk. If you want to cool off, Lake Lowndes State Park is just a short drive out of town and has shaded trails, picnic spots, and even paddleboat rentals. Columbus offers a rich blend of history, scenery, and that unmistakable Southern ease—ideal for a summer getaway without the chaos.
Natchez
Natchez is one of the most beautiful and historic towns in the state, filled with glorious Southern charm and nearly 500 Antebellum structures, many of which are open for tours. Start your visit at Stanton Hall, one of the grandest antebellum mansions in the South, complete with marble fireplaces, ornate plasterwork, and stories that go back generations. Then head to the Natchez Bluff Trail, a scenic walkway that winds along the edge of the Mississippi River with postcard-worthy views, especially at sunset.
Don’t miss the Natchez Museum of African American History and Culture, which gives thoughtful insight into the region’s complex past. Natchez also makes it easy to slow down and enjoy the small things: a shady bench under a magnolia tree, a quiet drive down the Natchez Trace Parkway, or a casual afternoon browsing antique shops along Franklin Street. For a summer escape that blends scenery, history, and Southern grace without the bustle, Natchez is a strong contender.
