7 Easygoing Small Towns in Mississippi

Mississippi is home to a collection of small towns where life unfolds without hurry and local traditions shape everyday experiences. From Biloxi’s Gulf Coast setting and maritime heritage to Bay St. Louis’ arts-driven streets and waterfront views, these communities reflect the state’s geographic and cultural variety. Though different in character and setting, they share a calm pace, close-knit feel, and strong ties to place. Below are seven easygoing small towns in Mississippi where visitors can slow down and enjoy the surroundings.

Bay St. Louis

Bay St. Louis is a serene yet engaging Gulf Coast experience, balancing faith, leisure, and coastal recreation. St. Rose De Lima Catholic Church stands as a historic local landmark; its altar features an extraordinary mural of an African Christ figure rising before a live oak tree. The church is also home to one of the country's finest Southern Gospel Choirs. For relaxation, the Bay Saint Louis Beach has a delightful setting overlooking the marina and bridge, perfect for seaside strolls.

The town caters to entertainment and outdoor activity through prominent venues. Hollywood Casino & Resort Gulf Coast recently unveiled exciting renovations, including a modern hotel lobby and the newly updated Azalea Spa & Salon. High rollers can appreciate the revamped High Limit area, while the Lucky Noodle Bar and Palisades Cocktail Bar & Lounge enhance the dining and entertainment experience.

Biloxi

Biloxi fits naturally among Mississippi’s easygoing small towns, shaped by coastal scenery and recognizable landmarks. The Biloxi Lighthouse, a 64-foot cast-iron structure built in 1848, stands as the city’s defining symbol. Open daily for guided tours, it represents endurance and renewal, having emerged as a post-Katrina emblem of local resolve. Nearby, the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art adds cultural depth through a Frank Gehry-designed campus dedicated to Gulf Coast history and the work of potter George E. Ohr.

Along the shoreline, the Biloxi Bay Bridge has become a destination in itself. Visitors regularly stop to walk its span, while runners and cyclists move steadily along the path, drawn by expansive water views and fresh air. A short distance away, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi overlooks the Gulf of Mexico, bringing music-themed energy to the waterfront. With outdoor pools, a seasonal swim-up bar, and a large casino floor, it adds entertainment without disrupting the town’s relaxed coastal rhythm.

Tupelo

A cultural hub in northeast Mississippi, Tupelo moves at a relaxed pace while carrying deep ties to the state’s music history as the birthplace of Elvis Presley. Recognized as one of the only cities in the southern United States to earn All-America City status five times, Tupelo pairs civic pride with an inviting atmosphere. Its award-winning Downtown Tupelo Main Street reflects this spirit, anchored by walkable streets and cultural venues such as the 10,000-seat Cadence Bank Arena, one of the largest multipurpose indoor arenas in Mississippi.

The city’s landmarks encourage unhurried exploration. The Elvis Presley Birthplace preserves the modest home where the music legend was born, along with a museum and memorial chapel open for tours. Outdoor time unfolds at Tombigbee Lake State Park, with its lake, trails, and cabins. Families often spend an entire day at Tupelo Buffalo Park & Zoo, riding the Monster Bison Bus, meeting exotic and domestic animals, and viewing the sacred white buffalo, Tukota.

Starkville

Starkville reflects the relaxed rhythm found in many of Mississippi’s easygoing small towns, shaped by history, community spaces, and everyday pleasures. The Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library and Museum anchors the city’s cultural landscape with an extensive collection documenting the life and legacy of the nation’s 18th president. Housed in a 21,000-square-foot facility, the library includes a dedicated museum featuring correspondence, artifacts, photographs, and research materials spanning Grant’s early years, Civil War leadership, and presidency.

Local history continues at the Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum, where exhibits showcase antiques, military items, sports memorabilia, and archival photographs that tell the story of the region’s past. For outdoor relaxation, McKee Park serves as a central gathering place with pavilions, recreational courts, and open spaces suited for casual afternoons. For antique-loving visitors, it is therapeutic to shop at Horsefeathers Antique Mall, where rows of vendor booths display antiques alongside locally made goods such as jams, honey, soaps, and other small finds, making it an inviting stop for unhurried browsing.

Natchez

Natchez carries the unhurried character of an easygoing Mississippi town shaped by its prominent role during the antebellum era, when it stood as a center of cotton wealth and Mississippi River trade. Its history is preserved through remarkable architecture, most notably Longwood, the largest octagonal house in the United States. Begun in 1860 and left unfinished by the Civil War, the National Historic Landmark remains a powerful symbol of a turning point in American history.

Equally striking is Stanton Hall, a Greek Revival mansion occupying an entire city block in downtown Natchez. Designed by architect Thomas Rose, the residence showcases original furnishings, arched millwork, imported mirrors, marble mantels, and rare Gothic-style pieces, all carefully maintained by the Pilgrimage Garden Club. A walk through Historic Downtown Natchez completes the experience for visitors, beginning at Bluff Park’s river overlook and continuing past landmark buildings.

Hattiesburg

Hattiesburg's identity is rooted in its founding in 1882 by civil engineer William H. Hardy, who named the town in honor of his wife, Hattie. The city maintains a focus on historical and recreational landmarks, making it an easygoing destination. The African American Military History Museum is a key feature; the building, originally opened as a USO club in 1942 to serve African Americans at Camp Shelby during segregation, is the only remaining USO club site of its kind in the United States. Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the museum is dedicated to African-American soldiers, with exhibits spanning the Revolutionary War through the Global War on Terrorism, including the Buffalo Soldiers and the local Hall of Honor.

The town provides ample opportunities for recreation and leisure. The Hattiesburg Zoo, located in Kamper Park, showcases over 55 global animal species and includes a carousel and trains. For natural enjoyment, Paul B. Johnson State Park occupies over 800 acres, providing space for camping, swimming, boating, and fishing on the lake. Additionally, Pep's Point Water Park is a seasonal lakeside family amusement center featuring a sand beach, water slides, canoeing, and mini-golf.

Holly Springs

Holly Springs is an ideal, easygoing town for those prioritizing natural surroundings and private recreation. The surrounding Holly Springs National Forest boasts a treed setting with scenic lakes and various recreational areas, including Chewalla Lake, Puskus Lake, and Lake Tillatoba. These areas provide facilities for camping, swimming, fishing, hiking, and picnicking. The forest features the Baker's Pond Hiking Trail and the North Cypress Non-Motorized Trail, offering a range of facilities and services to suit varying needs.

The town also caters to specialized interests, particularly conservation and golf. The Strawberry Plains Audubon Center runs education and outreach programs from its 3,000 acres of model habitat. These efforts aim to promote wildlife diversity and inspire conservation action, encouraging the use of native-plant landscaping and best management practices. Meanwhile, Kirkwood National Golf Club & Cottages is a convenient yet private wooded sanctuary offering first-class golf, events, and accommodations, ensuring guests thoroughly enjoy the spot and return.

An Easygoing Way To Experience Mississippi

Mississippi’s easygoing small towns reward travelers who look beyond the state’s larger cities. From Tupelo’s music legacy and outdoor escapes to Starkville’s cultural institutions and relaxed community spaces, and Natchez’s riverfront history and landmark homes, each destination invites a slower, more thoughtful way to explore. Without crowds or rigid schedules, these towns make it simple to linger, discover local stories, and enjoy everyday moments. Together, they show how Mississippi’s smaller communities create memorable experiences through history, culture, and a pace that encourages visitors to stay awhile.