7 Most Walkable Town Centers In Mississippi
Mississippi's cities and towns offer so much history, culture, and art within their walkable downtown districts. Tupelo celebrates the life and legacy of Elvis Presley throughout its main streets, while Oxford, a well-known college town, charms with Courthouse Square and nearby streets, drawing you into cafés, shops, and galleries just steps apart. In Ocean Springs, the Walter Anderson Museum of Art showcases the coastal-inspired creativity of the area, while Vicksburg offers insight into its past through riverfront museums and colorful murals along the Mississippi River. Meanwhile, Natchez offers scenic bluffs and easy access to historic landmarks, such as the William Johnson House. These towns, each unique in its own way, are perfect for strolling and uncovering unexpected sights along the way.
Tupelo
In northeast Mississippi, Tupelo stands out as one of the best walkable town centers in the state. For insight into the area, the Tupelo Visitors Center, right on Main Street near Franklin Street, is an ideal place to start. Inside are displays on Elvis Presley, since Tupelo is his birthplace, along with information to get you better acquainted with the city. While there, pick up a passport card for the Tupelo Cocktail Trail, a self-guided tour that includes stops at local establishments, including Downunder, Nautical Whimsey, and Park Heights, all steps from each other.
From Main Street, head toward Fairpark Drive and Troy Street to Fairpark. Here, you'll see Tupelo City Hall and a few bronze sculptures created by Mississippi sculptor William "Bill" Beckwith. One is the larger-than-life statue honoring the King of Rock ’n’ Roll's 1956 return concert in Tupelo. Nearby stands the statue of Chickasaw Chief Piomingo, a tribute to the region's Native American heritage. Along your downtown stroll, find colorful public art such as the Elvis Guitar Trail and the “Greetings from Tupelo,” “Jailhouse Rock Elvis,” and “Chickasaw Heritage” murals.
Oxford
Take a trip to north central Mississippi to Oxford, known for its historic town center, Oxford Square, or simply The Square. Centered around the Lafayette County Courthouse and near Oxford City Hall, the walkable district serves as a focal point for dining, shopping, art, and cultural activity. Right on Courthouse Square, you'll find the Southside Gallery, featuring regional artists, exhibitions, and reception events. Take time to browse the artwork on display before heading over to Square Books nearby. Before browsing its collection of novels, grab a coffee or latte at the on-site cafe.
From there, make your way to its sister properties, Square Books Jr., Off Square Books, and Rare Square Books, all just a few steps from each other. From Courthouse Square, take a short walk to Lamar Boulevard to grab a bite to eat at The Blind Pig Pub, a local favorite known for sandwiches and burgers. Over on Jackson Avenue, other dining options include Funkys Pizza & Daiquiri Bar, Saint Leo, The Old Henry, and Donut Distillery, which has a rooftop bar that offers views of the downtown area. The road from there leads directly to the University of Mississippi, a campus that has helped make Oxford a top-ranked college town.
Ocean Springs
Ocean Springs may be a lively coastal community located along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, but there is much more to love about the charming town. In the downtown district, the Walter Anderson Museum of Art on Washington Avenue celebrates the life and legacy of artist Walter Inglis Anderson, known for his coastal-inspired artwork. After browsing the many paintings and murals on display, continue along the street on a five-minute walk past Bowen Avenue to The Candy Cottage for delicious treats to satisfy your sweet tooth as you explore downtown. While there, choose from chocolate-dipped pretzels, handmade fudge turtles, and pecan logs. The shop also offers gift packs that make perfect souvenirs.
Next door, the Ocean Springs Mercantile offers a welcoming stop with its inviting window displays. Inside, you'll find a selection of outdoor décor, including wind chimes and bird feeders, and home accents, ranging from wall art to antiques. From there, take a short walk to Government Street to The Office Bar & Lounge, a popular local hangout for craft brews and live music throughout the week.
Vicksburg
Located on a bluff on the east bank of the Mississippi River, Vicksburg is a town full of history, culture, and charm. Its walkable town center begins just off Main Street on the Washington Street stretch and is home to a collection of the town's most iconic attractions. First up is the Catfish Row Museum with dedicated displays and exhibits focused on Vicksburg and Warren County, with the Lower Mississippi River Museum just across the way. From there, it's just a few minutes' walk to Washington Street Park, a small green space area on the way to the William "Bill" Ferris historical marker on the corner of Grove Street, part of the Mississippi Blues Trail.
Continue along Washington Street for more must-visit downtown stops, including the Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum, housed in the historic Biedenharn Candy Co. building, or head farther up the street to the Vicksburg Civil War Museum. Along the way, the town's "Welcome to Vicksburg" mural is sure to catch your attention. Nearby, a walk down Mulberry Street intersects with Clay Street, which leads to Levee Street, where there is a collection of riverfront murals along the river. The colorful murals beautifully depict Vicksburg's historic past and make for a perfect photo opportunity while exploring the downtown area.
Laurel
In southeastern Mississippi, just over 30 minutes north of Hattiesburg, sits Laurel's downtown hub, which is worth discovering. In the heart of it all are many small businesses that make it the perfect place for a stroll. Bella Bella on Central Avenue has something for everyone. The moment you walk in, you'll find everything from sleek bags from the Jon Hart collection to citrusy fragrances, such as Big Sky from B's Knees Fragrance & Co. Just around the corner, Laurel Mercantile Co. on Front Street, featured regularly on HGTV's "Home Town," is a must-visit for locally made goods, gifts, and home décor.
After browsing both boutiques, walk down to 5th Avenue to Pinehurst Park near Laurel City Hall. The park, which has benches, a shaded gazebo, and a water fountain, sits on the former site of the Hotel Pinehurst and includes a marker detailing its history. Next to the park is the Laurel Little Theatre, housed in the Arabarian Theatre, built in 1927. It hosts several plays, musicals, and variety shows throughout the year, and even when no performance is taking place, it's a great place to admire the building's historic architecture.
Bay St. Louis
Bay St. Louis, located on the Mississippi Gulf Coast along the Bay of St. Louis, offers a charming and walkable town center worth discovering on your next trip to Mississippi. Begin your visit on Depot Way at the historic L&N Train Depot, a two-story mission-style building surrounded by park-like grounds. From the depot, stroll toward Bookter Street, which leads directly to Blaize Avenue, home to Butcher Block Steak House & Bar, formerly TBT Butcher Shop & Depot District Deli, where you can enjoy steaks and grilled entrees, along with a butcher shop and a beer garden.
Afterward, walk next door to Lagarde's, a wine and spirits shop featuring fine selections and artwork that reflect the owner's passion for wine. From time to time, tastings and in-store promotions take place. Continue along Blaize Avenue past Keller Street to Bay St. Louis Little Theatre, a beloved venue offering plays, musicals, and community performances. From there, it's a short 15-minute walk via Sycamore Street to the waterfront and Bay St. Louis Beach for more strolling and scenic views.
Natchez
As Mississippi's oldest city, Natchez has layers of history to explore, with much of it located within its walkable downtown district. Begin your visit at Visit Natchez at The Depot on Broadway Street. In addition to offering brochures and maps highlighting the city’s most notable sites, the center overlooks the Mississippi River and provides beautiful views. From there, stroll along the street and through Bluff Park for more scenic vistas of the river and downtown. Nearby, nature trails offer a peaceful escape, including a 200-foot wooden staircase and historical markers along the way.
Afterward, head to several sites that are part of Natchez National Historical Park. Start at the William Johnson House on State Street, the former residence of William Johnson, a free man of color known as the "Barber of Natchez." From there, take a 10-minute walk down Canal Street to the Fort Rosalie site, a French fortification established around 1716 that highlights the city's early European settlement. In addition to the visitor center on Broadway Street, the Natchez National Historical Park also has its own visitor center nearby. Other sites part of the park include Forks of the Road and the Melrose estate.
Mississippi's Best Downtowns Perfect For Strolling
These downtown districts show that the heart of Mississippi is best experienced one step at a time. Elvis Presley fans can connect with his story by strolling through Tupelo's main streets. The community of Oxford has its lively Oxford Square close to the University of Mississippi, perfect for a full day of walking and exploring, while Laurel's downtown charm centers on local shops, including the Laurel Mercantile Co., made famous through its TV appearances, along with nearby historic buildings and sights. For those drawn to communities along the water, Ocean Springs and Bay St. Louis offer Gulf Coast charm, while Vicksburg and Natchez showcase Mississippi River views and history.
