9 Cutest Small Towns In Mississippi
Located in the Southeastern and Deep South regions of the United States, Mississippi is a beautiful state characterized by its rolling hills, fertile farmland, lush forests, winding rivers, and scenic coastal landscapes. The state pairs its diverse landscapes with timeless Southern charm, deep-rooted history, and a warm, welcoming spirit.
Beyond the bustling cities of Jackson and Hattiesburg, Mississippi’s cute small towns reveal the true spirit of the state. These adorable towns invite visitors to wander through vintage shops, cozy cafés, and lively historic squares filled with blues music. Though united by warm Southern hospitality, each community offers its own character, whether defined by graceful antebellum architecture, vibrant music traditions, or a laid-back coastal vibe.
From Oxford, home of celebrated novelist William Faulkner, to Cleveland, famous for the GRAMMY Museum in Mississippi, discover nine of the cutest small towns in Mississippi in 2025.
Oxford
Experience a taste of Old World England in America’s Deep South. Located in northern Mississippi, just 75 miles southeast of Memphis, Oxford features Old English-inspired character, highlighted by Gothic and Baroque architecture. Home to the University of Mississippi, this delightful small town was named after the historic university city of Oxford in the United Kingdom.
Once the home of celebrated novelist William Faulkner, Oxford has grown into an inspiring hub for writers and artists. Literary enthusiasts can visit Rowan Oak, Faulkner’s historic residence, and admire its elegant Greek Revival architecture. Throughout the year, the town also hosts numerous readings and festivals, including the Oxford Conference for the Book.
Downtown Oxford is filled with historic buildings, adorable boutique shops, and independent bookstores like Square Books, a renowned literary hub that frequently hosts readings and book signings.
City Grocery is a standout restaurant known for its refined Southern dishes served in a historic setting with exposed brick walls and heart pine floors. Don’t miss the signature creations from award-winning Chef John Currence, including the renowned gumbo and selections from the oyster bar.
Natchez
Situated along the scenic banks of the Mississippi River, across from Vidalia, Louisiana, Natchez is an enchanting riverfront town steeped in history and Southern character. This cute town is famous for its beautifully preserved antebellum homes and historic architecture dating back to the pre-Civil War Era.
Those captivated by the grand homes of the American South can explore historic residences such as Longwood, the largest octagonal mansion in the United States. Travel back in time at Natchez National Historical Park, where museum exhibits and guided tours highlight significant colonial-era sites, including Fort Rosalie, the William Johnson House, and the Melrose estate. Visitors can also enjoy scenic walking trails that wind through the park’s beautiful surroundings.
Take in the beauty of the Mississippi River with a leisurely walk or bike ride along the Natchez Bluff Trail. This scenic half-mile pathway offers stunning riverfront views and a close look at elegant Victorian-era homes.
Natchez boasts a lively dining scene that perfectly melds historic charm with true Southern hospitality. Among the favorites is Magnolia Grill, perched in a pretty spot above the river, known for its refined Southern fare such as shrimp and grits and bourbon-glazed pork chops.
Bay St. Louis
Experience the tranquillity of Mississippi’s Gulf Coast in a delightful small town where Southern hospitality meets sun-kissed shores. Nestled on the west side of St. Louis Bay, Bay St. Louis boasts a relaxed coastal vibe while offering plenty to do for locals and tourists year-round.
Explore Old Town Bay St. Louis in style with an open-air golf cart from Bayside Golf Cart Rentals, which are permitted throughout the downtown core and nearby residential areas. Relax on the beautiful local beaches, where gentle turquoise waves and soft white sands create the perfect backdrop for swimming, leisurely walks, or watching the sunset. For a unique experience, hop aboard a Cruisin’ Tikis floating tiki boat and enjoy a one-of-a-kind party on the water.
Discover the history and cultural significance of the region’s Mardi Gras celebrations at the Bay St. Louis Mardi Gras Museum, an adorable exhibit in the Historic Train Depot showcasing colorful costumes and festive memorabilia.
Savor the flavors of Bay St. Louis, where the cutest beach bars and coastal eateries showcase the best of fresh Gulf seafood and Southern charm. A local favorite, The Blind Tiger, invites guests to unwind by the water with live music, handmade burgers, and fish tacos served fresh off the grill.
Cleveland
Take a trip to one of the Mississippi Delta’s most adorable small towns. Centrally located in the heart of the Delta, Cleveland is a delightful community filled with attractions, museums, shops, and restaurants, shaped by strong musical traditions.
A visit to Cleveland wouldn’t be complete without checking out the famous GRAMMY Museum Mississippi, the only GRAMMY museum outside of Los Angeles. Here, visitors can explore American music history through a combination of permanent and temporary exhibits, featuring original clothing worn on the GRAMMY red carpet.
If you are visiting in the fall, be sure to check out OctoberFest, Bolivar County’s delightful Southern take on Oktoberfest. This lively weekend celebration offers delicious regional cuisine, live music, local artisans, family-friendly fun, and the Mississippi Delta State Barbecue Championship.
The historic, walkable downtown district of Cleveland has an endearing array of antique shops, pottery studios, and upscale boutiques. H Squared Boutique provides a stylish, locally curated selection of women’s clothing for all ages, while Abraham’s features both men’s and women’s apparel, blending classic tailoring with casual, contemporary style.
A favorite dining spot among locals, Hey Joe’s Burgers + Beer dishes out creative spins on classic pub fare in a rustic setting, complete with a patio that looks out over downtown.
Laurel
Experience the inspiring revival of Laurel, a Southern hometown brought beautifully back to life. Located in southeastern Mississippi, this conventional Southern small town has become a vibrant destination, celebrated on HGTV’s Home Town.
A must-see in Laurel is the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, Mississippi’s first art museum. Housed in a stunning Georgian Revival mansion, the museum features an impressive international collection that includes Native American basketry, British Georgian silver, European and American paintings, and Japanese woodblock prints.
For contemporary art, visit The Caron Gallery, which highlights the work of 50 Mississippi artists. The gallery offers a diverse mix of styles and media, from bold modern abstracts to classic Southern landscapes, along with striking sculptures and handcrafted ceramics, celebrating the state’s thriving artistic community.
Travel back in time at Landrum’s Homestead and Village, a heritage village and educational attraction showcasing more than 85 historic buildings that bring the late 1800s to life, including a general store, schoolhouse, and blacksmith shop.
Explore the beautifully restored Downtown Laurel Main Street, where historic architecture frames a lively mix of boutique shops, art galleries, and locally owned restaurants. Stop by Café La Fleur, a New Orleans-inspired bistro known for its Cajun and Southern favorites like Blackened Redfish and Shrimp Po-boys.
Tupelo
It is every Elvis fan’s dream to visit this adorable small city in northeastern Mississippi. Best known as the birthplace of Elvis Presley, Tupelo celebrates the King of Rock & Roll with numerous historic sites and tributes, while also offering a wide variety of attractions, dining, and entertainment for visitors of all ages.
You will want to include a visit to the Elvis Presley Birthplace museum during your trip. Here, you can step inside the modest two-room house where Elvis was born, see the small chapel where the Presley family worshipped, and wander through the surrounding park, which features statues of Elvis at different stages of his life.
If you are visiting in summer, don’t miss the Tupelo Elvis Festival, a celebration that captures the spirit of a community united by its music legend. Downtown Tupelo comes alive to celebrate Elvis with an immersive mix of music, history, and Southern culture, featuring Elvis impersonator contests, tribute concerts, and food vendors serving up authentic local dishes like barbecue pulled pork sandwiches.
For outdoor enthusiasts, explore Tupelo’s section of the Natchez Trace Parkway, a 444-mile scenic route that winds through Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee, providing forested trails, historic landmarks, and sweeping natural views.
Tupelo’s dining scene has everything from classic Southern comfort food to upscale and international cuisine. One standout is ForkLift Restaurant, where elevated Southern dishes meet contemporary flair in a stylish atmosphere.
Ocean Springs
Experience a relaxing beachside getaway on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Situated on the east shore of Biloxi Bay, 90 miles from New Orleans, Louisiana, Ocean Springs is a coastal town with a laid-back Southern vibe.
Ocean Springs presents two inviting public beaches with soft white sand along the Gulf of Mexico. Front Beach is conveniently located near shops and restaurants and features fire pits and volleyball nets, perfect for an active day by the water. For a quieter escape, East Beach stretches three peaceful miles and is a favorite for locals.
Uniquely explore downtown Ocean Springs with Slow Ride Pedal Tours, a 14-seat group bicycle where you can sip a cocktail as you pedal through town, stopping at local bars and establishments along the way.
Ocean Springs offers an eclectic shopping scene filled with cute local boutiques and specialty stores. Miner’s Big Stuff Doll & Toy Store is a nostalgic favorite, showcasing a thoughtfully curated mix of vintage collectibles and modern toys.
Be sure to take advantage of the chance to savor fresh seafood while soaking in the ocean views at one of the town’s waterfront spots. The Bayou Restaurant & Tiki Bar overlooks the bayou and serves menu specialties like blackened fish tacos and shrimp baskets.
Clarksdale
Celebrate the heart and soul of Southern music in Clarksdale, a delightful small town at the heart of the Mississippi Delta, just south of Memphis, Tennessee. Known as the birthplace of the blues, Clarksdale boasts a rich musical heritage and a lineup of hometown blues legends.
Music lovers will enjoy live blues performances taking place throughout the year in various locations across town. One must-visit spot is the Ground Zero Blues Club, a family-friendly venue that hosts live shows and special events, such as jam nights, where guests can step on stage to sing or play alongside talented artists.
Discover the rich history of the blues at the Delta Blues Museum, where visitors can immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of the genre through engaging exhibits and artifacts, including a reconstructed sharecropper’s cabin once home to Muddy Waters.
For a one-of-a-kind shopping experience, explore Clarksdale’s historic downtown Arts & Culture District, home to lovely locally owned boutiques and shops offering vintage records, musical instruments, and blues memorabilia, along with inviting art galleries and gift stores.
For a lively start to your day, head to the Bluesberry Café, where you can enjoy Saturday and Sunday morning performances alongside hearty breakfast specials, such as ham and cheese omelets served in generous portions.
Corinth
Appreciate the darling historic character of a town once known as the “Crossroads of the South,” named for the two major rail lines that met at its center near the state border of Tennessee. Corinth offers a nostalgic small-town feel, with brick-paved streets, vintage storefronts, and well-preserved landmarks that together create a picture-perfect Southern atmosphere.
Appreciate the vintage charm of the Corinth Coca-Cola Museum, home to an impressive collection of authentic Coca-Cola memorabilia, retro drink machines, and treasures from the classic Soda Fountain era.
Wander through the historic Downtown Corinth shopping district, where beautifully preserved architecture reflects the town’s rich Southern heritage. Browse a cute selection of boutiques and specialty shops, including Hoochies Gifts and Accessories, known for its custom jewelry, stylish women’s apparel, and one-of-a-kind gifts.
The town is home to delightful eateries filled with old-fashioned charm, and Borroum’s Drug Store & Soda Fountain is a local favorite. The town’s oldest business, this retro 1950s-style diner dishes up creamy milkshakes and its beloved signature slugburger.
Corinth becomes especially enchanting during the holiday season, when the town transforms into a festive wonderland with twinkling lights and storefronts adorned with holiday decor, creating a Hallmark-style Christmas setting. The season is also filled with community celebrations, including the beloved “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” concert held each December.
Soak Up the South in Mississippi
Mississippi’s endearing small towns capture the heart of Southern living, blending history, soul, and hospitality in every corner. Whether you are drawn to riverfront beauty, coastal serenity, or the Southern pride of the Delta, each town offers a glimpse into the state’s rich heritage and welcoming spirit. Discovering these cute small towns promises not just a trip, but an experience that feels timeless, warm, and uniquely Mississippi.
