9 Most Beautiful Small Towns In Mississippi You Should Visit

Mississippi sets the bar for what it means to be a Southern state with its historical significance to the US, natural beauty, preserved antebellum mansions, and much more. Numerous beautiful cities make up its landscape, but these are the most attractive towns you should visit. Towns like Natchez and Vicksburg, where one could drop in with no knowledge of the region and instantly discern their historical and modern importance.

This quick distinction is due to preserved architecture, heritage markers mixed in with contemporary restaurants, and a progressive feel to the cultural districts. Compact communities also lend an air of hospitality and charm, making outsiders feel welcome, especially in local eateries and shops. Whether looking for history, award-winning diners, or just a peaceful respite for a couple of days, these are the most beautiful Mississippi towns to visit.

Natchez

Historic Natchez is the oldest city on the Mississippi River and is referred to as the "Antebellum Capital of the World." As such, there are many heritage sites to visit, including Beaulah Baptist Church, which played a pivotal role during the Civil Rights era, and the Dunleith Historic Inn. The 1855 Inn features 22 rooms, each rich in elegance and history, making it an excellent choice for stepping back in time.

Natchez is also notable for its artistic leanings, inspired by its natural surroundings, as noted by John James Audubon. Explore this unique side of one of America's oldest cities at Arts Natchez Gallery, Conde Contemporary, and others. Natchez's stunning beauty and rich culture lend the area a unique charm, and combined with a hospitable community, make it one of the best towns to visit in the region.

Vicksburg

Historic Vicksburg is renowned for its Civil War Battles, and much of this history has been preserved, enhancing its natural beauty and charm. Before hitting the iconic downtown district, take an Old Town Tour to better understand the deep history that reverberates throughout the state. Download a map from the town's tourism site to explore the different historical sections, such as the Courthouse Route and the Springfield Route.

Downtown is lined with classic storefronts and is a hive of activity, especially during one of the many annual festivals, which are some of the best times to visit. History buffs should seize the opportunity to see the Vicksburg National Military Park's commemorative events. A fun time for everyone is the springtime Alcorn State University Jazz Festival, which combines world-class jazz musicians with student performers.

Ocean Springs

Ocean Springs is a fun coastal town with an affable community and one of the best to visit in the Magnolia State. The social hub is a phenomenal place to walk around and find cool things to do, or start by taking a Slow Ride Pedal Tour to get some ideas. One spot not to be missed is the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, which celebrates the artist/philosopher through his work and other colorful exhibits.

The area is also notable for its thriving nightlife, featuring a range of establishments from prohibition-style bars to sophisticated wine bars. The Wilbur Bar features a speakeasy atmosphere and a bar built from salvaged wood from 1894. The Office Bar and Lounge features over 20 craft beers and a vast wine collection, making it a more traditional spot. Eclectic experiences and top nightspots are just some of what Ocean Springs has to offer, and cultural landmarks are the icing on the cake in this charming town.

Bay St. Louis

Bay St. Louis is notable for its waterfront views, Southern hospitality, and its casinos, which make it an irresistible playground for many. There are around a dozen casinos on the Gulf Coast that add commercial beauty to the natural setting, such as Hollywood Casino and Resort, an all-in-one destination. Old Town offers a different perspective on the scenic town and is a hive of activity for locals and visitors alike.

The area is packed with landmarks that both entertain and educate about the immediate region. The Alice Moseley Folk Art Museum is a top attraction, featuring works by the local folk hero who did not pick up a paintbrush until she was 65 years old. The food scene enhances the atmosphere with a range of options, from the Thorny Oyster to Trappani's Eatery, both of which define what Bay St. Louis is all about.

Oxford

Oxford is famously home to the University of Mississippi, and almost every inch of its iconic entertainment district reflects an air of academia. The epicenter of Oxford Square, though locals call it the Square, has been a hub of activity since the town's inception in 1837. Many stores, including the oldest in the South, Neillson's Department Store.

People walk the area during the day, grabbing coffee from Heartbreak Coffee and perusing titles at Square Books. When the sun sets, however, the center becomes a popular nightspot. Places like Circle and Square Brewery are among the most popular, especially during the football season, adding a charm all its own to the appealing college town.

Port Gibson

Port Gibson saw its share of skirmishes during the Civil War and played a pivotal role in Union General Ulysses S. Grant's strategy to take Vicksburg. The future president famously said that it was "too beautiful to burn," and the hamlet retains that aesthetic to this day. Windsor Ruins, one of Mississippi's most iconic sites, serves as a primer of sorts for the other architectural masterpieces in the historic district. The ruins are 23 columns that once supported an antebellum mansion, which was destroyed by a massive fire in 1890.

Other notable sites include Grand Gulf Military Park, which honors the fallen who fought on this battlefield and features a cemetery, museum, and different points of interest. Isabella Bed and Breakfast is a 1880 Queen Anne home located on Mississippi's Blues Trail, offering guests the opportunity to be within walking distance of a variety of historic events, making Port Gibson one of the region's top destinations.

Laurel

Any town known as "The City Beautiful" has to be an epic destination, and Laurel lives up to the name. The charming downtown is also home to Mississippi's oldest art museum, the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art. Founded in 1923, the gallery is free to the public and features rotating exhibits showcasing regional and national work. Downtown is one of only 50 Main Street communities in the state and features a fantastic blend of vintage buildings and modern landmarks, like the Laurel Little Theatre, which is in its 65th season.

Bolton Hometown Tours offers one of the best ways to experience The City Beautiful. Customers are driven around town in a red golf cart to see local points of interest, such as Pearl's Diner, public murals, and featured homes shown on HGTV's Home Town. Riding in the cart evokes the Americana atmosphere of Laurel, leaving riders yearning for a bygone era.

Biloxi

Famous for its casinos, Biloxi is also a lovely town to visit, even if slots are not on the agenda. The maritime industry was the first major economic boom for the community, and its history and more are interpreted at the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum, which includes photographs and exhibits to detail the storied Gulf Coast history. After a visit, one should see the famed Biloxi Lighthouse, one of the most photographed landmarks on the coast.

The adventurous can climb the 60-foot-tall structure, enter a trap door, and enter the light room. Commercial structures such as the O'Keefe Museum of Art add to the natural scenery and highlight the cultural significance of the Gulf region. Biloxi is also a friendly town, making it even more attractive to visit time and again.

Tupelo

It is no secret that Mississippi is the birthplace of American music, and the King of Rock' n Roll, Elvis Presley, was born in the small town of Tupelo, adding to the mystique. Elvis tours and memorabilia are everywhere here, including the Elvis Homecoming Statue downtown and the Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum. Tupelo Hardware Company, where the King bought his first guitar at the age of 11, is still open to the public. Tours are welcome, so visitors can walk where the young boy once stood, before going on to conquer the world with his music.

Tupelo is also a progressive, modern town with a hip downtown and three shopping districts, including Barnes Crossing. It features national stores like American Eagle and movie theaters, as well as big-box stores like Walmart, which, despite being nearby, feel miles away from the historic district, adding to the town's originality. Amidst all the Elvis memorabilia and contemporary shops is Woody's, a Tupelo throwback offering a simple dining experience and menu that has become a local favorite.

Beautiful Small Towns In Mississippi

From the birth of the Blues to antebellum mansions, Mississippi is one of the best Southern states to visit. These nine towns exemplify the best characteristics of the Magnolia State, with hospitable communities and beautiful scenery. Together, they add up to a top destination in a diverse setting that is hard to ignore.

Each of these towns adds its own color to the scenic backdrop while sharing a love of heritage, the arts, and a progressive mindset. This philosophy enables the city to remain relevant in modern times without losing the ever-present connection to its past, which is why it is vital in the present. This appeal and aesthetic is the norm in these Mississippi towns rather than the exception, and these nine towns are the best places to experience this unique combination.