The 7 Best Small Towns in Mississippi to Chill Out
The birthplace of America’s music and famous for being the state where Elvis Presley was born, Mississippi is a well-loved destination with a rich cultural soul. From the picturesque coastline along the Gulf of Mexico to the historic river bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, the state is filled with inviting small towns that encourage visitors to take their time. Whether enjoying the artistic waterfront charm of Bay St. Louis or the grand antebellum scenery of Natchez, these towns provide the perfect setting to slow down, destress, and take a breather.
Bay St. Louis
Still influenced by the first European settlers in the area, Bay St. Louis easily ranks high among the most relaxed small towns. Bay St. Louis beach invites visitors for a whole day of fun by the water, where the gentle ocean makes it especially enjoyable for the children to play with the sand and relish the water views. For more time on the water, nearby Waveland Beach features white soft sand, picnic tables, and a well-maintained playground.
After a wonderful beach day, the Alice Moseley Folk Art Museum takes visitors on another level of exploration, showcasing folk art by Alice Moseley inside a restored train depot with a collection of antiques. A short drive away, Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast adds lively entertainment with slot machines, gaming options, and delicious dining options for a wonderful evening.
Ocean Springs
Ocean Springs, the hometown of renowned painter and muralist Walter Inglis Anderson, is a popular tourist destination. Voted one of the top 10 Happiest Seaside Towns by Coastal Living in 2015 and named among the top 10 Best Coastal Small Towns by USA Today in 2022, the town is home to a lively mix of restaurants, bars, and art galleries. Throughout the year, the town hosts vibrant festivals such as the Peter Anderson festival, the largest art festival in Mississippi, attracting artists and vendors from all over the United States.
Walter Anderson’s legacy can be further explored at the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, which preserves his drawings, paintings, sculptures, and writings on coastal plants. A short distance away, the Mississippi Vietnam Veterans Memorial stands as a black granite memorial honoring the men and women who served in the Vietnam War.
Vicksburg
Vicksburg brings history, culture, and tradition together at a pace that suits a relaxed visit. Each summer, the town hosts the Miss Mississippi Pageant and Parade, a long-standing celebration that adds an infectious energy to the season. Another local tradition, Gold in the Hills, has been staged by the Vicksburg Theatre Guild every year since 1936 and holds the Guinness World Record for the longest-running show, making it a must-see for theater fans.
Much of Vicksburg’s character is rooted in its past. Vicksburg National Military Park preserves key sites from the Civil War campaign, including monuments, exhibits, and sweeping river views. Nearby, the restored USS Cairo Gunboat Museum displays period artifacts that bring naval history to life, while the Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum marks the first bottling of Coca-Cola in 1894, complete with memorabilia and a classic soda fountain.
Meridian
Meridian carries a deep artistic legacy that shapes its relaxed appeal. Downtown is home to the Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience, known as The MAX, a modern cultural center celebrating the state’s influence on music, literature, and performance through exhibits, programs, and live events. The town is also the birthplace of Jimmie Rodgers, widely recognized as the Father of Country Music. His story lives on at Highland Park, where a museum displays personal memorabilia alongside historic railroad equipment from the steam-engine era.
Families enjoy time at the Mississippi Children’s Museum-Meridian, a thoughtfully designed space filled with interactive exhibits that encourage creativity and learning. Alongside, for fresh air and scenic views, Bonita Lakes Park spans 3,300 acres, with calm waters, wooded trails, fishing spots, and paths suited for hiking or horseback riding.
Columbus
Columbus stands out for its easygoing pace and strong connection to outdoor recreation. Lake Lowndes State Park centers on a scenic 150-acre body of water, creating a peaceful setting for fishing, camping, and quiet walks along the shore. The park also features well-maintained courts and athletic fields, making it a favorite gathering place for families and community events. Nearby, Columbus Lake adds more opportunities for time on the water, with calm conditions suited for angling and light boating.
Recreation continues at Columbus Propst Park, long known for hosting baseball and softball games while also providing tennis courts and open spaces for casual activity. When the day winds down, Marcella’s Winery LLC is a relaxed space for visitors to sample wines, enjoy live music on select evenings, and linger by the fire while sharing conversation in a warm, welcoming setting.
Natchez
Natchez fits perfectly among Mississippi’s towns to chill out, known for its historical sites, striking architecture, and welcoming outdoor spaces. Longwood, an unfinished octagonal antebellum mansion crowned by an onion-shaped dome, is a symbol of the Civil War’s impact. Nearby, Stanton Hall adds to the town’s appeal with its historic mid-19th-century mansion with ornate halls and living quarters.
St. Mary Basilica further enhances the town’s sense of calm, featuring a colorful and prayerful setting with serene vibes and a sense of calm. A short distance away, Emerald Mound adds another layer to the town’s history. Covering eight acres, it is the second-largest Native American mound in the United States and offers an intriguing glimpse into the region’s past.
Tupelo
Tupelo is a town with a strong connection to Mississippi’s music history as the birthplace of Elvis Presley. The singer’s legacy can be explored at his birthplace in the historic museum, event center, and a theater surrounding his first home. Neat downtown, the town boasts a 10,000-seat Cadence Bank Arena, a multipurpose indoor arena hosting concerts, sports, and community events.
For the love of the outdoors and some fresh air, Tombigbee Lake State Park offers a campground, a lake, a boat launch, and scenic trails. Families with children are drawn to Tupelo Buffalo Park & Zoo, home to buffalo, tigers, giraffes, and other animals, making it an interesting and educational spot to explore.
Small-Town Mississippi at Its Most Peaceful
Mississippi’s small towns show that chilling out can be just as rewarding as staying busy. In places like Columbus, peaceful parks, calm lakes, and welcoming local spots create an atmosphere made for unhasty days and relaxed evenings. Tupelo balances its legendary music heritage with green spaces, family-friendly attractions, and a lively and comfortable downtown. Together, these seven towns reflect the state’s ability to pair culture, history, and nature in settings where visitors can unwind and enjoy the moment.
