The One Mississippi Town Everyone Should Visit At Least Once
Bay St. Louis is the Mississippi Gulf Coast at its most walkable: a marina lined with shrimp boats, a compact Old Town packed with galleries and bars, and sunsets over the Mississippi Sound that make you slow down without trying. Recognized in 2024 as one of the South’s most beautiful coastal towns, it pairs porch-swing calm with a lively calendar, Second Saturday art walks, live music, and seafood you’ll remember long after you’ve crossed the bridge home.
Strolling Through Old Town
Bay St. Louis is located in Hancock County, around 58 miles northeast of New Orleans, Louisiana. When you get there, your first port of call should be historic Old Town, or ‘Mulberry by the Sea’. If you happen to arrive on a ‘Second Saturday’, you will instantly be immersed in live music, shopping, and special events. Old Town is the historic district that is located on a peninsula flanked by the sound, Bay St. Louis, and the Jourdan River.
You would not say it now, but in 2005, Hurricane Katrina leveled nearly every building along the coastal road. It took effort, sweat, and tears, but the community came together and rebuilt their beautiful home. Several of the live oak trees in Bay St. Louis were destroyed in the hurricane as well, and some of the wood was turned into Angel Trees. There are six of them throughout the town.
As you explore Old Town, you will come across the Mardi Gras Museum, which houses gowns worn by the Krewe of Nereids. The museum is inside a historic train depot, which also features the History of Hancock County Exhibit. If you have some time left before dinner, stop by the Old City Hall to see if you can spot one of the ghosts rumored to haunt its rooms. The building is over 100 years old and was once the site of the city jail. Plus, if creepy is what you are after, you can also join the Witches Walk on the Saturday before Halloween. Or join the Mystic Ghost Tour to hear the story of the ghost of the Union soldier who hangs around under an oak tree.
The Arts Are Alive And Well In Bay St. Louis
If you love or create art, you will appreciate The Arts, which offers a little bit of everything. You can enjoy and learn more about art education, writing, music, theatre, dance, and visual media all in one place. You can also join several workshops if you have the time. These include a neurographic drawing workshop or a ‘sculpt your own planter mandrake’ class. Bay Bridge Art is another gallery and studio where you can buy or create artwork. The gallery offers prints, original fine art, and art gifts by well-known artists. On Second Saturdays, you can also join the extremely popular Art Walk, which features gallery openings, live music, and excellent food.
And speaking of arts, do not miss out on a trip to the 100 Men Hall. This landmark was built in 1922 and hosted the likes of James Brown, Etta James, Ray Charles, and Chuck Berry. Today, it is a live music venue along the Mississippi Blues Trail.
Lazy Days Along the Water
Being a coastal town, Bay St. Louis offers you lots of opportunities to enjoy water views and just spend a couple of lazy days on the beach or watching the boats in the harbor. While at the harbor, you can also while away a few hours fishing for trout or redfish. If you are up for a little adventure, be sure to time your trip during mid-May so you can catch Pirate Day in the Bay. This two-day event includes a local scavenger hunt, pub crawl, and mini-golf tournament.
If you want to spend some time on the sand, you will find Bay St. Louis Beach (Main Beach) along S Beach Boulevard. There is a lot of space here for relaxing and swimming. The beach area features a paved boardwalk that you can walk or bike to Waveland, three miles away.
Trying Your Luck at the Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast
If you are in the mood for a glitzy night out, try your hand at the slot machines at the Hollywood Casino & Resort Gulf Coast. The casino offers Las Vegas-style gaming with more than 900 slots and twenty table games. The Stage Bar offers live music and excellent cocktails, and you can perfect your golf swing at the on-site golf course. You can also book a room with views of the Mississippi Gulf Coast if you want to stay for a couple of days.
Experience Fantastic Southern Cuisine
You cannot visit Bay St. Louis without trying at least a handful of restaurants. The Blind Tiger offers an open-air island where you can sit and look out of the harbor. You will find some of the best Gulf seafood here. At 200 North Beach Restaurant and Bar, you will find great steaks, cocktails, and more fresh seafood. And, if you are hankering for oysters and gumbo, you will find both at Cuz’s Old Town Oyster Bar & Grill.
Exploring More Towns Near Bay St. Louis
When you are done exploring, there is no reason to go back home right away. Instead, you can expand your trip to include some of the closest towns to Bay St. Louis. For instance, Pass Christian is just across the Bay St. Louis Bridge and is well known for its grand historic homes and oak trees along Scenic Drive. You will also find tranquil beaches here where you can walk on the sand and relax by the water.
Waveland borders Bay St. Louis to the west and shares a similar visual and coastal character. This town also has its own beach and is known for its resilience and pride, especially after the destruction caused by Katrina. Waveland was ground zero for the hurricane and was nearly completely leveled. Today, while the town continues to recover, it welcomes visitors to explore the Ground Zero Hurricane Museum and the 343-acre Buccaneer State Park.
If you drive north of Bay St. Louis, you will find thick groves of pine trees, golf courses, and rolling green landscapes at Diamondhead. This town is the ideal destination if you want to play golf or relax at a scenic marina.
You Will Think About Bay St. Louis Long After You Leave
Be prepared for Bay St. Louis to stick with you long after you get back home. This town makes such a subtle but lasting impression, especially on those who stay a couple of days. You can start your days here with a walk near the water before heading to the shops. When night falls, you can have a thrilling ghost adventure or go out to eat at a waterfront restaurant. As cliché as it sounds, this coastal beauty truly has something for everyone, from coastal experiences to art and history. This is why so many people cannot just visit once; they keep coming back for more.
