15 Best Things to Do Along I-10 in Mississippi (Stops You'll Love)
- Rey Eleuterio
- Mar 7
- 15 min read
Updated: Mar 11
Most people driving Interstate 10 through Mississippi barely slow down. They're racing to Florida or already tired from Texas, and the Gulf Coast just blurs past the window like it doesn't have anything to say. That's a shame, because this stretch of highway might be one of the most underrated exits on the entire southern route.
The Mississippi Gulf Coast is not a rest-stop-and-go kind of place. It's where you stumble into a world-class art museum you'd never heard of, eat shrimp that was still in the water this morning, and stand in front of a lighthouse that's been through more than most people care to imagine. There's real history here, real food, and real coastline — not the manufactured, theme-park version.
If you're planning a road trip along the Gulf or just passing through on Interstate 10, this guide will show you exactly which exits are worth taking — and which stops might end up being the best part of your whole trip.
Key Takeaways
The Mississippi Gulf Coast packs a surprising amount of character into a short stretch of I-10. You're looking at about 90 miles of coast, but the stops here range from national seashores and wildlife refuges to one-of-a-kind art museums and fresh seafood you can't get anywhere else. Most of the best spots sit just off Highway 90, which runs parallel to the interstate right along the water. You don't need more than a weekend to hit the highlights, but you might want to stay longer.
Stop / Attraction | Location | Highlight | Exit |
Biloxi Visitors Center | Biloxi | Maps, trip planning, local intel | Exit 46B |
Biloxi Lighthouse & Beach | Biloxi | Iconic landmark on the water | Exit 46B |
Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum | Biloxi | Shrimp boats, Gulf history | Exit 46B |
Mississippi Aquarium | Gulfport | Gulf of Mexico sea life | Exit 34A |
Gulf Islands National Seashore | Gulfport / Ocean Springs | Barrier islands, pristine beaches | Exit 31 / 50 |
Walter Anderson Museum of Art | Ocean Springs | Folk art, murals, Gulf Coast soul | Exit 57 |
Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art | Biloxi | Frank Gehry building, pottery | Exit 46B |
Jimmy Buffett's Childhood Home | Pascagoula | Margaritaville origins | Exit 69 |
Biloxi Shrimping Trip | Biloxi | Live shrimping demonstration | Exit 46B |
Pascagoula River Audubon Center | Pascagoula | Birding, kayaking, river delta | Exit 69 |
Mississippi Sandhill Crane NWR | Gautier | Rare cranes, longleaf pine savanna | Exit 61 |
Pass Christian Historic District | Pass Christian | Antebellum homes, quiet charm | Exit 28 |
Bay St. Louis Arts District | Bay St. Louis | Galleries, boutiques, murals | Exit 13 |
Long Beach Beachfront | Long Beach | Low-key beach, local vibe | Exit 30 |
Hurricane Katrina Memorials | Multiple cities | Powerful, moving tributes | Multiple exits |
Quick Picker
Best for families: Mississippi Aquarium, Gulf Islands National Seashore, Biloxi Shrimping Trip
Best for history and culture: Biloxi Lighthouse, Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum, Hurricane Katrina Memorials
Best for art lovers: Walter Anderson Museum of Art, Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art, Bay St. Louis Arts District
Best for outdoor adventures: Pascagoula River Audubon Center, Mississippi Sandhill Crane NWR, Gulf Islands National Seashore
Best hidden gems: Jimmy Buffett's Childhood Home, Pass Christian Historic District, Long Beach Beachfront
Planning your Gulf Coast route? Wayback Tours helps you save stops, build a bucket list, and map out the drive before you even leave home — so you don't miss anything worth pulling over for.
Why the Mississippi Gulf Coast Surprises Everyone
You won't find the Mississippi Gulf Coast on a lot of "best beach" lists. That's partly because it competes with Florida to the east and partly because a lot of people wrote it off after Hurricane Katrina. But this coast bounced back, rebuilt, and in some ways came back more interesting than before.
The Mississippi coast stretches roughly 62 miles along the Gulf of Mexico, from the Louisiana border to the Alabama state line. The beaches here aren't the sugar-white sand of the Florida Panhandle — they're wide, flat, and backed by a long boulevard (Highway 90) lined with casinos, restaurants, and history. That might sound like a knockoff, but it has a character all its own.
The food alone is worth the stop. This is a working coast, which means the shrimp, crab, and oysters on your plate are not an approximation of fresh — they're the real thing.
How to Use I-10 as Your Gulf Coast Launchpad
If you're doing a gulf coast road trip from California to Florida on I-10, Mississippi is roughly 1,200 miles from LA. It's the stretch where a lot of drivers are either hitting their stride or fighting fatigue. Either way, this is a good place to exit and breathe.
I-10 in Mississippi doesn't run right along the beach — it cuts a few miles inland. But exits come frequently, and most of the action is a quick drive south on one of several connectors. Exit 46B drops you into the heart of Biloxi. Exit 57 heads to Ocean Springs. Exit 69 takes you toward Pascagoula.
You can also check out our guide to things to do along I-10 in Texas or stops along I-10 in Arizona if you're doing the full cross-country run. But for now, let's focus on what Mississippi has to offer.
The stops below are organized west to east, the way you'd encounter them coming from New Orleans toward Mobile. If you're headed the other direction, just flip the list.
The Best Things to Do Along I-10 in Mississippi
The stops below cover the full stretch of coastal Mississippi — from the artsy blocks of Bay St. Louis in the west all the way out to Pascagoula near the Alabama line. Some are quick pull-offs, some are worth half a day, and a few might just steal the whole trip.
Pick the ones that fit your style, or string them all together for a proper Mississippi Gulf Coast crawl.
1. Bay St. Louis Arts District
Bay St. Louis doesn't announce itself. You have to find it — and when you do, it feels like a secret the rest of the interstate hasn't figured out yet.
Why this one stands out: This small town west of Gulfport has quietly become one of the Gulf Coast's best arts destinations. The main street is lined with indie galleries, boutiques, and coffee shops, all within walking distance of the water. It's relaxed, creative, and genuinely local — not a tourist trap.
What you need to know before you go:
Exit 13 off I-10, head south on MS-607
Galleries typically open Tuesday–Sunday; hours vary by shop
Free to explore; budget for lunch or a gallery purchase
Allow 1–2 hours for a comfortable stroll
Worth it or skip it? Absolutely worth it for anyone who likes small towns with real personality — especially if you enjoy art, local food, or just wandering without a schedule.
⭐ What is a Bucket List? Save places you want to visit and come back to later. Your Wayback Tours bucket list keeps track of stops you don't want to forget — perfect for planning future trips.
2. Pass Christian Historic District
Tiny, beautiful, and quietly defiant, Pass Christian is the kind of place that makes you wonder why you've never stopped here before.
Don't skip this if you like… antebellum architecture, scenic harbor views, and the feeling that time actually slowed down somewhere. Pass Christian has long been known for its pre-Civil War homes and its yacht harbor, one of the oldest on the Gulf Coast. It's also one of the towns that took the hardest hit from Katrina — and rebuilt with real determination.
What you need to know before you go:
Exit 28 off I-10, head south to MS-90
Main historic area along Davis Ave and Scenic Drive
Free to explore; local restaurants nearby
Best enjoyed on foot; allow 1 hour
Worth it or skip it? Worth it if you want charm without crowds — this is one of those spots where you'll find yourself taking more photos than you planned.
3. Long Beach Beachfront
Long Beach flies under the radar even among people who know the Gulf Coast well. That's actually what makes it great.
The quick pitch: No casinos. No high-rises. Just a wide public beach, a pleasant waterfront park, and the kind of low-key Gulf vibe that the bigger cities have mostly traded away. If you want a few hours at the water without the noise, this is your spot.
What you need to know before you go:
Exit 30 off I-10, head south
Beach is public and free
Parking available along the beachfront
Allow 1–2 hours; great for a sunset stop
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for a quiet beach break — especially if Biloxi Beach feels too busy.
4. Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport
The Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport opened its doors a few years back, and it's become one of the region's most popular family stops — with good reason.
Why this one stands out: The exhibits are centered on the ecosystems of the Gulf of Mexico and nearby waterways, which makes it feel distinctly local rather than generic. You'll see stingrays, sea turtles, and coastal fish species alongside exhibits that explain the ecology of this remarkable body of water in a way that actually sticks.
What you need to know before you go:
Exit 34A off I-10, south on US-49
Open daily; check the aquarium website for current hours
Admission charged; children and family rates available
Plan 2–3 hours for a full visit
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for families and anyone curious about Gulf Coast marine life — it's a genuinely good aquarium, not just a rainy-day backup.
Fun Fact:
The Mississippi Gulf Coast is said to have one of the longest human-made sand beaches in the United States, stretching dozens of miles along Highway 90.
5. Gulf Islands National Seashore
If you've been driving for hours, the Gulf Islands National Seashore is the kind of place that makes you feel like you finally arrived somewhere.
Don't skip this if you like… barrier islands, clear water, and beaches that feel untouched. The Mississippi portion of this national park includes access to Ship Island via ferry from Gulfport — a barrier island with pristine Gulf beaches and a Civil War-era fort. It's the kind of coastline that Florida visitors don't know exists just to the west.
What you need to know before you go:
Ferry departs from Gulfport Harbor; Exit 34A off I-10
Ferry operates seasonally — check the Gulf Islands National Seashore website for schedule
Ferry fee applies; National Park entrance fee also charged
Bring sunscreen, water, and snacks; allow a half day minimum
Worth it or skip it? Absolutely worth it — this is one of the best hidden gems on the entire Mississippi coast, especially if you have a full day to spare.
6. Biloxi Visitors Center
Most visitors to Biloxi drive straight to the casino strip. The smarter move is to hit the Biloxi Visitors Center first.
The quick pitch: This is where you get the lay of the land — maps, local brochures, event listings, and staff who actually know the area. It sits near the waterfront and is often your first glimpse of the Mississippi Sound. It's free, quick, and will save you time for the rest of your trip.
What you need to know before you go:
Exit 46B off I-10, follow signs toward downtown Biloxi
Open daily; typically 8 AM–5 PM (verify hours before visiting)
Free; gift shop on site
Allow 20–30 minutes
Worth it or skip it? Worth the brief stop if you're spending any time in Biloxi — you'll leave with better options than you walked in with.
Wayback Tours lets you save stops as you read — so by the time you hit the road, your whole Mississippi Gulf Coast itinerary is already mapped out and waiting for you.
7. Biloxi Lighthouse and Biloxi Beach
Standing at the center of a busy boulevard median, the Biloxi Lighthouse has been through things most structures don't survive. Hurricanes. Wars. Decades of Gulf weather. And it's still standing.
Why this one stands out: Built in 1848, this lighthouse is one of the most photographed landmarks on the coast and one of the few in the country that sits in the median of a highway. Biloxi Beach stretches in both directions — free, accessible, and genuinely pretty in the early morning or at sunset.
What you need to know before you go:
Exit 46B off I-10; located on Beach Blvd / Highway 90
Lighthouse exterior is always visible; interior tours available seasonally
Beach is public and free
Allow 30–60 minutes
Worth it or skip it? Worth it — this is Biloxi's most iconic landmark, and the beach around it is the best place to stretch your legs on this stretch of coast.
8. Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum
Biloxi was built on shrimp. The Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum tells that story without letting you forget how hard that life actually was.
What makes this stop different: This isn't a dusty museum with faded posters. There are real schooners docked outside, exhibits on the immigrant communities that shaped the fishing industry, and displays on the devastating impact of Hurricane Katrina on the local seafood trade. It connects the past and present in a way that's hard to forget.
What you need to know before you go:
Exit 46B off I-10; located near the Biloxi waterfront
Open Tuesday–Saturday; verify current hours before visiting
Small admission fee; museum also has a gift shop
Allow 1–1.5 hours
Worth it or skip it? Worth it — especially if you want to understand the coast beyond the casinos. This is the real Biloxi.
9. Biloxi Shrimping Trip
You've seen shrimp on the menu. A Biloxi shrimping trip lets you see where it comes from.
The quick pitch: These boat tours take small groups out into the Mississippi Sound on a working trawler, drag the nets, pull up whatever the Gulf gives you, and teach you how the whole process works. It's part educational, part adventure, and entirely the kind of thing you can't do back home. Kids love it.
What you need to know before you go:
Departs from the Biloxi waterfront; Exit 46B off I-10
Tours typically run seasonally; check operator schedules in advance
Cost varies by operator; reservations usually recommended
Allow around 2 hours
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for families and curious travelers — this is a genuinely unique experience that you won't find at every Gulf Coast stop.
Fun Fact:
Biloxi is widely known as the "Seafood Capital of the World" — a title the city has carried for generations, rooted in its long history of shrimping and oyster harvesting along the Gulf Coast.
10. Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art
George Ohr was a 19th-century potter from Biloxi who called himself the "Mad Potter of Biloxi." The museum dedicated to him looks exactly like you'd expect a mad potter's legacy to look — wildly creative, a little chaotic, and totally worth your time.
Why this one stands out: The Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art sits in a campus of pod-like buildings designed by architect Frank Gehry. The architecture alone is worth a look. Inside, you'll find Ohr's twisted, impossibly thin pottery alongside contemporary attractions that keep his experimental spirit alive.
What you need to know before you go:
Exit 46B off I-10; located in downtown Biloxi
Closed Mondays; check current hours before visiting
Admission charged; student and member rates available
Allow 1–2 hours
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for anyone with any interest in art or architecture — this place is genuinely surprising, and George Ohr's story is one of the Gulf Coast's best-kept secrets.
11. Walter Anderson Museum of Art
Walter Anderson is one of America's most fascinating and least-known artists. If you leave the Mississippi Gulf Coast without seeing his work, you've left the best part behind.
Don't skip this if you like… folk art, visionary painting, and the feeling of discovering something important that most people haven't heard of. The Walter Anderson Museum of Art in Ocean Springs houses Anderson's luminous, nature-obsessed paintings and drawings — including a secret room he covered floor-to-ceiling with murals that wasn't discovered until after his death.
What you need to know before you go:
Exit 57 off I-10; head south to downtown Ocean Springs
Open Tuesday–Sunday; closed major holidays
Admission charged; children's rates available
Allow 1.5–2 hours; don't rush the mural room
Worth it or skip it? Absolutely worth it — this is the most underrated stop on the entire Gulf Coast, and possibly one of the best small art museums in the South.
12. Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge
You didn't expect to find a rare crane on the Gulf Coast. Neither did most people. That's part of what makes this stop so memorable.
The quick pitch: The Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge protects one of the rarest subspecies of sandhill crane in North America, found only in this narrow strip of coastal Mississippi. The refuge covers thousands of acres of wet pine savanna — an ecosystem that barely exists anywhere else. You can walk trails, visit the visitor center, and if you're lucky, spot the cranes themselves.
What you need to know before you go:
Exit 61 off I-10, near Gautier
Visitor center hours vary seasonally; call ahead
Free admission
Allow 1–2 hours; best wildlife viewing in early morning
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for nature lovers and birders — and genuinely surprising even if you're neither.
13. Pascagoula River Audubon Center
The Pascagoula River Audubon Center sits at the edge of what is said to be one of the largest unimpounded river systems in the lower 48 states. That's a fancy way of saying this river has been running wild and mostly untouched for a very long time.
What makes this stop different: The center offers guided kayak tours, birding trails, and a visitor area overlooking the river delta. It's quiet, birdy, and beautiful in the way that untouched places tend to be. If you've spent too long on the casino strip, this is the antidote.
What you need to know before you go:
Exit 69 off I-10, near Pascagoula
Open Wednesday–Sunday; check the Audubon website for tours and hours
Free to visit; fees may apply for guided experiences
Allow 1–3 hours depending on activities
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for outdoors lovers — this river system is genuinely special, and most people drive right past it without knowing it's there.
14. Jimmy Buffett's Childhood Home
Long before Margaritaville was a brand, it was a feeling — and Pascagoula is where that feeling was born.
The quick pitch: Jimmy Buffett's childhood home still stands in Pascagoula, a modest house that gives you a real sense of the Gulf Coast upbringing that shaped one of America's most beloved singer-songwriters. It's not a museum — it's a private residence — so this is a drive-by kind of stop. But for fans, seeing where it all started is genuinely moving.
What you need to know before you go:
Exit 69 off I-10, into downtown Pascagoula
This is a residential area — drive respectfully, no trespassing
Best combined with a stop at the river or local waterfront
Allow 15–20 minutes
Worth it or skip it? Worth a quick detour for any Buffett fan — and a fun piece of coastal music history for everyone else.
Fun Fact:
Pascagoula is said to be named for a Native American tribe that lived along the river — and local legend holds that the river itself once "sang," a phenomenon that has fascinated visitors and historians for centuries.
15. Hurricane Katrina Memorial Sites
August 29, 2005 is a date the Mississippi Gulf Coast doesn't forget. And it shouldn't.
Why this one stands out: Scattered across Biloxi, Gulfport, and the surrounding towns are memorials, historical markers, and sites that mark the impact of one of the most destructive storms in American history. Hurricane Katrina didn't just damage buildings here — it reshaped communities, ended lives, and changed the coast permanently. Standing at a storm surge marker or a rebuilt church tells you more about Gulf Coast resilience than any tour guide can.
What you need to know before you go:
Multiple sites across Biloxi, Gulfport, Pass Christian, and Bay St. Louis
Outdoor memorials accessible anytime; free
The Katrina Museum in Bay St. Louis offers deeper context
This is a reflective stop — plan accordingly
Worth it or skip it? Worth it — not for entertainment, but for understanding. The coast that rebuilt itself after Katrina is the coast you're driving through today.
Ready to start planning your Gulf Coast route? Head to Wayback Tours to save your favorite stops and build a Mississippi road trip itinerary that's all yours.
A Few More Stops Worth Knowing About
If you've still got time and miles to burn, the Mississippi Gulf Coast has a few more surprises worth mentioning.
The University of Southern Mississippi's Gulf Coast campus in Long Beach is worth a quick drive-through if you're into coastal research or just like college towns with a water view. The campus focuses on south Mississippi's marine and environmental programs and has an understated, interesting character.
For the Mardi Gras connection, the coast has deep ties to carnival traditions that stretch back well over a century — some of the older celebrations along the coast predate the better-known Louisiana versions. And if you're a foodie, the cluster of independent seafood restaurants along along Highway 90 between Biloxi and Gulfport will give you better meals than anything you'd find at a chain exit.
For more fun things along the broader I-10 corridor, don't miss our coverage of I-10 stops in Texas and I-10 attractions in Arizona — both have their own brand of roadside character worth saving.
The Mississippi Gulf Coast Is Worth More Than a Drive-Through
If there's one thing this list of things to do along I-10 in Mississippi proves, it's that this stretch of coast rewards the people who stop. The art is world-class. The food is genuine. The nature is wilder and quieter than you'd expect. And the history — both the proud kind and the hard kind — gives this place a depth that beach towns twice its size don't have.
You've got the list. You know the exits. Now the only thing left is to actually do it — pull off I-10, give the coast a few hours (or a few days), and see what you've been driving past all these years.
Save these stops, build your own Gulf Coast bucket list, and keep track of every place worth pulling over for — all in one place with Wayback Tours.
FAQs
How long does it take to drive through Mississippi on I-10?
The I-10 corridor through Mississippi is roughly 77 miles from the Louisiana state line to the Alabama border, which takes about an hour without stops. Add a few exits and you're looking at a half day minimum to do it justice.
Is the Mississippi Gulf Coast good for families with young kids?
Yes — the Mississippi Aquarium, Biloxi Shrimping Trip, and Gulf Islands National Seashore are all genuinely kid-friendly and engaging. The beaches are calm and relatively shallow, and most major stops are free or low-cost.
What is the best time of year to visit the Mississippi Gulf Coast?
Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) offer the most comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer is busy and humid but great for water activities. Winter is mild by most standards and a good time for museum-hopping and seafood.
Are there good places to eat along I-10 in Mississippi?
Absolutely. The Gulf Coast is serious about its seafood, and you'll find excellent local restaurants in every major town — especially Biloxi, Ocean Springs, and Bay St. Louis. Skip the chain restaurants at the interstate exits and head a few miles south to Highway 90 for the real thing.
Is it worth spending the night on the Mississippi Gulf Coast or just passing through?
Spending at least one night is worth it. The coast shifts completely at sunset — the lights come on along the casino strip, the waterfront restaurants fill up, and the whole place takes on a different character. One night gives you time to see two or three stops well rather than rushing through a dozen.
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