Biloxi Tourist Attractions
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Biloxi, the chief place on the Gulf coast of Mississippi, is the state's oldest town, founded by the French in 1699. Features of interest are the Lighthouse (1849), the harbour (prawn fishing, pleasure craft) and, 5 mi. west, Beauvoir Mansion, where Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederation, spent the last twelve years of his life.The coast and offshore islands and sandbanks are nature reserves with a rich diversity of flora and fauna. They also have excellent bathing beaches, for example, Ocean Springs. There are boat trips from Biloxi to some of the islands.
Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum
The museum is CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO DAMAGE FROM HURRICANE KATRINA.However, they still operate two 65' two-masted Biloxi Schooners which sail the MS Sound daily, all year round. They offer a 2.5 hr. sail for individuals throughout the week. The boats accommodate up to 49 passengers aboard the "Glenn L. Swetman" and 45 passengers aboard the "Mike Sekul". The schooners are docked at the Schooner Pier Complex located at 367 Beach Blvd.The museum is presently raising funds to rebuild.
Biloxi Shrimping Trip
The Biloxi Shrimping Trips offer an educational 70 minute real shrimping expedition between Biloxi and Deer Island. The net will catch any and all sea creatures in its path along with the shrimp. The varieties range from Blue Crabs, Flounder, Stingray, Oyster fish, Squid, Puffer fish and numerous other species of local marine life. The entire catch will be identified and presented to guests.
Biloxi Lighthouse
The Biloxi Lighthouse is located at U.S. Highway 90 and Porter Avenue. It stands 65ft/20m and was erected in 1848. It is thought to be the first cast-metal lighthouse in the South. The lighthouse has been closed to the public since Hurrican Katrina.
Father Ryan House
The Father Ryan House in Biloxi was built in 1841 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was once the home of the poet, Father A.J. Ryan. Today the building is a bed and breakfast.
J L Scott Marine Education Center and Aquarium (CLOSED)
ATTRACTION CLOSED DUE TO DAMAGE FROM HURRICANE KATRINA.The J. L. Scott Marine Education Aquarium displays marine life native to Mississippi and the Gulf of Mexico. The collection includes sharks, sea turtles, eels, snakes, and alligators.
Ohr (O'Keef Museum of Art)
The works of the potter, George E. Ohr, are on display at the Ohr / O'Keefe Museum of Art in Biloxi. The museum also features exhibits featuring a variety of artists and styles.
Pleasant Reed House (CLOSED)
ATTRACTION WAS DESTROYED DURING HURRICANE KATRINA.Built by a former slave, the Pleasant Reed House was one of the first Coast homes built. The home was relocated to the campus of the Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art. Exhibits tell the story of this modest but remarkable family that was a part of Biloxi's diverse history.
Tullis-Toledano Manor (CLOSED)
ATTRACTION WAS DESTROYED DURING HURRICAN KATRINA.Tullis-Toledano Manor was built in 1856 as a wedding present for Matilde Pradat by her husband Christoval Toledano. The Greek Revival style has been restored and is furnished in a period style.
Biloxi Mardi Gras Museum
The Mardi Gras Museum in the historic Magnolia Hotel in Biloxi displays elaborate Mardi Gras costumes and describes the history of the event.
Surroundings
There are numerous interesting towns and attractions in the area surrounding Biloxi and along the Gulf Coast.
Old Spanish Fort Museum, Pascagoula
The Old Spanish Fort in Pascagoula was built in 1718 and is the oldest structure still standing in the Mississippi River Valley. The fort is now a small museum featuring American Indian artifacts, children's exhibits, and other miscellaneous items.
Palestine Gardens, Lucedale
The five acre grounds of the Palestine Gardens in Lucedale are a scale model of the Holy Land. The Dead Sea, Mediterranean Sea, Sea of Galilee, Jordan River, and a number of Biblical cities are represented.
Ocean Springs
Ocean Springs (pop. 17,000) is located about 2mi/3km east of Biloxi. It has become a haven for artists and crafts people, with numerous art shops. The city also maintains a number of historic churches from the late 1800s.
Gulf Islands National Seashore
The Gulf Islands National Seashore extends from Cat Island in Mississippi to the eastern tip of Santa Rosa Island in Florida. Most of the seashore is actually submerged but the barrier islands offer white sand beaches, coastal marshes, and dense maritime forests. Davis Bayou is located on the mainland at Ocean Springs and can be easily accessed. There are hiking trails, camping and picnicking areas, as well as other recreational opportunities.
Doll House
The Doll House in Ocean Springs features a large collection of dolls, dollhouses, and stuffed animals.
Walter Anderson Museum of Art
The Walter Anderson Museum of Art in Ocean Springs features the works of Walter Anderson including watercolors, oils, drawings, sculpture, pottery, and murals.
Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
The Hard Rock Hotel features a pool, health club and spa; restaurants and shops.
Isle of Capri Resort
Isle of Capri offers golf, three restaurants, swimming and a spa and health club.
