Gulf Coast
Aquariums
OCEAN ADVENTURES MARINE PARK - GULFPORT
Indoor & Outdoor Exhibits: Dolphin Show, Sea Lion Show, Bird Show, Reptile Presentations, Walk-through Aviary, Touch Pools, Discovery Room, Aquariums, Museum
Kid-friendly Features: Stroller-friendly, playground, train, concessions, gift shop, picnic tables, changing tables in bathrooms
Special Paid Programs: Dolphin Interaction, Dolphin Encounter, Dolphin Meet & Greet, Stingray & Shark Swim, Stingray & Shark Encounter, Sea Lion Kiss, Job Shadow…Learn more about Special paid programs
Kid-friendly Programs: Summer camps, student mini-camps, birthday parties, field trips, Dozing with Dolphins…Learn more about their programs
General Admission:
$15 for adults
$13 for children ages 3-12
$14 for active duty military and seniors ages 55 and up
Tickets can be purchased online or at the park.
Address: 10801 Dolphin Ln, Gulfport, MS 39503
Hours: Everyday: 9:30AM–4:30PM
Phone: (228) 896-9182
Photo courtesy of Allan Innman
Museums
Lynn Meadows discovery center - Gulfport
Located in a 1915 schoolhouse, under the large live oaks, just blocks from the beach in Gulfport, MS, Lynn Meadows Discovery Center is a special place for children and their grown-ups. Inside, 15,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits encourage fun, learning and creativity. Discover different cultures at Celebrate the World We Share, board the train at Dolan Avenue Depot, and create a mini masterpiece at our art studio, Art Knows Anything Goes. Outside, oak-covered acres provide more space to let the imagination run wild. Play house in the trees, tap a tune in the outdoor musical garden, and explore the tiny town of Kids Street. Lynn Meadows Discovery Center is honored to be a recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Services, which recognizes exceptional contributions to the community.
Kid-friendly Features: Stroller-friendly, elevator, changing tables in bathrooms, nursing room located on second floor, outdoor patio area, picnic benches, large grounds, close to the beach
Indoor Exhibits: Super Colossal Climbing Structure, Art Studio, Bear Camp Bayou, Dolan Avenue Train Depot, The Little Pet Vet, The Port, History Hotel, Science Room, Grocery Store, WLMDC-TV News Station,
Outdoor Exhibits: Bear Creek, Kids Street, Pelican Porch & Bayou Bait Shop, Solar Sunflowers, Tree House Village, Little Free Library
Kid-friendly Programs: Engineering is Elementary, Kids Cooking Classes, Bear Cub Club, Summer Camps, (Click here to learn more)
Admission: Members – Free
0 to 12 months – Free
Children & Adults – $10
Military & Seniors 65+ – $8
Weekdays After 3pm – $3
Sundays – $6 for everyone
FREE FRIDAYS – Last Friday of Every Month, 5pm to 8pm
Hours: Monday - Saturday: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Sunday: Noon - 5:00pm
Open Mondays: 10:00am - 5:00pm, during the summer and certain holidays (see below).
Holiday Mondays, Special Open Days:
Memorial Day: May 27, 2019
Columbus Day: October 14, 2019
Thanksgiving break: November 28, 2019
New Years Eve: December 31, 2019
Martin Luther King Day: January 20, 2020
The museum is closed New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Address: 246 Dolan Avenue, Gulfport, MS 39507
Phone: (228) 897-6039
photo courtesy of Lynn Meadows Discovery Center
Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum - Gulfport
The Museum is the home of the largest LEGO(R) railroad display in Mississippi with over 2 million pieces, multiple scale model train layouts, elevated and ground level G scale trains, interactive layouts for kids to operate and enjoy, outdoor garden displays, and multiple riding trains. There are also many fun, themed outdoor railroad displays to enjoy like Jurassic Park and Futurama.
Admission: Free (suggested donation of $5 for adults and $2 for children)
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday: 12PM–5PM
Sunday: Closed
Monday: Closed
Address: 504 Pass Rd, Gulfport, MS 39507
Phone: (228) 284-5731
photo courtesy of Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum
Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art - Biloxi
The Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art celebrates the innovative, independent and creative spirit of our namesake Mississippi master potter George Ohr (1857-1918).
In a fitting tribute to Ohr, artist and architect Frank Gehry designed an award-winning campus of bold, intriguing, self-sufficient structures. The four new buildings and the reconstructed home of Pleasant Reed offer visitors separate but not isolated experiences – together creating a single unified vision connected by the expansive brick plaza and the majestic Live Oaks. For our guests of all ages and interests, let the landscape be relaxing and the art inspiring, invigorating, and challenging.
Hours: Tuesday—Saturday, 10am to 5pm
Admission: Members: free
Adults (18+): $10
Seniors (60+): $8
Student (with ID): $5
Children (Under 5): Free
AAA & Military (with ID): $8
Address: 386 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, MS 39530
Phone: (228) 374-5547
photo courtesy of Ohr-O’keefe Museum of Art
Walter Anderson Museum of Art — Ocean Springs
WAMA is dedicated to the preservation and celebration of Walter Anderson, American master, and kindred artists. The Museum is located in historic downtown Ocean Springs, within walking distance of local eateries, shopping, and the water's edge. The visual poetry of Walter Anderson is reflected in this idyllic setting, echoing the artist's belief in societies in harmony with the natural world.
WAMA presents an ever-evolving installation of its permanent collection and changing exhibitions of contemporary artists. It also preserves and interprets Walter Anderson's murals - represented by the monumental 3,000 square-foot Ocean Springs Community Center murals; his 1930s WPA murals; and the immersive Little Room, Anderson's most personal artistic space, which was discovered following his death and moved to the Museum for the benefit of future generations.
Admission: Adults: $10
AAA / Military / Seniors / Students (with ID): $8
Children (5-15): $5
Free for members; free ages 5 and under; free to shop
Hours: Monday - Saturday: 10 AM - 5 PM;
Closed Sunday
Holiday closings: New Year's Day, Easter, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Address: 510 Washington Avenue, Ocean Springs, MS, 39564
Phone: 228-872-3164
photo courtesy of Walter Anderson Museum of Art
Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum — Biloxi
The Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum was established in 1986 to preserve and interpret the maritime history and heritage of Biloxi and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. It accomplishes this mission through an array of exhibits on shrimping, oystering, recreational fishing, wetlands, managing marine resources, charter boats, marine blacksmithing, wooden boat building, netmaking, catboats/Biloxi skiff, shrimp peeling machine and numerous historic photographs and objects. Recently completed is the Wade Guice Hurricane Museum within a museum, featuring 1400 square feet of exhibit space and a state of the art theatre. The Art gallery will feature regional and national maritime artists with exhibitions rotating throughout the year.
The Museum has brought life to local maritime history and heritage by replicating two 65′ two masted Biloxi Schooners. Examples of living maritime history, they sail the Mississippi Sound and waters of the north central Gulf of Mexico almost daily. The Museum also conducts year round educational programs and a summer Sea-n-Sail Adventure Camp which teaches youth about local maritime heritage. The Museum has an extraordinary collection of priceless photographs and artifacts which tell a story from the time of the first indian residents to the growth as a world renowned seafood processing center.
Admission: $10 Adults
$8 Seniors (60&up) /Military/AAA,
$6 Students (5-15)
Hours: Monday—Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM (except Dec.-Feb.)
Address: 115 1st St, Biloxi, MS 39530
Phone: 228-435-6320
Photo courtesy of Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum
Biloxi Fire Museum - Biloxi
The museum is located at 1046 Howard Ave. in a historic 1937 fire house. The exhibits feature many historic photographs as well as antique fire equipment that documents the history of the Biloxi Fire Department, which dates back more than 120 years.
The museum is operated by volunteers under the direction of a board of directors with the assistance of the City of Biloxi museums office. The hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays or by appointment.
Admission: Free
Hours: Saturday 9 a.m – 2 p.m
or by appointment
Address: 1046 E Howard Ave, Biloxi, MS 39530
Phone: (228) 435-6119
photo courtesy of Biloxi Fire Department
National Parks
Gulf Islands National Seashore: Davis Bayou Area - Ocean Springs
Gulf Islands National Seashore stretches 160 miles along the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico from Cat Island in Mississippi to the Okaloosa Area in Florida, and includes maritime forests, bayous, and marine habitat.
The Mississippi areas are home of a historic fort and the most beautiful barrier islands in the United States. Relax, enjoy the scenery, hike a trail, or explore the fort. Whether you visiting for a day or a week there are many places to explore.
There are a variety of activities while visiting the seashore’s Mississippi areas including swimming, bicycling, snorkeling, fishing, hiking, beach combing, bird watching, boating, and camping.
Davis Bayou offers many recreational opportunities for visitors year-round such as fishing, boating, biking, bird watching, picnicking and attending ranger-led programs. Visitors may also enjoy hiking along the Davis Bayou Trail, which takes visitors through a coastal forest and over two local bayous, with an opportunity to see alligators and other reptiles. The campground offers easy access, a 1/2 mile, to the park's boat launch, as well as the scenic Davis Bayou Trail. The fishing pier, located near the Visitor Center, may be used by visitors who possess a Mississippi State Saltwater Fishing License.
Amenities:
William M. Colmer Visitor Center: Explore indoor exhibits about the shore and the islands.
Visitor Center Fishing Pier: An excellent site to cast a line. (The pier is currently closed due to hurricane damage.)
Hiking Trails: There are several short hiking trails throughout the area.
Campground: Visit our Developed Campgrounds page to learn more about camping in the area.
Boat Launch: For a small fee, launch your boat and park your vehicle for a day on the water.
Picnic Area: There is a large area for picnicing including five picnic shelters.
Admission: No Entrance Fee
Hours: Year-round 8:00 a.m. to sunset
Visitor Center, Fishing Pier, and Bookstore: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Robert McGhee Road (Davis Bayou Boat Launch & Picnic Area): 6:00 a.m. to sunset.
Address: 3500 Park Rd, Ocean Springs, MS 39564
Phone: 228-230-4100
photo courtesy of Carol T.
Sights & Landmarks
Biloxi Lighthouse — Biloxi
The Biloxi Lighthouse is a lighthouse in Biloxi, adjacent to the Mississippi Sound of the Gulf of Mexico. The lighthouse has been kept by female keepers for more years than any other lighthouse in the United States. The Lighthouse was erected in 1848 and was one of the first cast-iron lighthouses in the South. It is the city’s signature landmark and has become a post-Katrina symbol of the city’s resolve and resilience.
Guided tours: Daily at 9, 9:15 and 9:30 a.m., weather permitting. No reservations required, except for group tours, which can be arranged by calling (228) 374-3105.
Admission: $5, adults, $2 children ages 2 to 12), with discounts for groups.
Address: 1050 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, MS 39530
Phone: (228) 374-3105
photo courtesy of woodlot
Friendship Oak - Long Beach
Friendship Oak is a 500-year-old southern live oak (Quercus virginiana) located on the Gulf Park campus of the University of Southern Mississippi in Long Beach, Mississippi.
Address: 738-, 798 Beach Blvd E, Long Beach, MS 39560
photo courtesy of Woodlot
Nature
Pascagoula River Audubon Center - Moss Point
Located in downtown Moss Point, Mississippi, the Pascagoula River Audubon Center offers nature-based experiences on scenic bayou walkways & observation decks, a nature play garden, interactive exhibits, aquaria, excellent birding, meeting/event rental spaces, and programming for all ages. Kayak rentals are available with access to Rhodes Bayou, which drains into the Escatawpa and Pascagoula Rivers. The ten-acre center is located on property that was once part of a trolley line that carried lumber, mail, and even passengers from Moss Point to the coastline of Pascagoula, almost 10 miles away.
Admission: FREE Admission through June 2021
Hours: Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday: 9 AM–3 PM
Address: 5107 Arthur St, Moss Point, MS 39563
Phone: (228) 475-0825
photo courtesy of Pascagoula River Audubon Center
Local Parks
JONES PARK - GULFPORT
319 Slip Marina and Promenade Walk, Marina Services Building, Barksdale Pavilion (23,000 square feet), Leo Seal Educational Plaza (8,000 square feet), Splash pad and Playground Area, Replica Lighthouse, Amphitheater Stage Area with Flanking Pavilions, Harbor Market Pavilion (5,000 sq. feet), 20th Avenue Circle Anchor Installation (40,000 lb Seabee Donation), .86 mile walking track, Fuel Dock & Bait Shop
Hours: Open everyday from dawn to dusk
Address: US-90, Gulfport, MS 39501
Phone: (228) 868-5881
photo courtesy of Moonshot Recreation
Lighthouse Park - Biloxi
This 5-acre park features a nature trail, a playground, a pavilion, a visitor center & more.
Hours: Open everyday from dawn to dusk
Address: 1050 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, MS 39530
Phone: (228) 374-3105
photo courtesy of Lourdes Gonzalez
Hiller Park — Biloxi
Benches, Batting cages, Basketball courts, Concessions, Disc golf course, Dog park, Kayak launch, Pavilion, Picnic tables, Playground, Restrooms, Soccer fields, Softball fields, Splash pad (Open daily in warmer months from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.), Tennis courts, Volleyball courts, Walking track, Water fountain
Hours: Open everyday from dawn to dusk
Address: 380 Hiller Dr. Biloxi, MS 39531
Phone: 228-388-7170
photo courtesy of Heritage Trails Partnership of the Mississippi Gulf Coast
pascagoula BEACH PARK - Pascagoula
Beach Park is located at 600 City Park Street and overlooks the Mississippi Sound. It is a 14 acre park offering a concession stand, multiple playground areas, pavilions, barbeque grills, and restrooms. There is also a splash pad, walking trail, fitness stations, beach, 1000 foot fishing pier, the Hurricane Katrina Memorial, and is a coastal birding trail site. The splash pad is open May 1st - October 15th. Beach Park Concession Stand: located on the south lawn of Beach Park with a beautiful view of the Mississippi Sound.
Hours: Open everyday from dawn to dusk
banner image provided courtesy of Visit Mississippi