Mississippi is home to several popular attractions, such as Natchez Trace Parkway, Vicksburg National Military Park, and the birthplace of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll himself, Elvis Presley. In addition, guests love hopping around the Magnolia State’s large cities, including Jackson, Gulfport, and Biloxi. But that’s not all – Mississippi is also home to amazing lesser-known attractions and towns. Here, Visit Mississippi, your guide for traveling our state, details some of the best Mississippi small towns and hidden gems for you to check out.
Mississippi Small Towns
While researching for ideas for your next travel destination, you may notice that most of the places suggested online are big cities or popular tourist spots. While these bustling locations can offer an enjoyable trip, smaller towns provide a unique travel experience. Visitors who travel to small towns in Mississippi have an opportunity to get away from large crowds and enjoy a more personal getaway. When planning your next Mississippi vacation, consider these small towns:
Port Gibson
Hidden away between Vicksburg and Natchez is the small town of Port Gibson. With a modest population of just over 1,500 people, Port Gibson is one of the most beautiful places in Mississippi. Most known for being the home of Windsor Ruins, this tiny community boasts gorgeous architecture, old-fashioned storefronts for a small-town shopping experience, and historically significant Civil War sites where you can learn about Mississippi’s significant role in American history.
Bay St. Louis
If you are looking for a small town with big-city amenities, then Bay St. Louis is right for you. This upbeat coastal community has a population of just over 10,000 people and is near Biloxi and Gulfport. The lively small town of Bay St. Louis is known for its trendy Old Town area, which offers delicious dining options and a wide range of stores for shopping. Take a trip here, and you will quickly understand why it was named one of the best coastal small towns in the United States.
Holly Springs
Regarded as one of Mississippi’s best-kept secrets, the town of Holly Springs is ripe with exciting attractions. While the town may be small with a population of only 7,600 people, it offers plenty of options to fill your itinerary. Tour the town to appreciate the gorgeous historical homes, or visit Holly Springs National Forest for a day filled with outdoor activities. Whatever you decide, this destination is ready to share its small-town charm with you.
Mississippi Hidden Gems
Scattered throughout the great state of Mississippi, visitors can find wonderful hidden gems to explore, enjoy, and appreciate. Some of the best lesser-known attractions include:
- Mynelle Gardens (Jackson, MS): If you find yourself in the capital of Mississippi, you can quickly escape to this breathtaking landscape. Once a private garden, Mynelle Gardens now serves as a public attraction filled with beautiful flowers, gorgeous greenery, fish ponds, and much more.
- Chautauqua Park (Crystal Springs, MS): Covering 74 acres that feature nature trails, creeks, springs, and a lake, Chautauqua Park features the state’s only treetop trail. Take a walk on the boardwalk located among the trees for a one-of-a-kind nature walk.
- Coney Island Cafe (Hattiesburg, MS): Family-owned diner offering classic American breakfast and lunch. Known for their old-fashioned fare of everything from flapjack to chilidogs, guests will enjoy the comfortable atmosphere and the convenient Main St. location.
- Sugaree’s Bakery (New Albany, MS): Visitors in search of mouth-watering sweets can find them at Sugaree’s Bakery. This lovely bakery sells a variety of scrumptious treats, including freshly baked loaves of bread, cookies, cupcakes, cakes, and plenty more.
- The Blue Lagoon at Paradise Ranch RV Resort (Tylertown, MS): Nestled in the 105-acre Paradise Ranch RV Resort is the Blue Lagoon, a man-made lagoon that features a zip line that ends with a splash in the sparkling water. For a more relaxing visit, simply take a dip in the pool or soak up some sun while lying on the white-sand beach.
- The Johnny Knight Treehouse (Mendenhall, MS): Hidden away, the Johnny Knight Treehouse offers an excellent escape from life’s daily stresses. Available for rent, this charming forest retreat offers all the amenities of a standard vacation rental, including a full kitchen.
Enjoy a Unique Vacation Experience in Mississippi
For those looking for an off-the-beaten-path vacation, Mississippi is home to a host of lovely small towns and hidden gems to explore. Visit Mississippi can help you plan your next trip by offering excellent recommendations on dining, places to stay, and more. Contact ustoday to learn more about Mississippi’s small towns and the best-kept secrets of the Magnolia State.
