With 62 miles of Gulf Coast shoreline, an abundance of coastal communities to explore, and top-notch Southern charm and cuisine, coastal Mississippi reigns as one of the most beloved coastal destinations in America.

Groups can discover food, shopping, and culture in over a dozen coastal towns and communities along the shoreline—from the “Hospitality City” of Waveland in the west to the wildlife paradise of Moss Point in the east. Each coastal town has its own unique charm and entertainment fit for groups.

Dining in Mississippi’s Gulf Coast region
Credit: Coastal Mississippi

“In coastal Mississippi, you will discover a unique, versatile region with the perfect combination of amenities and activities to suit all needs, as well as Southern hospitality at its finest,” says Zach Holifield, director of leisure business development at Coastal Mississippi. “The region’s temperate climate, along with its 62 miles of scenic shoreline and astounding natural beauty, makes for the perfect year-round destination.”

Mississippi’s Gulf Coast region boasts a wide range of group entertainment, from art museums and boat tours to boutique retailers, golf courses, and outdoor recreation areas.

“With the help of Coastal Mississippi’s team, opportunities for memorable experiences are truly endless,” Holifield says. “Groups are able to enjoy the wide-open space of our beaches, entertainment venues, gaming options, water excursions, cooking classes, and museums just to name a few. And when it comes to food, this is the place to be—from quaint seafood spots to fine dining, we’ve got it all.”

Coastal Mississippi
Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum, Biloxi
Credit: Coastal Mississippi

Hundreds of restaurants along the shoreline and communities up and down the coast serve home-cooked, Southern-style cuisine, including everything from fried okra, cornbread, and collard greens to Mississippi mainstays like fresh-caught catfish and boiled crawfish.

For groups looking for a relaxing coastal experience, a guided boat cruise, a self-guided tour of the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum, or a stroll through The Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Arts Center rank high in popularity. For thrill-seekers, groups can book a zip lining experience in Gulfport at the Zip’n Fun Adventure Park, rent kayaks from the Pascagoula River Audubon Center or Wolf River Canoe & Kayak, or charter a fishing trip with Fishing Frenzy Charters.

Group tour operators can contact the Coastal Mississippi tourism team on the web or by phone at 228-896-6699 for more information and to plan their trip. •

Main Photo: Mississippi’s Gulf Coast; Credit: Coastal Mississippi

Article by Erica Zazo