For those of you who can spell Mississippi off the cuff, congratulations—not everyone can. Give yourself another pat on the back for planning your next group itinerary to the Magnolia State’s coastal region, where all sorts of adventures await. Groups might very well be surprised at just how much there is to do in coastal Mississippi, from family-friendly day activities to entertaining nightlife options. There’s so much to do here that your tourgoers will need more than an itinerary—they’ll need a calendar.
“Coastal Mississippi is the ultimate destination for group travel, no matter your group’s size,” explains Pattye Meagher, director of communications and engagement with Coastal Mississippi. “With an incredible range of lodging options, group-friendly dining, and unique activities, planning an unforgettable trip for your clients has never been easier.”
Among the options are gaming and other activities at the area’s many casinos and resorts. Start your group’s journey in Biloxi, a city located along the Gulf of Mexico with a population of around 50,000. Among the places to experience is Margaritaville Resort Biloxi, which offers gaming and much more. After swimming in the resort’s pleasant pool—and sipping drinks from its poolside bar—enjoy time at the water park, floating on the lazy river, and working out in the 24-hour fitness center.
Guests of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi will enjoy VIP luxury in its rooms and suites, as well as in its dining, entertainment, gaming, and events offerings. Living up to its name, the hotel will rock guests all night long with live entertainment at Hard Rock Live Biloxi, featuring multiple bars, lounges, and entertainment venues.
In nearby Gulfport, Island View Casino is primed for the night owls in your group. Besides its host of gaming options, it also has free live entertainment on Fridays and Saturdays at its Stage Bar and live music on the same evenings at its Sunset Bar. There’s also a spa and nearby golf course. Silver Slipper Casino Hotel in Bay St. Louis offers a variety of gaming options including slots, table games, and video poker. Guests can also experience a variety of foods from the Mississippi Gulf Coast at the Palm Court Cafe, open 24 hours and serving breakfast all day long; Jubilee Buffet, where patrons enjoy casual dining from one of the most extensive salad bars and buffets on the Gulf Coast; and Blue Bayou Bar & Grill, which will fulfill all of your group’s wishes for seafood appetizers, succulent steaks, fresh fish, and more.
Credit: RPF Media/Eddie Robinson
Besides casinos and resorts, treat the history buffs in your group to more than 300 years of history at the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum in Biloxi. As its name suggests, the museum is dedicated to preserving the history and impact of the maritime and seafood industry in the region and beyond. The venue, besides having a range of educational and interactive activities, offers guided tours for groups of 20 or more and can be tailored to specific needs. For the more adventurous, group charters of up to 44 people are available to explore the local coast.
There’s more water to explore at the Mississippi Aquarium, located at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in Gulfport. The venue has 12 freshwater and saltwater habitats and more than 200 aquatic species. Some of the residents here include bottlenose dolphins, penguins, river otters, sharks, and stingrays. Look up to find more than sea life. At the Monarch Waystation, also on campus, groups can enjoy the company of the monarch butterfly in a suitable habitat for the colorful winged insect.
Once your group has explored water species and taken flight with the monarch, now go beyond Earth’s boundaries at Infinity Science Center, a nonprofit science museum in Pearlington that allows visitors to blast off with an immersive blend of space exploration, Earth science, engineering, and technology. The facility touts itself as being “educational but also incredibly fun and accessible to everyone.” Once back on land, hike outside along the 1,400-foot Biome Boardwalk to discover the natural treasures of coastal Mississippi’s swamps and lowland forests. The boardwalk takes visitors through three distinct biomes as they follow its path, making for an interesting and fun journey through four diverse habitats found in this region. Keep an eye out for wildlife using the provided binoculars situated throughout two observation decks. Head back to Biloxi to view wildlife on canvas and other works of art at the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art.
These adventures are just the first ripple of the proverbial wave when exploring coastal Mississippi. “And with events happening all year long, you can time your visit to match the buzz of excitement—or opt for a peaceful escape,” Meagher says. “Coastal Mississippi has it all!”
By Andrew Weeks
Main Image: Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum, Biloxi; Credit: RPF Media/Eddie Robinson
