How do I get there?

Many ways. You can come by jet – via the New Orleans airport, which is about 70 miles from the Mississippi Gulf Coast, or you can fly directly into Gulfport, MS. From either airport, you can rent a car and drive to the coast, take a casino shuttle, or hire a limousine service. We’re only 60 miles from Mobile, Alabama, or a day’s drive from Houston, Texas, a two-hour flight from Atlanta, or a four-hour flight from Vegas. You can even come by train, Amtrak stops in Biloxi!

Where can I stay?

There are many choices! Arriving by RV? Harrison County has 22 RV parks, and Jackson County has 15. Prefer a luxury hotel? You can choose from over 100 hotels and motels on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. From world class casinos like The Grand in Gulfport and Biloxi, The MGM’s Beau Rivage and The Imperial Palace in Biloxi, to casual local joints; The Palace Casino, Boomtown Casino, Treasure Bay Casino and The President, there is an excellent selection of places to stay. There are the usual family favorites such as The Holiday Inn and The Ramada Inn.

Looking for something with old Southern charm? Try a Bed and Breakfast. There are 17 to choose from. If you are a senior citizen, ask for the discount, most give 10%.

Things to do:

If you love history, you’ll love the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

• Start with a tour of Beauvoir, the Jefferson Davis Home and Presidential Library. Jefferson Davis was the president of the confederacy. Warning! This house might be haunted! See for yourself, at 2244 Beach Blvd., in Biloxi.

• The Biloxi Lighthouse on Porter Avenue and Beach Blvd in Biloxi, is a must see. The 65-foot cast iron lighthouse is an impressive sight!

• Take the Biloxi Tour Train and hear the 300 years of Biloxi History. The train departs from the lighthouse three times a day, year around.

• Try a walking tour, at the Biloxi Visitor center. Located at 710 Beach Boulevard in Biloxi.

• Spend a few hours at the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum, located at 115 First Street in Biloxi. A must see for boat enthusiasts.

• Take a walk through the Old Biloxi Cemetery, at 1166 Irish Hill in Biloxi. Stroll through ornate gravestones as old as the civil war.

• Love Fire Fighting? There’s no admission fee to the West End Hose Company #3 Museum & Fire Education Center, circa 1937. Located at 1046 Howard Avenue in Biloxi.

Feel like getting wet? Take advantage of the coastal waters!

• From Shrimp Tours, Island Tours and Deep-sea fishing on charter boats, there are many ways to get wet!

• Don’t forget your sunscreen! The Mississippi Gulf Coast has miles of beaches. You can swim, rent water toys, bird watch, or just relax to your hearts content.

Too hot to handle? Try some indoor fun!

• Scott Aquarium at 115 Beach Boulevard features a 44,000-gallon main tank and 47 large aquariums. You’ll see everything local from sea turtles to sharks.

• Marine Life Oceanarium at Joseph T. Jones Memorial Park in Gulfport is a great place to take the kids. There are dolphins, sea lions, a narrated train tour, and a touch pool.

• Gulf Islands National Seashore Visitors Center in Ocean Springs, at 3500 Park Road, features ranger programs, exhibits and nature trails. You’ll likely see alligators and raccoons, and maybe even a skunk or fox!

Love to shop?

• From indoor shopping malls to outdoor outlet malls, you’ll find plenty to spend your money on in Mississippi! There are gift shops galore, boutiques abound and some of the best bargain hunting you’ll find anywhere!

You have to eat!

There are endless dining choices. Local cuisine offers fried catfish, mouth -watering barbeque, Gulf Coast Shrimp and everything in between! You’ll find Micro Breweries that serve up thick, juicy burgers, and Cajun specialty Houses that are finger licking good. From Japanese Sushi to Crawfish, you won’t go hungry! The casinos have all you can eat buffets, or intimate dining gourmet rooms, it’s your choice!

I love the nightlife!

When the sun goes down, the Mississippi Gulf Coast is just waking up! From large- scale concerts at the Mississippi Coliseum, to casino clubs and bistros; you can always find a band playing. With so many casinos to choose from, you’ll easily find an open seat at a blackjack table or loose paying slot machine. Cocktails anyone?

What about golf?

The Mississippi Gulf Coast is home to 19 golf courses, 13 in Harrison County and 6 in Jackson County. There are courses set upon sparkling wetlands overlooking picturesque bays, courses designed by some of the greatest names in golf, from Arnold Palmer to Jack Nicklaus. Most casinos have golf packages, just call your travel agent or book online.

The best Mississippi has to offer.

Mississippi is the Hospitality State, and the Gulf Coast of Mississippi is heavy on hospitality. Making friends is easy because everyone is so nice here. Before you realize it, you’ll be sharing stories with the gift shop clerk, the gas station attendant and the maintenance man at the golf course.

After the people, the best thing on the Mississippi Gulf Coast is the scenery. From century old live oak trees dripping in moss, too beautiful bayous, Mississippi is a truly beautiful state. The gulf offers a cool breeze at the end of a hot summer day, as a raccoon comes down from his tree to find a bite to eat. Pelicans in formation soar overhead, not a sound to be heard. Red Headed woodpeckers, Giant Blue Jays and Bright Red Cardinals sing to their hearts content, and Great Herons stalk the bayous in search of juicy bugs. A curious alligator floats by, thinking we thought he was a log. Thousands of tiny crabs crawl out of their muddy holes, while a fish jumps once, twice, three times across the water, looking for dinner. A hidden owl cries “Who, Who, Who?” against the noise of a million crickets and frogs looking for love.