Long Beach MississippiATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Long Beach, Mississippi.
1. Friendship Oak
HISTORIC LIVING MONUMENT
Friendship Oak is allegedly Mississippi's oldest and most beautiful tree, standing over 500 years old. This magnificent oak serves as a natural landmark and point of interest for visitors to Long Beach. The iconic tree is located on the University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Park Campus and represents the enduring natural heritage of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
2. University of Southern Mississippi - Gulf Park Campus
EDUCATIONAL COASTAL INSTITUTION
The University of Southern Mississippi's Gulf Park Campus is one of Mississippi's largest educational institutions. Located in Long Beach, this coastal campus offers beautiful grounds for visitors to explore alongside its academic facilities. The campus is home to the famous Friendship Oak and the Katrina Archives, making it a cultural and historical destination beyond its educational mission.
3. Katrina Archives
HURRICANE HISTORY COLLECTION
The Katrina Archives preserves the history and impact of Hurricane Katrina on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Located on the third floor of the library at the University of Southern Mississippi's Long Beach campus, this collection features special exhibits documenting the devastating 2005 hurricane. Visitors can explore photographs, personal accounts, and artifacts that tell the story of destruction and resilience in the aftermath of one of America's worst natural disasters.
4. Past Perfect
UNIQUE GIFT SHOPPING
Past Perfect is a specialty and gift shop in Long Beach offering a curated selection of unique items for shoppers. The store has earned a strong 4.5 rating from visitors, making it one of the top shopping destinations in the area. Past Perfect provides locals and tourists alike with distinctive gifts, decor, and keepsakes to remember their Gulf Coast experience.
5. 9-Ball Fishing Charters
GULF COAST FISHING ADVENTURES
9-Ball Fishing Charters provides quality fishing adventures in the heart of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Operating near Biloxi, Gulfport, Long Beach and the Louisiana border, these charters give visitors access to the fertile fishing grounds of the region. With 32 ratings on TripAdvisor, this fishing charter service stands out as a popular outdoor activity for visitors seeking an authentic Gulf Coast experience.
6. Impulsive Charters
PERSONALIZED FISHING EXCURSIONS
Impulsive Charters offers memorable fishing experiences led by the highly-praised Captain Scott who goes above and beyond for his customers. With 17 ratings on TripAdvisor, this charter service has built a reputation for exceptional customer service and successful fishing trips. Visitors to Long Beach can enjoy personalized fishing adventures in the bountiful waters of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
7. Beauvoir Jefferson Davis Home
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORICAL ESTATE
The Beauvoir Jefferson Davis Home is one of the last remaining historic homes from the Antebellum era, serving as both a residence and Presidential Library. This 52-acre property includes gardens, historic cottages, the main mansion, and museums documenting the life of Confederate President Jefferson Davis. Visitors can explore this well-preserved slice of Southern history while enjoying the beautifully maintained grounds near the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
8. Biloxi Lighthouse
HISTORIC COASTAL BEACON
The Biloxi Lighthouse has stood as a landmark of the area since it was constructed in 1848. Visitors can climb to the top of this historic cast-iron lighthouse for a unique perspective on the Mississippi coastline. The lighthouse has withstood numerous hurricanes throughout its history, making it a symbol of resilience for the Gulf Coast community.
9. Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum
GULF COAST HERITAGE CENTER
The Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum tells the story of the Mississippi Gulf Coast's long history as a top producer in the seafood industry. The museum chronicles the area's development from its first Native American settlers to its growth and expansion as a tourist destination today. A highlight of the museum is a full-size Schooner located inside the building, with visitors also having the option to charter a ride on an actual schooner.
10. Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art
MAD POTTER'S LEGACY
The Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art showcases ceramics from the early 20th century created by George E. Ohr, known locally as the 'Mad Potter of Biloxi.' The museum sits on a beautiful property near the Mississippi Sound, making the surrounding landscape an attraction in itself. Art lovers can explore the distinctive and innovative pottery works that have made Ohr renowned in the world of American ceramics.
11. INFINITY Science Center
SPACE AND EARTH EXPLORATION
The INFINITY Science Center serves as NASA's Stennis Space Center Visitor's Center, offering exhibits about space and Earth science. Guests can learn about the vast reaches of space and the ocean's depths, and even explore a weather prediction center during their visit. The center provides an educational experience that may include viewing actual rockets, inspiring visitors of all ages to imagine the possibilities of scientific exploration.
12. Mississippi Aviation Heritage Museum
FLIGHT HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Mississippi Aviation Heritage Museum celebrates the rich history of flight in Mississippi and beyond. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring historic aircraft, flight memorabilia, and the stories of aviation pioneers with connections to the state. The museum offers an educational experience that highlights Mississippi's contributions to the development of aviation technology and military air power.
13. Pascagoula River Audubon Center
NATURAL WETLAND SANCTUARY
The Pascagoula River Audubon Center provides access to one of the last unimpeded river systems in the continental United States. Visitors can explore exhibits about the river's ecosystem or participate in guided kayak tours of the pristine waterways. The center offers educational programs about conservation and the diverse wildlife that makes the Pascagoula River watershed one of the most ecologically important areas on the Gulf Coast.
14. TrainTastic
RAILWAY ENTERTAINMENT EXPERIENCE
TrainTastic offers a unique entertainment experience centered around trains and railway history in Mississippi. Visitors can enjoy model train displays, interactive exhibits, and learn about the importance of railways to the development of the Gulf Coast region. The attraction appeals to both children and adults with its combination of play areas and historical information about transportation evolution in the American South.
15. Walter Anderson Museum of Art
COASTAL ARTIST CELEBRATION
The Walter Anderson Museum of Art celebrates the works of Walter Inglis Anderson, a prolific artist known for his paintings and drawings of the plants, animals, and people of the Gulf Coast. The museum houses a significant collection of Anderson's watercolors, drawings, oils, block prints, ceramics, and sculptures. Visitors can experience how Anderson's deep connection to the natural environment of the Mississippi coast influenced his distinctive artistic style and vision.