Waveland MississippiATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Waveland, Mississippi.
1. Waveland's Ground Zero Hurricane Museum
KATRINA'S IMPACT AND RESILIENCE
Waveland's Ground Zero Hurricane Museum provides a reflective look at the local impact of Hurricane Katrina through historical exhibits and a hurricane simulator. The museum is housed in the historic Waveland Elementary School, the only historic building that survived the hurricane, and features a blue line near the ceiling marking the water level during the storm. Visitors can explore photos, artifacts, and survival stories that demonstrate the resilience of Waveland's people during one of the worst disasters of the 20th century.
2. Buccaneer State Park
COASTAL CAMPING AND RECREATION
Buccaneer State Park offers a coastal campsite with calming views and concrete slabs for spacious setup. The park features a wave pool and provides opportunities for nearby waterfront experiences. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the Mississippi Gulf Coast while camping or engaging in outdoor recreational activities.
3. Hancock County Welcome Center
GATEWAY TO LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
The Hancock County Welcome Center serves as an information hub for visitors exploring Waveland and surrounding areas. This visitor center provides resources, maps, and recommendations for local attractions and activities. Tourists can gather valuable insights about the region to enhance their travel experience.
4. Angel Trees
HURRICANE MEMORIAL SCULPTURES
Angel Trees are wood carvings created from local trees that died after Hurricane Katrina, with four sculptures located throughout the Bay St. Louis area. Created by chainsaw sculptor Dayle Lewis, these artistic memorials stand in front of Bay Town Inn, Cedar Rest Cemetery, Our Lady of the Gulf Church, and near Century Hall. Each carving represents resilience and remembrance, with one notably created from an oak tree that saved the lives of a local innkeeper and friends during the hurricane.
5. The Shops of Century Hall
BOUTIQUES AND ANTIQUES
The Shops of Century Hall offers a delightful shopping experience with unique items and antiques in a mall setting. Located in the Old Town area, this shopping destination features dozens of vintage shops and boutiques. Visitors can find distinctive souvenirs and mementos to remember their trip to the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
6. Alice Moseley Folk Art Museum
COLORFUL LOCAL ARTISTRY
Alice Moseley Folk Art Museum showcases the vibrant works of the renowned folk artist who captured Gulf Coast life through her colorful paintings. The museum houses a collection of Moseley's distinctive artwork that often depicts scenes of Southern culture with humor and charm. Visitors can experience the unique artistic perspective that made Alice Moseley a beloved figure in Mississippi's cultural landscape.
7. Hancock County Historical Society
LOCAL HERITAGE PRESERVATION
The Hancock County Historical Society, housed in the Kate Lobrano House, preserves and displays the rich history of the area. This historical institution offers exhibits featuring artifacts, photographs, and documents that chronicle the development of Hancock County and its communities. Visitors can gain insights into the cultural heritage and historical events that shaped this Gulf Coast region.
8. Shore Thing Fishing Charters
GULF COAST FISHING ADVENTURES
Shore Thing Fishing Charters provides guided fishing expeditions in the waters of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Experienced captains lead anglers to prime fishing locations for both novice and experienced fishing enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy the thrill of catching local fish species while taking in the coastal scenery.
9. L&N Depot
HISTORIC RAILWAY BUILDING
The L&N Depot stands as a testament to the railroad history that helped develop the Mississippi Gulf Coast. This historic railway building has been preserved to showcase the architectural style and function of early 20th century transportation hubs. Visitors can appreciate the historical significance of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad's presence in the region.
10. Starr Boarding House
VINTAGE GULF COAST LODGING
The Starr Boarding House represents a glimpse into historical accommodations along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. This preserved building showcases the architectural style and lodging practices of a bygone era. Visitors can learn about the social and cultural aspects of coastal boarding houses that once served travelers to the region.
11. Infinity Science Center
NASA SPACE EXPLORATION
The Infinity Science Center serves as the official visitor center for NASA's Stennis Space Center, offering interactive exhibits on space, Earth science, and technology. Located at 1 Discovery Circle in Pearlington, this educational attraction provides hands-on experiences that engage visitors of all ages. The center showcases NASA's contributions to space exploration and scientific research, making complex concepts accessible to the public.
12. Rustic Wick Candle Bar
HANDCRAFTED SCENTED CREATIONS
Rustic Wick Candle Bar offers visitors a unique opportunity to create personalized scented candles in a creative workshop setting. This hands-on attraction allows guests to experiment with various scents and containers to craft a custom souvenir. The experience combines creativity with aromatherapy for a memorable activity in Waveland.
13. Beauvoir - Jefferson Davis Home
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORICAL ESTATE
Beauvoir serves as the historic retirement estate of Confederate President Jefferson Davis, offering a glimpse into post-Civil War Southern life. Located at 2244 Beach Boulevard in Biloxi, this National Historic Landmark features the preserved home, library, and grounds where Davis spent his final years. Visitors can tour the meticulously maintained property to learn about Davis's life and the complex history of the American South during the Reconstruction era.
14. Biloxi Lighthouse
COASTAL MARITIME LANDMARK
The Biloxi Lighthouse stands as one of the first cast-iron lighthouses in the South, having guided ships along the Mississippi coast since 1848. This historic maritime landmark has withstood numerous hurricanes, including Katrina, serving as a symbol of resilience for the coastal community. Visitors can tour this 64-foot structure located on Beach Boulevard and learn about its role in Gulf Coast navigation and history.
15. Mississippi Aquarium
GULF MARINE LIFE SHOWCASE
The Mississippi Aquarium presents a comprehensive showcase of aquatic life with a focus on species native to the Gulf Coast region. This state-of-the-art facility features indoor and outdoor exhibits, immersive experiences, and conservation education programs. Visitors can observe diverse marine creatures while learning about the importance of protecting the Gulf's unique ecosystems.