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23 Things to Do in Mississippi: Best Attractions And Places

September 24, 2023 //  by  Southern Trippers

If you are looking for some fun things to do in Mississippi, then you have come to the right place!

I have compiled a list of the top Mississippi tourist attractions for all interests.

Mississippi is a coastal, Southern state full to the brim with beautiful nature, cute small towns, and bustling cities. No matter your interests, there are Mississippi attractions for you to enjoy.

You will have an amazing time exploring all of these best Mississippi activities. You can step back in time, learn about music origins, or discover some unique hidden gems.

Get ready to plan the perfect Mississippi vacation!

Visit the Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum

When people think of Elvis, they think of Memphis, TN, but did you know he was born in Mississippi?

The Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum is a must-do attraction in Mississippi. Whether you are a huge fan of the King or you just love music history or American culture, this is a great activity.

On January 8, 1935, Elvis Presley was born in his parents’ home in Tupelo, Mississippi. It is a simple, two-room house much different than the Graceland estate he would eventually live in.

Elvis only lived in this house for a few years until his parents could no longer afford it. Along with the house, you can see the church where he became interested in music and learned to play the guitar.

This museum is easily one of the top things in Mississippi!

Book Here: Elvis Presley’s U pbringing Tour

Drive the Natchez Trace Parkway

The Natchez Trace Parkway is 444 miles and runs from Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee. This is one of the best road trips in Mississippi.

The parkway will take you through beautiful forests and along rivers and creeks. Make stops for hiking trails and to see archaeological sites.

If you like biking, the trail is also an amazing bike route. There are plenty of campsites along the way if you want to make this a multi-day journey.

This is what to do in Mississippi for nature lovers!

Relax at Biloxi Beach

Mississippi does not have a long coastline, but you will find one of the best beaches in Mississippi in Biloxi. This cute beach town is an ideal place to relax and get some sun.

The white sand beach is super pretty and praised for its soft sand and warm water. This is a great place to swim or build sandcastles. Fishing charters or sunset cruises are available.

There are so many amazing restaurants in Biloxi that you should check out too!

Biloxi is also home to some of the best Resorts In Mississippi , including beachfront ones!

This is truly one of the closest beaches near New Orleans you shouldn’t miss.

Photograph the Biloxi Lighthouse

While you are in Biloxi, you need to check out the historic Biloxi Lighthouse as well. This photographic structure was built in 1848 and stands at sixty-five feet.

You can climb to the top of the lighthouse for great views of the town. After a beach day, visiting this landmark is one of the best things to do in Biloxi, Mississippi .

Explore Gulfport Beach

Gulfport is twenty-five minutes from Biloxi and is another great place for a beach day in Mississippi. Even though Gulfport is the second-largest city in the state, you get strong small, beach town vibes here.

Gulfport Beach is known for its cleanliness, safety, and smaller crowds. This is a great place for soaking up some sun, casting a fishing line, or getting your heart pumping on a jet ski.

I love a good beach day, and this is one of the best places to chill on the ocean in Mississippi.

Gulfport also has a ton of seafood restaurants, live music venues, and loca l shops .

Have a Museum Day in Jackson

Jackson is the capital of Mississippi and is certainly one of the best places to visit! If you love museums, this is a great city to visit! History, art, and science are all covered.

The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science is the largest museum in the state and is a great place to learn about the world of the past and present. You will see fossils, a greenhouse, and a 100,000-gallon aquarium.

Next, the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum gives a new perspective on the history of Civil Rights in America with special attention to people from Mississippi who played a role. The amazing “This Little Light of Mine” sculpture is a must-see thing here as well. This twelve-meter sculpture is lit up and changes color.

The Mississippi Museum of Art holds work from all over the world and different time periods. No matter what kind of art you like, you will find something new to inspire you.

One more museum in Jackson is the Old Capitol Museum. This Greek Revival building was the capital from 1839 to 1903. You can take guided tours of the inside.

Learn History at the Vicksburg National Military Park

The Battle of Vicksburg took place in 1863 and was a turning point in the Civil War. Anyone interested in American history will think this is one of the best things to do in Mississippi.

The Vicksburg National Military Park is just under two thousand acres and features over a thousand cannons and historical monuments. You can also visit the U.S.S. Cairo gunboat.

There are also sixteen miles of paved trails to walk or bicycle. Dogs are allowed on the trails and throughout the rest of the park as long as they are leashed and follow the rules.

This is one of the best national parks in the South !

Take a Southern Cooking Class

If you love cooking and eating Southern food classics, then consider taking a Southern cooking class. This is a great way to learn about the culture of the South in a hands-on and memorable way.

This is a great activity for a group of friends or a couple looking for romantic activities in Mississippi. After learning how to cook from an expert, you can take your skills home and impress your friends and family.

One cooking class to consider is the Southern Biscuit Class in Natchez. You will be taught by chef Regina Charboneau, the Queen of Biscuits. These biscuits are flaky and pair well with many meals.

Book Here: Southern Biscuit Class

Explore the Mississippi Blues Trail

If you are interested in music history, then the Mississippi Blues Trail should top your Mississippi itinerary. Mississippi is known as the Birthplace of America’s Music and visiting places along the trail will help you see why.

The Blues Trail is dotted throughout the state in the form of museums, birthplaces, and other significant locations. You can visit a few of the locations or devote a road trip to seeing as many as possible.

You will learn about how these musicians influenced American music and culture. Some places on the trail include the B.B. King Museum, Delta Blues Museum, Jimmie Rodgers Museum, and GRAMMY Museum Mississippi.

This is one of the best activities in Mississippi for anyone interested in music.

Attend a Craft Beer Festival

If you are looking for fun things to do in Hattiesburg, then plan on attending the annual Craft Beer Festival. This is a great way to sample some of the brews in towns.

Hattiesburg has some of the most craft beer bars and breweries in the state so there is plenty to taste. Along with drinks, there are food vendors and live music shows.

Even if you are not in Hattiesburg during the summer festival, you can do a self-guided tour of some of the breweries. Some of the more popular places are Southern Prohibition Brewing, Keg & Barrel, and The Porter.

This festival is one of the best things to do in Mississippi for adults!

Fall in Love With Rowan Oak

Rowan Oak in Oxford is one of the best things to do in Mississippi for history or literature lovers. This Greek Revival house was built in the 1840s.

It was originally named The Bailey Place until author William Faulkner bought it in 1930 and renamed it Rowan Oak.

Faulkner repaired the home and lived here until his death in 1962. He wrote proficiently while living here and won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1949.

Today, Rowan Oak acts as a museum to the writer and is full of original furnishings. The home is found on 29 acres which include an English garden, stable, and wooded walking trails.

This estate is one of the best national historic landmarks in Mississippi.

Eat at the King Cotton Crawfish Boil

Another of the best annual events in Mississippi is the King Cotton Crawfish Boil in Starkville. You can’t visit the deep South and not eat some delicious crawfish.

Local teams put their cooking to the test to see who will come out on top and win the Best of Boil. Attendees will enjoy a bucket of crawfish with all the fixins as well as beer and other drinks to wash it all down.

This event takes place in spring and should be high on the list of things to do in Mississippi for any foodies.

When visiting Mississippi, you have to try some crawfish!

Hike in Tishomingo State Park

If you want to see some beautiful nature in Mississippi, then head to Tishomingo State Park. This 1,530-acre park has landscapes you can find nowhere else in Mississippi.

From trails full of wildflowers to awesome rock formations to cool crevices, you will fall in love with the beauty here.

Tishomingo State Park is also a good location for history lovers. Archaeologists have found evidence of Paleo Indians from as far back as 7,000 B.C.

Along with hiking and camping, this is a great park for fishing and birdwatching. There is also a swimming pool.

This is one of the best state parks in Mississippi .

Do a Historic Homes Tour in Natchez

One of the best things to do in Natchez, Mississippi, is admiring all the beautiful, historic homes. Whether you love history, architecture, or simply photographing pretty buildings, you will love these homes.

Longwood was built in 1859 and has a gorgeous facade with columns topped with a Byzantine dome. You can step back in time with a tour and learn why the inside was left unfinished because of the Civil War.

Stanton Hall is another regal mansion. Now acting as a museum, this Greek Revival building is opulent with its Corinthian columns, marble mantels, cast-iron railings, and French windows.

Other homes in Natchez worth checking out include Magnolia Hall, The Towers of Natchez, and Auburn.

Natchez is easily one of the best places to visit in Mississippi since there are so many activities here.

See the Birthplace of Kermit the Frog

Did you know Kermit the Frog hails from Mississippi? The city of Leland claims to be the birthplace of this famous Muppet. This is certainly one of the best hidden gems in Mississippi.

There is a small museum dedicated to Jim Henson, Kermit the Frog, and the other Muppets in the Leland Chamber of Commerce.

Puppeteer Jim Henson was born in Greenville, Mississippi, and playing in the swamps of Leland allegedly inspired Kermit.

The museum has a bunch of Muppets memorabilia, including an original Kermit the Frog.

The museum is one of the best free things to do in Mississippi. Donations are welcome.

Check Out the Windsor Ruins

The Windsor Ruins are one of the most unique things to do in Mississippi. The ruins are a collection of columns and balustrades that were once part of a plantation.

The mansion was built from 1859 to 1861. During the Civil War, the building was used for a Union hospital and observation post.

Even though it still stood after the war, it was during an 1890 party that an unattended cigar burned the place down.

Today, you can visit the ruins to experience the eerieness of it. This is also a very photogenic place if you like abandoned places. This is also one of the best free attractions in Mississippi.

Disconnect on Ship Island

Taking the ferry to Ship Island is one of the best day trips in Mississippi. This undeveloped island is a great place to escape from the real world.

During the hour-long boat ride, you will be able to spot dolphins swimming by and seabirds circling overhead.

Once you arrive on the island, you can enjoy a beach day under the watchful eye of lifeguards. The beautiful sandy beaches here are ideal for swimming and combing for shells.

Fort Massachusetts is also a place to explore. This preserved fort dates back to the Civil War. You can take a tour to learn about its history.

This is one of the top spots to visit on the Mississippi portion of the Gulf Islands National Seashore.

Immerse Yourself in Nature in the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge

Nature lovers will want to venture to the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge. This 48,000-acre park features forests, lakes, and wetlands.

This is an amazing place for wildlife viewing. There are a ton of bird species here, including the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. You might also spot deer, American alligators, beavers, otters, turtles, and more.

There are many scenic boardwalks and trails of varying lengths. The boardwalks have great lookouts perfect for wildlife photography. Hunting and fishing are also options here.

Be Awed by Dunn’s Falls

Dunn’s Falls is south of Merdian on an offshoot of the Chunky River. This is one of the best waterfalls in Mississippi and is worth the few dollars it costs to get into the park.

The 65-foot waterfall sits next to an 1857 grist mill and is super photogenic. The whole park is great for hiking and wildlife viewing.

The river provides an area for swimming and canoeing. The water is very clear and full of catfish to catch.

If you love waterfalls as much as I do, then you need to add this spot to your Mississippi itinerary.

Get Lost in Wall Doxey State Park

If you want more beautiful nature during your Mississippi vacation, then come to Wall Doxey State Park. If you want to stay a night or two, there are campsites and some of the best cabins in the South .

The main feature of the park is a 60-acre, spring-fed lake. This is a scenic place to go swimming, boating, or fishing. There is also a two-and-a-half-mile trail around the lake with gorgeous views.

Kids will have fun climbing on the playground or playing a round of disc golf. Make sure to pack a picnic as well!

Bring the Kids to the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center

In Gulfport, the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center is one of the best things to do in Mississippi with kids.

There is 15,000 square feet of interactive, hands-on exhibits allowing kids to play, learn, and use their imaginations.

Children will love the Super Colossal Climbing Structure, art studio, and science lab. They can play make-believe in different areas including a train depot, vet clinic, market, hotel, and more.

Outside kids can explore the Tree House Village, Bear Creek, Musical Garden, and other cool activities.

This is one of the most fun attractions in Mississippi for families.

Explore the Mississippi Petrified Forest

Found near the town of Flora, the Mississippi Petrified Forest is one of the cool places in Mississippi for nature lovers.

This National Natural Landmark formed approximately 36 million years ago. Walk the nature trail and admire the amazing trees and pieces of fossilized wood.

There is also a museum full of fossils, petrified wood, and more cool natural materials. At the gift shop, you can buy a piece of petrified wood to bring home.

Drive the Great River Road

For amazing views of the Mississippi River, you need to drive the scenic Great River Road.

This road follows the entirety of the Mississippi River through ten states. The whole western border of the state of Mississippi is marked by this mighty river.

Drive US Route 61 and stop to take in nature sights and visit some museums.

Stops on the Mississippi portion of the route include the Tunica RiverPark Museum, the Lower Mississippi River Museum in Vicksburg, and the Natchez Trace Parkway.

A long drive along the river is one of the best things to do in Mississippi for couples looking to spend time together.

There are so many amazing things to do in Mississippi this weekend! This Southern state is full of gorgeous natural scenery, rich history, and unique festivals.

There is truly something for everyone to enjoy whether you are traveling with children or are planning a romantic getaway in the South .

Make memories camping or snuggle up in a cute, beach house. You will have so much fun in Mississippi!

37 Best Weekend Getaways in Mississippi — Quick Trips!

By: Author Lucy Adams

Posted on Published: October 11, 2022  - Last updated: September 5, 2023

Want to take a memorable and pleasant trip to the Deep South?

Then, indulge in a refreshing and exciting weekend escape in Mississippi.

From small, charming towns to big, lively cities, the Magnolia State has plenty of fun places for weekend travelers.

In Mississippi, you may fill your weekends, soaking up its small-town charm, and uncovering Civil War sites.

Furthermore, you may chill at the beach, and sample some of the world’s most satisfying comfort food.

For some of the best weekend getaways in Mississippi, go through the following list and then make your choices accordingly.

So, discover how you can enjoy a fascinating weekend trip to Mississippi by checking out the tips and suggestions below.

Oxford is a city in Mississippi and houses the University of Mississippi, making it one of the many reasons that make it a pulsating and lively place to visit.

There are many historic points of interest in Oxford that you must take a look at, such as the Lafayette County Courthouse, The Square, Oxford City Hall, The J. E. Neilson Co., The Lyric Theater, University of Mississippi Museum, Burns-Belfry Museum, Rowan Oak and several others.

It can be well worth it to stroll around town looking at these buildings and neighborhoods while also exploring some of the literary, musical and theatrical attractions here.

Additionally, you can witness and participate in some of the cultural events and festivals this city plays host to while also trying out some recreational activities.

2. Gulfport

Gulfport is the place to go in Mississippi if you want a bustling urban getaway with exciting events always taking place around you.

In fact, this city is quite a popular tourist destination considering that it has a vast stretch of white sand beaches, offering plenty of options for those who want to lounge by the water or try out some water activities such as boating, fishing, swimming, cruising and jet-skiing.

Ship Island, Ocean Adventures Marine Park and Gulf Islands Waterpark can add to the experience of cooling down.

Gulfport also has many casinos that people tend to frequent, not to mention that the nightlife tends to thrive as well.

Some other attractions that you might enjoy here are the Centennial Plaza, Fishbone Alley, Gulfport Arts Center, Gulfport Museum of History, Lynn Meadows and MS Aviation Heritage Museum.

3. Monmouth Historic Inn and Gardens

1358 John A. Quitman Boulevard Natchez, MS 39120 (800) 828-4531

Monmouth Historic Inn and Gardens in Natchez is a restored antebellum mansion that was built in the 19th century.

You can spend your weekend surrounded by period architecture and some antique furnishings that can transport you to a different time either in the main house or in the seven other buildings on the premises.

There are several rooms, suites and cottages that you can book as part of your visit that can help you have a comfortable time.

You can also access Restaurant 1818 and Quitman Lounge and Study for some dining and drinking, although you can just as easily ask for in-room dining.

Worth noting is the 26 acres of gardens full of greens and blooming flowers, allowing you to spend your time taking a stroll and watching the birds.

4. Oak Crest Mansion Inn

5267 Menge Ave Pass Christian, MS 39571 (228) 452-5677

For gleaning the true spirit of Mississippi vacations, visit the Oak Crest Mansion Inn in Pass Christian for some Southern grace and charm.

This historic bed and breakfast was once a home built in 1920 and now spans 12 acres and contains a chapel, gazebo, pergola and lovely gardens apart from the inn itself.

This makes this inn an ideal place for hosting weddings and other such celebrations or events, especially since you can also access the special packages associated with such requirements.

There are eight suites in this inn along with a carriage house where you can book your stay for the weekend, with each room including antique furnishings, private baths, comfortable and large beds, remote controlled fireplaces and Wi-Fi.

You can also walk the grounds, access spa services, sit on the porch and visit the lounge areas.

For a soulful weekend getaway, visiting Jackson is a must.

The capital of Mississippi is called the “City of Soul” for its prominence in the jazz, blues, folk, soul and gospel music while also giving birth to several important literary figures and works.

Jackson is full of history and heritage, so while you are here, you should definitely visit the Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center, Tougaloo College, Farish Street Historic District, Johnny T’s, Alamo Theater, COFO Civil Rights Education Center, Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and lots more.

You can also walk around town and view the public and street art while also participating in the events, markets and festivals that this city hosts.

Exploring the local cuisine and lifestyle in the restaurants and bars can also help you unwind.

Recommended Hotel: The Westin Jackson

Related: Family Beaches in Mississippi

6. Devereaux Shields House

709 North Union Street Natchez,MS 39120 (601) 304-5378

Devereaux Shields House is a bed and breakfast where you can spend the weekend bathing in the Southern hospitality.

With sophisticated Victorian interiors, fireplaces, rich bathrooms, private verandas, antique furnishings and serene views, this bed and breakfast offers suites and rooms across three houses—Main House, Bost House and Aunt Clara’s Cottage.

You can also enjoy some special offers and packages while also hosting events like weddings and parties here, with several measures in place that can let you opt for some additional services.

Additionally, you can walk around in the gardens and refresh yourself or simply sit on the front porch and enjoy the view.

This bed and breakfast also has a spa with various services that you can access for some rejuvenation.

You should certainly consider Natchez if you are looking for weekend trips in Mississippi.

Brimming with history and culture, Natchez has some worthwhile points of interest that you can take a look at, such as the Brandon Hall Historic Home, Concord Quarters, Delta Music Museum, Fort Rosalie, Grand Village of the Natchez Indians and Windsor Ruins, among others.

There are art galleries, local eateries, spas, gaming centers, tour trails, museums, shops, bars and lots more that you can visit based on your preferences.

Numerous outdoor activities can make your visit more memorable too, with sites like the Clark Creek Nature Area, Duncan Park Golf Club, Bluff Park, Natchez State Park, Lake Concordia and Homochitto National Forest presenting numerous options.

Downtown Natchez is worth strolling around as well.

Recommended Hotel: Magnolia Bluffs Hotel, BW Premier Collection

8. Willowdale Farm

28 CR 225 Oxford, MS 38655 (662) 801-8600

Willowdale Farm spans 33 acres and is located just a few minutes from Oxford.

The farm itself grows its own organic produce, so everything you eat there is bound to be fresh.

The farm includes the Barn Loft Bed and Breakfast on its property where you can enjoy the entire loft to yourself that includes two bedrooms, a kitchen, private bathrooms and rustic interiors and furnishings.

You can spend your weekend inside the loft while also going out to the porch to enjoy the views of the farm.

You can also conveniently walk around the farm and enjoy the open fields while also taking the time to feed the animals.

Hosting weddings and events is also a possibility here that you can consider and arrange for with prior bookings.

Recommended Hotel: TownePlace Suites by Marriott Oxford

9. Bay Town Inn

208 North Beach Blvd Bay St. Louis, MS 39520 (504) 421-0960

Bay Town Inn in Bay St. Louis is a charming and airy bed and breakfast that includes four kinds of accommodation options.

These include The Residence (a two-bedroom home), King Suites (ten guest suites), The Lighthouse and The Cabana, each of them including light pastels and comfortable interiors, making you feel close to the waters.

The inn also includes a pool where you can take a splash and cool down in addition to several deck chairs to relax and enjoy the view.

You can also enjoy the hot breakfast at the Oyster Bar that is included as part of your stay.

A kitchen area can further let you make your own meals, with many accommodations having their own separate kitchens.

Vacation rentals are available too that you can book separately.

Related: Places to Visit in Mississippi

10. The Fairview Inn

734 Fairview Street Jackson, MS 39202 (601) 948-3429

The Fairview Inn is a boutique hotel in Jackson that can be the ideal location for your weekend getaway.

There are 18 luxury guest rooms, including suites and a loft, that you can pick from.

Each room can offer a unique experience in terms of the interiors and the ambiance that you can enjoy, although each room comes fully equipped with modern amenities that can enhance your comfort levels.

Many of these rooms include whirlpool tubs, fireplaces and balconies.

There are several special packages and offers such as honeymoon packages, weekend getaway specials, romantic offers and lots more that you can enjoy depending on the nature of your trip.

The inn includes the Library Lounge, where you can enjoy some drinks, food and events as well as the 1908 Provisions restaurant for a delicious meal.

Tupelo is a city in Mississippi, famously known for being Elvis Presley’s birthplace.

Tupelo has a rich musical and cultural heritage, so you are bound to come across several buildings, museums, houses and artworks that celebrate this heritage.

Some attractions that you should visit while you are here include the 1950s Elvis Mural, Bancorpsouth Arena, Barnes Crossing Shopping District, Blackland Prairie Section, Book Stack Mural, Brice’s Crossroad National Battlefield Site, Old Town Creek, Tupelo Veterans Museum and Veterans Memorial Park.

There are several tours and trails in this city that can allow for more guided and organized exploration.

Numerous events and festivals are popular here too, some of which include live music sessions, concerts, Harlem Globetrotters, fairs, parades, markets and several others.

Recommended Hotel: Tru By Hilton Tupelo, MS

Related: Restaurants in Tupelo

12. The Alluvian Hotel

318 Howard Street Greenwood, MS 38930 (662) 453-2114

The Alluvian Hotel is located in Greenwood and can provide you with an elegant and deluxe weekend experience.

This hotel includes 45 spacious guest rooms, five suites and four lofts, each of which strives to embody the Mississippi Delta through its colors and decor choices.

The rooms are all plush and full of a variety of facilities and amenities, with some other hotel amenities including daily Southern breakfast, fitness center, library, complimentary transport services, children’s activities, shared lounges, terrace access and paid access to the pool, tennis courts and golf course.

You can also make use of the restaurant and spa here to make your visit even more comfortable and memorable.

This hotel also has a diverse and vast art collection that you can view on a stroll around the hotel.

13. The Clark House Inn

211 Clark Street Clarksdale, MS 38614 (662) 621-1632

Mississippi vacation ideas must include good weekend inns, one of which can be The Clark House Inn.

This bed and breakfast is located in the Clarksdale Historic District, allowing you to spend your weekend in the midst of such rich historic and cultural heritage.

The inn itself includes a main house with five rooms in addition to an adjacent cottage that includes an additional three rooms.

Each room includes a private bathroom, TV, desk, seating area and Wi-Fi.

There are a few common and shared areas that you can access for some recreation and socialization, such as the living room or parlor, library, sitting area in the main house and dining room.

While you are here, see if you can catch some live music around the inn.

Related: Things to Do in Mississippi

14. Cartney-Hunt House

408 Seventh Street South Columbus, MS 39701

Cartney-Hunt House is a bed and breakfast in Columbus is a federal-style house that was built in 1828, making this an interesting weekend hideout if you want to soak yourself in a historic ambiance.

There are a total of three rooms in this house that you can book to enjoy a grand weekend staying in or exploring the town.

All the rooms have antique furnishings and snug beds where you can rest easily and well, with each room further having amenities like a TV, robes, free Wi-Fi and complimentary beverages.

The house further has some shared spaces that you can access, such as the dining room and sitting room.

The house also has a garden out front where you can take a stroll or simply enjoy the sun.

15. Bonne Terre Inn

4715 Church Rd Nesbit, MS 38651 (662) 781-5100

Bonne Terre Inn is located in Nesbit, Mississippi and spans 23 acres and is surrounded by some beautiful trees and flora.

This can present itself as a lovely hideout in case you want to get away from the crowd and noise of the city.

This inn includes 15 spacious guest rooms along with a two-bedroom suite, either of which you can reserve for your weekend stay.

Each room further has French and English furnishings that you can enjoy while you are here.

The inn is also surrounded by some sprawling fields and lakes that you can view from the rooms while also taking a stroll in and around them for a serene time.

The inn also has an outdoor pool along with a bar/lounge, a dining room that serves free breakfast, a kitchenette and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Biloxi is a city in Mississippi that includes a coastal front along with several barrier reefs near the coast.

This city can make for a nice weekend by the waters, allowing you to simply sit back and lounge or carry out some water recreation activities such as fishing, swimming, boating, cruising, paddle sports and other such adventures.

Make sure you visit downtown Biloxi while you are here to enjoy some local restaurants, bars, shops, markets and historic buildings.

Biloxi has several casinos and golf courses that you can enjoy too.

Further, Biloxi includes some attractions that include Biloxi Shuckers, Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art, Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum, Deer Island Coastal Preserve and several others.

You can also take guided tours around town for some detailed information.

Recommended Hotel: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi

17. Glenfield Plantation Bed and Breakfast

6 Glenfield Ln Natchez, MS 39120 (601) 442-1002

Glenfield Plantation Bed and Breakfast is a historic restored house in Natchez where you can stay over the weekend.

There are three kinds of rooms in this bed and breakfast, including the Cannon Room, Clarissa Room and the Green Room, each of which comes equipped with cozy beds, Wi-Fi and private bathrooms along with access to full breakfast.

Some common areas in this house that you can access include the lounge areas and the dining room.

Dining, champagne, massages, packages and guided tours are some other amenities that you can access while you are here.

Events like the Mystery Dinner and other celebrations are also common here that you can participate in.

Hosting your private events, such as weddings, is another possibility that you can consider.

Related: Things to Do in Mississippi with Kids

18. Old Capitol Inn

226 North State Street Jackson, MS 39201 (601) 359-9000

Old Capitol Inn is a boutique hotel in Jackson where you can spend your weekend lounging in the opulence.

This hotel includes suites and rooms that you can book for yourself, each of which can offer a unique experience while still being equipped with some plush amenities.

You can enjoy views of the garden or the city depending on which kind of accommodation you opt for.

While you are here, some additional amenities that you can access include Wi-Fi, the business center, fitness center, rooftop bar, complimentary breakfast and the Sunroom restaurant.

You can also ask for some guided tour options that can take you around town.

Some special packages are also on offer here that you can make use of while also having the option of hosting your own events.

19. Shadowlawn Bed & Breakfast

1024 College Street Columbus, MS 39701 (662) 425-2831

Shadowlawn Bed & Breakfast is a historic mansion that has now been converted into an inn.

This bed and breakfast includes a total of five suites adorned with facilities that you can make full use of during your time here.

You can also access a gourmet breakfast in addition to some other amenities that include complimentary Wi-Fi, jetted tubs, lounge areas, front gardens, dining room, porch and more.

In this house, you can also seek out some special offers and packages that can make things more intimate and worthwhile, such as snacks, romance or honeymoon packages, wine and more.

You also have the option to book the place in advance and host your own wedding or another similar private event here.

Canton is a city in Mississippi that is full of historic sites, buildings and neighborhoods, so much so that a large part of it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Canton includes several points of interest that you should consider exploring, such as the Historic Square, Canton Museum of History, Multicultural Center and Museum, Canton Movie Museums, Old Madison County Jail, Mississippi Blues Trail and Hickory Street Area.

There are many tours and guided trails that you can take to explore specific parts of Canton as well.

Coming down to Canton for some festivals and events can also make your visit more special.

Examples include the Canton Christmas Festival, Canton Flea Market, Mississippi Championship Hot Air Balloon Fest and Upstairs Downtown, among others.

Recommended Hotel: Hampton Inn Canton

21. The Inn at Ocean Springs

623 Washington Ave Ocean Springs, MS 39564 (228) 875-4496

For some romantic getaways in Mississippi, consider The Inn at Ocean Springs for a tucked-away hideout that can momentarily relieve you from all your stressors in the city.

This inn is situated in downtown Ocean Springs, allowing you to simply walk a few steps to access all the major shops, restaurants and attractions in this town.

This inn offers a few rooms and suites that you can book for yourself, allowing you to spend a truly intimate and special time during your visit.

Some features that you can look forward to in the rooms and the inn include lush beddings, bathrooms, TV, kitchenettes, Wi-Fi, private patios, a shared porch as well as complimentary beverages and breakfast.

You can also sit outdoors and enjoy the view and the fresh air.

Related: Family Hotels in Mississippi

22. Bay St. Louis

Bay St. Louis is a coastal city that you can visit over your free weekend in Mississippi.

This charming seaside city can offer you some relaxation and quietude, allowing you to sit back and rest near the waters.

You can also look for some water recreation and try out some boating, paddling, jet-skiing, cruising, fishing and other kinds of water sports and adventures.

This city also has an attractive downtown area where you can take a stroll and enjoy the bars, restaurants, cafes, shops or simply the vibe.

Some other attractions that you can visit here are the Alice Moseley Folk Art & Antique Museum, Historic Train Depot, Bridges Golf Club, Kate Lobrano House (Historical Society), St. Augustine Seminary & Grotto and more.

Recommended Hotel: Hotel Whiskey

23. The Inn on Whitworth

210 South Whitworth Ave Brookhaven, MS 39601 (601) 990-5097

The Inn on Whitworth is a lavish inn in Brookhaven that contains 14 luxury boutique rooms and suites that you can book.

You can book either one or two of these or you can simply book the entire inn if you wish to celebrate and host your wedding or any other similar private event.

Combining a historic charm with modern amenities, this inn can offer a private and soothing time, with many rooms also offering great views of the city in addition to some facilities that can take your experience up a notch.

You can enjoy breakfast and beverages while you are here, along with the large lobby area, trees and the sidewalk.

There is also some original artwork in various parts of this inn that you can take your time to look at.

24. Hattiesburg

Hattiesburg is a city in Mississippi that is also nicknamed “The Hub City” due to the housing of several important industries.

This city can make for a fun weekend getaway, especially if you are interested in touring its vibrant live music scene in addition to the 200+ local restaurants available here.

Hattiesburg also has its own breweries that you must visit for a cool and refreshing drink.

There are many local attractions here that you can explore, such as the Timberton Golf Course, African American Military History Museum, All-American Rose Garden, Chain Park at Twin Forks, Desoto National Forest, Art Cetera, Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, Hattiesburg Zoo and Grand Paradise Water Park.

Many concerts, sporting events, festivals and celebrations take place here that can enhance your experience.

Recommended Hotel: Hotel Indigo Hattiesburg, an IHG Hotel

25. Carroll House Bed and Breakfast

304 Carroll Avenue Bay Saint Louis, MS 39520 (866) 300-2704

Carroll House Bed and Breakfast, located in Bay St. Louis, can be another option for weekend getaways in MS.

This lovely bed and breakfast mainly includes two cottages—Carroll House Cottage and Salty Soul Cottage—that you can book for yourself and your partner, friends or family.

Each cottage includes bedrooms, TVs, kitchens, Wi-Fi, living rooms and other relevant amenities.

You can enjoy a delicious breakfast in the morning while also accessing other parts of town, especially since this inn is located pretty close to the primary destinations here.

You can also sit on the front porch or take a stroll in the garden to get some fresh air and enjoy the ambiance of the place.

Each cottage has its own patio too.

26. Chateau Blessey

1012 Beach Blvd Biloxi, MS 39530

Chateau Blessey is a bed and breakfast in Biloxi, Mississippi, serving as another excellent weekend getaway that can give you some time, space, luxury and privacy to soothe yourself before the coming week.

Combining Southern grace with French finesse, this house includes several rooms that can provide you with in-room TVs, private bathrooms, private entrances as well as access to organic complimentary gourmet breakfast.

Moreover, there are several common areas here that you can make a point of using, such as the dining room, library, piano and other antique furnishings.

You can also spend your time on the porch or in the backyard, all the while enjoying the view of the streets or the beach, which is at an accessible distance as well.

27. Vicksburg

This historic city in Mississippi can be worth exploring over the weekend.

Situated on one of the banks of the Mississippi River, this city can offer some great views of the waters, especially when combined with the historic architecture of the buildings.

Vicksburg has plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation if you want to have an adventurous weekend.

For instance, you can try out biking, canoeing, boating, fishing, hunting, birdwatching, hiking and more.

You can also spend your time at the local museums, galleries and shops.

If you want some specific sites, you can consider the Vicksburg National Military Park, Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum, Riverfront Murals, Jesse Brent Lower Mississippi River Museum, Civil War Museum, Old Man River, Riverfront Park and others.

Recommended Hotel: Comfort Suites Vicksburg

Related: Restaurants: Vicksburg, Mississippi

28. Maple Terrace Inn

300 N Huntington St Kosciusko, MS 39090-3301 (662) 289-4131

Maple Terrace Inn is actually a group of bed-and-breakfast locations in Kosciusko, each of which is accessible to each other and to the rest of town.

The inns included in this group include Maple Terrace Inn, Presidents’ Inn, Martha’s Cottage, Hammond-Routt House and Niles-Bailey House, each of which contains rooms and suites that can give you a solid and reliable experience over the weekend.

You can also access complimentary breakfast services at each of the locations while also ensuring that you can have a quiet and private time.

Many of the locations also have some shared spaces that you can access, such as dining rooms, lounge areas, bars, restaurants, parlors, porches, gardens, music rooms, swings and more.

29. Hotel Chester

101 North Jackson St Starkville, MS 39759 (866) 325-5005

Hotel Chester is a historic hotel in Starkville which was built in 1925.

This hotel can give you the charm of quaint and antique furnishings in combination with contemporary interiors and amenities.

There are seven kinds of rooms and suites available in this hotel, with each style having several different units and features.

These rooms can also give you a great view of the city and the gardens along with plenty of natural light.

You can order room service or you can go down to the Magnolia Social for some Southern cuisine and drinks, not to mention that this hotel also includes The Beer Garden for some outdoor dining and drinking.

You can also easily access downtown and other prime locations from this hotel.

30. Cedar Grove Mansion

2200 Oak St Vicksburg, MS 39180 (601) 636-1000

Cedar Grove Mansion or the Inn at Cedar Grove is a palatial inn that can be ideal if you want some peace, quiet and serenity over your weekend.

There are several guest rooms and suites that you can book during your weekend visit, each of which has unique furnishings and some lovely views of the gardens and the nearby Mississippi River.

The gardens of this mansion sprawl up to the river and can be a great location for you to stroll around, sit and lounge or have a picnic.

There are several seating areas, flower beds and landscape fountains that you can enjoy in the garden as well.

You can enjoy your breakfast and other meals in your room or at the restaurant.

31. Corinth

Another city that can grant you the quintessential Southern hospitality, Corinth can be a delightful place to spend your weekend.

This city tends to host a variety of events and celebrations throughout the year that you can specifically visit, with some examples including the Alcorn County Wildlife Tasting Supper, Downtown Throwdown, Watching on Waldron, Summer Nights, Green Market, Alcorn County Fair and Winter Wonderland.

For some historical and cultural contexts, you can visit the Crossroads Museum and Historic Corinth Depot, Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center, Duncan Park, Verandah-Curlee House, Trailhead Park and several others.

It can also be well worth it to simply stroll around town, especially downtown, to view the historic buildings, explore the local restaurants and grab a quick drink.

Recommended Hotel: Super 8 by Wyndham Booneville

32. Natchez Grand Hotel and Suites

111 Broadway Street Natchez, MS 39120 (866) 488-0898

For some quick trips, you can consider spending your weekend days and nights at the Natchez Grand Hotel and Suites.

You can access the cozy and elegant rooms and suites available here, each of which is fully equipped with furnishings, decorations and wonderful amenities.

Some of them can offer you a view of the historic town, while others can give you a view of the river.

Some rooms also come with attached balconies where you can sit and relax while enjoying the view.

Restaurant 1818 in the hotel can serve you well for your meals and drinks, although in-room dining and drinking are also suitable options if you want some privacy.

The hotel extends up to the river, allowing you to have a tranquil time by its bank.

33. The Guest House Mansion

201 North Pearl Street Natchez, MS 39120 (601) 445-6000

The Guest House Mansion is a historic inn in Natchez that includes various rooms with palatial decor and lovely views from the large windows.

The rooms not only include opulent beddings, bed frames and baths but also offer some amenities such as fireplaces, seating areas, balconies and lots more.

This inn also has a restaurant called Farrah’s that can serve you Mediterranean and Cajun cuisine, offering both indoor and outdoor seating options.

Breakfast takes place on a daily basis, but you can also access lunch and dinner on some days of the week.

Special packages are also on offer such as bridal services and romantic offers.

You can additionally access the parlor, dining room, courtyard and porches for some relaxation and recreation while also being able to host your events there.

34. The Linden

1 Conner Circle Natchez, MS 39120-7045 (769) 355-2127

The Linden is a historic mansion that is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

It now functions as a bed and breakfast, so if you are looking for some private weekend experiences in a historic setting, then this might be just the place for you.

There are many rooms and suites in this mansion that you can book, although the property also includes a quaint cottage if you want an even more undisturbed and intimate time.

You can enjoy your breakfast in the formal dining room in this mansion while also opting for some special packages based on who you visit with.

You can also lounge on the porch or on your private balcony while also spending some time in the garden.

35. Dunn’s Falls

6890 Dunn’s Falls Road Enterprise, MS 39930 (601) 655-8550

Dunn’s Falls is a 65-foot waterfall in the hills that rests along the Chunky River.

This waterfall is part of the Dunn’s Falls Waterpark that can make for a beautiful and picturesque weekend spent in the midst of nature.

There are several features and facilities around this waterfall and in the park, such as picnic areas, grills, hiking trails, swimming areas and a gristmill pond.

Touring the Carroll-Richardson Gristmill is also another option.

You can also observe various flora and fauna while you are here.

To spend the night, you can either rent the cabins available in this park or you can make a reservation at the campground for some primitive camping.

You can also access nearby restaurants, cafes, bars, inns and lodges.

Recommended Hotel: Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Meridian, an IHG Hotel

36. Holly Springs

Holly Springs is a city in Mississippi and can offer plenty of options for the historic architecture lover and connoisseur.

Some districts of this city are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, such as the Holly Springs Courthouse Square, Southwest Holly Springs, Depot-Compress and East Holly Springs.

You can stroll around these districts while also taking in the local cuisines, shops and drinks.

Some other local attractions here include Burton Place, Foxfire Ranch, HillCrest Cemetery, Magnolia Mansion, Marshall County Fairgrounds, Strawberry Plains Audubon Center, Chewalla Lake & Holly Springs National Forest and Holly Springs Motorsports Park.

You can also visit this city for its events and festivals.

Recommended Hotel: The Wynne House Inn

37. Columbus

The final city on this list, Columbus, can give you a taste of history, art, culture, nature and entertainment.

While you are here, visit the Tennessee Williams House Museum, Riverwalk, Historic Downtown, Friendship Cemetery, Columbus War Museum, R.E. Hunt Museum & Cultural Center and Plymouth Bluff, among others.

You can also play some sports or carry out some activities like golfing, boating, fishing, camping and more at Lake Lowndes State Park, Lee Park, Dewayne Hayes Recreation Area & Campground, Elm Lake Golf Club, Columbus Lake on Tennessee and Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway.

There are many tours and walking trails that you can take for a more guided experience.

Now that you have an entire list of the best weekend getaways in Mississippi, all you need to do is pick a few options that suit your preferences, make all the necessary arrangements and start exploring this lovely state.

Have fun and safe travels.

Recommended Hotel: Courtyard by Marriott Columbus

Map of the Best Weekend Getaways in Mississippi

37 Best Weekend Getaways in Mississippi for [currentyear]

• Monmouth Historic Inn and Gardens
• Oak Crest Mansion Inn
• Devereaux Shields House
• Willowdale Farm
• Bay Town Inn
• The Fairview Inn
• The Alluvian Hotel
• The Clark House Inn
• Cartney-Hunt House
• Bonne Terre Inn
• Glenfield Plantation Bed and Breakfast
• Old Capitol Inn
• Shadowlawn Bed & Breakfast
• The Inn at Ocean Springs
• Bay St. Louis
• The Inn on Whitworth
• Hattiesburg
• Carroll House Bed and Breakfast
• Chateau Blessey
• Maple Terrace Inn
• Hotel Chester
• Cedar Grove Mansion
• Natchez Grand Hotel and Suites
• The Guest House Mansion
• Dunn’s Falls
• Holly Springs

Home » Travel Guides » United States » Tennessee (TN) » 15 Best Day Trips from Memphis

15 Best Day Trips from Memphis

Memphis, in the southwest corner of Tennessee, is the state’s second-largest city and arguably its most famous.

Memphis is well known internationally for being the home and last resting place of Elvis Presley, one of the most famous characters in musical history.

More than this, the city’s long association with blues and the southern American music scene makes it a favorite getaway for those looking to immerse themselves in some quality musical history and culture.

Away from the city, there are many day trips for music lovers too, with the birthplace of Elvis in nearby Tupelo just a short drive away, and the Alabama Music Hall of Fame lying lust across the state border in the city of Tuscumbia.

Even if you aren’t into the colorful music scene of Memphis and its surrounds, the city is still a great base from which to explore the rest of Tennessee and the neighboring states of Alabama, Mississippi, and Arkansas.

There are many unique towns and cities to visit and some of the southern USA’s best natural wonders and state parks to explore.

Here are the best day trips from Memphis :

1. Tupelo, Mississippi

Elvis Presley – one of music’s most revered legends – is well known for his association with Memphis.

The performer began his career in the city in the 1950’s and eventually died in his Graceland estate, which can be visited in Memphis today.

Less well known is the fact that Elvis was born and spent the early years of his life in the small city of Tupelo, found across the border in Mississippi.

Elvis grew up here in a ramshackle family home before relocating to the big city when he was a teenager.

Tupelo is really a pilgrimage for many Elvis fans – it’s possible to see the house where he was raised, which has become somewhat of a shrine.

There’s a detailed museum showcasing his life and talents, and although the city of Tupelo has little else to offer, the birthplace of Elvis is reason enough to make the journey from Memphis.

2. Tuscumbia, Alabama

After paying homage to the birthplace of the legendary Elvis Presley, music lovers will undoubtedly need to plan a day trip to the state of Alabama to visit the Music Hall of Fame in Tuscumbia.

The city lies on the banks of the beautiful Tennessee River and is one of the oldest European settlements in the area.

As historic as it is though, Tuscumbia is mostly visited because of its present-day association with music.

The city was selected to host the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, which provides a platform for the state’s best musicians and performers to be remembered.

The Hall of Fame has exhibitions on the most talented of Alabama’s musicians, and also puts on shows and performances on site.

3. Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville is the largest city and state capital of Tennessee.

It’s a long day trip from Memphis, but it’s a trip that’s worth making to experience the ‘Home of Country Music’. The city is another firm favorite for music and culture lovers – its long association with the country scene has made it a world-famous location.

It’s more than just music though; Nashville today is a modern, thriving city that’s continually drawing in more visitors.

While perhaps not as famous as Memphis, it’s still the heart and soul of the state and there’s a lot to be discovered in Nashville.

4. Oxford, Mississippi

Just over an hour’s drive south of Memphis, in the state of Mississippi, lies the city of Oxford.

This historic place dates back to the mid 19th Century and was in fact named after the city of Oxford in the United Kingdom.

Like its namesake in England, Oxford too became a University town.

The city is home to the University of Mississippi and is a lively, cultural, and fun place to visit on a day trip.

The former home of famous American writer William Faulkner – winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature in the 1950’s – can be visited, as can much of the surrounding countryside and areas, which formed the inspiration for much of his work.

5. Jackson, Mississippi

Jackson is the largest city, and capital of the state of Mississippi.

It’s a bit of a drive from Memphis but it’s worth the extra time spent getting here and the early start for a day trip to experience the cultural center of Mississippi.

The city’s roots stem from the early 19th Century, and it was named after Andrew Jackson, one of the first presidents of the USA. It’s a historic place and there are many interesting and informative museums and heritage buildings to discover, as well as a burgeoning culinary trail, and – as with everywhere in the south – an ever-lively music scene to enjoy.

6. Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park, Tennessee

A little closer to Memphis – this time within the state boundaries – Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park is just a 15-mile drive away from the city, but it’s easy to spend more than just the day immersed in the beautiful natural surroundings found here.

This state park really does offer an escape from the urban confines of Memphis and is incredibly easy to reach.

Meeman-Shelby Forest is full of unique swamplands formed on the edge of the huge Mississippi River.

There’s a visitor’s center with detailed information about the wildlife and habitats found in the park.

There are also countless walking trails to explore.

The best thing to do here is to get out on the spectacular swamps in kayaks or canoes and paddle through the forest.

7. Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge, Tennessee

Another beautiful, protected area of land found close to Memphis is the Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge.

This refuge is an area of wild, watery swampland that’s about as southern as you could imagine.

Tall trees rise from the murky waters amongst the dense vegetation – it’s an excellent place to kayak, hike, bike and explore.

8. Holly Springs National Forest, Mississippi

Holly Springs National Forest is a huge area of diverse wilderness found just an hour’s drive south-east of Memphis.

Holly Springs contains vast concentrations of forest, which is punctuated by beautiful, calm lakes and marshy areas of swampland.

It’s a haven for local wildlife and an excellent place to visit to spot some of southern America’s most unique species, including many snakes and birds.

Many of the lakes are great for swimming, particularly in summer, and there are campgrounds and hiking trails throughout the park, meaning that you may be enticed to spend more than just a day exploring Holly Springs from Memphis.

9. Little Rock, Arkansas

To the west of Memphis lies the state of Arkansas.

Little Rock is the largest city in Arkansas, and also the capital.

Little Rock is a wonderful place to visit to learn more about this neighboring state.

It’s a small city – easy to explore in just a day, but Little Rock offers a beautiful setting on the banks of the wide Arkansas River.

There are some fantastic state museums to visit, offering tourists an insight into the diverse history of the state and the many people and cultures who have passed through or stayed to make their homes here.

10. Jackson, Tennessee

Not to be confused with the state capital of Mississippi – also named after the same Andrew Jackson, former president of the US – Jackson, Tennessee is a much smaller city to visit, closer to Memphis.

Jackson Tennessee makes for a lovely day trip and there are many cultural and historic sights to keep you busy here, including an important railroad museum which charts the expansion of settlers across the states, and a few Civil War battle sites.

11. Mississippi River State Park, Arkansas

If you follow the mighty Mississippi south from Memphis you will reach the beautiful Mississippi River State Park once you cross the border into Arkansas.

This is a relatively new protected area and there are excellent day use and camping facilities to match, making it the perfect place to hike, kayak or bike before enjoying a picnic in the wild, green surroundings.

12. Village Creek State Park, Arkansas

Some of the best and most pristine scenery to be found near Memphis is actually in Arkansas, and the Village Creek State Park is another beautiful spot to visit to explore the incredible natural wonders awaiting across the border.

Just an hour west of the city, Village Creek State Park offers visitors a spectacular outdoor arena, with dense forest full of hiking trails and a network of fresh streams that look like nowhere else in the southern states.

13. Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge, Arkansas

Yet more outstanding wildlife spotting opportunities and beautiful landscapes can be found in the Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge, which is again located just across the border, on the opposite bank of the Mississippi River.

The refuge is one of the best places in the region to go bird spotting, as many seasonal birds migrate here and many species – including eagles – call the area home.

14. Wolf River, Tennessee

Just on the eastern outskirts of Memphis, Wolf River is one of the most famous stretches of river in the state of Tennessee.

Although nowhere near comparable to the raging Mississippi River, Wolf River has its own charms that have allowed it to find a way into the hearts of locals.

The ‘Ghost River’ section is the best place to hit the water and is a favorite spot for kayaking and canoeing.

15. Water Valley, Mississippi

Water Valley is fast becoming a popular day trip attraction amongst visitors to the region.

Found south of Memphis, this small town offers an artsy escape from big city life or an enjoyable change from hiking through state forests.

It’s a small, charming place – the real appeal lies in the fact that there’s not really a huge amount to do, except enjoy the laid-back, small-town lifestyle that’s prevalent here.

15 Best Day Trips from Memphis:

• Tupelo, Mississippi
• Tuscumbia, Alabama
• Nashville, Tennessee
• Oxford, Mississippi
• Jackson, Mississippi
• Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park, Tennessee
• Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge, Tennessee
• Holly Springs National Forest, Mississippi
• Little Rock, Arkansas
• Jackson, Tennessee
• Mississippi River State Park, Arkansas
• Village Creek State Park, Arkansas
• Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge, Arkansas
• Wolf River, Tennessee
• Water Valley, Mississippi

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This Is My South

A travel guide to the Southern USA

6 Easy Day Trips from Jackson, Mississippi

August 25, 2021 By Caroline Eubanks Leave a Comment

Jackson , Mississippi is the Magnolia State ‘s capital with an important legacy with the Civil Rights Movement . But it’s also a good base to explore other parts of the state, especially if you’re traveling the Natchez Trace Parkway . It’s easy to pick up  your rental car  in the city or at the airport and return to your hotel in the evening for these day trips from the city.

Distance from Jackson: 45 minutes

In less than an hour’s drive from Jackson, travelers are transported to the southernmost point of the Mississippi Delta . Vicksburg sits on the namesake river and has a long legacy in American history. It started as a French settlement in the 1700s before being the site of a Civil War battle.

The best place to learn about the fallen soldiers from the conflict is at the Vicksburg National Military Park , a massive space encompassing both the memorials and an ironside gunboat.  Vicksburg National Cemetery is the final resting place for these soldiers.

The  Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum  is where Coca-Cola was first bottled outside of its home state.  The Jesse Brent Lower Mississippi River Museum  tells of the river’s impact on the area. The  Old Court House Museum  has artifacts from the Civil War. Try your luck at the casinos or day trip to the ruins in Port Gibson or the ghost town of Rodney.

Dine out in downtown Vicksburg, including the rooftop eatery  10 South or their sister restaurant ROCA Restaurant & Bar.  The Breakfast Club of Vicksburg  is a go-to for breakfast and brunch while  Goldie’s Trail Bar-B-Que  has pit-style pork featured in countless publications.

Distance from Jackson: 1 hour 20 minutes

Meridian is often overlooked by travelers and was established in 1860 as a railroad hub. Much of the city was rebuilt after General Sherman burned it to the ground. It’s home to a number of museums, including the Jimmie Rodgers Museum , which honors the “father of country music.”

The Mississippi Industrial Heritage Museum focuses on the state’s role in the Industrial Revolution. The Mississippi Children’s Museum has an outpost in Meridian, with interactive and educational exhibits. Set in a former Carnegie Library, the Meridian Museum of Art features the work of artists from Mississippi and the South.

Chow down at one of Meridian’s restaurants. Weidmann’s Restaurant dates back to 1870, a Swiss immigrant, and serves favorites like fried green tomatoes, gumbo, and redfish atop hoppin john. Jean’s is another local staple, with fried chicken and macaroni and cheese.

Distance from Jackson: 1 hour 40 minutes

One of the best spots to stay for exploring the sites of the Mississippi Blues Trail , Greenwood has a charming downtown that was featured in The Help . Viking Cooking School  is one of the top things to do in the town where the stovetop company is based. The classes book up weeks in advance. The  Museum of the Mississippi Delta , providing information on the region’s ecosystem and history.

Detour to the north to the town of Money see the historic maker at  Bryant’s Grocery , where Emmett Till was accused of whistling at a white woman. It’s just one stop along the memorial trail. Just down the street is blues legend  Robert Johnson’s grave .

Lusco’s  is an old-school Italian eatery with private curtained booths that previously had a speakeasy.  Giardina’s Restaurant  at The Alluvian has also been open since the 1930s and has steaks and pasta

Crystal Grill  is another classic for its heaping steaks and sides. Named after the chef’s grandparents,  Fan and Johnny’s  crafts regional favorites like fried catfish and duck ravioli.

Hattiesburg

Named for the city founder’s wife, Hattiesburg was originally inhabited by Chickasaw and Choctaw tribes before the Trail of Tears . Today it is home to the University of Southern Mississippi and William Carey University. It has an artsy atmosphere with murals and funky shops.

USM has its own art museum , which has works by students as well as local and national artists. The African American Military History Museum honors the contributions of Black Americans in the military. The Hattiesburg Pocket Museum is one of the quirky spots in town.

The Hattiesburg Zoo is popular with families, along with the Longleaf Trace Trail rails to trail path. Southern Prohibition Brewery is one of Mississippi’s craft breweries. The Lucky Rabbit is a quirky shop often used on the show Home Town.

Hattiesburg is home to Fika Swedish Cafe , inspired by Scandinavian dishes like toast, sandwiches, and Swedish meatballs. SouthBound Bagel & Coffee Shop showcases New York-style bagels in sandwiches or with cream cheese along with breakfast dishes.

The Midtowner is a classic diner open for breakfast and lunch along with blue plate specials. Another longtime spot is Ed’s Burger Joint , offering burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches.

Laurel has shot to fame thanks to the highly successful HGTV series Home Town . Hosts Ben and Erin Napier have transformed their community, opening shops and supporting restaurants. Fans can visit Laurel Mercantile and Scotsman General Store & Woodshop , which are owned by the couple.

But before its popularity, it was a stop along the Amtrak Crescent Line , settled in 1882. The Lauren Rogers Museum of Art is a must-see, located in a historic home. It was established in the 1920s and the collection includes rare Audubon prints, Japanese block prints, and paintings by the Hudson River School.

For its small size, there are some great restaurants in Laurel. Pearl’s Diner has been featured on the show for its Southern favorites like meatloaf and mashed potatoes. Enjoy the Latin flavors at Geckos’ Fresh Eats like the tacos, bowls, and wraps. The Loft offers steak, seafood, and pasta.

Distance from Jackson: 1 hour 50 minutes

At over 300 years old, the riverfront settlement of Natchez is another place to get lost in history. It has Native American, African, French, Spanish, and British influences. Visitors flock to the city every year to tour the historic homes dating back to before the Civil War.

Start your journey at the Grand Village of the Natchez , which focuses on the burial mounds and artifacts on the Native American tribes from the area. Forks of the Road Historical Site is an important monument that was once the area’s largest slave market.

Natchez Museum of African American History and Culture details the importance of African Americans in local and state history. Take the Hands on Biscuit Class in Natchez , where a local chef teaches you to make Southern-style biscuits, or sip on a pint at Natchez Brewing Company . 

Enjoy Mississippi-style tamales at The Donut Shop , a roadside counter, and Fat Mama’s Tamales , also known for their “knock you naked” margaritas.  The Camp Restaurant has regional brews and elevated pub fare like their burgers, sliders, and sandwiches.

About Caroline Eubanks

Caroline Eubanks is the editor of this website, a Lowell Thomas award-winning travel writer, and the author of This Is My South: The Essential Travel Guide to the Southern States. Her stories from the South have appeared in National Geographic Traveler, Afar, Thrillist, Roads and Kingdoms, and BBC Travel.

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6 of the best day trips from Memphis

Mar 5, 2024 • 7 min read

Get a glimpse into Southern history with these top day trips from Memphis © Ken Wolter / Shutterstock

Memphis has rightfully earned its place in history for its impact on American music and the Civil Rights Movement.

But since the city is also so well located, near Mississippi and Arkansas , with good highway connections, bus routes, and train lines, it's a great base for visitors looking to maximize their time. 

Getting outside Memphis  allows travelers to dig deeper into what makes the region so unique, including its cuisine and the music of the Blues Highway that starts there and continues south. It’s also a chance to see the wide open spaces beyond the city skyline. Here are six of our favorite day trips from Memphis.

1. Celebrate the powerful women of music and barbecue in Brownsville, Tennessee

Travel time: 1 hour

Brownsville is where visitors can learn about the Queen of Rock n Roll – Tina Turner. Her one-room schoolhouse was transported from nearby Nutbush, Tennessee, to the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Museum and here you’ll find a world-class collection of Turner memorabilia.

The school is adjacent to the former home of blues pioneer Sleepy John Estes, another former area resident. The Dunbar-Carver Museum also covers the region’s cultural heritage.

Stop by for a meal at Helen’s BBQ , a century-old building named for the matriarch that still oversees the pit. She’s the recipient of the Southern Foodways Alliance Lifetime Achievement Award for her slow-roasted pork, ribs, and sausage.

How to get to Brownsville from Memphis: An hour’s drive east of Memphis on I-40 will put you at exit 56, where you can dive into the museums or choose to venture a further ten minutes into town.

2. Embrace your inner student in Oxford, Mississippi

Travel time: 1 hour and 20 minutes

Oxford, Mississippi is home to the University of Mississippi, often called “Ole Miss.” The school dates back to 1844 and is best experienced through football game day in the Grove, at the center of campus, where tailgating crowds gather. 

Oxford is also where author William Faulkner lived. His home, Rowan Oak , has been turned into a museum, where you can walk through the grounds and home, with its furnishings and book cases. Another essential stop in town is Square Books , a sprawling bookstore with two satellite locations on the historic square covering just about every genre. 

Despite its relatively small size, Oxford has multiple award-winning restaurants, including the empire of Chef John Currence, who opened City Grocery on the square in 1992, where it remains a beloved institution. Part of the same restaurant group, Snackbar is run by James Beard-award-winning Chef Vishwesh Bhatt, using Mississippi ingredients and influences from his native India. 

How to get to Oxford from Memphis: Take I-55 south out of town until you cross into Mississippi. In Batesville, turn on 278, which brings you right into Oxford.

3. Tour Dyess, Wilson and Helena, historic towns of the Arkansas Delta

Travel time: 1 hour and 20 minutes to Dyess; 1 hour and 20 minutes to Helena

On the other side of the Mississippi River, you’ll find several interesting towns connected to American history. In Dyess, see where music legend Johnny Cash spent his childhood working the fields. His childhood home has been preserved at Historic Dyess Colony . The exhibits include photos taken by eyewitnesses at his famous Folsom Prison concert.

The neighboring town of Wilson feels straight out of a postcard, with restaurants like Wilson Cafe , which offers souped-up soul food. Hampson Archaeological Museum State Park documents the region’s Indigenous people with pottery and arrow points. 

If you have time, venture south to Helena-West Helena, host of the annual King Biscuit Blues Festival  in October. During the rest of the year, pop into the Delta Cultural Center to learn about the region and sip on sweet potato vodka at Delta Dirt Distillery , a family-run operation using one of the area’s chief agricultural products.

How to get to Dyess from Memphis: Take I-55 north for about 45 minutes and venture off onto exit 41. From there, go left on Arkansas Hwy 14W, travel 5 miles and take another left onto Hwy 297.

4. Hear the blues in Clarksdale, Mississippi

Travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes

An air of mystique still hovers over this Mississippi town that’s said to be the root of one the Delta’s most haunting tales. Clarksdale claims to be home to the legendary crossroads where Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil to learn the blues.

The town is still home to the densest concentration of juke joints in the Delta, from the tourist-friendly Ground Zero Blues Club to hole-in-the-wall Red's Lounge . If you’re not a night owl, you can still learn about the blues at the Delta Blues Museum , which has the cabin where Muddy Waters lived and B.B. King’s guitar.

If you’re hungry, Hooker Grocer & Eatery is named for musician John Lee Hooker and hosts live music. And don’t miss Abe’s Bar-B-Q , a circa 1924 staple serving its namesake pit-roasted pork plus Delta tamales, a local spin on the traditional Mexican dish. 

How to get to Clarksdale from Memphis: The cities are connected by Greyhound bus, but most travelers will find it easiest to drive. Travel down B.B. King Boulevard, which becomes US Hwy 61 as you head south from downtown Memphis. Follow the Blues Highway for about an hour and a half until you hit Clarksdale.

5. Stop by the birthplace of the King in Tupelo, Mississippi

Travel time: 1 hour and 40 minutes

Before Elvis Presley was crowned the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, he was a boy living in the farm town of Tupelo. Visitors to Tupelo can view the two-room house known as Presley’s birthplace , see where he bought his first guitar at Tupelo Hardware , and dine in his favorite booth at Johnnie’s Drive In , known for its “slug burger,” a doughy burger recipe dating from the Great Depression. The fandom reaches fever pitch during the annual Tupelo Elvis Festival  in June.

Tupelo is also the halfway point of the Natchez Trace Parkway , one of the nation’s most beautiful scenic drives, connecting Nashville to Natchez, Mississippi. Stop by the official visitor’s center here to learn more about it and drive a few miles on the quiet route.

The city has some great restaurants ranging from donut shops to fine dining. But if you want to catch live music, be sure to head to Blue Canoe . The restaurant and bar has burgers, sandwiches and performers nightly, including past shows by Gary Clark, Jr and Alabama Shakes. 

How to get to Tupelo from Memphis: If you’re driving, take Lamar Avenue south towards Byhalia. This becomes Hwy 78 and carries you all the way to Tupelo in just under two hours. It’s also a popular tour and buses run every Friday from Graceland .

6. Live out your presidential dreams in Little Rock, Arkansas

Travel time: 2 hours

History hounds and outdoor enthusiasts will find lots to love in Little Rock. the Clinton Presidential Library is the nearest presidential library to Memphis. It offers insight into The White House from 1993–2001, alongside a replica Oval Office and President Clinton’s limousine.

Outside, the Arkansas River Trail provides a 15.6-mile loop through hardwood forests and meadows that’s crowned by the Big Dam Bridge , the longest pedestrian and bicycle bridge in North America. If cultural offerings are more your thing, stop by the quirky Esse Purse Museum . Even if you’re not a fashionista, it’s a fascinating look into the things we carry.

Grab a bite at The Fourth Quarter in North Little Rock, which serves up one of the top-rated burgers in Arkansas, or grab a pint at one of the many local breweries.

How to get to Little Rock from Memphis: It is possible to reach Little Rock by Greyhound bus, but it’s much quicker to drive. Take I-40 west for two hours.

This article was first published Mar 25, 2021 and updated Mar 5, 2024.

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15 Best Day Trips From Mississippi

The best day trips from Mississippi are those in neighboring states such as Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Louisiana. Depending on your Mississippi departure point, you can reach many of the following destinations within a short 2-hour drive.

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15. Sicily Island, Louisiana

A short drive out of state to Sicily Island is a good way to spend a day out in the sun when going from Mississippi. This village has been known for its significance in the Jewish history of the United States.

It used to host a few farms through an agricultural colony. Today, most of those farms are gone but it can be an interesting day trip to find out more about one’s Jewish roots.

14. Little Rock, Arkansas

A day trip to Little Rock in Arkansas is ideal for those who want to check out one of the city’s multiple museums. This trip can be ideal for families and it requires driving a couple of hours to Little Rock and a couple of hours back. Still, there should be enough time to visit one of the excellent local museums.

Arkansas Arts Center is found here. This is the largest museum of art in Arkansas and certainly larger than many museums in Mississippi. At the same time, the museum is a performing arts center so it might be worth checking to see if any plays are scheduled here, especially if you love day trips with kids.

The Little Rock Museum of Discovery is another great alternative to spend a few hours out in exploration. It’s a practical hands-on museum which means your children can easily play with different science experiments here. This museum isn’t too large so this means there are a few hours left in the day for you to check out one of the excellent local restaurants.

Alternatively, you can try visiting Old State House. This was the old Arkansas state capitol which makes it a building with a political and historic significance. Turned into a museum, it can be the closest experience to a White House visit when coming from Mississippi.

13. Hot Springs, Arkansas

The hot springs in Hot Springs are worth a visit if you’d like to relax for a full day. If you depart early in the morning, you can enjoy at least 8 hours at a local resort or a spa. This ideal spay day trip is made for those who can drive to Arkansas.

Hot Springs is believed to hold multiple miraculous healing power glasses of water which were subject to plenty of legends. Today, you can book full-day access to one of the springs around the spa town or at one of its multiple hotels if you’d like to sit back and relax for a few hours.

A famous horseracing park is also found in the city which might also be a good stop if there’s a horse racing event on the day’s visit.

12. The Mississippi River

The Mississippi River sits on the Western edge of the Mississippi state. It can offer multiple 1-day trip opportunities from riverboat cruises to fishing trips.

One of the most interesting areas to cruise down the river is within Louisiana. You can use Baton Rouge as a general destination point as you can find a few boats around this area that specialize in short cruises. These types of day trips are ideal for families, especially those living in the South-Western part of the Mississippi state.

11. Jackson, Tennessee

Jackson is another Tennessee city that can be visited within a day. It offers one of the best small towns for live music. With the current situation, live events might be limited. However, there are plenty of good outdoor sights to consider here.

The Cypress Grove Nature Park is found within city limits. This park with trails, long wooden bridges, and carefully crafted pathways is ideal for kids and families. It stands out as one of the main areas for nature lovers to visit within the city.

Families can even see diverse wildlife here. Owls are a particular attraction and they might even be worth the day trip for the little ones as they can be seen from a short distance at the park.

10. Jonesboro, Arkansas

Jonesboro is another great destination for an outdoor day trip from Mississippi. Located in nearby Arkansas, the city offers a relaxed atmosphere with its population of just 67.000. Most importantly, the city offers great parks if you love urban nature elements and design concepts such as cycling lanes.

The Craighead Forest Park is ideal as a day trip destination. It features a fishing lake that tends to attract fishermen from the city. But many people come here for the hiking and cycling trails.

Designated picnic areas also make the place a bit more interesting than other urban parks. It’s the ideal daily trip for those who appreciate public parks. It has won multiple awards for its design and planning in Arkansas.

9. Alexandria, Louisiana

Alexandria is another great day trip to consider for those who might want to learn more about the history of the South. This area was known for its large farms and their role in US history is considerable. Kent Plantation House can be visited within city limits here.

For those who might also want to take a deeper look into Alexandria’s history, the Alexandria Museum of Art can also be a good stop. It mainly features exhibits of local importance. But the museum is only part of 3 large museum conglomerates which can take more than a day to visit.

For those who want to make the most out of the great Louisiana weather, an adventure at the local Alexandria Zoological Park can also be worth considering for a limited time in the city.

8. Tuscaloosa, Alabama

A lot can be learned in a single day while visiting Tuscaloosa in Alabama. After a couple of hours of driving, visitors from Mississippi find this city with its growing university. Once here, visitors can head over to the Alabama Museum of Natural History.

This museum is open from Monday to Saturday but it closes at 4.30 PM. After closing time, as a visitor, you can head over to the Moundville Archeological Park. Dedicated to native Americans, this used to be the biggest heritage site in the country.

7. Mobile, Alabama

Mobile is a great destination for those interested in the military and US history. A short drive away from Mississippi, this city is the home of the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. The ship was used during WII and you can now visit it at the military park. Tanks and even old spy planes can also be seen here.

Fort Conde can also be visited in Mobile. This is not the original fort but a redesigned fort of a smaller scale. Fort Conde was built in 1702 by the French. Its purpose was to help protect French colonies of the era.

Since then, the fort has been remodeled and made smaller to make room for the new emerging Mobile city. Those traveling with children can see some of the most important weapons of 1702 the French used while stationed at the fort.

6. Baton Rouge, Louisiana

The LSU Museum of Art is rated as the most important Baton Rouge attraction. Located on the Mississippi River, the LSU Museum of Art is one of the best attractions for those who want a day trip that impresses fine art tastes. It can take a full day to visit this museum.

Alternatively, a visit to the local zoo can be a bit more interactive. The Baton Rouge Zoo is now the home of thousands of animals. People come here from all over the state as well as from neighboring states such as Mississippi to view different animal species.

Monkeys and snakes are particularly popular at this zoo. Made for those who appreciate vast open zoos with plenty of space for their guests, this is the location where most locals with kids who want a day out typically go.

5. Pine Bluff, Arkansas

Pine Bluff is one of the Southern cities that eventually was seen as a pathway for the rest of the country. People come here to learn more about the railroad history of the United States. It took years to build, but the main train line going through Pine Bluff connected the city to the rest of the country.

Before train links, the entire area of Pine Bluff was too remote and almost impossible to get to from the rest of the country. Small railroad museums are worth visiting here as a result.

4. Lafayette, Alabama

Vermilionville is the main attraction in Lafayette. This living museum is one of the best in Alabama and you can even check out local actors dressed up in traditional costumes to learn more about the history of Alabama.

Ideally, those traveling to this museum also make time during the 1-day visit to stop at the nearby Acadian Village to learn more about the Cajun bayou community.

3. Birmingham, Alabama

For a romantic day trip, Birmingham in Alabama can be a close-by destination. This place offers great shopping opportunities and a few cinemas to watch a movie. But the best place for couples to watch a real play here is right at the Birmingham Theatre. While it looks impressive, the theatre also has an impressive history. It was initially built by Paramount Studios. The movie-making company built this theatre so that locals have a place to see real plays and the company’s movies.

Couples traveling during the weekend can also make the most of the Birmingham farmer’s market. It takes place on weekends and it can be one of the most inspiring shopping for healthy food experiences. Farmers come here from all over the state and the area of the city to sell their fresh produces. You can buy legumes and other types of homemade foods here to last for a week.

2. New Orleans, Tennessee

New Orleans can be a place to visit when it comes to good food and live music. A day trip from Mississippi is truly possible and much-appreciated here. New Orleans is the type of city that offers something for everybody.

Most tourists head over to the French Quarter. It’s here that traditional pubs and restaurants co-exist with live music bands. But tourists can also get a full swamp discovery experience here. Swamp boat rides are rather popular in New Orleans and the high-speed boats can be booked by groups of up to 6 people. Alligators are frequently spotted on these tours.

1. Memphis, Tennessee

There are too many world-class attractions to choose from while only visiting Memphis for a single day. But there are a few good reasons why so many people decide to visit it over other cities. The first reason is good music.

Memphis is considered the international home of blues music, which means there are many great artists and venues to explore here. Some of the most popular blues locations in Memphis are found on Beale Street so starting the visit here is a must.

There are other great venues to consider here for other types of music fans as well. For example, the Memphis Rock ‘n Soul Museum is a good place to explore the history of music diversity here.

For a truer side of Memphis, it’s also worth looking at its harsh past. Part of this difficult past can be traced to the slavery days before the Civil War. Multiple small museums and venues are showing just how difficult those times were. The Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum is such a place.

It’s here that visitors can even see various secret underground tunnels. Slaves used to dig these tunnels as means of escape. Such passages are found under the main house of the museum. The city of Memphis is certainly worth coming back for. Good music, great food, and a rich history are worth at least 1 day trips from neighboring states.

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18 Fantastic Day Trips From Memphis You Will Love and Remember

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Note: The Travel Awaits team regularly updates content to provide the latest, and most accurate information to our readers. The updated content in this article may not reflect the views or opinions of the original author.

Memphis is a fun city full of musical history, culture, great food, and fun. It is Tennessee’s second-largest city, located in the southwest corner of the state. There are a wealth of day trips within a few hours drive of Memphis that are fun, educational, and exciting. 

Memphis is an excellent base to explore other parts of Tennessee and neighboring states. Let’s look at some natural wonders, state parks, unique towns, cities, and exciting destinations to consider for a day trip from Memphis. 

Each of these trips is three and a half hours or less drive from Memphis. The day trips selected are listed in alphabetical order. Every destination mentioned will provide a perfect day trip. 

Note: Some information was obtained during press trips to Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee. All opinions are my own.   

18 Memorable Day Trips From Memphis

1. brownsville, tennessee.

An hour’s drive north of Memphis is Brownsville , a music heritage destination. Known for its award-winning barbecue, Hatchie River, and the West TN Delta Heritage Center home to the Tina Turner Museum, you will find plenty to do during a day trip to this destination. 

Pro Tip:   For delicious authentic barbecue, eat at Helen’s BBQ . One of the few women pitmasters of the south, Helen has been featured on the Food Network and various magazines. 

2. Franklin, Tennessee

The quaint city of Franklin feels more like a small town. The quintessential Main Street includes a plethora of shops and restaurants in the historic downtown area, including Landmark Booksellers, which was the setting for the Hallmark movie, The Bridge . 

If you need more shopping options, the Franklin Factory is full of artisan shops. Or visit Leaper’s Fork for Antiques. 

Franklin is the place to visit if you have pets since it is a model pet-friendly town, one of the first to be certified in the Better Cities for Pets program.

You can visit a working vineyard at Arrington’s, enjoy a distillery tasting at H Clark Distillery, or a distillery tour and tasting at Leiper’s Fork Distillery .

The food in Franklin is worth a visit in itself; try breakfast at The Coffee House, lunch, or dinner at Puckett’s . If you want an upscale meal for date night or special occasion, check out the 1799 Kitchen & Cocktails in the Harpeth Hotel in historic downtown Franklin.

Franklin is a little over a 3-hour drive from Memphis. 

Pro Tip: The downtown area is flat and walkable. Take comfortable shoes.

3. Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge, Tennessee

The beautiful protected area of wild swampland with murky waters known as the Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge is about an hour from Memphis .  

If you are into the outdoors , the refuge is an excellent place for kayaking, hiking, and biking. You can observe wildlife such as deer, bald eagles, various ducks, geese, and turkeys. 

4. Heber Springs, Arkansas

A drive of about two and a half hours brings you to Heber Springs, a wonderland for nature lovers. You will find a quiet retreat with mineral springs to relax at, while also enjoying many water activities such as boating, fly-fishing, and more on the Little Red River and the Greers Ferry Lake. If you are into hiking, there are excellent trails throughout the springs.    

The town hosts markets, vintage shops, restaurants, galleries, and train lovers will enjoy the Ruland Junction Toy Train Museum .

5. Holly Springs, Mississippi

Along the Southern Tennessee border is the small city of Holly Springs. Located in Marshall County, the city hosts the Strawberry Plains Audubon Center and the Marshall County Historical Museum, which houses artifacts of the Civil War.  

Holly Springs is only an hour’s drive from Memphis and is also another nature lovers’, as well as art and history buffs’ paradise. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the Holly Springs National Forest, while art lovers can enjoy the works at the Mississippi Industrial Heritage Museum and local galleries. Visitors can immerse themselves in rich history at the Marshall County Historical Museum and the Ida B. Wells-Barnett Museum.

6. Hot Springs, Arkansas

Anytime I am within driving distance of a day trip to Hot Springs , I will try to fit it into my schedule. The 3-hour trip is a bit longer drive, and I have to warn you, the drive from Memphis to Hot Springs via Route 40 is a beast. But once you get there, you will be glad you made the journey.

Hot Springs is a resort city with thermal mineral springs. The water is heated beneath the earth, and many believe that soaking in it or drinking it provides healing powers. I’m not sure it will heal you, but it sure feels wonderful to soak in the hot spring water. Check out the traditional mineral baths popular with travelers on Bathhouse Row. You can also visit the Hot Springs National Park and other fun spots in town.

You can read more about the many fun things to do in Hot Springs in this article, 17 Fabulous Things To Do In Hot Springs, Arkansas For Mature Travelers.

Pro Tip: Get a view of the entire city from the Hot Springs Mountain Tower .

7. Jackson, Mississippi

The capital of Mississippi , Jackson is another fantastic day trip, but it is a bit of a drive (3 hours), so plan to get an early start for a full day of exploring.

Named after President Andrew Jackson, it is considered the cultural center of Mississippi. You can enjoy a variety of museums and historical buildings as well and a growing foodie trail. The city also has a lively music scene. 

8. Jackson, Tennessee

Yes, there are two cities named Jackson in two different states. This Jackson is in Tennessee and is much smaller. It is also named after the same former president, Andrew Jackson. 

Jackson, Tennessee , is much closer (about an hour-and-a-half drive) and makes for a perfect day trip. Located in West Tennessee, Jackson serves up Civil War history, music heritage, and exciting outdoor adventures. A few places of interest include Rusty’s TV and Movie Car Museum, the Cypress Grove Nature Park, and the Casey Jones Home & Railroad Museum, highlighting the expansion across the states and some Civil War sites. 

9. Little Rock, Arkansas

 A small city that you can explore in a day in a neighboring state, Little Rock , the capital of Arkansas, is a 2-hour drive west of Memphis.

Sitting on the bank of the Arkansas River, there are state museums offering tourists an insight into the people, cultures, and diverse history of the state.   

Consider a tour of the Governor’s Mansion , and the Clinton Presidential Center and be brave and walk across the world’s longest pedestrian bridge, Big Dam Bridge.  

There are a variety of fabulous self-guided tours available. 

Pinnacle Mountain State Park sits right outside of the city and offers excellent hiking.

There are also some fabulous restaurants that you should try in Little Rock .

10. Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park, Tennessee

This day trip stays within the state and is just a mere 15-minute drive from downtown Memphis. Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park provides natural surroundings when you want to escape from the city.

This unique swampland hovering along the Mississippi River provides wildlife and various habitats. There are numerous walking trails, and you can paddle the swamps in canoes or kayaks. There is also a visitor center. 

11. Nashville, Tennessee

This is a longer drive, but you can’t ignore “Music City.” A little over 3 hours away from Memphis, so head out early.  Nashville is the state capital of Tennessee. 

Known for its country music scene, there is much more to do and see, from historical attractions, tasty food to an abundance of activities. You won’t be disappointed with a day trip to Nashville. 

Things To Do During A Weekend In Nashville will give you ideas for things to do while visiting. 

12. Oxford, Mississippi

Closer to Memphis (80 minutes), just over the Mississippi border, lies the city of Oxford , home to the University of Mississippi, and full of interesting things to do, magnificent architecture to see, and cultural places to visit during a day trip. 

Tour Rowan Oak , the former home of writer William Faulkner, stroll around the town square, visit the Oxford Treehouse Gallery and enjoy an abundance of shopping and dining options. 

13. Paris, Tennessee

Located in rural Northwest Tennessee (two and half hours from Memphis), Paris is full of character, intriguing history, friendly folks, scrumptious food, and picturesque nature.

Be sure to check out the Eiffel Tower Park to view the 70-foot tall lighted replica of the Eiffel Tower. There is also a splash park, disk golf, pickleball, biking, fishing, and more.   

Downtown Paris showcases unique shops and dining experiences, and the outdoor scene is fabulous at Paris Landing State Park.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget your camera! Lots of photo opportunities in Paris. 

14. Pinson Mounds, Tennessee

A unique day trip, located less than 2 hours northeast of Memphis, dozens of Woodland Native American ceremonial and burial mounds are located here. Pinson Mounds permits visitors to climb among the mounds built between A.D.150 and A.D. 250. There is a museum in the state park where you can learn more.

15. Tupelo, Mississippi

Tupelo is the birthplace of Elvis Presley, the “King of Rock-n-Roll.” If you are an Elvis fan, you won’t want to miss this day trip to Elvis’s birthplace. 

Less than 2 hours from Memphis, you can visit the house where Elvis was raised and a museum showcasing his life.

The Tupelo National Battlefield and a Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo are other sites of interest. 

Elvis fans should be sure to check out this article before visiting Elvis And Beyond: How To Spend An Amazing Day In Tupelo, Mississippi.

16. Union City, Tennessee

A revitalized downtown with shops, restaurants, and historic landmarks welcomes you when you make the 112-mile drive northwest to Union City.

The surrounding area will enchant nature lovers. Reelfoot Lake encompasses 25,000 acres and is home to golden and American bald eagles. 

Indoor fun can be enjoyed at the Discovery Park of America. From exciting interactive motion simulators to antique cars in the transportation gallery. Discovery Park is fun for all ages.

17. Clarksdale, MS

Set in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, Clarksdale had a major impact on the American music scene as the birthplace of the Delta Blues. Legends like B.B. King and Muddy Waters got away from impoverished plantation life to Clarksdale where they made musical history. 

Today, Clarksdale is a thriving trading and agricultural hub and a prime destination for music enthusiasts. The list of amazing contemporary music venues includes the site of the legendary WROX radio station, the Delta Blue Museum , the iconic Red’s Lounge, and so much more.

18. Helena, Arkansas

Another hub of Delta culture and live music is Helena in Arkansas. Set on the Mississippi just under two hours southwest of Memphis, this quaint little community was described by Mark Twain as “one of the prettiest situations on the Mississippi River.”

For a little town in Arkansas, Helena has a whole lot to offer.  From great shopping to Civil War history, there is plenty to do in this darling spot. If you love the great outdoors, the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest and Mississippi River State Park, both offer activities like hiking, biking, and kayaking.

Where to Go on Day Trips From Memphis?

Some of the best day trips from Memphis include beautiful state parks and fascinating historical sites within a short drive from “Bluff City.” Get a glimpse into Southern history in nearby towns like Little Rock, catch live music in Jackson, or explore the hiking trails of Holly Springs.

How Many Days to Spend in Memphis?

Many travelers stay two to three days in Memphis, but a week would be perfect if you plan to go on day trips from Memphis. There is plenty to explore in this creative city and the great outdoors in the bordering states of Arkansas and Mississippi.

What Can I Do in Memphis, TN?

There’s always something fun to do in Memphis. Discover the roots of American music, see the nearby countryside, and take a closer look at its neighboring communities. The months of May and April are the perfect time to visit Memphis.

Why Do People Go to Little Rock From Memphis?

Only a short drive from Memphis, Little Rock is perfect for history lovers. With top attractions like the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and the Museum of Discovery in Downtown Little Rock, there are tons of cultural activities waiting to be discovered in this charming little town.

Is Oxford, MS Worth a Day Trip From Memphis?

Yes, this lively college town just under two hours south of Memphis is home to the beautiful “Ole Miss” campus, a wealth of impeccably preserved architectural marvels such as the Nobel laureate William Faulkner’s house. The area also offers great restaurants.

Robin O’Neal Smith is a freelance and travel writer. A young baby boomer, Robin and her husband have traveled throughout North America, many of the Caribbean Islands, and Europe. She loves cruising and inspiring others to live their dreams of travel. Follow her travels on her personal site where she discusses travel, food, and more!

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Day trips from Tupelo

Paris (Tennessee)

Jackson (Tennessee)

Hurricane Mills

Loveless Cafe

Cheekwood-Art & Gardens

Cheekwood Botanical Gardens and Museum of Art

Franklin (Tennessee)

Jack Daniel Distillery

Decatur (Alabama)

Talladega Superspeedway

Birmingham (Alabama)

Vulcan Park and Museum

Jackson (Mississippi)

National Civil Rights Museum

Beale Street

Peabody Hotel

State park day trips from Tupelo

Paris Landing State Park

Mousetail Landing State Park

Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge

Lake Isom National Wildlife Refuge

Reelfoot Lake State Park Cabins

Monte Sano State Park

Bankhead National Forest

Oak Mountain State Park

Watercress Darter National Wildlife Refuge

Weogufka State Forest

Paul M. Grist State Park

Clarkco State Park

Panther Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

Delta National Forest

Malmaison State Wildlife Management Area

George P Cossar State Park

Arkansas Post National Memorial

Lake Poinsett State Park

Beale Street Entertainment District

Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge

Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park

Fort Pillow State Historic Park

Big Lake Wildlife Management Area

Cash Memorial Conservation Area

Chickasaw National Wildlife Refuge

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Tupelo, Mississippi is located at latitude/longitude coordinates 34° 15' 26" N  /  88° 42' 12" W

Biloxi Boat Tours getting ready for summer season

BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) - Many small businesses are still trying to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. However, one local company has been smooth sailing since the pandemic.

Biloxi Boat Tours has been running cruises out of Point Cadet Marina and giving locals and visitors an up-close look at Deer Island and the Mississippi Sound.

The owners say they took over the business just before the pandemic, with those COVID years actually being some of the best they’ve ever had business-wise. They say so far, this summer has been steady.

”We’ve had a good steady year for sure, but it is so wonderful to just have a space pretty much as it was intended,” Lacey Westbrook said.

Westbrook says the goal is to make experiencing the Mississippi Sound and Deer Island accessible and affordable.

See a spelling or grammar error in this story? Report it to our team HERE .

Copyright 2024 WLOX. All rights reserved.

UPDATE: Wanted Saucier man now in custody

Two women accused of killing Bourbon Street tourist arrested in Mississippi, NOPD says

Mississippi man charged with killing 4, including unborn baby

Mississippi authorities offer little new information on Brunett killings in Monday press conference

Brantley Gilbert, special guests to perform at The Sound Amphitheater

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Tropical activity possible in southwestern Gulf early next week

Hot, humid, scattered storms Wednesday; tracking the tropics

Society for the Study of Southern Literature holds conference in Mississippi for the first time

HVAC technicians on call for service repairs as summer heat index rises

Mississippi Hospital Association names new leader

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About the day the ‘Say Hey Kid’ faced a Mississippi legend named Boo

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So many wonderful stories have come back to life since the death of baseball great Willie Mays on June 18. Here’s one more involving, in my opinion, the greatest baseball man in Mississippi history.

This happened in May of 1952. Pitcher Boo Ferriss, a Shaw native who had won 46 games over his first two seasons (1945-46) in the Major Leagues, was still trying to pitch his way back after suffering a shoulder injury in 1947. In ’52, he pitched and coached pitchers for Class AA Louisville, still in the Boston Red Sox organization. Ferriss was 30 years young and should have been in his pitching prime, but he no longer had his fast ball. Today, journalists would say he had lost his velocity or velo. Back then, they said he had lost his “snap.” A Louisville sports columnist wrote that while Ferriss no longer had his fast ball, he retained “the heart of a warrior.”

The Class AA Southern Association was really good baseball back then. It not only included many of the sport’s top young prospects, but also many former Big League stars, such as Ferriss, trying to extend their playing careers. At Louisville, Ferriss pitched against many of the same hitters as he had for the Red Sox.

But he also pitched against future Hall of Famers on their rise to the Big League stardom. The year before he had faced a 19-year-old switch-hitting Yankees prospect from Commerce, Oklahoma, named Mickey Mantle. “Struck him out on a slow curve,” Ferriss once told me. “That was the only time I ever had to face him and you can quote me on this. I was glad I never had to face him again. There was nothing on a baseball field that guy couldn’t do.”

In 1952, five years after Jackie Robinson broke baseball’s color line, Louisville was playing at Minneapolis, where the home team boasted a young, Black centerfielder nobody could get out. Willie Mays was 19.

“The kid was putting on an exhibition like I had never seen before,” Ferriss told me in 2007 when we were working together on a book. “He was hitting home runs, stealing bases and climbing the walls to make circus catches. You name it, he did it. And he was so confident. He was really digging in at the plate against our young pitchers.”

Ferriss decided that when he faced Mays, if he got the chance, he was going to “brush him back off the plate..That’s just what you did back then.”

Sure enough, Ferriss got his chance late in a game when he came on in relief. He wasted no time. His first pitch, what he had left of his fastball, sent Mays diving backwards into the dirt. Mays got back up, dusted himself off and dug his cleats into the batter’s box again. Ferriss’s second pitch, another fast ball, sent Mays diving back into the dirt again.

Remember, this was a 19-year-old facing a 30-year-old, who had been a Major League All-Star and who had pitched a World Series shutout against Stan Musial and the St. Louis Cardinals. The count reached three balls and two strikes. Ferriss figured that since Mays had already dived away from two pitches, he would throw him a side-armed fast ball. He did.

Mays lined the pitch into left field for a single. Rosy Ryan, the Minnesota general manager, sought Ferriss on the field before the next day’s game to thank him for knocking down his star player not once but twice. Ryan said the then-New York Giants had wanted to see how Mays would handle the brush-back pitches he would surely see in the Major leagues. Said Ferriss, who had played with Ted Williams and against such sluggers as Musial and Joe DiMaggio, “I believe you got you a good one.,”

Eight years later, Ferriss was the pitching coach of the Red Sox and Mays was an established star with the Giants when their paths crossed again in spring training. Mays smiled and pointed at his temple before they shook hands. “He thanked me for knocking him down,” Ferriss said. “He told me he had needed that.”

That was shortly before Ferriss left Boston to come back to the Mississippi Delta where he created a nationally prominent baseball program at Delta State. In 2007, when we were working on his biography, I set up an exam for Ferriss with Buddy Savoie, a noted surgeon who specialized in shoulder injuries. Ferriss had never known exactly what had happened to curtail one of the most promising pitching careers in baseball history. Only one Big League pitcher, Grover Cleveland Alexander, had ever won more games in his first two seasons than David “Boo” Ferriss.

Fifty-seven years after the injury occurred, Savoie found a slight tear in the labrum of Ferriss’s pitching shoulder. Savoie explained, “They called it dead arm back then. They didn’t know what it was and there was no way to tell. They just hoped it would repair itself, but the labrum doesn’t repair itself. Today, we’d punch a couple holes in his shoulder, go in there and sew it up and he’d have a 95 percent chance of total recovery. He’d be as good as new in six to nine months.”

After learning all that, Ferriss told me he had no regrets, that he was happy with the way his life had turned out. Listening in, Miriam Ferriss, his wife of 68 years, piped in, “Now wait a second, Boo, with the money they are paying pitchers these days, Buddy could sew you up and we could wheel you out there and you could pitch a few innings.”

• Remembering Willie Mays.

• Remembering Boo Ferriss.

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by Rick Cleveland, Mississippi Today June 24, 2024

This <a target="_blank" href="https://mississippitoday.org/2024/06/24/about-the-day-the-say-hey-kid-faced-a-mississippi-legend-named-boo/">article</a> first appeared on <a target="_blank" href="https://mississippitoday.org">Mississippi Today</a> and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.<img src="https://i0.wp.com/mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MT_icon-logo-favicon-1.png?fit=134%2C150&amp;ssl=1" style="width:1em;height:1em;margin-left:10px;"><img id="republication-tracker-tool-source" src="https://mississippitoday.org/?republication-pixel=true&post=1120325&amp;ga4=G-VSX4B701MS" style="width:1px;height:1px;">

Rick Cleveland

Rick Cleveland, a native of Hattiesburg and resident of Jackson, has been Mississippi Today’s sports columnist since 2016. A graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi with a bachelor’s in journalism, Rick has worked for the Monroe (La.) News Star World, Jackson Daily News and Clarion Ledger. He was sports editor of Hattiesburg American, executive director of the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame. His work as a syndicated columnist and celebrated sports writer has appeared in numerous magazines, periodicals and newspapers. Rick has been recognized 13 times as Mississippi Sports Writer of the Year, and is recipient of multiple awards and honors for his reporting and writing.

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These 7 Road Trips In Mississippi Will Lead You To Places You'll Never Forget

Daniella DiRienzo

Though Daniella was born in New York and has lived in a couple of other states, Mississippi has been her home for more than 30 years. After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, Daniella began to hone her writing skills through various internships. In the years since, she’s had the privilege of having her articles appear in several publications, such as the Mississippi-based Parents & Kids Magazine. She’s also had the honor of interviewing actress Sela Ward for The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience.

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A road trip usually means traveling out of state, but it doesn’t have to. Mississippi’s rich history and undeniable beauty make it the perfect road trip destination. From historic homes to unique trails, these Mississippi road trips will make memories that’ll last a lifetime.

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