Biloxi, Mississippi
Biloxi (pronounced bi lux i ) is a delightful resort city on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Casinos and resorts offer golf, charter fishing, spas, 24-hour gaming, dining and live entertainment. Frequent festivals in Biloxi and Gulfport celebrate everything from seafood to sand castles.
From 26 miles of white sand beaches to non-stop casino action, sophisticated shopping, culture, history, arts, delectable cuisine and championship golf courses, the Playground of the South has it all.
Outdoor fun continues year round in Biloxi's mild climate. Get a bird's-eye view of the entire shoreline with a parasail ride over the Gulf or hop on a jet ski, try your hand at windsurfing, sailing, skiing or motor boating. Water parks with everything from a wave pool, slides, bumper boats, and amusements such as miniature golf, rides and arcades are also among the list of favorite places on the Coast. The ferry will transport visitors to a nearby barrier island for the ultimate beach experience.
Daily shuttles make it easy for beach goers to explore Ship Island, a natural barrier island whose clear waters and constant surf make it a favorite stop on the Coast. The Coast is also home to Stennis Space Center, one of NASA's leading facilities for technology development.
Much of Biloxi's entertainment scene is swept up in the high-spirited fun of casino gaming. Twelve casinos have brought the excitement and glamour of Las Vegas to the beach, with table games, slot machines, and nightclub venues. All casinos are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Many of the casinos offer supervised activities for children; many are complete resort complexes with golf courses and luxury hotels.
Biloxi is a haven for fishing and water sports. Sports fishermen can plan a day-long or overnight trip into Gulf waters, or they can fish the area's many lakes and rivers. A seafood industry museum commemorates the significant role the seafood industry has played in shaping the region, and a marine education center teaches visitors about the Coast's environment and displays aquatic life native to the Gulf of Mexico in a 42,000-gallon aquarium. At another marine attraction, Marine Life, visitors can see daily shows of trained dolphins and can view other inhabitants of the sea.
Over 20 golf courses offer challenges for every skill level with greens fees are surprisingly lower than those of comparable golf resort areas. With several courses recently refurbished and new courses open, the Gulf Coast is a choice destination for golf lovers.
Biloxi is a place of unparalleled beauty, with graceful live oaks, unique landmarks and antebellum homes. Historic neighborhoods provide examples of the notable architecture of the past, and annual tours offer an inside glimpse of the area's gracious homes, some of which have stood for more than a century.
Art and history play an important role in the character of the Gulf Coast. Two museums are dedicated to the works of two of the area's most famous artists, potter George E. Ohr and painter/sculptor Walter Inglis Anderson.
Locals sometimes say that the Gulf Coast has a celebration for every crustacean. The abundance of fresh seafood: crabs, shrimp, oysters, fish, crawfish results in festivals of all kinds. Everyone celebrates with cultural activities, music, and an overall spirit of fun, almost every weekend of the year.
Combine all there is to see and do with the hospitality of the Gulf Coast, and the result is a winning combination in Biloxi, The Playground of the South.
Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum
(228) 435-6320 for more information about the Museum and sailing times for the schooners.
The Museum is open Monday through Saturday, 9 to 4:30, closed on holidays.
Admission is charged.
Situated on the eastern tip of the Biloxi peninsula, the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum is housed in a Spanish influence structure built in 1934 as part of a U.S. Coast Guard station. The Museum traces the 300year history of Biloxi from the time of its first Native American residents through its growth as a popular antebellum resort and bustling seafood processing center. Special exhibits describe the various crafts which are found in a maritime community such as boatbuilding, net making, marine blacksmithing and sail making. The Museum operates two replica oyster schooners, which are docked at the adjacent Point Cadet Marina.
Tullis-Toledano Manor
(228) 435-6293
Monday through Friday 10-12 and 1 - 5
admission is charged.
In 1856, Tullis-Toledano Manor was built for Christoval and Matilde Toledano. Located on Biloxi's East Beach, the Manor is one of the Coast's most unique examples of antebellum architecture. The Manor contains period furnishings which are used to interpret the house in an antebellum setting.
Mardi Gras Museum
435-6245
Located in downtown Biloxi on the Rue Magnolia
11-4 Monday through Friday.
Admission charged.
The Biloxi Mardi Gras Museum is housed in the restored antebellum Magnolia Hotel, which was constructed in 1847. Colorful exhibits tell the story of Mardi Gras in Biloxi since the arrival of the French in 1699. The Museum also traces the history of the Magnolia Hotel, a unique reminder of Biloxi's pre-Civil War tourist trade.
Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art
(228) 374-5547
The Ohr Center is located on George E. Ohr Street
Monday-Wednesday 9 - 8, Thursday-Saturday 9- 5.
Exhibits include the Pot-Ohr-E Gallery, which houses a permanent collection of over 175 pots by George E. Ohr, the internationally acclaimed "Mad Potter of Biloxi", the Lila Wallace Gallery, which features rotating exhibits of art from the region, country and the world, and the Jambalaya Gallery, which showcases local artists.
Beauvoir, Jefferson Davis Home & Presidential Library
2244 Beach Blvd
Biloxi MS 39531
228 388-9074, 800 570-3818, Fax: 228 388-7084
Retirement home of Confederate President Jefferson Davis. Includes Beauvoir House, Presidential Library, Confederate Museum, historic cemetery, Tomb of the Unknown Confederate Soldier and gift shop. Open daily Mar - Oc , 9:00am to 5:00pm; Nov - Feb, 9:00am to 4:00pm. Admission charged.
Biloxi Lighthouse
Biloxi MS 39533
228 435-6308, 800 245-6943, Fax: 228 435-6246
One tour 10:00 am Mon-Sat. Admission $2 adults, $1 seniors/students.
The Biloxi Lighthouse was erected in 1848.
Old Brick House
Biloxi MS 39530
228 435-6121, 800 245-6943, Fax: 228 435-6246
Saved from neglect by the ladies of Biloxi's Garden Clubs, the Old Brick House is now an historic house museum. Open Mon-Sat 11:00am to 4:00pm. Admission $2 adults, $1 students, senior citizens.
The Old Santini House Bed & Breakfast
964 Beach Blvd
Biloxi MS 39530
228 436-4078, 800 686-1146, Fax: 228 432-9193
Built c. 1837, this is Biloxi's earliest example of the "American Cottage"and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Open for free tours from 2:00 to 4:00 pm Mon-Thu. Located across from the I-110 loop and Beau Rivage
The Redding House
770 Jackson St
Biloxi MS 39532
228 436-9700
This century old Greek Revival home is impressive with its custom mahogany and cypress mill work, ten fireplaces, fine art murals and heart pine floors. The lower level has several separate adjoining rooms that could be used for large dinner parties or for smaller, more intimate gatherings. Upstairs the open areas are perfect for large business meetings, banquet facilities or music with dancing. The ambiance is unique and the house exemplifies southern charm at its best. The Redding House offers guests the perfect setting for any special occasion.
Tullis-Toledano Manor
Biloxi MS 39533
228 435-6293, Fax: 228 435-6246
Built in 1856 on Biloxi's East Beach for Christoval and Matilde Toledano. One of the Mississippi Gulf Coast's most unique examples of antebellum architecture. Admission $2 adults, $1 seniors/students. Open Mon-Sat 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Biloxi Mardi Gras Museum
119 Rue Magnolia
Biloxi MS 39530
228 435-6245, 800 245-6943, Fax: 228 435-6246
Housed in the historic Magnolia Hotel, the Mardi Gras Museum tells the colorful story of Mardi Gras along the Coast. Open Mon-Sat 11:00am to 4:00pm. Admission $2 adults, $1 students, senior citizens.
Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum
P O Box 1907
Biloxi MS 39533
228 435-6320, Fax: 228 435-6309
Preserve and interpret the maritime history and seafood heritage of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. A film on Hurricane Camille runs every hour. Gift shop available. Open Mon-Sat 9:00 am to 4:30 pm; Sun 12:00 noon to 4:00pm (Memorial Day - Labor Day). Admission charged, group rates available with reservations. Handicapped accessible.
Moran's Art Studio
110 Porter Ave
Biloxi MS 39530
228 435-9615
Original works of Joe Moran, pottery of George E. Ohr, artist originals of Mary Moran and Tommy Moran. Gifts, prints and coastal scenes. Home of ancient burial. Open Mon-Fri 10:00am to 5:00pm; Sat 10:00am to 1:00pm; closed on Sun. No admission charged.
The Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art
136 G. E. Ohr St
Biloxi MS 39530
228 374-5547, Fax: 228 436-3641
"Mad Potter of Biloxi," noted throughout the art world for his unique pottery which boasts paper-thin walls and brilliant glazes. Hosts national and regional traveling exhibits, along with the works of local artists. Open Mon-Sat 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Groups rates available. Admission charged.
Gulfport
CEC/Seabee Memorial Museum
5200 CBC 2nd St
Gulfport MS 39501
228 871-3164, Fax: 228 871-3163
The CEC & Seabee Museum is open for visitors Mon-Sat 9:00am to 5:00pm, closed Sun. The Museum depicts the history of the U.S. Navy's Civil Civil Engineer Corps and the Seabees from their beginnings, WWII and the present. No admission charged.
The Lynn Meadows Discovery Center
246 Dolan Ave
Gulfport MS 39507
228 897-6039, Fax: 228 897-1309
www.lmdc.org
An interactive children's museum designed for children under 12. Children communicate with robots, snoop through a cluttered attic, shop in a local market, produce a news show, operate a crane and explore the treehouses. Special event rentals available. Tue-Sat 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Sun 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm. Groups welcome. Admission charged.
Grass Lawn
Gulfport MS 39502
228 868-5907, Fax: 228 868-5787
Grass Lawn is an historic house built in 1836. Constructed of hand-hewn timbers, it has wide galleries supported by two-story columns. It is furnished with period furniture. Please call for hours of operations and special event information.
Gulfport Centennial Museum
1419 27th Ave
Gulfport MS 39502
228 868-5849, Fax: 228 868-5800
Contains hundreds of photographs and artifacts detailing Gulfport's growth over the past 100 years. Free to the public Mon-Fri 9:00am to 5:00pm, Sat 9:00am to 3:00pm, closed for lunch and Sun.
Naval Construction Battalion Center
4902 Marvin Shields Blvd
Gulfport MS 39501
228 871-2393, Fax: 228 871-2456
The Gulfport Seabee Center is the home of the Atlantic Fleet Seabees, the Navy's construction force. M-F 8 to 2, group tours available with a 30 day notice. Seabee Museum included.
Mississippi Vietnam Veterans Memorial
370 Bienville Blvd
Ocean Springs MS
228 831-9886
Built in 1997 this beautiful Memorial is a tribute to the men and women that served in the Vietnam War. Open year round. No admission fee.
Stennis Space Center Visitors Center
near Bay St. Louis off Interstate
10. 9 a.m.-5p.m. daily;
no admission fee.
Details call (228) 688-2370.
Ole Biloxi Tour Train Board and debark at Biloxi Light House 90 minute open-air tour includes 30 points of interest in and around Biloxi.
Four tours daily at 9 and 11 a.m. and 1 and 3 p.m.
Admission charged.
