Weekend Getaway: Experience Southern Charm in Biloxi, Mississippi

Do you need a getaway? I desperately need one, but I’m on a budget. I did some research, and it appears that you can ball on a budget in Biloxi, Mississippi. Here is the good news; it’s less than a four-hour drive from Tuscaloosa.

Biloxi Beach is a must-stop and accessible off Beach Boulevard. If you don’t feel like lugging all your chairs and umbrellas, no worries, you can rent them. Also, they have other awesome beach toys to rent too.

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Here is a beach heads up; the sand is nice, but the water is not clear and blue. I learned from the Best Bets Biloxi it’s due to the “natural dynamics of Mississippi Sound and the barrier islands at work, the same dynamics that make surf almost non-existent at Biloxi's beaches, which is great for families with small children.” If you need the blue water views, they suggested you head to Ship Island. It is “just a short boat ride from Biloxi; the island is one of the most beautiful beaches in the country.”

If you want to stick to mainly water type of activities, there is the Betsy Ann Riverboat cruise.  They offer different types of cruises. If you want some adventure on the water, I’ve had several friends take fishing charter boat tours and had a blast. You can even take a Ship Island Excursion. I really like the sound of the Gulfport Sunset Cocktail Cruise. Drinks and a view, sign me up. Need some views and perfect selfie locations? A Yelp review noted that “the sunsets from the free fishing piers were amazing.”

If you want a beach-free day, you can always try your hand with lady luck at the Beau Rivage Casino, the Hard Rock Casino, Golden Nugget Casino, and the list goes on. Make time to check out the Biloxi Visitors Center, the Biloxi Lighthouse and Pier, Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum, and the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art. By the way, the go-to souvenir shop is Sharkheads. Don’t leave without some fudge, an airbrushed t-shirt, and take a picture at the shark head entrance for good measure. There are also Hurricane Katrina and Camille Memorials in Biloxi too.

The options for dining and drinks are extensive. I called around to family and friends for recommendations. Many mentioned Taranto’s Crawfish, and one friend said the Shrimp and Crawfish bisque is required. Several mentioned Half Shell Oyster House, Shaggy’s, and Mary Mahoney’s Old French House.

For handcrafted cocktails, the Lost Key Bar at the Margaritaville Resort is a must, with a bonus is that it’s a great selfie spot. Also, great outings can be had at the Mermaid Dive Bar and Butler’s Bar and Lounge.

(Source) Click here for more from Best Bets Biloxi. Click here for more Yelp reviews of Biloxi Beach.