Biloxi sits at the center of a coast that is easy to explore in loops. The shoreline runs east to west along Highway 90, with towns that each have a distinct personality. Most day trips are under an hour by car, and the roads are flat and straightforward. Here are the best options, along with how to combine them.
Ocean Springs (10 to 15 minutes east)
Cross the bay bridge to a small town of live oaks, galleries and cafes. Visit the Walter Anderson Museum of Art for its famous murals, then browse Shearwater Pottery, a family studio founded in 1928. Have lunch downtown or join the Ocean Springs food tour. For nature, walk the trails at Davis Bayou in Gulf Islands National Seashore. An electric bike rental can link Biloxi and Ocean Springs in a single scenic ride. This is the best half-day or full-day escape for art and food lovers.
Gulfport (20 to 30 minutes west)
The coast's second city is a good day trip for families. The Mississippi Aquarium is the big draw, and Jones Park and the harbor are pleasant for a stroll. In season, the Ship Island ferry departs from the pier here, offering a day on a barrier island with a swim beach and Fort Massachusetts. Beauvoir, the late-life home of Jefferson Davis, lies on the way between Biloxi and Gulfport, for visitors interested in the region's complex history.
Ship Island (by ferry from Gulfport)
If you do only one boat day, make it this one. The ferry crossing takes roughly an hour, the island has clear green water and a beach with basic facilities, and Fort Massachusetts offers history. Service runs seasonally from about mid-March through October. Bring a cooler, sun protection and water shoes, and allow most of the day.
Bay St. Louis (30 to 40 minutes west)
This quiet arts town offers Old Town shopping, galleries and a relaxed beachfront. A small-group boat tour lets you see the bay and its birds, and the Historical Haunted Bayou Cruise in the nearby marshes adds folklore. Together they make a half-day or evening trip. Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast is a hotel option if you want to stay overnight.
Infinity Science Center and Stennis Space Center (about 45 to 60 minutes west). For a surprising change of pace, drive to the science center beside NASA's rocket-engine test site. The hands-on exhibits are great for children and anyone curious about space. Combine it with lunch in Bay St. Louis for a full day.
New Orleans (roughly 1.5 hours west)
The Crescent City is a manageable drive from Biloxi on the interstate, and many visitors make a long day of it or stay overnight. Expect traffic and parking challenges, and consider leaving early. Because the city has its own deep set of attractions, treat it as a separate trip if you can.
Mobile and the Alabama coast (roughly 1 hour east)
The drive east takes you to Mobile, with its historic districts and battleship memorial, and on to the Alabama beaches. It is a pleasant extension for a longer coast trip, though each destination merits more than a quick pass.
Ways to combine
An east-side day: Ocean Springs galleries, Shearwater, lunch and Davis Bayou. A west-side day: Beauvoir, the Mississippi Aquarium and a Gulfport harbor stroll. A ferry day: Ship Island from morning to afternoon. A far-west day: Bay St. Louis, a boat tour and the science center. Pair each with a Biloxi dinner for an easy finish.
Practical tips
A car is the easiest way to travel. Check ferry schedules and boat-tour weather policies before leaving. Pack water, sunscreen and a cooler. Summer storms can interrupt outdoor plans, so have a backup. Fill the tank before heading to rural stretches, and download maps in advance because cell coverage can be uneven.
Timing and traffic
Highway 90 is scenic but slow, with traffic lights and busy stretches near the casinos, while the interstate is faster for longer hops. Weekends, holidays and event days can add substantial time, so start early and avoid driving at rush hour. For ferry and boat trips, arrive well before departure, and always confirm the schedule the day before, because weather and seasons shape the calendar. If you are visiting in hurricane season, check forecasts and keep a flexible plan for the days you want to travel farthest from your hotel.