2025's Most Underrated Towns In Mississippi
If you're the kind of traveler who loves a quiet stroll down a historic main street, a plate of something delicious from a no-frills café, or a weekend of hiking without crowds, Mississippi has some surprises for you. While many people may travel to Oxford, Tunica, or Biloxi for fun and games, the Magnolia State has plenty of small towns waiting to be your next adventure. Don’t let the fact that they are small fool you. These nine communities are overflowing with character, natural beauty, and a sense of place that feels more like stepping into a story than a vacation. Here are a few Mississippi gems that deserve a spot on your 2025 travel list. Be sure to visit them before everyone else catches on.
Laurel
The best way to describe the town of Laurel is that it’s a Southern belle with a creative soul. While it has long lived in the shadow of larger cities like Hattiesburg, Laurel has quietly emerged as a cultural and artistic hub in recent years. There’s a simple, steady heartbeat to the town—felt in its wide residential streets and early 20th-century homes, many of which have become restoration projects as part of a local renaissance inspired by HGTV’s Home Town. Laurel’s charm isn’t just skin deep, though. It boasts an impressive cultural pedigree, anchored by the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art—Mississippi’s oldest art museum—featuring a thoughtfully curated collection that spans European masterpieces to Southern folk art.
Downtown Laurel has plenty of personality, from quirky boutiques to warm cafés like Lee’s Coffee & Tea, where the locals gather for espresso and conversation. When you visit, stop in the Laurel Mercantile or Scotsman Co., where you might bump into Ben or Erin Napier of HGTV fame. Spend some time browsing through several antique stores like the Southern Antique Mall, Peddler's Junktion, or the Rusty Chandelier for the perfect piece of nostalgia. While Laurel is growing in popularity, it’s still a hidden gem, especially for travelers who enjoy small-town charm. This year, 2025, is the perfect time to visit before the secret gets out. Whether you’re an architecture buff, art lover, or weekend road-tripper, Laurel hits that sweet spot between nostalgia and fresh energy.
Water Valley
Water Valley is a tiny town with a quirky soul, nestled just half an hour south of Oxford. Often overlooked by travelers racing to Ole Miss for football weekends, it’s the kind of place people pass by without realizing what they’re missing. The town has deep roots in the railroad era, with a beautifully preserved depot that still stands as a proud reminder of its old-time charm. But don’t let that fool you—Water Valley is far from frozen in the past. In recent years, it’s blossomed into a haven for creatives, hosting regular gallery openings, open studio events, and an annual art crawl that turns the entire town into a vibrant walking exhibit.
Main Street is the heart of it all, where you’ll find the beloved BTC Old-Fashioned Grocery serving up legendary biscuits, locally sourced lunches, and a dose of that friendly, small-town atmosphere. Around it are cozy bookstores, offbeat shops, and live music venues where everything from blues to bluegrass fills the air. Just outside town, Enid Lake offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure—fishing, kayaking, or just enjoying a scenic drive through the quiet, rolling countryside. So, why visit in 2025? Water Valley is still under the radar, but it’s steadily catching the eye of artists, entrepreneurs, and anyone craving authenticity over flash. With its mix of soul, history, and a hint of lovable weirdness, Water Valley stays with you long after you leave. (And that is the best reason to visit).
Bay St. Louis
Bay St. Louis is the kind of town that feels like a postcard come to life—just without the crowds or touristy gloss. While nearby Biloxi often overshadows it, this coastal gem has its own breezy rhythm and artistic flair. Bay St. Louis offers stunning water views, quiet beaches, and oak-lined streets perfect for strolling or biking. The Old Town district has pastel cottages, local galleries, and mom-and-pop shops that feel plucked from when things moved slowly. Nature lovers can kayak through the bay, fish off the seawall, or watch the sunset with sand between their toes.
Main Street is the heart of it all, home to the beloved Mockingbird Café and eclectic shops offering everything from handmade jewelry to vintage finds. Every second Saturday of the month, the town throws an art walk with music, food, and open galleries spilling into the streets. The L & N Historic Depot has a nice collection of art that visitors shouldn't miss. While it still feels like a locals’ spot, Bay St. Louis is slowly gaining a reputation as a peaceful alternative to the more developed parts of the Gulf Coast. With new restaurants, boutique hotels, and creative spaces on the rise, 2025 is the ideal time to experience the town’s charm before it becomes everyone’s favorite beach escape.
Cleveland
Cleveland is a small town that plays big in culture, music, and history. Like other towns mentioned here, better-known blues destinations often get more love, but this is what makes Cleveland feel like a hidden gem. The town sits in the rich Delta farmland and winding bayous, and there's something peaceful about watching the sunset across the horizon stretching toward the Mississippi River.
Cleveland’s deep connection to the blues is the heart of its identity. Dockery Farms, just outside of town, is often credited as the birthplace of the genre, and music still flows through the community today. The GRAMMY Museum Mississippi, a stunning modern facility, offers hands-on exhibits and frequent performances that attract music lovers nationwide.
Downtown Cleveland is charming and walkable, with boutique shops, local eateries, and inviting public spaces. The Cotton House Hotel stands out, especially for its rooftop bar with panoramic Delta views. Foodies will appreciate the soul food spots and newer farm-to-table restaurants that are starting to pop up. Tourism is slowly gaining momentum here, and with increased investment in music and cultural events, Cleveland is preparing for a breakout. If you want to experience the soul of Mississippi with fewer crowds and more heart, this is the town to watch in 2025.
Pontotoc
Pontotoc may not be on most people’s radar, but that’s part of its magic. Located just west of Tupelo, this quiet hill country town is a peaceful haven for those who love the outdoors, community traditions, and a slower pace of life. The Tanglefoot Trail—a 44-mile paved biking and walking path built along a former railroad line—runs through town, inviting travelers and locals alike to explore the region on foot or two wheels. Trace State Park is nearby and offers boating, fishing, and rustic cabins for those seeking an outdoor getaway.
Pontotoc’s history oozes from its charming downtown, where a classic courthouse square anchors the town, and several preserved buildings give it an old-timey feel. Locals still gather for seasonal markets, festivals, and parades, many centered around the rich Native American history of the area. The town also has a handful of locally owned cafés and shops serving Southern hospitality with every cup of coffee or handmade item. While it may feel like a throwback in the best way, Pontotoc is slowly growing in 2025. Pontotoc is a must-visit for those seeking a retreat rooted in community, surrounded by nature, and full of authentic charm before it becomes the next countryside hotspot.
Amory
Amory is a small town established as a railroad hub in the late 1800s. The town is perched along the scenic Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, offering beautiful views and great fishing and boating opportunities that bring nature lovers out year-round. In the heart of downtown, Frisco Park serves as a gathering space for festivals, concerts, and a weekly farmers' market. The Amory Railroad Festival, held each spring, is a can’t-miss celebration filled with live music, carnival rides, and Southern food that’ll make your mouth water.
Amory’s downtown area features a mix of old-school charm and fresh energy, with antique stores, barber shops, and diners where the waitresses call you “honey” without missing a beat. (Our favorite is the Country Kitchen.) In recent years, the town has seen new businesses open alongside community investments to revitalize many historic spaces. There’s a palpable sense of hometown pride here—locals are eager to share stories, show off their favorite fishing spots, or invite you to a local ballgame. As more travelers seek out authentic, off-the-beaten-path destinations, Amory is slowly catching attention. In 2025, this small community hasn't arrived yet, but its future is bright, and it might just be the perfect place to spend a weekend soaking up riverfront views and small-town charm.
Columbus
Columbus is a town that wears its history proudly while embracing the creative energy of a new generation. With a population of just under 25,000, it’s one of the larger small towns in Mississippi—but still retains a distinctly neighborly charm. When you visit, you'll discover that Columbus offers a beautiful blend of scenic river views, historic architecture, and a laid-back downtown vibe that makes it easy to unwind. The town’s crown jewel is its collection of antebellum homes—more than 650 properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places—many of which open their doors each spring during the Columbus Pilgrimage. This annual tradition draws architecture and history lovers from across the South.
Beyond the historic homes, the Tennessee Williams Home & Welcome Center adds literary flair to the town, honoring the playwright born here. Columbus also has a strong cultural heartbeat thanks to the presence of Mississippi University for Women, which infuses the town with energy, events, and a touch of progressive spirit. Nature lovers will appreciate the Columbus Riverwalk, a scenic trail perfect for walking, biking, or enjoying the view. The downtown district is a charming mix of quaint boutiques, cafes, and Southern eateries like Harvey’s or Profitt's Porch. In 2025, Columbus is quietly growing its tourism business, but even though it’s underappreciated, that won’t last long. For now, it’s the perfect mix of elegance, comfort, and character—just waiting to be explored.
Kosciusko
Kosciusko sits off the beaten path, so travelers who stick to the main highways will miss it. Yet, this town is a truly rewarding discovery for those willing to seek it out. With a population of just under 7,000, Kosciusko enjoys a prime location along the Natchez Trace Parkway—a historic and scenic route beloved by cyclists, hikers, and road-trippers eager to slow down and soak in the beauty. The community comes alive with events like the annual Natchez Trace Festival, a lively celebration of local art, food, and music that draws visitors from all over the state.
Downtown Kosciusko has a classic town square anchored by the historic Attala County Courthouse, surrounded by antique shops, cafés, and friendly locals always ready to strike up a conversation. For outdoor lovers, nearby Red Bud Springs Park and the Yockanookany segment of the Natchez Trace Trail offer peaceful nature escapes. The town is also the birthplace of Oprah Winfrey, and while it doesn’t lean heavily on that fame, you’ll find her story celebrated with quiet pride. Kosciusko is seeing a gentle uptick in visitors and investment, but its heart remains unchanged. In 2025, it still feels like the place where the front porch is the best seat in town—and that’s precisely the appeal.
Ocean Springs
Ocean Springs may sit in the shadow of nearby Biloxi, but don’t let that fool you—this coastal gem has a spirit all its own. Ocean Springs is an equal parts beach town, artist haven, and foodie favorite. Its oak-lined streets, walkable downtown, and salt-scented breezes give it a charm that’s impossible to replicate. Just outside town, the Gulf Islands National Seashore offers miles of protected coastline, hiking trails, and kayaking spots for outdoor adventurers who prefer their nature with a sea breeze.
As an artist's haven, Ocean Springs truly shines. The Walter Anderson Museum of Art beautifully honors the life and legacy of its beloved hometown visionary. At the same time, a network of local galleries and working studios gives the town a vibrant, ever-evolving creative pulse. Festivals like the Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival and the annual Herb & Garden Festival transform the streets into a lively celebration of art, music, makers, and mouthwatering food truck fare. And downtown? It’s an absolute delight—lined with charming boutiques, cozy cafés, and standout restaurants like The Lady May, Vestige, and Maison de Lu, where every meal feels like a special occasion.
Ocean Springs is also drawing in a younger crowd of creatives, entrepreneurs, and weekenders looking for something less flashy and more soulful than other beach destinations. In 2025, it’s still a bit of a secret—but with its mix of art, salt air, and Southern hospitality, it won’t stay that way for long.
From quiet river towns to artsy coastal escapes, Mississippi is full of small towns with big characters—each offering its unique blend of natural beauty, history, and Southern hospitality. These under-the-radar gems may not make the cover of travel magazines (yet), but that’s exactly what makes 2025 the perfect time to visit. Whether you’re sipping sweet tea on a historic porch, exploring forest trails, or watching the sun dip below the Gulf, these towns invite you to slow down and savor the moment. With emerging art scenes, revitalized main streets, and a deep sense of community, they’re not just great places to visit—they’re places to fall in love with. So, take the scenic route, pull off the highway, and get to know the real heart of Mississippi—you’ll be glad you did.
