7 Affordable Destinations In Mississippi For Budget Travelers

If you're tired of wasting your hard-earned dollars traveling to the typical tourist traps with their price-gouging congestion and chaos, may we suggest you consider spending time in Mississippi? This Gulf Coast state is filled with plenty of small towns that offer fun, engaging, and culturally rich destinations that won't break the bank. Whether basking in the sun on a sandy beach, strolling down a tree-lined main street, or sampling some of the best culinary delights you've ever tasted, the small towns in Mississippi have ample treasures waiting to be discovered. Let's explore these seven unique spots where the memories are priceless and the amenities are surprisingly affordable.

Ocean Springs

if you crave good food and love the arts, this simple haven on the Gulf offers an escape brimming with creativity. Ocean Springs is the home to several unique art galleries and museums like the Pink Rooster, Walter Anderson Museum of Art, and the Moran Art Studio. Everywhere you turn, the vibrant art scene seeps through the town. Each November, the tree-lined main street turns into one of the largest art festivals in the South, the Peter Anderson Festival, attracting visitors from across the nation.

The downtown district is a walkable, shady stroll where visitors can easily spend hours exploring the locally owned boutiques, galleries, and antique stores. Milners Toy store has a beautiful collection of antique toys and dolls, while the Coastal Magpie is a great place to search for curios and antiques. Of all the places to eat, Lady May is one of the best, with live music nightly and a bacon-jam burger and craft beer selection that is off the chain. We also suggest the fresh menu of Blue Dog Cafe for a reasonably-priced breakfast or lunch.

The Gulf Islands National Seashore has ample miles of sandy beaches, bird-watching, and hiking trails to explore while your family frolics in the surf of the Gulf of Mexico. The National Park Service maintains the park, so there is an entrance fee, but it's nominal and worth the $15 it will cost you to enter for the day. If you need to camp to save on a motel, the park has ample spots near the beach.

Clarksdale

The small town sits in the heart of the Mississippi Delta and is known as the birthplace of the Blues. Music lovers will enjoy the Delta Blues Museum in the Old Train Depot, where they can explore over seven thousand square feet of exciting exhibits. The town's former residents, Big Jack Johnson, Muddy Waters, and Sam Cooke, are prominently featured, but there is so much to see and learn that the venue is worth the nominal admission fee of $14.

The Downtown district has a unique collection of small shops and galleries, with fantastic art and murals on many old-style brick buildings. The town has historical markers on almost every street corner. As you wander the shops, pause to reflect on the legacy of the blues legends and musicians who once called this Mississippi Delta region their home.

Motel accommodations are reasonable, but we suggest renting at the Lofts at the Five and Dime downtown. Each of the six lofts has a kitchen, helping travelers stretch their budgets. When you visit, have a burger and beer at Ground Zero Blues Club or Red's, an old-time juke joint where you can tap your toes to the sounds of soul echoing off the walls. Both places don't seem like much from their rough exteriors, but trust us; you won't be disappointed once you listen to a few notes of a mournful guitar or a singer with a sad tale of a dog who's done and left them.

Oxford

Oxford is home to the University of Mississippi and is the quintessential college town. It has a vibrant, youthful spirit, especially on game day. If you visit during the fall when the college football team plays a home game, you can expect crowds and costly accommodations, but on most days, the community has a more relaxed, subdued ambiance perfect for budget travelers.

The downtown square has several small boutiques worth browsing and fantastic eateries that will delight and inspire your palette. Make sure you partake of one of the four Chef John Currence restaurants when you visit. This James Beard-nominated chef is a food whisperer passionate about creating culinary masterpieces from locally produced farm-to-table ingredients.

One of the most tranquil places in Oxford is Rowan Oak, the former home of iconic author William Faulkner. The University owns the home and grounds, and for a small admission fee of $5, you can explore the house to learn about this Pulitzer Prize-winning writer. If you prefer, walk along the grounds to find a place of solace and silence under the giant flowering magnolias.

Natchez

Natchez sits on the bluffs overlooking the mighty Mississippi River and is home to over 1,000 antebellum structures and 100 historic places of interest. The town exudes Southern hospitality with its Civil War charm, and there are examples of classic architecture on almost every block. History buffs will want to tour several antebellum homes, including Longwood, Stanton House, Rosalie, and the John Bowman Banks home. (Many homes charge an admission fee and have set times for tours, so check online before you go). If you prefer to stroll without spending money on a tour, the Bluffs Trail is a great way to see some of the antebellum exteriors and breathtaking views of the Mississippi.

The downtown district has ample small shops and boutiques, along with the St. Mary Basilica, one of the most stunning churches in the South. Catch a daily mass or wander into the sanctuary for a few moments of quiet reflection.

For lunch or dinner, check out the Magnolia Grill downtown. The restaurant serves fresh dishes and serene views of the River. If you prefer a place to get some pizza and a nice craft beer, try Natchez Brewing Company, a local favorite since its inception in 2014. For accommodations, there is the Bob A. Dearing Natchez State Park, just a few miles up the Natchez Trace, with cabins, RV spaces, and primitive camping spots. The Park is built around a lovely lake where you can catch a fish or two.

Laurel

Laurel's revitalized downtown area is growing, largely thanks to Ben and Erin Napier, hosts of HGTV's show "Hometown." Explore the Laurel Mercantile, Scent Library, and the Scotsman General Store and Workshop, where you can sometimes watch the crew filming. There are plenty of other shops to spend your day wandering through, including some beautiful antique stores such as Southern Antique Gift Mall, the Rusty Chandelier, and Peddler's Junction.

The Lauren Rogers Museum of Art is a rare find for such a small town, with its many exhibits and exciting paintings. When you visit, have a handcrafted pizza at Mimmo's Ristorante and Pizzeria, or enjoy a juicy handmade burger or sandwich from The Knight Butcher. For those passionate about their love of breakfast, we recommend Grits and Some on Magnolia Street.

While there are many hotels, budget-friendly travelers should check out the many Airbnb property choices that can help stretch their vacation dollars further.

Bay St. Louis

This quiet coastal town sits on the west side of Bay St. Louis and is known for great fishing, relaxing views of the Gulf, and its white sand beaches. The downtown area has several antique stores, shops, and art galleries for those seeking treasures. The Alice Moseley Folk Art Museum has no entry fee and houses fantastic examples of American folk art. The museum is named for a beloved elementary school teacher who began her painting career at age 66.

The old L & N Depot also has art and history exhibits with a friendly staff that can help budget travelers find memorable and affordable accommodations. When you dine, we recommend the Mockingbird Cafe for breakfast, which has been serving locals and tourists for nearly twenty years.

One of the best and most budget-friendly places to spend the day is Bay St. Louis Beach, where kids can frolic in the water or build sand castles to their heart's content. The beach has white sands, no towering condos, and, best of all, it is large enough that on most days, you'll feel as if you have the beach to yourself. Be mindful that amenities are limited, so you must bring your items and refreshments.

Holly Springs

The northern Mississippi town sits near the Tennessee line in the Holly Springs National Forest and offers ample opportunities to hike, bike, and explore the outdoors. Known as a place for hummingbird migration, visitors will want to explore Wall Doxey State Park and the Strawberry Plains Audubon Center, which have well-maintained trails and educational exhibits.

The Marshall County Historical Museum has three floors of outstanding exhibits featuring many interesting items and memorabilia. Plenty of camping venues are available in the National Forest throughout the area, but many are primitive sites without running water or electricity, so plan accordingly.

When you visit, dine at the Southern Eatery for an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet or dig into a sticky plate of ribs at The Smokey Corner, one of the best places for Mississippi BBQ you find in the state.

Budget-Friendly Adventures in Mississippi

For budget-minded travelers, the small towns in Mississippi offer some marvelous memory-making opportunities. Whether dipping your toes in the warm Gulf waters along a white sand beach, admiring intricately painted works of art, or just hiking through the vast pines of a National forest, there are plenty of things to see and do. An excellent vacation doesn't have to break the bank. The secret to finding these kinds of budget-friendly places is knowing where to look, and the small towns in Mississippi are a great place to start.