7 Cutest Small Towns In Mississippi For 2025
On the hunt for the cutest little towns to explore on your next getaway? Mississippi is home to some of the nicest places and most welcoming communities; its Southern charm and hospitality have a way of bringing you back for more! The Magnolia State has a rich history, first inhabited by Native Americans and Paleo-Indians over 10,000 years ago. Its humid summers and mild, wet winters, paired with a diverse landscape, make Mississippi a fantastic destination for travelers. Whether you are into boating and fishing on the Mississippi River, relaxing on the Gulf Coast, or exploring the Natchez Trace Parkway, there is something for everyone to enjoy. These cute small towns are a must-visit in 2025!
Natchez
With direct access to the Mississippi River, this small town gives you front-row access to some of the state’s most exciting river adventures! Whether you are kayaking or cruising in a riverboat, this town has something for everyone. On the riverbank, you can find a good bit of historical landmarks, such as the Natchez National Historical Park and the Rhythm Club Fire Historical Marker, as well as a few others deeper in town.
A brisk walk through this community quickly reveals why it is a must-visit—but the true showstopper is St. Mary's Basilica. Whether you are diving into the area's rich history or simply soaking in the architectural beauty, landmarks like Magnolia Hall—a stunning Greek Revival mansion dating back to 1858—are sure to keep you coming back for more!
Ocean Springs
A trip to Ocean Springs is a lot like a therapy session, with the Davis Bayou and the view of Biloxi Bay washing away stress the moment you arrive. This cute coastal community has an artsy downtown with colorful murals, and the best places to experience it are either the Walter Anderson Museum of Art or The Pink Rooster/Gallery Garbo, which is just north of that. Speaking of great experiences, the Davis Bayou Campground lies east of town, where a park with breathtaking views doubles as a campsite among marshes, oak, and pine! You can explore even more of this place’s pristine beauty by heading to the Civilian Conservation Corps Spur, a scenic hiking trail.
Oxford
Oxford, Mississippi, is named for Oxford, England, and its university—the University of Mississippi, or 'Ole Miss'—keeps the heart of the town beating year-round. There is a lot one could learn in this enlightening getaway. The town is quite welcoming; you can visit the University of Mississippi Museum to view fine art pieces and historical instruments or explore nearby Rowan Oak, the landmarked home of William Faulkner! You can also find cute bookstores around Courthouse Square, namely Square Books—three stores with different styles that add to the town’s college atmosphere. The local eateries and cafes also follow suit, with popular names like Ajax Diner located just a short walk away.
Bay St. Louis
On the Gulf Coast of the Bay of St. Louis sits a small town that loves its maritime traditions. Its laid-back beach vibe is best enjoyed from places like Bay St. Louis Beach, where the soft white sand seems endless! On the same coast lies The Angel Tree to the north. Once an oak tree, this historical landmark has since been carved into a work of art. Not far from there, you can visit the Bay St. Louis Historic L & N Train Depot to learn more about the area's history through Mardi Gras displays. It is conveniently located next to the Locks of Love Bridge, a popular tourist attraction.
Vicksburg
One of the key Civil War battles took place in this small town by the Mississippi River. Vicksburg commemorates its past with sites like the Vicksburg National Military Park, which honors the Vicksburg Campaign with exhibits and landmarks visitors can explore. A good camera would do you wonders here; around the same square mile, you will find the Vicksburg National Battlefield and the Battery De Golyer historical landmarks! You can see a lot of history unfold before your eyes with a visit to this haven for history buffs. In fact, a visit to The Old Depot Museum—a museum just by the riverfront—can give you a glimpse into local history, including a miniature replica of the Vicksburg battlefield and railroad memorabilia!
Holly Springs
A quaint little place with a busy downtown, Holly Springs enjoys several National Register of Historic Places-listed properties, coupled with incredible historic districts to explore. A brisk walk in this small community will help you quickly realize why so much of this cute town is culturally preserved the way it is. The Walter Place and the Chalmers Institute to its west are just some of the most beautiful historical landmarks you could see while visiting. There is also the Yellow Fever Church Museum, which once functioned as a makeshift hospital in the 1800s. The real prize, though, would have to be the Marshall County Historical Museum, where Mississippi’s rich historical tapestry—spanning local and regional significance—unfolds.
Corinth
A small community in the county seat of Alcorn County, Corinth is yet another gorgeous town with a rich and well-preserved history. Its Civil War sites meld with its walkable downtown area, so you should be able to enjoy a hearty meal at hotspots like Vicari Italian Grill before checking out the Curlee House and the popular W. L. Duncan House nearby! It is also a short walk away from the popular Corinth Coca-Cola Museum, which garners a lot of attention even among history buffs just passing through. Military history buffs would especially marvel at the war museum west of those streets; the Shiloh National Military Park Corinth Interpretive Center is a popular attraction dedicated to the Battle of Corinth!
Final Thoughts
In these cute southern towns, anything can happen; history comes alive through captivating war stories, unforgettable moments, and the legacies of remarkable individuals who once called these places home. With a big and a bigger river like the Mississippi, even these small towns dotting the Magnolia State have something to offer the curious traveler. Mississippi is also nicknamed the Hospitality State for good reason; some of the friendliest people in the country eagerly await your arrival this year, and there is no time like the present!
