7 Most Photogenic Towns In Mississippi

With nearly 80% of Mississippi's land considered rural, the state has an abundance of beauty yet to be discovered. Even Mississippi locals might be surprised to learn that some of the state’s smallest towns have been home to Hollywood movie sets, sunset cruises, baseball stadiums, and renowned cooking schools. If you are hoping to capture the perfect moment for your next vacation, look no further than these seven incredibly photogenic Mississippi towns. Whether it is the Davis Bayou Trail in Ocean Springs or Lake Concordia in Natchez, each has something unique to offer in terms of visual charm.

Greenwood

As the filming location of the 2011 Hollywood film “The Help,” Greenwood has plenty of sights to see and photograph. Through Greenwood’s self-guided Google Maps tour, visitors can visit a variety of the film’s landmarks, including Skeeter Phelan’s House, Hilly Holbrook’s House, and the Robert E. Lee Hotel. Downtown Greenwood is home to a number of 20th-century historic landmarks to visit as well, including the Original City Hall from 1904 and the First Presbyterian Church from 1905.

After a day of visiting and photographing Greenwood’s landmarks, hungry travelers are in for a treat at the Viking Cooking School. Visitors can sign up for a cooking class, ranging from appetizers to main courses and desserts, where they can learn how to prepare a dish step by step with expert chefs.

Ocean Springs

Ocean Springs is a coastal city along Biloxi Bay with a laid-back beach vibe and lively art community. Starting at the Trailhead on Hanshaw Road, visitors can tour the region with a 1.5-mile walk that will take up to two hours. Lovely natural and urban attractions await, and one can grab a cool treat at Caboose Cones Sno Balls & Ice Cream, housed in an old, red caboose car. Travelers could also opt for an in-house craft beer at Craft Advisory Brewing, home to a cozy taproom.

Part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, Davis Bayou Campground offers plenty of nature to admire nearby. Visitors can go camping at the Campground or enjoy hiking along the Davis Bayou Trail, which winds past bayous, a coastal forest, and a fishing pier.

Biloxi

Biloxi is right across from Ocean Springs on the Biloxi Bay and is known for its seafood, white sands, baseball, and casinos. Adventurous travelers can embark on a Biloxi Shrimping Trip, where they will set out from the harbor, watching the boat’s shrimping net catch a variety of sea creatures, including shrimp, blue crabs, squid, stingrays, flounder, and puffer fish, among other marine species.

Not interested in fishing? Travelers can also set sail on a sunset cruise with Biloxi Schooners along the Gulf Coast. With endless waves crashing against the coast, few sites are more photogenic than along these cruises. Moreover, sports enthusiasts will have to catch a Biloxi Shuckers game at Keesler Federal Park, which is beautifully located along Beach Boulevard.

Natchez

Natchez is arguably one of Mississippi's most historic towns, with a history ranging from the Natchez Native American people to the Civil War and Civil Rights Movement. To see what life was like for Natchez’s early tribes, spend a morning at the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians, a 128-acre historic site with original prehistoric Native American mounds and a reconstructed Natchez home. Afterward, experience some of the town’s 19th-century architecture through landmarks such as the recently restored St. Mary Basilica from 1882, the Lansdowne home with Greek revival architecture from 1853, and Choctaw Hall, constructed around 1836 with Federal and Greek Revival styles.

Several nearby rivers and lakes offer the perfect escape into nature. Once part of the Mississippi River, the Old River is great for boating. Lake St. John and Lake Concordia are popular among boaters as well, with public boating ramps making for easy water access. Add on the backdrop of historic landmarks, and Natchez is a reprieve of Mississippi’s beauty.

Holly Springs

Located in northwestern Mississippi, less than an hour’s drive from Memphis, Tennessee, Holly Springs embodies the spirit and hospitality of the South. The Kate Freeman Clark Art Gallery is one of the town’s cultural highlights, featuring more than 1,200 works from “Miss Kate,” a Carnegie Institute artist. Those wanting to enjoy some hill country blues can head out to Foxfire Ranch, which hosts live concerts every Sunday during the spring and summer months. Less than a 20-minute drive from downtown, travelers can reach Chewalla Lake, a 260-acre lake once extremely symbolic for Native Americans. Today, it is popular for swimming, fishing, picnicking, and camping.

Vicksburg

Named the “Key to the South” by Abraham Lincoln, Vicksburg played a pivotal role in the American Civil War. The town became a war zone during the 1860s, and its history is largely preserved through the Vicksburg National Military Park. Once a battlefield, the park today has been excellently preserved, with 1,325 historic monuments, 20 miles of reconstructed earthworks and trenches, and a 16-mile road to tour.

Vicksburg’s main street has also been named one of the country’s top main streets, with old-fashioned gas lights and brick-paved streets adding to its charm. For lunch in a historic and homey environment, enjoy a homemade soup or quiche at Main Street Market Cafe, a from-scratch kitchen. Afterward, browse popular downtown shops like Leevee Street Market for antiques, vintage fashion, and jewelry, or explore local art at H.C. Porter Gallery and Attic Gallery.

Bay St. Louis

Bay St. Louis is in a prime location along the Mississippi Sound and is just an hour’s drive from New Orleans. Travelers can paddle through the surrounding water trails by kayak or see the Gulf with Mississippi Gulf Coast Boat Tours. Although there are numerous fishing piers throughout town, one of the most scenic is the Jimmy Rutherford Fishing Pier, conveniently located along the municipal harbor.

Visitors can also explore Bay St. Louis’s Old Town district, a walkable part of town with boutiques and galleries, with Antique Maison, Magnolia Antiques, and Gallery 220 all being picturesque stops. For a hearty breakfast or lunch, grab a bite at Mockingbird Cafe, housed in a historic building from 1868.

Final Thoughts

While Mississippi’s larger towns and cities offer plenty to explore, some of the state’s most beautiful sights are discovered purely by venturing off the beaten path. Whether you enjoy a colorful meal, Greek revival architecture, or lakeside views, you cannot go wrong with a visit to one of these towns. So pack your camera and get ready to capture some unforgettable scenes.