These 10 Towns In Mississippi Were Ranked Among US Favorites In 2024
Mississippi is the place where Southern charm meets picturesque landscapes. From the beaches of Pascagoula to the small-town vibes of Flowood, these Mississippi cities are beloved by all. It’s the friendly locals and warm welcome that make these destinations so very special. Explore the childhood home of Elvis Presley, or walk the salty bayous of Ocean Springs. Above all else, bring your appetite because these towns, ranked among the favorites in the US, have some of the best Southern cuisine in the state! So, in 2024, get ready to discover your new favorite spot in Mississippi!
Oxford
Known as the ‘Cultural Mecca of the South’, Oxford delivers a mix of a little of everything! Home of Ole Miss (University of Mississippi) and William Faulker, its creative community spirit, attractions, and Southern comfort food make it a wonderful place to visit (or call home!). Take a stroll down The Square (Oxford's historic district) to shop in quaint stores like the iconic Square Books, or catch a live show at The Lyric Theatre. Fun fact: Oxford is located along the Mississippi Blues Trail, so you know the music scene is amazing!
As a historic antebellum town, Oxford is awash in beauty. But there’s nothing more breathtaking in Oxford than Rowan Oak, the former home to William Faulkner. The sprawling estate, built in the 1840s, is a primitive Greek Revival mansion that offers tours year-round. And if you love pre-Civil War architecture, you have to explore the magnificent Ammadelle! With so much to discover, Oxford is truly the jewel of the South.
Tupelo
The charming city of Tupelo is famous for being the home of the one and only Elvis Presley! Fans of the King of Rock and Roll have to check out the Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum, which allows visitors to walk the humble abode where Elvis was born, as well as a museum that explores Elvis’ life. While you take a trip down memory lane, make sure to investigate other museums in Tupelo, like the Tupelo Automobile Museum!
It should come as no surprise that the birthplace of Elvis has a thriving music scene! Stroll down the manicured brick sidewalks downtown and catch a live show at rustic spots like the Blue Canoe or Steele’s Dive. Be sure to plan your stay in June during the Tupelo Elvis Festival, when the whole city comes alive! With deep musical roots and a creative community spirit, Tupelo is an amazing town.
Brandon
Slow down and take life at a slow, leisurely pace in Brandon. As a small Southern city, the locals are a tight-knit community that will welcome you with open arms. Stop by one of the local cafes for some of the best Mississippi cooking you’ll ever have, like Genna Benna’s or The Back Porch. With a growing music scene, there’s no better stop than the Brandon Amphitheater, which draws visitors from all over the area. It’s an open-air amphitheater built on the site of an old rock quarry and offers live music year-round.
To spend some time in nature, the locals head north to the scenic Ross Barnett Reservoir. There, you can launch a boat onto the pristine waters or relax along its calming shores. Other popular parks in Brandon include Shiloh Park, which provides accessible hiking trails and open fields. If you long for a small-town vibe that’s never boring, Brandon is a great place to stay!
Natchez
As the Birthplace of Mississippi, Natchez has a deep history, a delightful down-home atmosphere, and the welcoming locals you come to expect from Mississippi. Situated along the Mississippi River, it provides some of the most breathtaking views in the state! The Natchez Bluffs (located in Bluff Park) is the premier spot to take amazing photographs of the Mississippi River below. Another great site is the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians, which offers hiking and picnicking at this picturesque archaeological site.
Aside from sweeping views of the Mississippi River, Natchez has beautiful Antebellum architecture that is iconic to the deep South. There’s no better display of the magnificent homes of the area than Rosalie Mansion. This pre-Civil War ear home inspired many of the homes in the neighboring area and allows visitors to walk its pristine halls to gain a glimpse into Natchez’s part. From window shopping on Franklin Street to exploring Magnolia Hall, Natchez is ripe for adventure!
Hernando
There’s no better example of Southern hospitality than the humble city of Hernando. It earned its nickname, Mississippi’s Front Porch, for a very good reason! The locals are friendly, the scenery is rustic, and everything moves at a much slower pace in Hernando. There’s no better place to connect with Hernando’s roots than the DeSoto County Museum. It displays relics from the Civil War and gives visitors more insight into Hernando’s past.
Cedar Hill Farm is another popular spot in town among residents. It offers community events year-round, like the Haunted Farm in October and the Christmas Lights display every December. Hernando Point and Lake Cormorant are excellent spots to relax along the water for more time in nature. If you need to slow down and take things slow, there’s no better spot than Mississippi’s Front Porch!
Flowood
Flowood is that ideal blend of small-town charm without traveling too far from the amenities of the bigger cities. Just 15 minutes from the bustling metropolis of Jackson is a sleepy little hamlet ready to embrace you with open arms! The Dogwood Festival Market is the top stop in Flowood with over 187,000 square feet dedicated to unique shops, cafes, and boutiques in the heart of town. Depending on what time of year you visit, you can partake in one of their outstanding community events, like the Flowood Fall Festival or their summer concert series in Liberty Park.
There’s plenty to do downtown to keep you occupied, but if you want to relax and unwind, head to Flowood Nature Park, just off Lakeland Drive. It’s like a little utopia with picturesque gardens and fountains. Walk one of the many accessible trails, set up a picnic, or stay for one fantastic sunset. With the perfect blend of community spirit, natural attractions, and things to explore, Flowood is a must-see!
Laurel
As the filming location of HGTV's Home Town, Laurel has gained national recognition as a delightful city far removed from the bustle of bigger cities. The Victorian-style architecture of the downtown district hosts quirky, locally owned shops like the Laurel Leaf and Laurel Mercantile Co. With a thriving art district, be sure to explore the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, which showcases local and national art and hosts community art events throughout the year.
You can kick back and relax at one of the many well-maintained parks such as Maynor Creek Water Park or William Mason Park. However, many of the residents flock to nearby Lake Bogue Homa (only a 15-minute drive away) for a full day of fun in the sun. It’s a great place to boat, fish, or take in the scenic views. With a friendly hometown spirit, there’s a good reason Laurel was picked for the setting of HGTV's Home Town!
Bay Saint Louis
Tucked away on the Gulf of Mexico is a beachy getaway of Bay Saint Louis. It’s the perfect spot to recharge your batteries without the bustle of busy resort destinations. While the ocean views (and sunsets!) are spectacular, Bay Saint Louis has a thriving downtown and an even better arts scene. The architecture of downtown blends Southern antebellum appeal and coastal themes with touches of colorful modern flair. Stop in at one of the quirky cafes like Cuz's Old Town Oyster Bar and Grill for some of the best seafood on the Gulf! Be sure to stay for the Second Saturday Artwalk for great food, local crafts, and live music.
While there are many public beaches sprinkled through Bay Saint Louis, a popular attraction is the Bay Saint Louis Beach for its white sandy beaches and walking paths. If you want to spend time in nature along the coastline, take the short 12-minute drive south to Buccaneer State Park, which includes the family-friendly Buccaneer Bay! With so many things to see and discover, Bay Saint Louis is a great retreat!
Ocean Springs
Don’t let its sophisticated vibe fool you! Ocean Springs is a friendly seaside city with welcoming locals and a lot of soul. Also known as the City of Discovery, Ocean Springs has so much to see and do. Unlike other modern beachy resort destinations, the intricate Victorian-era buildings downtown add to its overall charm. Spend the day shopping, or partake in one of their lively community events like the Peter Anderson Arts and Crafts Festival, Elks Mardi Gras Parade, or the Blessing of the Fleet on the Great Lawn. And be sure to grab a bite to eat at the notorious The Shed BBQ and Blues Joint!
Visitors can soak up the sun on Front Beach, an uncrowded beach often used by residents. However, one of the best attractions for those visiting is the Davis Bayou Area. It provides opportunities for fishing, camping, and hiking along the ocean. Hike the Davis Bayou Trail, winding through sandy coastal forests and bayous. To learn more about the area, check out the William M. Colmer Visitor Center. If you long for the beach sans the crowds, Ocean Springs is a great choice!
Pascagoula
With a unique cultural heritage and amazing ocean views, Pascagoula is an often overlooked beach town situated on the Gulf of Mexico. With a sleepy-town vibe, you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the ocean without the crowds or traffic! Beach Park is the top public access in Pascagoula, loved by residents and visitors alike. And for a great photo of the sunset, take a stroll down Beach Park Pier! For more outdoor activities, the Pascagoula River Audubon Center allows visitors to travel along the Mississippi Sound and the Pascagoula River. It’s a great spot to go for a hike, bird watching, or kayaking.
When you walk down the streets of Pascagoula, its blended cultures of French, Spanish, and Native American histories are evident in its architecture. The tree-lined streets, brick sidewalks, and unassuming shops are inviting. Stop for a bite to eat at Bozo's Seafood Market, or grab a cup of coffee at The District Coffee Co. before hitting up the beach!
Fall In Love With Mississippi’s Darling Towns
Whether you’re looking for a getaway or a new place to call home, Mississippi has some amazing little towns looking for new friendly faces! Enjoy an open-air music fest in the spectacular Brandon Amphitheater, or eat your body weight in oysters at Cuz's Old Town Oyster Bar in Bay Saint Louis after spending the day on the beach! Whether you adore the quirky vibes in seaside retreats like Ocean Springs or leisurely walking through a farmer’s market in Mississippi’s Front Porch (aka Hernando), these cities are what Mississippi is all about. They’re so charming and welcoming; it’s no surprise they’re America’s favorites!
