7 Most Scenic Road Trips to take in Mississippi
There’s nothing like a road trip to discover the hidden soul of a place, and Mississippi has plenty of scenic routes packed with surprises around every bend. As you travel, you'll discover that every mile tells a story, from the echoes of blues legends to the whispers of ancient forests to nostalgic downtowns filled with endless treasures. So, pack your bags, set your playlist, and let the journey guide you to unexpected wonders throughout the Magnolia State.
Natchez Trace Parkway
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile scenic journey through Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee, meticulously maintained by the National Park Service. This historic route was once a vital trail used by Indians and early settlers, but today, it invites travelers to enjoy the beauty of the South with lush pine forests, rolling hills, and an abundance of historical landmarks lining the way. The Mississippi portion stretches from Natchez, heading northeast through Jackson and eventually reaching Tupelo. Along the journey, you can marvel at the grand antebellum homes of Natchez, like the iconic Longwood Mansion, or explore the numerous hiking trails that wind through ancient woodlands. As you reach Jackson, if you need a spot for lunch, Mama Hamill's is a popular local eatery near the Trace that has been serving a homestyle buffet for nearly fifty years. When you arrive in Tupelo, step into music history by visiting the birthplace and childhood home of Elvis Presley, where you can walk the same grounds that shaped the early days of the King of Rock 'n' Roll.
Highway 61 (The Blues Highway)
Music lovers will find their rhythm on Highway 61, stretching from New Orleans to Minnesota, but earning its iconic nickname, the Blues Highway, in Mississippi. This legendary route winds through the heart of the Mississippi Delta, the birthplace of blues music, where every town echoes with musical history. In Clarksdale, visit the Delta Blues Museum to explore the legacy of icons like Muddy Waters and Sam Cooke, early pioneers who shaped the sound of American blues music. After soaking up history, catch a live show at Red's Lounge, an authentic juke joint where the music flows as freely as the conversation. As you journey southward, the road meanders through Cleveland, home to the GRAMMY Museum and past Indianola, where the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretative Center honors the King of the Blues. Cap off your trip in Vicksburg with a reflective visit to the Vicksburg National Military Park and National Cemetery, offering a poignant reminder of our nation's past — making this drive as rich in history as it is in soul.
US Highway 90
Highway 90 hugs the Mississippi coastline, offering endless views of sandy beaches, sparkling Gulf waters, and historic sites along the way. As you travel from Waveland to Moss Point, you’ll find plenty of places to stretch your legs and soak up the sun on the beach. History enthusiasts will appreciate a stop at Beauvoir, the final home of Confederate President Jefferson Davis, with its beautifully preserved antebellum architecture and lush gardens. For a fun family detour, the Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport provides an up-close look at marine life native to the region.
When hunger strikes, Biloxi is a seafood lover’s paradise. Mary Mahoney’s Old French House, located in one of the nation’s oldest homes, serves mouthwatering broiled seafood platters and indulgent bread pudding. As you continue eastward, the highway winds past bustling casinos, perfect for those feeling lucky, and charming historic downtowns filled with antique shops and boutiques. With every mile, Highway 90 offers a blend of relaxation, exploration, and a taste of Mississippi’s coastal charm.
Brice's Crossroads Battlefield-Chief Tishomingo Scenic Byway
This scenic byway weaves through northeastern Mississippi, blending historical significance with natural beauty. Start at Brice's Crossroads National Battlefield, where you can walk the hallowed ground of a pivotal Civil War battle and explore interpretive trails that bring history to life. Brice's Crossroads Visitors and Interpretive Center displays archaeological artifacts from the battlefield. Nearby, Tishomingo State Park offers excellent camping, hiking trails, unique rock formations, and a chance to cross an old-fashioned swinging bridge. Inside the park is a beautiful 45-acre lake, perfect for an afternoon of fishing or canoeing. Even though it is a short scenic drive of only 12.4 miles, this route is a peaceful stretch of road where history and nature intertwine.
Lower Mississippi Historic Byway
This scenic corridor follows the Mississippi River, starting in Warren County and heading south on Hwy 61 toward the Louisiana border. In Port Gibson, known as “the town too beautiful to burn,” you’ll find historic churches and the iconic Windsor Ruins, haunting remains of a once-majestic plantation home. The route travels through Natchez, where you can view many antebellum homes (the city has over 1,000 historic sites). Try the Under-The-Hill Saloon in Natchez if you need a place to enjoy a beer and burger. This 200-year-old establishment will make you feel like you've stepped back in time. Further south, the route passes the St. Catherine Wildlife Refuge, a winter nesting ground for all kinds of waterfowl. The easy three-mile nature walk is a pleasant diversion to stretch your legs and offers terrific views of migratory birds.
Beach Boulevard Scenic Byway
Once known as Old Highway 1, Beach Boulevard feels like a step back in time along Mississippi’s coast. This 13-mile stretch winds from Cedar Point in Bay St. Louis through Waveland, ending in the fishing village of Bayou Cadet. As you cruise the route, you’ll pass through Old Town Bay St. Louis, a quaint historic district filled with charming boutiques, antique store,s and restaurants. The Alice Moseley Folk Art Museum is in the L&N Railroad Depot and has fascinating examples of the artist's work. Buccaneer State Park in Waveland has ample camping and easy beach access, and the kids will love a 4.5-acre water park called Buccaneer Bay. After suffering direct hits from Hurricanes Camille and Katrina, Waveland has done a remarkable rebuilding job, demonstrating its resilience and community spirit.
William Faulkner Scenic Byway
If you’re a literature lover or simply looking for a peaceful, forest-lined escape, the William Faulkner Scenic Byway travels through the Holly Springs National Forest, which is a drive worth taking. Starting in Oxford, you can wander through Rowan Oak, the beloved home of William Faulkner, where towering oak trees and immaculate grounds offer a perfect peaceful retreat. As you venture into the Holly Springs National Forest on Ms. Hwy 30, the quiet beauty of the landscape invites you to slow down — pause for a brief hike on the Tanglefoot Trail or cast a line at Puskus Lake. If you feel especially connected to Faulkner’s world, visit New Albany to tour his birthplace. It’s a thoughtful journey through nature and literary history, where every mile feels like turning a page in one of Faulkner’s novels.
Embracing Mississippi's Scenic Journeys
Each road trip offers a unique slice of Mississippi life, blending history, culture, and natural beauty in ways that make every mile memorable. Whether chasing sunsets along the Gulf Coast, tracing the roots of American music through the Delta, or stepping back in time at historic battlefields, every road leads to a new discovery. Mississippi’s landscapes are as diverse as its stories, and the people you meet along the way are sure to leave a lasting impression. So take your time, embrace the moments, and let the spirit of exploration guide you.
