Winter in Mississippi can be all over the place. If you’re searching for a beautiful little town where you can sit back and enjoy the scenery, look no further than Bay St. Louis, one of the most magical winter towns in Mississippi. This coastal town boasts a lot of history and incredible scenery, and with fewer than 10,000 residents, it’s just the perfect size to call home for a few days. Leave your winter coat and snow shovel behind, you won’t need them here!
Here are some of our favorite spots while visiting Bay St. Louis:
VisitMsGulfCoast/Trip Advisor
- Mockingbird Cafe
Bruno D./Google You’ll want to make sure you’re fully caffeinated before you begin your adventures, and when you need a good cup of coffee, the Mockingbird Cafe is the place to be. Loved by both locals and tourists, you can get freshly baked muffins and pastries to pair with your coffee before you see the sights. This cute little cafe also serves a full breakfast and lunch menu, which is good to keep in mind as you wander around!
- Bay St. Louis Historic L & N Train Depot
Josh Whitman/Google This train depot from 1928, now houses the Hancock County Tourism, the Alice Moseley Folk Art Museum, as well as the bay St. Louis Mardi Gras Museum, so you’ll have plenty to see here. In case the Mardi Gras portion has you scratching your head, remember that even though New Orleans gets all the glory for Mardi Gras, it was actually first celebrated in Mobile, Alabama in 1703. Many Gulf Coast towns jumped on the bandwagon in the following years, including Bay St. Louis.
- Betsy Ann Riverboat
Betsy Ann Riverboat/Facebook With all of this coastal scenery, you’re bound to want to get out on the water. The Betsy Ann Riverboat offers several different cruises ranging from hibachi dinner cruises to live music sunset tours. You might even get the chance to steer the boat!
- The Beach
Lorin G.Trip Advisor Even though it’s winter, sinking your toes in the sand is never a bad idea. While the water may be too cold to swim, spending time along the Washington Street Pier and Boat Launch is a fun activity the whole family will enjoy. Bring some snacks and enjoy them on the nearby beach!
- Bay St. Louis Bridge
Norman Loustalot/Google Perhaps the most iconic attraction in Bay St. Louis is the Bay St. Louis Bridge, which connects Bay St. Louis to Pass Christian. You can drive across it, but for the best views, take the pedestrian walkway that runs alongside the bridge. It’s about two miles long and comes with some stunning views of the Gulf.
- Enchanted Nature Trail
Elizabeth Fisher/Google Since you’ve crossed the bridge and entered Pass Christian, check out the Enchanted Nature Trail nearby. This whimsical loop trail clocks in at less than a mile and was designed with kids in mind. You’ll feel like you’re walking through a storybook!
- Henderson Point Park
Jeremy Knight/Google This tiny but mighty park along the Bay is the perfect spot for sunset views. There are plenty of picnic tables peppered around the park, and you’ll have a spectacular view of Bay St. Louis and the bridge.
- Cuz’s Old Town Oyster Bar
Michael Kamali/Google When it comes to restaurants in Bay St. Louis, you’ll find plenty to choose from. Cuz’s Old Town Oyster Bar serves up delicious seafood in a charmingly rustic setting, and it’s an easy win after a long day of exploring. This spot also has some sinfully delicious Bloody Marys…just something to keep in mind!
- Buoy’s Bar
Beachside at Buoys/Facebook If you just can’t get enough water views, then be sure to hit up Buoy’s Bar. This dive bar is famous for its burgers, but it’s also a great spot to grab some after-dinner drinks with a waterfront view. There’s often local, live music playing too, which is just the perfect soundtrack to end a day on the Bay.
Ready for more? Here are some of our favorite spots to explore this winter in Mississippi.
VisitMsGulfCoast/Trip Advisor
Bruno D./Google
You’ll want to make sure you’re fully caffeinated before you begin your adventures, and when you need a good cup of coffee, the Mockingbird Cafe is the place to be. Loved by both locals and tourists, you can get freshly baked muffins and pastries to pair with your coffee before you see the sights. This cute little cafe also serves a full breakfast and lunch menu, which is good to keep in mind as you wander around!
Josh Whitman/Google
This train depot from 1928, now houses the Hancock County Tourism, the Alice Moseley Folk Art Museum, as well as the bay St. Louis Mardi Gras Museum, so you’ll have plenty to see here. In case the Mardi Gras portion has you scratching your head, remember that even though New Orleans gets all the glory for Mardi Gras, it was actually first celebrated in Mobile, Alabama in 1703. Many Gulf Coast towns jumped on the bandwagon in the following years, including Bay St. Louis.
Betsy Ann Riverboat/Facebook
With all of this coastal scenery, you’re bound to want to get out on the water. The Betsy Ann Riverboat offers several different cruises ranging from hibachi dinner cruises to live music sunset tours. You might even get the chance to steer the boat!
Lorin G.Trip Advisor
Even though it’s winter, sinking your toes in the sand is never a bad idea. While the water may be too cold to swim, spending time along the Washington Street Pier and Boat Launch is a fun activity the whole family will enjoy. Bring some snacks and enjoy them on the nearby beach!
Norman Loustalot/Google
Perhaps the most iconic attraction in Bay St. Louis is the Bay St. Louis Bridge, which connects Bay St. Louis to Pass Christian. You can drive across it, but for the best views, take the pedestrian walkway that runs alongside the bridge. It’s about two miles long and comes with some stunning views of the Gulf.
Elizabeth Fisher/Google
Since you’ve crossed the bridge and entered Pass Christian, check out the Enchanted Nature Trail nearby. This whimsical loop trail clocks in at less than a mile and was designed with kids in mind. You’ll feel like you’re walking through a storybook!
Jeremy Knight/Google
This tiny but mighty park along the Bay is the perfect spot for sunset views. There are plenty of picnic tables peppered around the park, and you’ll have a spectacular view of Bay St. Louis and the bridge.
Michael Kamali/Google
When it comes to restaurants in Bay St. Louis, you’ll find plenty to choose from. Cuz’s Old Town Oyster Bar serves up delicious seafood in a charmingly rustic setting, and it’s an easy win after a long day of exploring. This spot also has some sinfully delicious Bloody Marys…just something to keep in mind!
Beachside at Buoys/Facebook
If you just can’t get enough water views, then be sure to hit up Buoy’s Bar. This dive bar is famous for its burgers, but it’s also a great spot to grab some after-dinner drinks with a waterfront view. There’s often local, live music playing too, which is just the perfect soundtrack to end a day on the Bay.
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Address: Bay St. Louis, Bay St Louis, MS, USA
