Biloxi punches well above its weight for a cruise port stop — white sand beaches, a smoky seafood culture, and a Civil War history that still feels alive in the streets. This is the Mississippi Gulf Coast at its most vivid. Come hungry, come curious, and leave your sea legs behind.
Arriving by Ship
Cruise ships calling at Biloxi typically dock at the Port of Gulfport, roughly 12 miles west of downtown Biloxi — so factor in a short shuttle or taxi ride before you hit the ground running. The port itself is straightforward with no tendering required, and transport into Biloxi or neighbouring Ocean Springs is easy to arrange dockside.
Ocean Springs, just across the Back Bay Bridge, is a walkable, artsy little town that rewards anyone willing to venture slightly off the beaten path. Between the two destinations, you have a full and genuinely satisfying day ahead.
Things to Do
Biloxi layers its personality generously — casinos glitter on the beachfront while shotgun houses and live oak trees anchor the historic streets just blocks away. Ocean Springs adds an indie arts scene that feels completely its own.
History & Culture
- Beauvoir, Jefferson Davis Home & Presidential Library — Tour the stunning antebellum estate of the Confederate president; admission is around $10 and the grounds alone are worth the trip.
- Biloxi Lighthouse — One of the most photographed landmarks on the Gulf Coast, this 1848 cast-iron lighthouse sits right on US-90 and is free to photograph from outside.
- Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art — See the wildly twisted pottery of “Mad Potter” George Ohr inside Frank Gehry-designed pavilions; entry is around $12.
- Murder Mystery Detective Experience — A fun, low-cost way to explore downtown Biloxi while solving a crime with your fellow passengers. 🎟 Book: Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Biloxi MS
Beaches & Outdoors
- Biloxi Beach — Stretch along 26 miles of Gulf coastline; the restored white sand is free, calm, and rarely crowded on weekday mornings.
- Gulf Islands National Seashore (Marsh overlooks) — Drive or cab out for dramatic coastal marshes and birdwatching; no entrance fee for roadside access points.
Families & Fun
- Biloxi Blitz Scavenger Hunt — A self-guided city scavenger hunt that keeps kids engaged while you actually see the highlights; bookable from $20 per person. 🎟 Book: Biloxi Blitz Scavenger Hunt
- Marine Education Center, Institute for Marine Mammal Studies — Touch tanks, rescued sea turtles, and shark jaw displays make this an easy win with children; admission is around $5.
- Hard Rock Cafe Biloxi — Classic American comfort food with rock memorabilia; a set dining experience runs from around $41 and is a reliable crowd-pleaser. 🎟 Book: Hard Rock Cafe Biloxi
What to Eat
Biloxi’s food scene runs on Gulf seafood — specifically the kind pulled from local waters and cooked with generations of southern know-how. Don’t leave without getting messy.
- Gulf oysters on the half shell — Fresh, briny, and incomparably local; try them at Half Shell Oyster House on Howard Avenue for around $15–$18 a dozen.
- Gumbo — A dark roux-based bowl loaded with shrimp, crab, and andouille; Mary Mahoney’s Old French House Restaurant serves a renowned version for around $12–$15.
- Shrimp po’boy — Crispy fried Gulf shrimp on French bread with remoulade; grab one at The Shed BBQ & Blues Joint or any local diner for $10–$14.
- Muddy Waters cocktail — A local twist on a frozen daiquiri; found at beachfront bars along the strip for around $8.
- Pralines — Pick up a box of pecan pralines from Biloxi Sweets as an edible souvenir; around $2–$3 each.
- Blue crab claws — Steamed and buttered, usually sold by the pound; look for daily specials at waterfront seafood shacks for $18–$22/lb.
Shopping
Ocean Springs is your destination for genuinely local shopping — its Washington Avenue arts district is lined with independent galleries, ceramic studios, and boutiques selling work by Gulf Coast artists. Look for hand-thrown pottery, coastal-themed paintings, and handmade jewellery.
Back in Biloxi, the casino retail strips offer the usual tourist fare — branded merchandise and chain stores — so save your dollars for Ocean Springs if you want something worth keeping. The Ocean Springs Saturday Market (running spring through fall, 9am–1pm) is a brilliant find if your timing works.
Practical Tips
- Currency — US dollars only; most places accept credit cards, but carry some cash for small vendors and markets.
- Getting around — Taxis and rideshares (Uber/Lyft) are your best bet between the port, Biloxi, and Ocean Springs; budget $15–$25 each way.
- Go ashore early — Hit the historic sites and beach before noon, then eat lunch at leisure; afternoon heat on the Gulf Coast can be intense in summer.
- Dress practically — Light, breathable clothing and comfortable walking shoes; sunscreen is non-negotiable in summer months.
- Tipping — Standard US tipping applies: 18–20% at restaurants, $1–$2 per drink at bars.
- Safety — Both Biloxi and Ocean Springs are visitor-friendly; stick to well-trafficked tourist areas and you’ll have zero concerns.
- Time needed — A full day (7–8 hours ashore) is ideal to cover both towns without rushing.
Pack your appetite, your walking shoes, and a little sense of adventure — Biloxi will reward every one of them.
🎟️ Things to Book in Advance
These highly-rated experiences fill up fast — book before you arrive to avoid missing out.
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📍 Getting to Biloxi MS, Ocean Springs, Mississippi
Use the interactive map below to explore the port area and plan your route from the terminal.
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