Clarksdale, located on the banks of the Sunflower River, has long been popular with tourists due to its location at the heart of the Delta blues scene. Many African-American musicians developed the blues here in the early twentieth century before migrating north and performing in cities such as Chicago and New York.

This enthralling past is now explored in depth at the delightful Delta Blues Museum, and markers and monuments commemorating the mesmerizing music and its most famous musicians can be found throughout town. Visitors to Clarksdale should stop by the Delta Blues Museum to learn more about this colorful history, and if they're lucky, they might even be able to stay for the Sunflower River Blues Festival. But no matter the time of year, there's sure to be some great live music in Clarksdale's blues bars, such as the Ground Zero Blues Club. Big-name blues acts perform regularly in the scattered bars and clubs, and a few cultural events and festivals are held throughout the year.

As it lies just a couple of hours’ drive from most of the main blues sights, Clarksdale also makes for a great base if you want to explore the Mississippi Blues Trail. On top of this, both the lively college town of Oxford and the major city of Memphis aren’t far away if you want to explore the rest of what the region has to offer up.

Location: Mississippi

Facebook Rating: 4.5/5

Official Website: https://www.cityofclarksdale.org/

Although tourists often overlook it, Mississippi’s capital and largest city, Jackson certainly has enough going for it to warrant a visit. Set on the banks of the Pearl River, it boasts a brilliant live music scene and a handful of excellent museums and historic buildings. It is part of the Mississippi Freedom Trail, which memorializes locations and people that impacted the Civil Rights Movement, and there are markers throughout the city.

The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and the Museum of Mississippi History are its two main tourist attractions. While the former provides an interesting look at the state's history and culture, the latter focuses on Mississippi's fight for racial equality. Aside from the magnificent museums, there is also the artsy Fondren District to explore, with its boutiques and coffee shops.

As ‘The City with Soul’ is Jackson’s slogan, it should come as no surprise to learn that there’s a load of great live music to discover in its numerous bars and venues. Weekends are a particularly good time to visit: this is when blues, folk, and jazz can be heard on every street corner. The city also boasts over 300 restaurants where visitors can relax and enjoy some delicious Southern comfort food.

Location: Mississippi

Facebook Rating: 4.0/5

Official Website: https://www.jacksonms.gov/

Biloxi, which is located along the state's scenic and sun-kissed shoreline, is a popular tourist destination due to its beautiful beaches and oceanfront casinos. While it may appear brash and blingy at first glance, the city has many sides to it, including a delightful historic center for visitors to explore.

Most visitors, however, come for its abundance of glitzy casinos, which overlook the glittering Gulf of Mexico and house countless slot machines and table games. Many of them have cowboy, tropical, or live music themes, with plenty of restaurants and entertainment also on offer.

Visitors can relax on the golden sands or enjoy sailing and watersports along the seafront in addition to gambling, gaming, and reveling in the city's vibrant nightlife. Furthermore, if you want to combine your trip to Biloxi with a visit to 'The Big Easy,' New Orleans is only an hour away.

This Gulf Coast city also has many other fun and interesting attractions, such as the Biloxi Lighthouse, the Beauvoir Estate, and the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum. Biloxi has been dubbed the "Seafood Capital of the World," so visitors would be remiss if they didn't sample some of the fresh shrimp, oysters, and other incredible seafood available at any of the area's fantastic restaurants and eateries.

Location: Mississippi

Facebook Rating: 4.1/5

Official Website: https://biloxi.ms.us/

Natchez, located in the southwest corner of the state, is perched atop a prominent bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. The small city on the border with Louisiana has a beautiful historic center full of amazing old antebellum homes that evoke images of the Old South.

Before the Civil War, the small settlement was an important trade center. As a result, wealth and riches poured into its beautiful streets. Nowadays, its charming center is a delight to visit, with horse-drawn carriage rides one of the most memorable ways to take in its grand collection of elegant homes and historical landmarks.

It was named after the Natchez Native American tribe and is well known for the gorgeous and well-preserved antebellum architecture, such as the Longwood estate, with its ornate domed top, and the Dunleith mansion, with tall white pillars on the veranda that will make visitors feel like they are in a scene from Gone with the Wind. Visitors can also visit the Grand Village of Natchez to learn about how local Native Americans lived in the 17th and 18th centuries.

While history and heritage are on show wherever you go, Natchez is very much a living city with a fun party atmosphere on the weekends. Besides stopping by its numerous bars and live music venues, the final stop of the Natchez Trace Parkway also has lovely nature and scenery for visitors to enjoy nearby.

Location: Mississippi

Facebook Rating: 4.4/5

Official Website: https://www.natchez.ms.us/

Tupelo, situated in the northeast of the state, is best known for being the birthplace of one of the world's most famous pop icons, Elvis Presley. For the most part of the year, the city is warm and sunny, making it ideal for outdoor activities. There's always something to see and do in its many museums, shops, and historical sites, whatever the season. While most of the town's main attractions are related to "the King," it's also a perfectly pleasant and peaceful place to visit, especially if you're traveling along the Natchez Trace Parkway.

In the center of the city, visitors will find a thriving scene to delve into, as well as some magnificent murals that have added some much-needed color and life to the downtown area. Besides the Birthplace of Elvis Presley, there is also the Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo to check out, while a fun and festive flea market takes place the second weekend of every month.

Just outside the city are a couple of American Civil War battlefields well worth visiting, as well as the Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center, which can point you towards all of the route’s most scenic tourist attractions. The city is also a perfect fit for music-themed itineraries, exploration of Native American history, and so much more.

The culinary scene is as much a part of the experience as visiting the city’s many unique attractions. From lip-smacking barbeque and crispy fried chicken to farm-fresh creations and traditional southern meat-and-three., Tupelo’s restaurants can satisfy even the pickiest of palates.

Location: Mississippi

Facebook Rating: 4.1/5

Official Website: https://www.tupeloms.gov/

The Gulf Islands National Seashore, one of the best places to visit in Mississippi, is a series of beautiful barrier islands located just to the south of both Mississippi and Florida. An eye-catching shoreline along the northern Gulf of Mexico, the Gulf Islands National Seashore stretches 150 miles from Cat Island in Mississippi to Santa Rosa Island in Florida. With remarkable shorelines, sparkling blue waters and unspoiled barrier islands, this unique landscape narrates an untold history of America

The islands are delightfully undeveloped and unspoiled due to their serene and secluded settings, with stunning sands nestled next to wild wetlands and intriguing forests. While the landscapes on the islands of Horn, Sand, Petit Bois, and East Ship are the most beautiful, they are also the most difficult to reach: guests must charter a boat to them before camping overnight among the dunes.

There are numerous excellent outdoor activities to enjoy due to the park's pristine and protected nature, with hiking, cycling, and swimming being particularly popular. Aside from that, visitors can go snorkeling in the glistening Gulf of Mexico or take photos of the various bird species that live on the barrier islands. Visitors can take a boat to one of the barrier islands, which are home to historic forts and structures.

Camp on the Davis Bayou Campground or indulge in myriad outdoor activities, the beautiful winding trails of the islands are home to abundant wildlife. Filled with thrilling recreational activities, the white sandy beaches, and calm waters of the island offer a soothing getaway for the family.

Location: Mississippi

Facebook Rating: 4.3/5

Official Website: https://www.nps.gov/guis/

The picturesque and pleasant city of Oxford is nestled among the dense forests of Mississippi's North Central Hills region. Life in the town is dominated by the University of Mississippi and its large, lively student body, which is named after the prestigious seat of learning in the United Kingdom.

While the state's most well-known college town has a wild side, it is also known for its scenic and sophisticated central square, as well as its sweet Southern charm. In addition to beautiful oak-shaded neighborhoods, the city has some amazing old architecture and historical sites, with many treasures found on its sprawling university campus.

Oxford also hosts a staggering array of concerts, conferences, and cultural events, with new shows and performances taking place all the time due to its large student population. Furthermore, The Square is home to a plethora of fantastic restaurants and bars where you can sample the town's famous nightlife.

History lovers will enjoy walking through the Confederate cemetery, hikers will enjoy the trails in Bailey's Wood, and all visitors owe it to themselves to take a tour of the massive and historic campus of Ole Miss. Other attractions include a farmers market, live music at the Lyric Theater, and more of that delicious Southern cooking.

Location: Mississippi

Facebook Rating: 4.0/5

Official Website: https://www.oxfordms.net/

Long one of the most impoverished places in the whole of the US, the town of Tunica is nestled in the northwest of the state, just an hour’s drive to the south of Memphis, Tennessee. However, following the introduction of gambling in the 1990s, its fortunes dramatically changed. People now flock to what is the third-largest gaming market after Las Vegas and Atlantic City.

The popular resort town now boasts a wealth of grand and glamorous casinos, home to a myriad of slot machines, table games, and poker rooms. Each has an extensive array of rooms and suites for visitors to stay in, with everything from swimming pools and spas to gourmet restaurants and golf courses on offer.

While most if not all people who visit Tunica come for its glitzy casinos and Las Vegas-style shows, the nearby Tunica RiverPark is home to some superb scenery, nature, and hiking trails. Perfect for family outings or a romantic sunset walk, the Tunica RiverPark offers visitors an up-close view of the awe-inspiring beauty of the Mississippi River. The grounds are rich with native wildlife and flora, and the stunning architectural features of the RiverPark Overlook provide breathtaking views of the great river.

The Mississippi River Museum at the Riverpark is a journey through time via authentic artifacts and exhibits along with an extensive, interactive showcase of history, nature and culture. In addition to the Riverpark and museum, visitors can explore the region from the river’s point of view aboard the Tunica Queen. Just imagine enjoying the sunset on the Mississippi River from the deck of a riverboat modeled after the iconic vessels of old! Sightseeing cruises and dinner cruises are available from March through December.

Location: Mississippi

Facebook Rating: 4.5/5

Official website: https://www.townoftunica.com/

Perched atop a prominent bluff overlooking the Mississippi River, the small city of Vicksburg is set in a scenic spot. Located in the west of the state on the border with Louisiana, it is famed around the country for being the site of a long siege and battle that swung the American Civil War in favor of the North.

General Ulysses S. Grant’s infamous victory is still commemorated in its artworks, museums and traditions. Today, this event is remembered at the Vicksburg National Military Park, which includes monuments, a retired Civil War era gunship, a Confederate cemetery, and a visitors center where guests can watch a documentary on the siege. There are a lot of other historic buildings and monuments in Vicksburg in addition to museums like the Lower Mississippi River Museum, the Old Court House, and the Biedenharn Coca Cola Museum.

After a long day exploring museums and driving through the national military park it would be understandable if you were starving, and Vicksburg has you covered. There are more than a dozen great local restaurants in the downtown area.

Visitors to Vicksburg can also take a romantic carriage ride around its historical center or a delightful boat ride down the river, while some quality hiking can be had in the surrounding forests and hills. From upscale shopping, dining and spas to some of the most fascinating historic sites, architecture and antebellum mansions in the nation, Vicksburg offers an authentic Southern experience you don’t want to miss.

Location: Mississippi

Facebook Rating: 4.4./5

Official Website: https://www.vicksburg.org/

Incorporated in 1898, Gulfport quickly took advantage of its geographical location to become one of the most critical seaports in the region. Soon, Gulfport blossomed as a resort destination, and has continued to grow as such ever since. Today, Gulfport is Mississippi's second largest city.

Grand historic homes, dynamic sunsets and ancient live oak trees quickly remind visitors why Gulfport is such a popular resort destination. Gulfport has sandy beaches, first-rate spas, beautiful fairways, relaxing ferry rides, and a lovely downtown for those who want to relax and simply enjoy the stunning surroundings that this coastal city has to offer. Gulfport has a number of casinos and resorts for those who feel lucky, making for an exciting weekend and diverse nightlife options.

The Spring Pilgrimage of homes, gardens, and historic sites provides visitors with a glimpse into Southern culture. Every year in March or April, the Spring Pilgrimage highlights not only Gulfport sites, but also significant sites along the entire Mississippi Gulf Coast. The annual "World's Largest Fishing Rodeo" takes place in early July. This massive fishing tournament attracts a large crowd.

Gulfport is located in Mississippi's most southern region, along the coast, at the intersection of Highways 90 and 49. The city is about 150 miles south of Jackson and 70 miles south of Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

Location: Mississippi

Facebook Rating: 4.7/5

Official Website: https://www.gulfport-ms.gov/