Bay Saint Louis

Bay St. Louis is a quiet resort town in Hancock County on Mississippi's Gulf Coast. Although it is home to the area's only casino, it maintains a slower pace than its neighbors Biloxi and Gulfport, making it an appealing choice for visitors who want Gulf Coast beaches without the crowds. The town sits on the shores of St. Louis Bay and has a charming downtown with independent shops, art galleries, and historic architecture.

The town's historic 100 Men Hall — a jazz and blues venue that hosted legendary performers during the era of segregation — speaks to Bay St. Louis's deep roots in African American cultural history. The town's historic L&N Train Depot, now home to the Alice Moseley Folk Art & Antique Museum, adds another layer of local heritage. The community has a strong arts identity, with many painters, musicians, and craftspeople calling it home.

The Gulf Coast climate is subtropical: hot, humid summers (June–August) with afternoon thunderstorms; mild winters with occasional cool snaps. Spring and fall are the most pleasant seasons, with daytime temperatures in the 70s–80s°F and lower humidity. Hurricane season (June–November) requires awareness and preparedness. The town is easily accessible from New Orleans (about 1 hour east on I-10) and Gulfport (about 30 minutes west).

By Plane

The closest major airport is Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT), approximately 30 minutes east. New Orleans' Louis Armstrong International Airport (MSY) is roughly 1 hour west. Rental cars are available at both airports.

By Car / Road

Bay St. Louis is located on US-90 along the Gulf Coast. From New Orleans, take I-10 East for approximately 70 miles, then exit onto US-90 toward Bay St. Louis — the drive takes about 1 hour. From Gulfport or Biloxi, drive west on US-90 for approximately 30 miles (30–40 minutes).

Downtown Bay St. Louis is compact and walkable, with most attractions, restaurants, and shops within a few blocks. A car is needed to reach the casinos and beaches outside the downtown core. Ride-hailing services (Uber, Lyft) are available but limited compared to larger cities.

• 100 Men Hall (303 Union St, +1 415-336-9543): Historic African American jazz and blues venue. A key site on the Mississippi Blues Trail.

• Bay St. Louis Historic L&N Train Depot (1928 Depot Way, +1 228-467-9223): Home to the Alice Moseley Folk Art & Antique Museum, featuring paintings, Mardi Gras costumes, and blues dioramas. Free admission.

• St Rose de Lima Church (301 S Necaise Ave): Church with a lively gospel choir.

• Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast (711 Hollywood Blvd, +1 228-469-1000): Full-service casino with gaming, dining, and entertainment.

• Silver Slipper Casino Hotel (5000 S Beach Blvd, +1 228-469-2777): Casino on the Gulf with rooms, dining, and a pool. Age 21+ required.

• Beach Activities: The beaches along US-90 offer swimming, fishing, and sunbathing. The bay is popular for kayaking and paddleboarding.

• Budget: Super 8 Bay St. Louis (1000 US-90, +1 228-466-0444): Basic roadside motel with affordable rates.
• Mid-range: Silver Slipper Casino Hotel (5000 S Beach Blvd, +1 228-469-2777): Casino resort with comfortable rooms, pool, and dining options.
• Upscale: Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast (711 Hollywood Blvd, +1 228-469-1000): Resort-style rooms with Gulf views and full amenities.

• New Orleans, Louisiana (1 hour west on I-10): World-class dining, music, and cultural attractions.
• Biloxi (30 minutes east on US-90): Casino resorts, the Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art, and Gulf beaches.
• Gulf Islands National Seashore (15 minutes east): Pristine barrier island beaches and Davis Bayou nature area.
• Gulfport (30 minutes east on US-90): Mississippi Aquarium and beach activities.