Biloxi

Biloxi is a city in Harrison County on Mississippi's Gulf Coast, best known for its beaches, casino resorts, and rich cultural history stretching back to the French colonial era. The name "Biloxi" derives from a local Native American tribe, and the area was first explored by French explorer Pierre LeMoyne d'Iberville in 1699. Since then, eight different flags have flown over the city — French, English, Spanish, the West Florida Republic, the Magnolia State of Mississippi, the Confederacy, the State of Mississippi, and the United States.

Biloxi's identity is shaped by its casino tourism industry, which attracts approximately 16 million visitors annually. Nine major casinos line the beachfront along US-90, offering gaming, dining, and entertainment. Beyond the casinos, the city offers cultural attractions including the Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art — designed by Frank Gehry — the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum, and Beauvoir, the post-war home of Confederate President Jefferson Davis. The Biloxi Lighthouse, standing in the middle of US-90, is an iconic city landmark.

The Gulf Coast climate is subtropical, with hot, humid summers (average highs 90°F/32°C) and mild winters (average highs 60°F/16°C). Hurricane season (June–November) is a factor, as Hurricane Katrina devastatingly reshaped the city in 2005. Much of the rebuilt infrastructure stands ten feet above ground to guard against flooding. The best time to visit is spring (March–May) or fall (September–November) for comfortable temperatures.

By Plane

Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT) is the closest major airport, serving American Eagle, Delta, United, and Vision Airlines with connections to major hubs. Mobile Regional Airport (MOB), about 45 minutes away in Alabama, is another option. Both airports have car rental services.

By Train

Biloxi is served by Amtrak via the twice-daily Mardi Gras Service between New Orleans and Mobile. The Biloxi railway station is at 860 Esters Boulevard.

By Car / Road

Access to Biloxi is primarily via Interstate 10, located between New Orleans (about 90 miles east, 1.5 hours) and Mobile (about 60 miles west, 1 hour). US-90 runs along the beachfront. The drive from Jackson is approximately 3 hours via US-49 and I-110.

A personal vehicle provides the best transportation options. Main roads include I-10 across the north, US-90 along the beach, and I-110 connecting them. The Coast Transit Authority (CTA) operates several bus routes through Gulfport, Biloxi, Long Beach, and D'Iberville. The CTA Casino Hopper circles the Biloxi casinos and is free. Taxis and ride-hailing services are available. Many casinos provide free shuttle services between properties.

• Beauvoir (Jefferson Davis Presidential Library and Museum) (2244 Beach Blvd, +1 228-388-4400): 9AM–5PM daily. The post-war home of the only president of the Confederate States of America. Docent-led tours on the hour. $12.50.

• Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art (386 Beach Blvd, +1 228-374-5547): Tu-Sa 10AM–5PM. Features George Ohr's pottery — the "Mad Potter" of Biloxi. The five-building complex was designed by Frank Gehry. Adult $10, senior $8, student $5, child under 6 free.

• Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum (115 1st St, +1 228-435-6320): Chronicles Biloxi's storied seafood industry.

• Biloxi Lighthouse (Middle of US-90 at Porter Ave, +1 228-374-3105): Iconic lighthouse, one of the few in America standing in the middle of a highway. Adult $5, child 12 and under $2.

• Coastal Mississippi Mardi Gras Museum (792A Howard Ave, +1 228-314-4747): Tu-Sa 10AM–4PM. Celebrates the region's Mardi Gras traditions.

• Casinos: Biloxi has nine major casinos. Notable ones include Beau Rivage Resort & Casino (875 Beach Blvd, +1 228-386-7111) — 85,000 sq ft with 93 table games and 2,100 slot machines; Hard Rock Casino Biloxi (777 Beach Blvd, +1 228-374-7625) — rock-and-roll themed with celebrity memorabilia; and Golden Nugget (151 Beach Blvd, +1 228-435-5400). The CTA Casino Hopper provides free transportation between all casinos.

• Beaches: The 25-mile stretch of white sand beach along US-90 offers swimming, sunbathing, and fishing.

• Water Activities: Kayaking, paddleboarding, and deep-sea fishing charters depart from local marinas.

• Budget: Best Western Premier University Inn and other motels along I-10 corridor, approximately $70–100/night.
• Mid-range: Harrah's Gulf Coast (280 Beach Blvd, +1-800-946-2946) and IP Casino Resort Spa (850 Bayview Ave, +1 228-436-3000) offer comfortable rooms with Gulf views, approximately $100–200/night.
• Upscale: Beau Rivage Resort & Casino (875 Beach Blvd, +1 228-386-7111): The city's premier luxury resort with fine dining, spa, and live entertainment. Rooms from $150–300/night.

• Gulfport (10 minutes west on US-90): Mississippi Aquarium and Ship Island ferry departures.
• Ocean Springs (15 minutes east on US-90): Artistic community with galleries and Walter Anderson Museum.
• New Orleans, Louisiana (90 minutes east on I-10): World-class dining, music, and French Quarter culture.
• Mobile, Alabama (1 hour west on I-10): Historic downtown, Mardi Gras museum, and the Battleship Alabama.
• Baton Rouge, Louisiana (2.5 hours west): Louisiana State University campus and Capitol area.