Hattiesburg

Hattiesburg is a city in Forrest County in Mississippi's Gulf Coast region, best known as home to the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) with its approximately 16,000 students. The city sits at the midpoint of Interstate 59, connecting New Orleans and Meridian, and serves as a crossroads between the coast and the state's interior. Nicknamed "The Hub City" for its role as a transportation center, Hattiesburg has a vibrant downtown with historic architecture, local restaurants, and a growing arts scene.

The city's cultural landscape is shaped by two universities: USM, which offers doctoral programs and extensive research, and William Carey University, with approximately 4,000 undergraduates. The Longleaf Trace — a 39-mile multi-use trail on a converted railroad bed stretching from Hattiesburg to Prentiss — is a signature outdoor attraction for walkers, joggers, cyclists, and equestrians. The Hattiesburg Pocket Museum, purported to be the world's smallest museum, adds a quirky touch to the downtown area.

Hattiesburg's climate features hot, humid summers (highs in the 90s°F/32°C) and mild winters (highs in the 50s–60s°F/10–15°C). The city receives significant rainfall year-round. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable conditions for visiting.

By Plane

Laurel-Hattiesburg Regional Airport (PIB) is served by United Airlines with connections to Houston, TX and Meridian, MS. The closest full-service airports are Gulfport (GPT, ~1 hour 20 minutes on US-49), Jackson (JAN, ~1.5 hours on US-49), Mobile (MOB, ~2 hours on US-98), and New Orleans (MSY, ~1 hour 45 minutes on I-59).

By Train

Amtrak serves Hattiesburg daily with the Crescent train between New York City and New Orleans. The Hattiesburg railway station is at 308 Newman St, just southwest of downtown.

By Car / Road

Hattiesburg is at the midpoint of Interstate 59 connecting New Orleans and Meridian. US Route 49 runs north to Jackson and south to Gulfport. US Route 98 connects to Mobile, Alabama.

Public transportation is largely undeveloped. Hub City Transit provides four fixed bus routes in the downtown area around the Amtrak station, running hourly 6AM–6:30PM. The fare is 50 cents for adults, 25 cents for seniors and children. Route 1 connects the Amtrak station with hotels near I-59 and Hardy St, passing the University of Southern Mississippi. A car is the most practical way to get around.

• Historic Downtown Hattiesburg: Classic architecture, small cafes, and shops along Front Street. The depot coffee shop offers great coffee across from the Historic Train Depot.

• African American Military History Museum (305 E 6th St, +1 601-450-1942): Chronicling African American military service.

• Mississippi Armed Forces Museum (Building 850, Forrest Ave, Camp Shelby, +1 601-558-2757): Tu-Sa 9AM–4PM. Tanks, helicopters, and military artifacts. Free admission.

• Hattiesburg Pocket Museum (119 W Front St, alley behind Saenger Theater): Purportedly the world's smallest museum with rotating exhibits.

• de Grummond Children's Literature Collection: M-F 8AM–5PM at USM campus. Children's books and original art from over 1,000 authors and artists. Free.

• Longleaf Trace: 39 miles of trail from Hattiesburg to Prentiss on a converted railroad bed, used by walkers, joggers, cyclists, and equestrians.

• Hattiesburg Zoo (107 S 17th Ave, +1 601-545-4576): Tu-Su 10AM–4PM. Small zoo with llamas, monkeys, tigers, and prairie dogs. Miniature railroad circles the zoo.

• Okatoma Canoe & Kayak (550 Walter Lott Rd, Seminary, MS, ~8 miles north of I-59/Hwy 49 intersection): 8AM–6PM seasonally. Kayak or canoe Mississippi's only real white water rapids — half-day, full-day, or overnight trips. Canoe $40, single kayak $30, double kayak $50 per day. Group discounts for 6+ boats.

• Paul B Johnson State Park (319 Geiger Lake Rd, +1 601-582-7721): Daily 8AM–5PM. Lake for boating and swimming, campground among pines. $2/person.

• Saenger Theater (201 Forrest St, +1 601-584-4888): Historic venue for performing arts.

• Golf: Hattiesburg is home to some of the South's finest public golf courses.

• Crescent City Grill (3810 Hardy St, +1 601-264-0656): Su-Th 11AM–10PM, F Sa 11AM–11PM. Moderate prices. New Orleans-inspired dishes, award-winning wine list. Executive chef Robert St. John has published cookbooks.
• Jutamas Thai Restaurant (910 Timothy Ln, +1 601-584-8583): M-F lunch/dinner, Sa dinner, closed Sunday. Excellent curries and soups. Try the Khai Jeaw, Phad Thai, and Tom Yum Goong. Moderate prices.
• McAlister's Deli (2300 Hardy Street): Large sandwiches, stuffed potatoes, salads, and best iced tea around.
• Mugshot's Grill and Bar (204 N 40th Ave, +1 601-271-2299): Voted best burger in Mississippi.
• Donanelle's (4321 49 South): Steaks, ribs, and yellow-fin tuna.

• Keg & Barrel (1315 Hardy St, +1 601-582-7148): Small pub with laid-back atmosphere, pub food, and broad beer selection. Indoor and outdoor seating.
• Mahogany Bar (3801 Hardy St, +1 601-264-0672): Attached to Crescent City Grill, a local favorite for students. Patio seating available.
• Fat Cat (309 Mcleod St, +1 601-602-2698): LGBTQ+ friendly bar.

• Budget: Best Western Premier University Inn (132 Plaza Dr, +1 601-909-6658): Comfortable rooms near USM campus.
• Mid-range: Fairfield Inn Hattiesburg (173 Thornhill Drive, +1 601-296-7777): Clean, reliable Marriott property.
• Upscale: Hilton Garden Inn Hattiesburg and other branded hotels along I-59 offer full-service accommodations.

• Gulfport (1 hour south on US-49): Beaches, Mississippi Aquarium, and Ship Island ferry.
• Biloxi (1.5 hours southeast on US-49 and I-10): Casino resorts and Gulf beaches.
• Jackson (1.5 hours north on US-49): State capital with museums and civil rights landmarks.
• Mobile, Alabama (2 hours east on US-98): Battleship Alabama and Mardi Gras history.
• New Orleans, Louisiana (1 hour 45 minutes southwest on I-59): French Quarter, music, and cuisine.