In our pre-parent life, we spent most of our time in new destinations bouncing from coffee shops to breweries, with random activities sprinkled in throughout the day. Well, our lives have drastically changed with the addition of our son— so our travel norms have had to adapt! We’re still seeking out the best coffee and breweries, but we’re also constantly on the hunt for visually engaging adventures that can stimulate him more than watching YouTube (ha!). During our recent visits to Coastal Mississippi (both in 2019 and 2020), we have found plenty of activities that are perfect for our growing family! While we’re certain there will be more on our next visit to The Secret Coast, these are currently our 5 favorites:
1. Mississippi Aquarium
The new (and BEAUTIFUL) Mississippi Aquarium is definitely a must for all families visiting Coastal Mississippi! With nearly one-million gallons of both fresh and salt-water, the aquarium has over 80,000 square feet of exhibits with landscaped walkways meandering throughout. You can learn about and see a variety of species covering the water (obviously), land, and air! Some of the highlights include the alligators, river otters, stingrays, and shorebirds!
Jude was obsessed with the stingrays and the stunning giant viewing area that makes you feel so small! We loved the 360-degree tunnel where you could feel like you were right in the water with all the sea life!
There really is SO much for the whole family at the Mississippi Aquarium. They have daily programming that could keep you there all day, or you can pick and choose your favorite spots and go at your own pace. If Jude was a little older (or if we left him at home), we’d love to go back for an “Otter Chat” or to watch the “Aviary Feed”. We can’t wait to go back!
Fun day at the aquarium!
Jude was obsessed with the sting rays…
Mesmerized!
In the 360-degree tunnel!
2. Museums and Murals
Your time in Coastal Mississippi will at some point have the elements of an art walk whether you like it or not. From the colorful murals you can find on your downtown walks, to the Walter Anderson or Ohr-O’Keefe Museums of Art, there is plenty of art to appreciate!
On an art walk in Biloxi!
Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art
Blown away by the detail at the Walter Anderson Museum.
Exploring Fish Bone Alley
Coffee gives us strength…
3. Shrimpin’ with The Biloxi Shrimping Trip
If you have kids that are a little older than Jude (maybe 4+), the Biloxi Shrimping Trip may be the highlight of their (and your!) visit. This 70-minute “Living Marine Adventure” cruises the calm waters of the Biloxi shoreline and will teach you everything you ever wondered about a real shrimping expedition. They’ll put the shrimping net out upon departure, and will catch a variety of marine life for everyone to see (with shrimp being the main haul). If you’re a Forest Gump fan, it’s pretty epic to experience “a real shrimpin’ boat” (as Bubba would say).
Identifying all that we caught with the captain!
Sally’s first shrimp! So focused…
4. NASA’s official visitor center for Stennis Space Center
Another highlight for families with kids that are in the 4+ range, is the INFINITY Science Center— it’s out of this world (hehe, I had to). With over 35,000 square feet of exhibit space, families can experience a variety of education exhibits, hands-on adventures, and, my favorite, the MASSIVE section of a Saturn V Rocket (one that took men to the moon!). There’s also a Hurricane Prediction Lab, 3D Immersive Theater and the Biome Boardwalk, so it’s easily a whole day adventure!
Blown away by the size of the Saturn V!
5. Sweet Treats…
While we’re confident the whole family will find joy in the aquarium, shrimpin’, and the science center, there’s a chance that some may eventually get bored with all the history chatter. What’s a better way to resolve that than some tasty sweet treats!
With plenty of options throughout the Coastal Mississippi area, here are our favorites:
Pop Brothers - A daily visit for us… and they have tasty treats for your pup too!
French Kiss Pastries - Morning pastries and coffee is always a no-brainer.
Purple Banana - A great spot in Bay St. Louis for some Fro Yo!
Juders getting some pastry!
Sally wants a Pop Brothers at home :)
Sally LOVED the pops!
Bonus - The Beach!
Being Southern California natives, we often overlook that many people don’t have access to the coastline! With that in mind, Coastal Mississippi boasts twenty-six miles of soft white sand (the longest man made beach in the nation)where you can find massive stretches all to yourself! Grab your sunscreen and towel and go enjoy a snooze on the sand! Or build sand castles with the kids!
Back when Sally was our only baby :)
For us west-coasters, Coastal Mississippi is an under-the-radar destination that we love visiting again and again. With new activities and good restaurants coming in constantly, it won’t be under-the radar much longer. This beautiful stretch of coast is perfect for the whole family, and we can’t wait to head back!
The Coastal Mississippi Promise: When you visit The Secret Coast, you will be met with warm welcomes and 62 miles of shoreline dotted by unique coastal communities. Here, you can expect excitement and relaxation in equal measure, with plenty of room to roam. You should also expect to see that our hospitality partners are implementing all necessary precautions to protect you, your loved ones, and our industry employees.