Fly and Drive: Backroads and Beaches of South Mississippi

If you’re seeking adventure in the South, look no further than South Mississippi. Here, you’ll find natural beauty, historic landmarks, picturesque main streets and delectable surf and turf. Spend a few days cruising along the coastline before exploring the inland cities of Hattiesburg and Laurel on this road trip.

Cruise Along Coastal Mississippi

After your flight lands in Gulfport, climb behind the wheel of your rental and hit the streets of Coastal Mississippi, home to 12 cities along 62 miles of coastline. Set up your home base at one of the independent properties such as the White House Hotel in Biloxi or The Bay Town Inn in Bay St. Louis. Then, get ready for fun.

Start with swimming in the surf along the beaches of Gulfport or Biloxi. Enjoy some birdwatching at the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge in Gautier or hike the Gulf Islands National Seashore at Davis Bayou in Ocean Springs. If you prefer to paddle, you can take to the water in Long Beach at the Wolf River.

To dig into the history of the coast, stop by the Biloxi Lighthouse to learn more about the city’s history and heritage. For a lesson in the resilience and beauty of the human spirit in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, visit the Waveland Ground Zero Museum.

When you’re ready to eat, Coastal Mississippi satisfies every appetite. At The Chimneys in Gulfport, try the crab claws before moving on to the sauteed shrimp or trout. When you want a steak, there’s no better spot than Mary Mahoney’s Old French House in Biloxi; choice cuts include filet mignon, prime Angus ribeye and Wagyu sirloin. If you like alfresco dining, Shaggy’s Pass Harbor in Pass Christian is not to be missed, where the selection ranges from fish tacos to stacked burgers.

Walk Through Downtown Hattiesburg

Head north on U.S. Highway 49 for a little more than an hour to Hattiesburg. Known as the Hub City, Hattiesburg welcomes you to enjoy its art, history, food and more, all within the downtown area. As you explore the area, keep your eyes open for some of the many murals that grace the building walls. For a whimsical excursion, head to the Hattiesburg Pocket Museum, which occupies an alley connecting Main and Forrest streets. Here you can grab a piece of art from the Pocket Gallery, view the mini installations or bust a move at the dance spot.

There’s plenty of shopping and dining around every corner, too. Grab vintage candy or handmade jewelry at The Lucky Rabbit, or pick up a paperback at The Author Shoppe. When you’re hungry, try the burgers and onion rings at The Porter Public House.

Don’t leave downtown without a visit to the African American Military History Museum. Housed in a historic USO building, it contains hundreds of artifacts, exhibits and photographs telling the story of service from the American Revolution through today.

For accommodations, skip the chain hotels in favor of a tiny home. Just 25 minutes from downtown, Longleaf Piney Resort features nine tiny homes and one lake house set among the trees just off the Longleaf Trace, a rails-to-trails pathway. Here, you can relax to the sounds of nature, enjoy a campfire or snooze in a hammock. The resort also offers e-bikes for rent, so you can bike your way down the Trace to downtown Hattiesburg.

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Discover Laurel

Just 30 minutes north on Interstate 59, Laurel has become a popular destination as the location of HGTV’s “Home Town,” a show that features Ben and Erin Napier renovating houses around the area. Fans of the show flock to the Napier’s businesses hoping to catch a glimpse of the couple and to pick up some souvenirs. These include the Laurel Mercantile Co., Scotsman General Store & Woodshop and Scent Library.

But don’t stop there. Stroll the streets downtown and pop into some of the shops and restaurants along the way. One recommendation? Check out the wares at HAND+made Laurel, and grab a cup of HAND+made Lemonade to enjoy on your walk. If you’re looking for lunch, try Pearl’s Diner. Just don’t be late because the restaurant is open only from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.

Don’t leave town without visiting the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, a free museum where you can view five primary collections: American art, European paintings, Native American baskets, Japanese Ukiyo-e prints and British Georgian silver. The museum also hosts temporary exhibits featuring Mississippi artists, as well as American and international artists. On your way out, step into the gift shop for a unique memento to take home.

Plan your trip with a AAA travel advisor and rent your car with Hertz. AAA members can save up to 20% on Hertz rentals.