If you are the kind of traveler who loves the charm and calmness of small cities, then you will definitely enjoy Bay St. Louis.
Located on the Gulf Coast, this city boasts unparalleled views of clear blue waters, perfect for those who have always wanted to experience life on the coast.
This is also a great tourist destination for travelers looking for a meaningful and quiet weekend getaway in a place full of history and life.
In fact, according to USA Today, Bay St. Louis now holds 5th place for the best small coastal towns in America, making it an even more interesting place to visit.
Whether you are traveling solo, vacationing with your family, or exploring with your friends, you will surely enjoy this list of activities that you can do all year round.
Read on for the 2o best things to do in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.
Chris Pruitt, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
L&N Train Depot is a designated “Mississippi Landmark” and a must-see for travelers who are visiting Bay St. Louis.
This iconic two-story building features mission-style architecture, making it the perfect subject for photographers who want to give others a glimpse of the city’s beauty.
Home to Hancock County Tourism, Bay St. Louis Mardi Gras Museum, and Alice Moseley Folk Art Museum, the depot is one of the most popular attractions here, as there are a great variety of activities that you can do.
For people who want to take a breather and enjoy the outdoors, the depot is surrounded by park-like grounds where you can just sit back and relax.
If you want to tour the surrounding area, you can visit Depot Row, which is just across from L & N Train Depot.
Take your time as you explore the many shops that are available here and have a meal at one of the restaurants, so you can get to know what this lovely city has to offer.
To make the most out of your visit to L&N Train Depot, make sure to drop by the Bay St. Louis Mardi Gras Museum, located on the first floor of the L & N Train Depot.
In here, you will see a number of Mardi Gras costumes used by the Krewe of Nereids, designed by Carter Church.
It takes Carter Church a full year to design and create these costumes, as they are all done by hand, with some costumes even requiring glued-on appliques, which makes them more unique and special.
This is truly a wonderful site to visit, especially for people who are passionate about arts and fashion.
The displays in the museum change yearly as well, and this usually happens three weeks after the Mardi Gras season.
So, this is something to look forward to whenever you are in the city.
If you are looking for a place where you can buy locally made products, French Potager is a lovely shop to visit.
Upon entering, you will be welcomed with the fragrant smell of different fresh flowers available in the shop.
For those who are looking for a special gift to give to their loved ones, you can order custom floral arrangements from here.
You can tell them what kind of arrangement you want and they will be happy to help you.
They also deliver on a daily basis, so if you happen to need a last-minute gift, make sure to give them a call.
For those who are looking for something different, there are home goods, t-shirts, stuff for plants that you can buy here as well.
A vacation with your loved ones will not be complete without enjoying some mouthwatering food at a beautiful restaurant.
Located at a National Register property overlooking the historic Main Street, Sycamore House is a famous spot for foodies.
The upscale modern restaurant offers brunch and dinner menus that perfectly complement the great selection of wines they offer.
If you are craving pizza, make sure to check their website, as they offer this only on limited schedules.
Make sure not to miss their desserts.
Another must-see historical landmark in Bay St. Louis is 100 Men Hall.
The hall was founded in 1894 by 12 civic-minded African Americans who are residents of Bay St. Louis.
What was once an organizing group for the African American community has grown into an open-air pavilion.
Now it is known as a center for celebrating life events, such as baby showers and repasts in the African American community.
It also became a popular venue for legendary Black musicians, especially during the time when they were forbidden to enter white-only clubs.
Today, the hall is one of the few physical sites that still exists in the Mississippi Blues Trail, and it is also one of the rare significant African American landmarks in Mississippi.
If you want to attend an event and listen to live music, you can do so and witness how they preserved the historical tradition of presenting live music.
Just make sure to check their website for the schedules of the upcoming events, so you won’t miss out on great live performances.
Located on Beach Boulevard, Jimmy Rutherford Fishing Pier is a great place for travelers who are fishing enthusiasts.
For those who want to fish, you can come here any time of the year.
You will be able to catch some trout all year round.
During summer, red snappers can be caught here as well.
You can still come here even if you do not intend to fish, as their pier is a great place to stroll around and enjoy the fresh air and the beautiful view of the harbor.
For those who are traveling via private car, there is also a big parking lot available here.
Another site that travelers who are passionate about arts will take delight in is Gallery 220.
This is one of the oldest galleries in Mississippi, and it features a great number of artworks created by over 20 local artists.
The gallery is housed inside a historic Art Deco building in Old Town Bay St. Louis.
The building can be easily recognized by its vibrant murals on both sides of the building, a bug red tree on the north, and a Coca-Cola sign on the south.
Get to know local artists and be inspired by their artworks and passion when entering the gallery’s showroom.
Enjoy the different artworks presented through other mediums, such as painting, sculpture, mosaic, pottery, and photography.
They also offer t-shirts here that are sure to satisfy your creative side.
With lots of different artworks here, you are sure to find something that will suit your taste.
For those who want to stay on track with their fitness journey even while on vacation, you can go to Treehouse Yoga.
Not only is yoga a good exercise, but it can also help you calm your mind and rejuvenate your body.
The studio offers classes every day and can be paid through cash, venmo, and even check to ensure a hassle-free visit for all guests.
If you plan to attend a class, do not forget to bring your own mat and blanket.
Do not worry if this is your first time attending a yoga class, as classes here are beginner-friendly.
Just make sure to check their website before going to the studio, so you will have an idea about what to expect in the classes.
Located in the second level of the historic depot, Alice Moseley Folk Art and Antique Museum features the original paintings of Alice Moseleye and the antique furniture, pottery, art glass, and bottles of her son, Tim.
Alice Moseley is a folk artist widely known for her beautiful artworks that feature relatable and easy-to-understand themes.
Her goal was to tell a story every time she paints, which is evident in her more than 80 artworks featured in the museum.
She used to live, paint, and showcase her paintings in the famous “Blue House,” which can be found just across the street from the depot.
In 2013, the museum was relocated to the historic train depot.
Admission remains free of charge, as they seek to increase public awareness not only of the art of Alice Moseley but also her life.
You can also learn more about vintage bottles, Majolica vases, and antique everyday objects when you visit this museum.
All in all, with a great number of artworks to see and lots of things to learn here, this place is worth a visit.
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A day at the beach is always a good idea.
Whether you just want to lounge and relax or have fun and enjoy the outdoors, the beach is the perfect spot.
One of the best beaches to visit here is Bay St. Louis Beach.
It is pet-friendly, so you can bring the whole gang, including all your furry friends, for some quality time by the water.
Do not forget to bring some blankets and some snacks if you are planning to stay long.
You can lie down and enjoy the warmth of the sand and the calming sounds of the waves crashing through the shores.
If you are pressed for time and can’t bring some food, do not worry as there are lots of restaurants near the beach that you can try.
After eating, you can even take a stroll and explore the shops nearby.
The shops here are locally owned, so if you are looking for items to bring back home to remember this wonderful city, this is a great place to shop.
For those who are looking for a great place where you can unwind and enjoy delicious and refreshing drinks, you might want to check out Daiquiri Shak.
They offer 13 daiquiri flavors that come in different sizes.
If you have never had a daiquiri before and would like to try it for the first time, you can order a drink in their 12oz cup.
What’s interesting about this shop, though, is that they serve daiquiris in a mini jug, half a gallon, and a full gallon, perfect for guests who want to bring home their drinks and share them with their loved ones back home.
For those who are not sure which flavors to get, do not worry, as their staff is friendly and helpful to ensure that you get what suits your taste.
You can also ask their staff to let you sample the flavors here for a more fun experience.
If you are looking for one-of-a-kind finds, Antique Maison, LLC offers a wide variety of collectibles you can choose from.
Whether you are looking for small trinkets, collectibles, or local stuff, you are sure to find what you are looking for in this shop.
For those who are looking for antique furniture for their homes, they also have a great selection here that you will enjoy.
The shop also sells clothes and accessories, perfect for chic travelers looking for something local to incorporate into their wardrobe.
Items here are fairly priced as well, so you will definitely enjoy your visit here.
If you are looking for a place for a fun night out in town with your family or a place where you and your loved one can go for a date night, Bay St. Louis Bay Theatre is a great choice.
This small theater features original productions that showcase the talents of local artists in music, poetry, and plays.
They also cater to award-winning shows, so it is always interesting to visit the theater because of the great variety of shows they offer.
You may check their website to see their upcoming shows.
While on their website, you might want to check their theater gallery as well, so you can have an idea about the shows that they have already done in the past.
For travelers who want to play golf during their weekend getaway, The Bridges Golf Club welcomes all guests who want to experience their well-designed golf course.
The golf course was designed by Arnold Palmer, so it is a well-known attraction for guests who are fans of the sport.
It features a challenging course, perfect for visitors who want to test and sharpen their skills while enjoying the beautiful outdoor views.
While here, you will see how the course was built in a way where they can preserve the natural habitat of animals in the area.
You can’t see any houses here, just beautiful sceneries that feature swamps, wildlife, and well-maintained greens.
So, if you want to challenge yourself and play in a beautifully designed course, make sure to schedule a tee time here.
For those who are looking for a unique experience to share with their loved ones, Mystic Ghost Rides offers tours in which you can learn about legends and actual ghost encounters in the city.
Have fun with the whole gang as you know more about why Bay St. Louis is known as one of America’s most haunted coastal communities.
If you are one of the brave ones, you can avail yourself of their Ghost Cemetery Walk tour.
Prepare to hear real-life bizarre stories and tales of the past while on this tour.
For a more enjoyable experience, you may purchase a closed container of alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks and snacks to consume while exploring with the group.
They offer other tours as well, such as Creepy Christmas Boat Tour, Haunted Bayou Tour, and Voodoo Valentine Love Boat Tour.
If you want to try this extraordinary experience, make sure to visit their website for the schedules of the tours.
Do you wish to upgrade your Bay St. Louis experience with a more luxurious hotel and upscale entertainment options?
One of the best things to do in Bay St. Louis is visiting Hollywood Casino & Resort Gulf Coast.
Guests of this 14-story waterfront hotel will appreciate its convenient location in Old Town and its many exciting activities.
Guests have access to a casino, hot tub, and fitness center around the clock.
The outdoor pool and lazy river are great places to relax.
After a day of adventure, relax in your comfortable accommodation, complete with flat-screen cable TV, air conditioning, coffee maker, free WiFi, and a private bathroom with a hairdryer.
All three on-site dining options, a buffet, a steakhouse, and a pizza and burger grill open 24/7, are excellent.
A bakery selling pastries and bread would also be present.
The main lobby has a gift store and an arcade so that guests may have a good time waiting for their rooms.
The Mississippi Gulf Coast’s Betsy Ann Riverboat is a stern-wheel paddleboat with an open sundeck and an enclosed cabin below.
Trips last two hours and cover the waters of the Mississippi Sound and Bay of St. Louis, touching on the region’s cultural heritage, natural history, and ecological wonders.
Take in the sights of dolphins, pelicans, and herons, among other wildlife—the captain or guide’s colorful commentary.
It also offers dinner and sunset cruises.
Stunning sunsets over the Mississippi Sound and Bay of St. Louis await you.
During the two-hour trip, you and your loved ones may make unforgettable memories while enjoying the show—a remarkable and one-of-a-kind way to see the shoreline.
Shore Thing Fishing Charters specializes in catching redfish, speckled trout, flounder, triple tail, and other fish along the waterways of the Mississippi Sound, Biloxi Marsh, Chandeleur Sound, and Lake Borgne.
Shore Thing Fishing Charters crew has eight boats, charters, and years of experience to help you catch fish.
Its “Cat Island Experience” includes fishing, lodging, and meals.
Packages for this exotic fishing getaway range from two to three nights and are available for both small and large parties.
Rods, equipment, reels, live bait, beverages, snacks, and cleaning the catch are all taken care of by Shore Thing Fishing Charters.
Children under 13 are free of charge.
Established in 1896, Kate Lobrano House follows a classic shotgun fashion.
Extensive picture exhibitions of the local area’s past complement the building’s Victorian-style design.
Check out the Indian treasures and turn-of-the-century furniture in the living room.
The home’s owner, Katherine Maynard Lobrano, passed away in 1921.
In 1988, Lobano’s grandsons donated the land to the Hancock County Historical Society.
If you’re passing through downtown Bay St. Louis in search of a sweet treat or some window shopping inspiration, stop by The Kate Lobrano House for some friendly advice.
Those locals have a lot of pride in their history, and they’d love to tell you about the things you can’t miss when visiting their charming small town.
Teresa Otto / Shutterstock.com
Take a drive around downtown Bay St. Louis and stop to see the “Heavenly Carved Wooden Angels,” a collection of sculpted live oaks previously considered works of nature.
Dayle K. Lewis, an Indiana resident and chainsaw sculptor, turned the tree trunks into “Angel Creations.”
Cedar Rest Cemetery, located at Second Street One Beach Boulevard, is home to two of the exquisite “Carved Angels.”
Teresa Otto / Shutterstock.com
Near Century Hall, you’ll also find one.
On the first block of Demontluzin Avenue, you’ll find two of them.
Meanwhile, the “Demontluzin Avenue Angel” served a noble purpose after being used by four people and a dog as a raft during Hurricane Katrina—an angel indeed!
You might not be expecting a lot from this small city, but you will be pleasantly surprised with what you will find when you stay here.
It boasts a unique charm that you can’t find in any other coastal cities.
Its amazing spots, unique experiences, and the community’s friendliness will make you want to stay longer here.
For a fun visit, make sure to check out this list for your next visit to Bay St. Louis.
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