Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Moss Point, MS

  • Published 2023/03/15

It’s impossible to resist the strong pull of Moss Point when you know that plenty of things to see and do abound, especially for outdoor enthusiasts.

The city is home to some of the most beautiful and unique natural habitats, brimming with abundant flora and fauna.

Moss Point is nestled in the southeastern part of Jackson County, Mississippi.

The city features the junction of the Pascagoula River and the Escatawpa River, plus lakes and bayous.

It’s also known for the magnificent Spanish moss that hangs in the massive live oaks and boasts a historic downtown with scenic riverfront.

Visitors can enjoy various activities, including picnicking, hiking, fishing, kayaking, boating, swimming, birdwatching, wildlife viewing, photography, and attending festivals.

With these things said, Moss Point is one of the most popular tourist getaways in the state.

Venture to this Gulf Coast city’s charm and enjoy the best things to do in Moss Point, Mississippi.

Reconnect with Nature at the Pascagoula River Audubon Center

Escape from the busy city life by heading to the Pascagoula River Audubon Center, a paradise for nature enthusiasts.

Visitors of all ages will enjoy many exciting activities and learn about nature and wildlife at this gateway to the Pascagoula River.

Explore the outdoors on the nature trails, critter tanks, a bayou pier, gardens, a children’s playground, an art gallery, and a gift shop.

Make sure to bring a pair of binoculars, as this place is home to hundreds of bird species.

Moreover, the Pascagoula River Audubon Center offers various educational programs for toddlers to adults.

Whether you love hiking, birdwatching, fishing, kayaking, or learning about Pascagoula River’s unique ecosystems, this center on Arthur Street is a must-visit.

Go Camping at Presley’s Outing

On Presleys Outing Road is Presley’s Outing, where you’ll feel at home even if you’re on vacation.

Its location on Goodess Mill Lake makes you stop, take a look around, and appreciate the charming surroundings.

Presley’s Outing has 113 campsites with complete hookups, including electrical connections, internet, water, and sewer.

Besides RV camping, it offers fun family outdoor activities like picnicking, fishing, swimming, and kayaking.

If you’re into sports, you can also play basketball, tennis, volleyball, or Frisbee golf.

You can also simply sit, relax, and enjoy the beautiful lake views and nature.

If you get hungry, Presley’s Outing also has an onsite restaurant called the Boathouse.

Spend valuable time with your loved ones at this RV and recreational park.

Take a Swamp Boat Tour and Feed the Gators at Gulf Coast Gator Ranch

If you want to check out the wild side of Moss Point, you should experience an exhilarating adventure at Gulf Coast Gator Ranch.

With expert tour guides, enjoy riding on a high-speed airboat that leads you through 105 acres of swamplands bordering the Grand Bay Estuary in Moss Point and Pascagoula.

During the swamp boat tour, you’ll see alligators, shorebirds, and marine life in their natural habitats.

You can also take a guided ranch tour to explore the beautiful protected walkways and hand-feed gators up close and personal.

If these are right up your alley, get into these thrilling, educational, and fun experiences with your entire family.

Don’t forget to bring your cameras for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure at Gulf Coast Gator Ranch.

Explore the Grandeur of the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

Established in 1999, the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve covers over 18,000 acres on Bayou Heron Road.

It includes pine savannas, salt pannes, salt marshes, bayous, bays, and terrestrial habitats unique to the coastal zone.

Start at the interpretive exhibit space to see state-of-the-art exhibits and the resident turtle named Tobi.

Have a great time at the preserve as it offers loads of recreational activities, including hiking, boating, paddling, fishing, hunting, photography, and more.

If you have a passion for or want to learn more about the environment, why not participate in free educational programs offered at the reserve?

The Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is co-located with the Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge and the Grand Bay Coastal Preserve.

Enjoy the Panoramic Scenery and Check Out Various Events at Riverfront Park

One of the city’s best parks is Riverfront Park, situated on Main Street along the Escatawpa River.

The park is a must-visit because of its breathtaking scenery, which you can appreciate by sitting on one of the benches or strolling along its charming boardwalk.

In addition, Riverfront Park is home to most of the city’s special and annual events, another reason why you should check it out.

Hosted events here include the River Jamboree, Adventure in the Park, Wake the Dog Boat Race, Cruisin’ the Coast, Harvest Fest, Plein Air Fest, and Christmas by the River.

With its various amenities and events, Riverfront Park is the perfect place for a fun time with family and friends.

Stop by the Jackson County Mississippi Welcome Center

Mississippi Welcome Centers are attractions themselves as they offer plenty of information about interesting spots throughout the state.

When visiting Moss Point, make sure to stop by the Jackson County Mississippi Welcome Center located on Interstate 10 West Bound, Exit 75.

Like a museum, it was established to resemble the antebellum structures and decorated with period-appropriate antique furnishings.

The Jackson County Mississippi Welcome Center features fascinating displays about a wide range of state history.

You’ll find a well-preserved 100-year-old Mardi Gras attire and beautifully carved sculptures, which have been created from trees that fell during Hurricane Katrina.

There are also picnic tables, restrooms, a dump station, parking, and a visitor center.

Nature lovers can also enjoy birdwatching from the Escatawpa River Observatory overlooking the Escatawpa River at the welcome center.

Go Kayaking or Fishing at Kayak “Yak” Angler Experience

If you’re looking for on-the-water activity, Moss Point is one of the best places to kayak and fish.

The city has several boat launches that allow you to experience the beauty of the Escatawpa River.

You can try these activities with your family or friends at Kayak “Yak” Angler Experience.

Besides the exciting water adventure, you’ll be exposed to beautiful scenery different from an on-the-land view.

If you’re a beginner, a three-hour introductory course to paddling and river safety is provided at a reasonable fee.

There are also rentable native kayaks and SUP Native versa boards available.

You can find Kayak “Yak” Angler Experience in downtown Moss Point along the Escatawpa River.

Explore the Pelican Landing Event and Conference Center

The Pelican Landing Event and Conference Center overlooks the scenic Escatawpa River.

Because of that, this place makes a perfect venue for family reunions, weddings, dances, business meetings, and other private events.

It includes a large meeting room, a pre-function area in the front of the building, an outdoor veranda overlooking the river, restrooms, and a full commercial kitchen.

Take a look at the beautiful river, stroll the lawn areas, and wait to catch the stunning sunsets, which you can also photograph along with the river.

The Pelican Landing Event and Conference Center is located just one mile off Interstate 10.

It offers the city of Moss Point and the region from Pensacola to New Orleans a convenient and first-rate rental space.

Try Country Camping at Riverside RV Park

Riverside RV Park is a great place to go country camping in Moss Point.

It is located on the Escatawpa River on Pollock Ferry Road, 17 minutes from the city’s downtown area.

Its quiet campground and beautiful country setting make it the perfect escape from the city where you can relax and enjoy the serenity of nature.

All sites at this RV park offer full hookups.

You’ll also find a boat launch, coin-operated laundry, plenty of shade from trees, and a play area where your kids can enjoy.

In addition, Riverside RV Park has a recreational building that lies by the scenic river with a beach area.

Plus, the owners of Riverside RV Park are friendly and accommodating.

You can have your birthday parties, weddings, reunions, or other special events here.

Grab a Bite at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

If you’re thinking of grabbing a meal, visit Cracker Barrel Old Country Store or simply Cracker Barrel, an American restaurant chain.

It is strategically and conveniently located on Highway 63 North and Interstate 10.

This homey restaurant’s menu features family meals, chicken n’ turkey, beef n’ pork, seafood, sweets, burgers, salads, daily specials, and more.

Try its chicken n’ dumplings, country-fried steak, hashbrown casserole, meatloaf, grandma’s sampler, and other comfort foods.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store also has an onsite general store with a Southern country theme to keep you busy and entertained.

If you’re seeking breakfast, lunch, or dinner where you can degust homestyle dishes and also enjoy unique shopping at a fair price, this is the right place.

Take a Stroll through Downtown Moss Point

Downtown Moss Point is a beautiful place to stroll around, a great way to get to know more about the city and what it offers.

Like the front door of Moss Point, Main Street is teeming with excellent restaurants, shops, and other businesses.

The city also takes pride in having the waterfront right downtown, which it takes advantage of by featuring many attractions that draw a lot of tourists and visitors alike.

You will enjoy the river, streets, historic buildings, restaurants, shops, annual festivals, and more.

The Pascagoula River Audubon Center, Ina Thompson Moss Point Library, Riverfront Park, and the River City Festival are in Downtown Moss Point.

Also found downtown is the Moss Point Blues, a Mississippi Blues Trail marker that recognizes Moss Point’s history of being a center of African American music long before the city’s incorporation in 1901.

Take a Photo with Your Special Someone at Lover’s Lane

If you’re traveling to Moss Point with your special someone or significant other, you may want to make a stop at Lover’s Lane.

Large, old majestic oak trees arch over this street with their dreamy Spanish moss, making it enchantingly beautiful.

Because of its charm and beauty, it’s a favorite spot among photographers and a perfect backdrop for couple and family pictures.

This beautiful place is on Griffin Street, otherwise known as Lover’s Lane.

Relax at Khayat Memorial Park

Another ideal place for anyone who wants to relax is Khayat Memorial Park.

At the 13.7-acre park, you can do several recreational activities because it has multiple amenities that you can use.

Apart from picnic facilities, grills, and five pavilions, there’s an outdoor amphitheater, a play area, a splash pad, and a walking track at Khayat Memorial Park.

Join the Annual Historic Griffin Cemetery Tour

If cemetery tours are right up your alley, why don’t you participate in the annual Historic Griffin Cemetery Tour?

Held in October, this annual event is also ideal for history geeks and those who want to learn the history of Moss Point.

The Historic Historic Griffin Cemetery Tour features tour guides dressed in period costumes representing people buried in the historic cemetery.

You’ll also find food trucks and vendors selling arts and crafts at the event.

Plus, admission and parking are free of charge.

Griffin Cemetery is nestled at the west end of Dantzler Street and is one of the city’s oldest cemeteries, home to the remains of some of the city’s notable persons.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Check Out the Exhibits at the La Pointe – Krebs House and Museum

Exterior of La Pointe - Krebs House and Museum

J.gadbois, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The La Pointe – Krebs House and Museum is on Fort Street in Pascagoula, just 10 minutes from downtown Moss Point.

Joseph Simon de la Pointe built the house in 1757, making it the oldest standing structure in Mississippi.

Also known as the Old Spanish Fort, the house originated from the French Colonial era and was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.

It’s a one-story, three-room structure 62.25 feet long and 37 feet wide with 18 inches-thick framing walls.

Front view of La Pointe - Krebs House and Museum

J.gadbois, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The building features a longleaf pine frame, oyster-shell concrete walls, and clay and Spanish moss bousillage.

Today, the historic building serves as a museum with exhibits on the rich history of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Overlooking the Pascagoula River, the La Pointe – Krebs House and Museum is also ideal for special outdoor events like parties, weddings, and concerts.

Final Thoughts

Moss Point is a beautiful city with loads of surprises for visitors and tourists alike.

It is the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and festivalgoers.

There’s always something fun to do in Moss Point, whether you want to unwind or stay active.

Discover the best things to do in Moss Point, Mississippi, on your next trip!

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