School is officially out for the summer, and it’s a great opportunity to spend some time with your family and friends in our lovely state. Fortunately for us, Mississippi is filled with so many fabulous locations to visit and plenty of attractions to enjoy for the whole family. If you’re stumped on ideas of where to spend vacation, we’ve got you covered with some Mississippi trips that are both local and lots of fun.
Ship Islands Excursions
This is the 97th year that Ship Island Excursions and the Skrmetta Family will be transporting guests to Ship Island in the Gulf of Mexico. Enjoy a day of fun in the sun, relaxing, and exploring the history of the island. The one-hour boat ride is just as exciting as there are usually a few dolphins ready to greet you along the way. Other trips aboard the Ship Islands Excursions that you are sure to enjoy are the Dolphin Cruises and the Breathtaking Sunset Cruises.
Margaritaville Resort & Family Entertainment Center
You can escape into a tropical oasis at this fun resort that has a ton of entertainment for the whole family. Enjoy the Rooftop Water Playground and the 450-foot lazy river, water slides, water rope courses, and just about any aquatic adventure you can imagine. Rainy days can be just as much fun too. Take an adventure into the Escape, a 55,000-square-foot arcade that offers a multitude of arcade games, a volcano rock wall to test your athletic skills, the sky trail ropes course, and so much more. Any day spent here would be a perfect day trip for everyone in the family.
Mississippi State Parks
The Magnolia State is home to over 20 state parks that offer plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. These lush, beautiful parks and campgrounds offer lots of woods for hiking and going on an adventure. There are plenty of waterways that are wonderful for fishing and swimming, and the grounds are perfect for camping out under the stars. This is an excellent way for you to bring a little nature into your summer fun.
A Day of Museums in Jackson
The state’s capital city is home to a wide variety of museums that are geared to almost every interest imaginable. Explore the past at the Old Capitol Museum, the Museum of Mississippi History, or the spectacular Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. Take a deeper look into the state’s natural wildlife and history at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. Enjoy the beautiful exhibits and artistry at the Mississippi Museum of Art, and let the kids get interactive at the Mississippi Children’s Museum.
Red Bluff Park
Known as the Little Grand Canyon or the Grand Canyon of Mississippi, Red Bluff is located in Foxworth and offers miles of hiking trails and plenty of scenic places to explore. You’ll find several photo ops in this breathtaking mountainous terrain that features vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold that stand about 400 feet above sea level. This is a perfect day trip in an unforgettable location.
Vicksburg National Military Park
Vicksburg played a very pivotal role in the Civil War, and this national park offers 1,800 acres of attractions and over 1,400 memorial monuments, tablets, and markers to pay honor and tribute to the valiant soldiers that gave their lives to their country. The park also features over 20 miles of trenches and earthworks that have been reconstructed to resemble their former constructions. The USS Cairo Gunboat and Museum also gives visitors a peek into Civil War artifacts and a view into the life of soldiers during this monumental battle. This would be an excellent day trip for the whole family and especially those history buffs.
Natchez
Embrace the beauty and history that still lives in Natchez today. Explore the beautiful antebellum homes and historic sites throughout the city. Enjoy the beautiful landscape and waterfront views along the bluff. This would be the perfect spot for a picnic that would become a cherished memory. Shop til you drop in the enchanting boutiques and antique shops in the city and don’t forget the wide variety of hunting shops that call Natchez home. If you’re looking for a little more adventure, head for the beautiful countryside and venture along the historic and picturesque Natchez Trace.
Mississippi is blessed to be home to so many beautiful, interesting, historical, and fun locations and attractions that would make for a very special getaway! So plan your day trip in the ‘Sip today!
