Overview
Biloxi sits on a narrow peninsula along Mississippi's Gulf Coast, flanked by the Mississippi Sound to the south and Back Bay to the north. With a population of roughly 45,000, it is one of the larger cities on the Gulf Coast east of New Orleans, and it carries a layered history: French colonial settlement in the early 1700s, antebellum plantation culture, a once-thriving seafood canning industry, and a dramatic reinvention as a casino resort corridor after Mississippi legalized dockside gambling in 1990.
The city took a severe blow from Hurricane Katrina in August 2005, which destroyed or damaged a large share of its built environment. The recovery has been gradual and incomplete in some neighborhoods, but the tourism and casino districts have been substantially rebuilt. Visitors today find a mix of beachfront casino hotels, modest historic sites, fresh Gulf seafood, and easy access to barrier islands and wildlife areas.
Biloxi is not a typical beach destination in the Caribbean or Florida mold — the Mississippi Sound is shallow and the sand is often silty — but it has a distinct regional character. Those who appreciate Southern hospitality, low-key coastal scenery, and good food at reasonable prices tend to enjoy it on its own terms.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
Biloxi is in the United States. Entry requirements depend on your nationality. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website (cbp.gov) for current requirements before booking.
Weather and Seasons
Biloxi has a humid subtropical climate. Summers (June–August) are hot and humid, with average highs in the low-to-mid 90s °F (around 33–35 °C) and high humidity that makes conditions feel hotter. Afternoon thunderstorms are common. Spring and autumn are more comfortable and are generally the best times to visit. Winters are mild by national standards but can bring occasional cold fronts with temperatures dropping below freezing. The Gulf Coast hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30; monitor forecasts if traveling between those months.
What to Pack
- Lightweight, breathable clothing in summer; a light jacket for autumn and winter
- Sun protection: sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses year-round
- Insect repellent if you plan to visit natural areas or spend evenings outdoors
- Comfortable walking shoes; beach sandals if you plan to spend time on the sand
Getting There
By Air
The closest commercial airport is Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT), located roughly 10 miles west of downtown Biloxi in neighboring Gulfport. It receives a limited number of direct flights, primarily from hubs in the South and Midwest. Travelers from farther afield often connect through New Orleans Louis Armstrong International Airport (MSY), roughly 90 miles to the west, which offers broader route options. Ground transport from MSY to Biloxi typically takes 90 minutes to two hours depending on traffic; rental cars and shuttle services are available, but verify current shuttle operators locally before travel.
By Road
Biloxi is directly accessible via Interstate 10, which runs east–west across the Gulf Coast. US Highway 90 (Beach Boulevard) runs along the waterfront and connects Biloxi to Gulfport, Ocean Springs, and other coastal communities. Driving is the most practical way to reach Biloxi from regional cities: New Orleans is roughly 90 miles west, Mobile, Alabama is approximately 60 miles east.
By Bus
Greyhound and some regional bus operators serve the Gulf Coast corridor. Verify current routes and schedules at the operator's website, as schedules change.
Getting Around
A personal vehicle or rental car is the most practical way to get around Biloxi. The city is spread out along the coast and its main attractions are not concentrated in a single walkable zone. Beach Boulevard (US 90) is the main east–west artery and is navigable, though traffic near the casino corridor can be heavy on weekends.
The Coast Transit Authority (CTA) operates bus routes serving Biloxi and connecting communities including Gulfport and Ocean Springs. Verify current routes, fares, and hours on the CTA's official website before relying on transit. Several casino resorts operate their own shuttle services for guests; check with your accommodation.
Rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) are available in the Biloxi area, though wait times can vary outside the core casino district. Taxis also operate in the area. For short distances along the beachfront, cycling is feasible when weather permits.
Where to Stay
Biloxi's accommodation landscape is dominated by large casino resort hotels concentrated along Beach Boulevard and the waterfront. These properties typically offer a full range of on-site amenities — restaurants, pools, entertainment, and gaming floors — and can be convenient if you plan to spend time at the casinos. Room rates at these resorts vary considerably depending on day of week, season, and events; weekday rates are often significantly lower than weekend rates.
Beyond the casino resorts, Biloxi and neighboring Gulfport have a range of national chain hotels and motels at various price points, particularly near I-10 and the airport. Vacation rental properties (listed on major platforms) are also available, including options in quieter residential areas and on the barrier islands, though the latter require advance planning and boat access.
For visitors who prefer a quieter base, neighboring Ocean Springs to the east has a small but pleasant downtown and some independent lodging options, and is an easy drive into Biloxi. Always verify current availability and rates directly with accommodations or on booking platforms.
Things to See & Do
History and Culture
- Beauvoir — The last home of Confederate President Jefferson Davis, this antebellum estate sits on the beachfront west of downtown. It includes a museum and presidential library focused on the Civil War era and Davis's life. Verify current admission fees and hours on the Beauvoir website before visiting.
- Biloxi Lighthouse — One of the most recognized landmarks on the Gulf Coast, this cast-iron lighthouse (built 1848) stands on a median along Beach Boulevard and is open for tours on a limited schedule. Confirm hours locally.
- Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum — Documents Biloxi's important history as a center of Gulf Coast seafood processing, including the Vietnamese and other immigrant communities that shaped the industry. Located in the Point Cadet area.
- Old Biloxi Cemetery and Historic District — The Point Cadet neighborhood contains modest historic structures and reflects the city's multicultural heritage, including French Creole, Native American, and Vietnamese influences.
Natural Areas
- Gulf Islands National Seashore — Federal park land encompassing Ship Island and other barrier islands offshore. Passenger ferries to West Ship Island operate seasonally from Gulfport; verify schedules and fees with the National Park Service (nps.gov/guis). The island offers uncrowded beaches, clear water, and the ruins of Fort Massachusetts.
- Shepard State Park (Gautier) and Gulf State Park (Alabama) are within a short drive and offer additional outdoor options.
Entertainment
- Casino gaming is a primary draw. Multiple large casino properties operate along the waterfront and offer gaming, live music, comedy, and boxing events. Note that casino gambling is legal in Mississippi but age restrictions apply; verify current regulations.
- The Mississippi Aquarium, which opened in 2020 in Gulfport, is worth a visit particularly for families. Confirm hours and admission at their official website.
Food & Drink
Gulf Coast seafood is the culinary backbone of Biloxi. Oysters, shrimp, blue crab, and various finfish harvested locally appear throughout local restaurants in preparations ranging from fried baskets to more refined Gulf Coast Creole dishes. The city's Vietnamese community — one of the larger such communities on the Gulf Coast, many of whom arrived after the Vietnam War and became part of the seafood industry — has also produced a number of Vietnamese restaurants that are worth seeking out.
The casino resorts house a range of dining options from buffets and fast-casual outlets to steakhouses and seafood-focused restaurants. Quality and price vary considerably; they are convenient but not necessarily the most distinctive dining experiences in the area. For more locally rooted options, look to establishments in the Point Cadet area, downtown, and along Back Bay.
Biloxi and Mississippi more broadly are not destinations for craft cocktail culture or wine tourism, but bars and casual drinking establishments are plentiful, particularly near the casino district. Mississippi's alcohol laws and local ordinances govern sale hours and locations; verify what applies if this is relevant to your visit.
Practical Information
Money
The US Dollar is the currency. ATMs are widely available, particularly within casino properties. Credit cards are accepted almost universally. Tipping is customary in restaurants (typically 18–20% of the bill), for hotel housekeeping, and for other service workers.
Emergency Services
For any emergency in the United States, dial 911. This connects to police, fire, and emergency medical services.
Connectivity
Cellular coverage from major US carriers (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile) is generally good throughout Biloxi and the coastal corridor. Wi-Fi is available in hotels, casino properties, and many restaurants. International visitors should confirm roaming arrangements with their carrier before travel.
Health
No vaccinations are specifically required to visit Biloxi. The area has mosquitoes, particularly in summer and in natural areas; standard precautions apply. Medical facilities include Biloxi's regional hospital; verify the nearest appropriate facility for your needs on arrival.
Safety
Biloxi is a moderately sized Gulf Coast city with the range of conditions typical of similar American cities. The casino corridor and major tourist areas along Beach Boulevard are generally well-lit and patrolled, but as in any city, awareness of your surroundings is sensible, particularly at night and in less-trafficked areas.
Hurricane risk is real during the June–November season. If a storm threatens during your visit, follow instructions from local emergency management authorities promptly; the Gulf Coast is low-lying and storm surge can be rapid. Check the National Hurricane Center (nhc.noaa.gov) for current conditions during hurricane season.
Water safety: The Mississippi Sound is generally calm but can have riptides and strong currents near inlets. Heed any posted warnings at beach access points. Jellyfish are a seasonal nuisance in the Sound; inquire locally about current conditions before swimming.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Biloxi's cultural character is shaped by its position at the intersection of Deep South, Gulf Coast Creole, and immigrant community traditions. The city has a significant Vietnamese American population that arrived largely in the late 1970s and 1980s, many of whom entered the Gulf seafood industry; their cultural presence is visible in local restaurants, temples, and community institutions.
The French colonial legacy — Biloxi was briefly capital of French Louisiana in the early 18th century — is more historical fact than living presence today, though some Creole culinary and cultural traces persist. The area also has Native American heritage; the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians is the federally recognized tribe in Mississippi, though their main community is further north. Local museums touch on the broader Indigenous history of the region.
Casino culture, which arrived in the 1990s, has reshaped Biloxi significantly, drawing a more transient and diverse visitor population than the city would otherwise attract. This gives Biloxi a dual character: a working Gulf Coast community with genuine local traditions on one hand, and a regional entertainment destination on the other.
