1. Biloxi Lighthouse: Standing Stout, Shining On
To paraphrase native son Jimmy Buffett, the stars can see their faces in the sea when they look down on Biloxi. The "Playground of the South" is known for powdered sugar beaches, shrimp boats, championship golf, delicious seafood, ambient casino sounds, and a bulldog tenacity to endure Mother Nature's wrath. A symbol of that resilience and the city's signature landmark, the 64-foot Biloxi Lighthouse has been in operation since 1848, going dim only during the Civil War years. Inside, the waterlines from previous hurricanes are visible to visitors with the stamina to climb the 57-step spiral staircase and ladder leading to the light room. Standing strong for Katrina and Hurricane Camille in 1969, the cumulus-white, cast-iron lighthouse has another proud distinction: the plucky ladies who stood watch. Also, women manned the tower for more years than any other U.S. lighthouse.
2. Biloxi Beach: White-Sugar Sweet
"A Mississippi girl don't change her ways," sang Faith Hill, and the same could be said for Biloxi Beach's weather. Biloxi gets an average 219 days of sunshine a year, and during the May-October "summer" the average temperature is 83 degrees. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat before taking a barefoot stroll over the beach's sparkling, white, fine-grained sand. Rent a beach bike or jet ski, or simply cool off in glistening Gulf waters before grabbing a fried oyster po'boy and a cold mug of Biloxi's very own Barq's root beer for lunch.
3. Mardi Gras Museum: "Throw Me Somethin' Mista"
While N'awlins certainly captures the most Mardi Gras publicity, parades and flying trinkets have passed at random Mardi Gras celebrations in and around Biloxi for about 300 years. Home to the Gulf Coast Carnival Association and host to 24 Mardi Gras parades each year, Biloxi fittingly shows off its festive history with the "flambeaux" at the Mardi Gras Museum in the historic Magnolia Hotel.
4. Ship Island: Leave the Mainland Behind
Five nations have flown their flags over Ship Island, the collective name of two barrier islands split by Hurricane Camille into two separate islands about 10 miles south of Biloxi. Named by French explorers in 1699, the island is the site of Fort Massachusetts, a remarkably preserved brick fortification with its own fascinating history. Between March and October, Ship Island Excursions from nearby Gulfport provides a one-hour charter to the windy, serene stretches of its National Park shoreline, which are ideal for romantic get-aways and perfect for family swimming, snorkeling, picnicking and nature-watching.
5. Casino Row: If the Dealer Shows 7 or Higher... Hit Hard!
You can roll the dice, play the slots, or do math in your head at the Blackjack table in any of eight casino resorts in Biloxi. Most offer top-notch entertainment, championship golf courses, spa salons, 24-hour room service, swimming pools and superb dining choices among their amenities. See a great concert, catch an outstanding comedy act, go dancing - or just drinking - once the roulette wheel decides how lucky you are.
