Looking for some fun ways to fill the long days? You’re in luck! There are lots of things to do in Mississippi that make for the perfect day trip ideas. From amazing swimming spots to incredible eateries, here are 10 destinations for the best day trips in Mississippi that you’ve got to visit this year.

1. Sail away to a tropical paradise.
Ship Island, Mississippi, USA
Ship Island Excursions/Facebook




Thanks to Ship Island Excursions, a ferry service that provides daily transportation to Ship Island, you can go on a tropical getaway without even leaving the state. Your journey begins at the Small Crafts Harbor in Gulfport, where you’ll purchase tickets and board the boat. After a short boat ride, you can spend the day relaxing on the beach, swimming, or exploring the island’s fort. If you want to learn more, make sure to read all about this perfect way to enjoy Mississippi summer. This is one of the best getaway spots in Mississippi.
2. Spend a lazy day tubing down the river.
Canoe & Trail Outpost, 118 Dillons Bridge Rd, Tylertown, MS 39667, USA
Sweetwater Canoe and Tubing/Facebook
Lazy rivers are a common amenity at hotels and resorts. And while those are great, we Mississippians are lucky enough to have access to several natural lazy rivers that are perfect for tubing. The Bogue Chitto is one of the most popular spots since the water moves at a slow pace. Book a float down the Bogue Chitto with a local company, such as Canoe and Trail Outpost, which will provide everything you need to complete the 4-hour trek. We think this is one of the best things to do in Mississippi, especially when it’s hot!
3. Check out a hidden water park.
Buccaneer State Park, 1150 S Beach Blvd, Waveland, MS 39576, USA
mdwfp.com




Mississippi’s state parks have ranked among the best in the country. And if you plan on visiting one this year, it should definitely be Buccaneer State Park in Mississippi. In addition to overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, it includes a water park known as Buccaneer Bay. You could easily spend all day at the 4.5-acre park, which features slides, a wave pool, 10,000 square foot sun deck, and a restaurant. This is one of the best unique things to do in Waveland, Mississippi.
4. Have some fun at a waterfront attraction.
Jellystone Park Pelahatchie - Yogi On The Lake, 143 Campground Rd, Pelahatchie, MS 39145, USA
Yogi on the Lake/Facebook
Located in the small town of Pelahatchie,Yogi on the Lake is a true hidden gem. The family-oriented attraction includes a gorgeous lake, beach, campground, water park, restaurant, miniature golf course, arcade, outdoor theater, and more. If you’re in Pelahatchie and looking for a great day trip near me, this is the place to go!

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5. Dine at a lakefront eatery.
EastPort Marina, 892 Co Rd 956, Iuka, MS 38852, USA
epmarina.com
Located in Iuka, Eastport Grill is situated on Pickwick Lake and the Tennessee River. In addition to amazing views, the restaurant is known for its mouthwatering burgers, which are said to be some of the best in the state. Don’t wait too long to visit this popular waterfront eatery; it’s only open during the summer, from May to September. We love making this a day trip destination in Mississippi.
6. Go for a dip in an old-fashioned swimming hole.
Merit Water Park, 1043 MS-43, Mendenhall, MS 39114, USA
Kim Hunt Picture Mississippi Photography/Facebook
Perfect for all those nature lovers out there, Merit Water Park is located right on Rials Creek in Mendenhall. Though there aren’t any waterslides at the water park, it does have a waterfall, an old-fashioned swimming hole, and a sand and rock creek-side beach. And since the creek is spring fed, the water is nice and cold all year long.
7. Try the "best frozen dessert" in Mississippi.
Brent's Drugs, 655 Duling Ave, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
Brents Drugs / Facebook
In business since 1946, Brent’s Drugs is a Jackson landmark. Over the years, it’s gained a reputation for its nostalgic atmosphere and delicious fare of burgers, sandwiches, and milkshakes. Recently, the old-fashioned shakes were named the "best frozen dessert" in Mississippi by Spoon University, only adding to the reasons you should visit the iconic eatery. One of the unique things to do around Jackson, it makes for a fun destination that’s really sweet!
8. Cool off in some of the bluest water in the state.
Sardis Lake, Mississippi, USA
Sardis Lake Marina/Facebook




The beautiful blue waters of Sardis Lake are perfect for everything from swimming to boating. Even better, the lake is part of a 98,000-acre recreation area, which means it’s easy to access. In addition to the lake, the recreation area includes campgrounds, picnic areas with grills, pavilions, playgrounds, and nature trails. There are also four beaches; three on the lower lake and one on the upper lake. No matter which you visit, you’ll be treated to pristine white sand and inviting blue waters.
9. Explore an incredible natural wonder.
Sky Lake WMA boardwalk, 1090 Simmons Rd, Belzoni, MS 39038, USA
skylakemississippi.org
Sky Lake Wildlife Management Area in Belzoni is home to some of the biggest cypress trees on Earth. The ancient giants vary in size, with the biggest measuring 47 feet in circumference and 70 feet in height! Take in all Sky Lake has to offer via a 1700-foot boardwalk or a 2.6-mile paddling trail.

So, have you visited any of the best day trips in Mississippi listed above? Did we miss something or do you have one to add? Tell us in the comments section.

Looking for more must-visit destinations? Check out this hidden beaches in Mississippi road trip.

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Best Day Trips In Mississippi

Megan McDonald | April 22, 2022

What are the best day trips to see in Mississippi?

 

Mississippi is filled with a wide range of great places to spend the day. From ghost towns to Biloxi Beach and even the Mississippi State Capitol, there are plenty of awesome day trips in Mississippi just waiting for you. No matter what kind of day you’d like to spend, you’ll find something to love in this great state.

What is the most visited city in Mississippi?

 

Gulfport, Mississippi is the most visited city in the state. And it’s no surprise, as it’s the second-largest city in the state, right after Jackson. The city boasts incredible restaurants and the Mississippi Aquarium, and of course, it doesn’t hurt that it’s located right on the water, too!

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