Birds aren’t the only ones whose thoughts turn to warmer climates during the chilly winter months. Fortunately, it’s never been easier to escape the cold and enjoy Mississippi’s beaches, casinos, golf courses, restaurants, and other attractions. Right now, affordable nonstop flights from Minneapolis to Coastal Mississippi are available with flight times as quick as 2.5 hours – just a short hop for a long weekend of good times.
Search FlightsCoastal Mississippi is known for its casinos, and Biloxi’s Beau Rivage Resort and Casino is consistently ranked among the nation’s best. The MGM Resorts International property offers world-class gaming opportunities (including high-limit lounges and sportsbook) 32-floor hotel with luxury suites, a full-service spa, concert venue, and more.
When you’re in the vacation zone, there’s nothing quite like lounging by the pool. Select Mississippi casinos offer luxury amenities like cabanas, day beds, swim-up bars, food and drink service, and firepits. Some offer heated pools and hot tubs, too, for year-round fun. Amenities and policies do vary by property, so be sure to check first before you book.
The Mississippi Sound, located just between Mississippi’s coast and its barrier islands, is an ideal location for deep-sea fishing due to the variety and quality of fish present in its estuary habitat. Anglers can hook red drum, flounder, sea trout, redfish, and more. Look for an experienced, state-licensed fishing charter to equip you and take you to the right spots where the fish are biting.
Coastal Mississippi has 62 miles of scenic coastline with 26 miles of sugar-white beaches. Dolphin watching and sunset cocktail cruises are available through November. A seasonal ferry service to historic Ship Island operates through the end of October and resumes in early March.
One of Coastal Mississippi’s newest attractions, the Mississippi Aquarium, offers indoor and outdoor exhibits including 12 freshwater and saltwater habitats. More than 200 species of animals and 50 species of native plants can be seen, including bottlenose dolphins, river otters, sandbar sharks, stingrays, and a variety of exotic birds.
Offered exclusively to guests of the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, the 510-acre Tom Fazio designed Fallen Oak golf course features gently rolling terrain in a scenic setting nestled at the edge of the De Soto National Forest. The course has consistently ranked as one of Mississippi’s best and is currently ranked in the number-two position of Golfweek’s Best Casino Course list.
Mary Mahoney’s Old French House is a coastal Mississippi favorite for visitors and locals seeking out the area’s best seafood and steaks. The restaurant, which is located in a home built in 1737 during the French colonial period, has been passed down through three generations of Mahoneys and has served diners (including American presidents, dignitaries, and celebrities) for more than 50 years.
Vestige is a cozy Ocean Springs restaurant that offers a blend of contemporary American flavors fused with Japanese food traditions. Vestige is owned by Ocean Springs native Alex Perry, a James Beard “Best Chef South” semifinalist, and his wife Kumi Omori, who together refresh their multi-course tasting menu constantly to emphasize seasonality, sustainability, and locally-sourced ingredients.
The Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art features a large selection of ceramic work created by George Ohr, known as the Mad Potter of Biloxi, and an ever-changing lineup of new exhibitions. The distinctive museum, which was designed by the celebrated architect Frank Gehry, also offers pottery classes where aspiring potters can experience the joy of throwing pots on a pottery wheel.