Ultimate Fun Guide
PLAY AT A FAMOUS CASINO
Mississippi ranks No. 11 out of 46 in number of casinos in the United States, according to the World Casino Directory, and the city with the most is Biloxi with eight. There are 11 casinos on the Coast (the same number as Atlantic City), and the Coast is home to some of the largest gaming spaces in the state. The Beau Rivage, arguably the most noticeable property on the coastline, is the largest one-time commercial investment made in the state of Mississippi at a cost of $650 million. CATCH A FAMOUS FISH
The Gulf (it’s really called the Mississippi Sound north of the barrier islands) is teeming with game fish that are indigenous to our waters and well known by recreational anglers around the country. Some of the highest sought are flounder, redfish, red snapper, cobia (lemonfish), speckled trout, Spanish mackerel and king mackerel. To get to them, there are hundreds of charter boats from which to choose.
CRUISE A FAMOUS HIGHWAY
Beach Boulevard extends 26 miles — give or take a sand dune or two — which makes it the longest man-made beach in the United States. And, yes, there’s still plenty to see and plenty to inspire you — especially the sunsets, interrupted only by catamaran masts or shrimp boats plying the Sound for tasty morsels. On the north side of the highway, the landscape is changing, much of it for the better, and the stately homes in Pass Christian still stand proud along Scenic Drive. Make sure to take in the famous Biloxi Lighthouse.
SEE A FAMOUS PERFORMER
The Coast is home to big-time venues for big-time performers. The Mississippi Coast Coliseum leads the way, having been host to such top-draw performers as Elton John, Garth Brooks and Cher. Among the other big entertainment venues that bring in the best recording and touring performers include the Beau Rivage Theatre, Hard Rock Live, IP Casino and Hollywood Casino. The iconic Saenger Theatre in Biloxi, recently renovated, has been the venue for many of the Coast’s top regional productions and the Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra as well as internationally known, symphonic, opera and ballet stars.
EAT AT A FAMOUS RESTAURANT
There are a lot of wonderful restaurants from which to choose. One in particular has one of the biggest names in the food business. Emeril Lagasse, whose wife is from Gulfport, opened Emeril’s Gulf Coast Fish House at the Island View Casino in 2007. Another fine-dining establishment, Mary Mahoney’s in Biloxi, was established in 1964 in a building constructed around 1737.