Top 10 Things To Do
Because there's so much to do, you need a guide - an expert analysis of the absolute best things to do on the Coast during your visit.
Here it is - a list of the Top 10 things to do, gleaned from years of diversionary research from the experts in both nightlife and daylife.
This list is, of course, arbitrary and subjective but arguably and ultimately correct. How could it be wrong? Nothing's better than all things famous:
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 - including Island View Casino in Gulfport and Hard Rock Casino in Biloxi. 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. Not only are these fish tasty, they also put up a great fight. 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 manmade 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 Luciano Pavarotti, Elton John and Garth Brooks. 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.