8 Mississippi Coast roadside attractions worth checking out this summer
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Eight roadside sites showcase Mississippi Coast culture, history and nostalgia.
- Attractions include WWII bunkers, giant rocking chairs and unique museums.
- Tourism leaders urge travelers to detour off highways and explore local gems.
These eight roadside attractions along the Mississippi Coast’s highways and backroads offer nostalgic, strange and often unforgettable experiences. These locations capture the spirit of the region, inviting visitors to slow down and explore the Coast’s unique charm. Whether you’re just passing through or you’re a local searching for a close-to-home escape, these unusual destinations offer something different.
“If you’re traveling near or through Coastal Mississippi, we want you to get off the interstate and explore all that our destination has to offer,” Coastal Mississippi Tourism CEO Judy Young said. “Come soak in our Southern charm, explore our rich culture and history and treat yourself to some of the best coastal seafood around. For a day, a weekend or a week, Coastal Mississippi is full of surprises, and they’re all worth the detour.”
Jimmy Buffett’s childhood home
1305 Roosevelt Rd., Pascagoula
Jimmy Buffett fans searching for an intimate look into the legend’s early life can find it in the quiet neighborhoods of Pascagoula, where the iconic singer-songwriter spent his early years.
On the corner of Roosevelt and Garfield street sits Buffett’s childhood home—a pale, yellow house that holds a special place in the hearts of his devoted followers. In front of the home, an official plaque commemorates Buffett’s roots, marking the very spot where his love for music and margaritas may have first taken shape.
Since Buffett’s death in 2023, fans have transformed the site into an unofficial shrine. Coins, flowers, guitar picks and other mementos are often left at the base of the marker.
Visitors can make their way to 1305 Roosevelt St. to view the home. While entry into the house is not permitted, fans can still stop by to reflect on Buffett’s legacy.
Abandoned WWII Prisoner of War camp
Forest Road No. 420 E, Saucier
Tucked deep within De Soto National Forest lies a series of ammunition bunkers. Once used as a World War II German POW camp and a Navy rifle range, the site remains largely untouched, with the bunkers standing weathered, but intact.
Today, outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs can camp just feet from these historic structures, surrounded by native Mississippi pine trees that stretch up to 100 feet high. Open year-round and free to the public, the site offers a unique opportunity to explore both the natural landscape and rich military history of the Coast.
The monument is located along Forest Road No. 420-E in Saucier. Cell service in the area is limited, and the bunkers blend into their surroundings, so it’s best to visit during daylight hours and keep a close eye on your surroundings.
Teddy Bear House Museum
1299 S. Haugh Ave., Picayune
Home to over 75,000 teddy bears, animatronics and bear-themed displays, this free roadside attraction at 1299 S. Haugh Ave. in Picayune invites visitors to step into a world of whimsy. Spread across numerous themed rooms, each space offers something new, whether it’s vintage bears, collectibles or moving plush toys.
Guests typically spend anywhere from 20 minutes to two hours exploring the collection, depending on how deep they want to dive into the teddy bear nostalgia. Around Halloween, the site takes a spookier turn, transforming into an eerie experience.
While the attraction is open to the public, it’s run by a small team, so be sure to call ahead before making the trip. Whether you’re a die-hard collector or just in it for the charm, this offbeat stop is a can’t-miss for anyone cruising through the Coast.
G.I. Museum
5796 Ritcher Rd., Ocean Springs
Tucked beside a home at 5796 Ritcher Rd. is a one-of-a-kind military museum featuring more than 16,000 artifacts spanning from World War I to the Iraq War — including an operational 1968 Huey helicopter.
The museum is the creation of Doug Mansfield, a lifelong collector whose most notable exhibit includes 19 authentic women’s military uniforms. From battlefield artillery to ration tickets and even chewing gum, Mansfield’s guided tour covers global conflicts and local history.
Operated entirely on donations, the Ocean Springs museum is free to visit. Mansfield and his wife encourage guests to call ahead and schedule a tour to ensure a personalized experience.
Huck’s Cove
3000 Oak St., Gautier
Whether you’re arriving by car, boat, jet ski or kayak, Huck’s Cove welcomes every traveler to its riverside dock.
Located along the Pascagoula River in Gautier, this waterfront eatery is known as much for its atmosphere as its hamburgers. Christmas lights and nautical decorations line the building, giving the spot a cozy, swamp-side vibe no matter the time of day.
Huck’s offers live entertainment, with up to 10 performances each month in addition to a Friday night DJ and karaoke. For those curious about the restaurant’s colorful past, the bartenders are always ready to share the legend of Huck.
Manatees, dogs and humans alike can enjoy this laid-back hangout, open Tuesday through Sunday. You’ll find Huck’s Cove just off U.S. Highway 90 at 3000 Oak St.
The Shed BBQ
7501 MS 57, Ocean Springs
Part barbecue joint, part music venue and part RV camp—The Shed BBQ isn’t just a place to eat, it’s a full-blown experience.
Located at 7501 MS-57 in Ocean Springs, The Shed combines Southern hospitality with a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. With rooms that twist and turn like a maze, visitors might wander through several spaces before finding the ordering counter.
Strung with lights and filled with eclectic signs, antiques and oddball decor, the atmosphere is as bold as the brisket. This off-beat attraction has racked up numerous accolades over the years, including three Memphis in May barbecue awards.
With an oyster bar, live blues performances and plenty of cold drinks, The Shed is a favorite hangout for frequent road-trippers.
35-foot-high rocking chair
11451 Canal Rd., Gulfport
Looking to rock your next road trip? Make a stop at Gulfport’s towering 35-foot-tall rocking chair—a larger-than-life replica of the Dedeaux Family Furniture’s signature Magnolia Rocker.
Built in 1995 from Southern pine, the massive chair stands outside the family’s store as a tribute to their most iconic design. While climbing or sitting in the rocker isn’t advised, it makes for a standout photo op and a fun stop for travelers of all ages.
Although an Illinois rocking chair claimed the title of ‘World’s Largest Rocking Chair’ in 2015, Gulfport’s version remains the original—and is still free to visit and always open to the public. Just next door, hungry guests can head to Catfish Charlie for a Southern-style meal to round out the experience.
Mermaid Dive Bar
709 Howard Ave., Biloxi
Nestled in the heart of downtown Biloxi, this nautical-themed dive bar welcomes seafarers, sirens and night owls alike. Located at 709 Howard Ave., the bar is open daily from 6 p.m. to 4 a.m., making it a go-to stop for late-night eats and drinks.
With an offbeat menu that includes dishes such as lobster and pad Thai, this spot caters to adventurous locals and road-weary travelers looking for something different. Behind the bar, bartenders mix up cocktails like Mermaid Water and Deep Eddy martinis.
Complete with pool tables, sea-shanty playlists and frequent drink specials, this bar is part watering hole, part ocean-themed escape. Whether you’re in it for the food, the drinks or the atmosphere, this hidden gem makes waves long after the sun goes down.
This story was originally published July 29, 2025 at 12:26 PM.
