Biloxi-Gulfport, MS Visitor's Guide

Landmarks
The historic town of Biloxi provides guests with historical landmarks that rival any of the world's coastal communities. The Biloxi Visitors Center opened in 2011 to give visitors a feel of the local area, and to help them discover family-friendly destinations throughout Biloxi including museums, historical sites, guided tours and more. Also, make sure to keep your schedule open to visit the Biloxi Lighthouse and the Old Brick House historical site.

Things To Do
Whether into history, dining, entertainment, family-fun activities, or simple relaxation, Biloxi, Mississippi has got you covered. Inherently a family spot, there is something for visitors of all ages. The beautiful, natural landscape of Biloxi, Mississippi allows for nature walks and beach days unlike anywhere else in the United States. If looking for a romantic or fun weekend away from work and the kids, enjoy one of Biloxi's many restaurants and fine casinos including the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Grand Biloxi Casino & Hotel.

Dining & Nightlife
Head down the popular Beach Blvd for restaurants, bars, clubs, and lots of casinos to fit the interest and budget of any perspective patron. Biloxi fits the bill for entertainment both live and game related with major music, comedy, and magic acts touring through on a nightly basis. Both Major Chain and Locally owned casino’s occupy the Biloxi Coast with familiar names like Margaritaville and Palace Resort setting up shop next to locally treasured entertainment center Beau Rivage Resort & Casino.

Lodging
Casino Resorts, Beachside Condos, and Hotels are popular with visitors to Biloxi, Mississippi. The first thing to consider when looking for a rental in the Gulf Coast is: Casino, Hotel, or Condo?

Hotels typically offer limited amenities, more traditional rental rooms, and less proximity to the beach. But the average Hotel makes up for what it lacks by offering lower and negotiable rates, and 24 hour service. Many renters consider Condos for their stay because of the large room size (to more easily accommodate larger families and longer stays), and proximity to the beach (many condos are Oceanside and feature gulf views and instant beach access). Also, condo management typically will include family-fun activities and events like movie nights, beach luaus, and pool parties to give guests more bang for their buck. Casino Resorts usually provide incentives to stay with them such as the Hard Rock Hotel offering packages that include complimentary alcohol, drink coupons at the casino, spa passes, and late check-out (among other options).[3] Remember that rates for Casino Resorts, Rental Homes, Condos, and Hotels fluctuate seasonally. Typically rental rates will increase in the spring and summer, and drop during fall and winter. If interested in booking a rental, always attempt to book in advance for the best prices and availability.

Shopping
As a town built on beach and game culture, the best shopping Biloxi has to offer is right on the beach! Drive down Beach Blvd to find many name brand and locally owned businesses offering the finest clothes, accessories, jewelry, and souvenirs that Biloxi has to offer! The Edgewater Mall offers over 90 specialty stores, multiple eateries, and family-fun activities like rock climbing![4]

Annual Events
With a large Casino Resort crowd, Biloxi is ripe with world-class events. Some annual events that occur in Biloxi, MS are the Biloxi seafood festival, Biloxi Christmas in the City, and the Mississippi Coast Coliseum Crawfish Music Festival featuring carnival rides, arts & craft vendors, delicious food, and of course top-tier live music!

Top 10 Travel Tips
1) Never underestimate the sun, use sunblock at all times. The white sand may be cool to the touch, but it's also reflecting the sunlight upwards and accelerating the rate at which your skin will tan (or burn).
2) Winter and Fall lodging rates are typically 30-50% less than what are quoted in Spring and Summer. This is great for most visiting on a budget, however most leisure travelers will notice a lot of tour operations shut down, restaurants are short-staffed, and there are very few events offered.
3) For special offers on live shows and casinos, sign up for the casino email newsletters. Here you will find discount lodging and slot credit.
4) Hurrican Katrina in 2006 destroyed several businesses so you may still notice the damage during your visit, but don't let this discourage you from traveling to this beautiful beach destination.
5) Major musical acts, magicians, broadway shows, and more world-class entertainment frequent the Biloxi casino circuit. Integrate one of these memorable events into your next trip.
6) The first 2 weeks of June and the last 2 weeks of August are the slower weeks during peak tourist season. The rates are slightly lower and the beach are slightly less crowded.
7) Hurricane season starts through June and run through November. Make sure to check the policy on hurricanes before booking lodging or activities. Some rental agencies are more restrictive than others.
8) Check out some of the museums such as the Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art and the Lighthouse.
9) For those travelers who plan on going charter fishing, but don't know what to do with the meat, take it to a local seafood restaurant. Most seafood restaurants will prepare your fish into a meal for around $10 - Checkout Biloxi Fillin Station.
10) Take your first shrimping trip aboard the Sailfish in Ocean Springs. Learn how to shrimp and see other marine wildlife during the journey.

References
1. History of Biloxi. Edmond Boudreaux Jr. http://www.biloxi.ms.us/history/index.asp
2. "Average Weather for Biloxi, MS - Temperature and Precipitation". Weather.com
3. http://www.hardrockbiloxi.com/
4. http://www.edgewatermall.com/about_us.html