GulfCoastWeekend.com
The Mississippi Gulf Coast offers many options to explore its rich history. Here are a few historic tours the entire family will enjoy.
Biloxi Lighthouse Tour, Hwy. 90 at Porter Avenue, Biloxi
- Built in 1848 and renovated after Hurricane Katrina, you can tour one of the first cast-iron lighthouses in the South
- Visit Biloxi’s signature landmark and post-Katrina symbol resolve and resilience
- Guided tours are offered daily, weather-permitting
- Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for children ages 2-12
Biloxi Visitor’s Center, 1050 Beach Blvd., Biloxi GCW VIDEO HERE
- Explore the city’s architectural heritage with state-of-the-art technology and multimedia exhibits
- Open 7 days a week
- Free admission

Round Island Lighthouse Tour, 815 Cypress Ave., Pascagoula
- Built in 1859, Round Island Lighthouse was relocated to the mainland and reconstructed in 2010 after years of hurricane damage
- Learn about the lighthouse’s rich history, including tales of pirates, military battles, and the region’s seafaring legacy
- Admission fee is a donation made to the Round Island Lighthouse Preservation Society.
Biloxi Historic Tours GCW VIDEO HERE
- Rolling for 57 years, the “Shrimp Train” takes riders on a tour of the city, from its early days through modern history
- Departing from the Biloxi Lighthouse
- Tour offerings change daily. Call to reserve a spot, call 228-374-8687

Betsy Ann Riverboat, 119 Beach Blvd., Biloxi
- 85-foot, 150-passenger true sternwheel paddleboat
- 4 different trips, including historical and ecological tours, sunset cruises, dinner cruises, and private charters
- Cruises start at $22 for adults, $20 for seniors 65+, and $17 children
Ship Island Excursions GCW VIDEO HERE
- Daily trips leaving from Gulfport Harbor and Margaritaville Resort
- See dolphins, birds, and other coastal wildlife
- Tour Fort Massachusetts GCW VIDEO HERE
- Two schooners offer daily sailing times
- Price for fare is $32 for adults, $30 for seniors 65+, $22 for children ages 3-10, and free for kids under 2
Biloxi Shrimping Trip, 693 Beach Blvd., Biloxi GCW VIDEO HERE
- Ride aboard the Sailfish to learn everything about catching, cooking, and eating shrimp
- 70-minute boat ride includes a demonstration on shrimping, complete with dropping a 16-foot trawl to drag the bottom of the Mississippi Sound
- Cruise runs between Deer Island and the Biloxi shoreline
- Rates run $16 for adults, $11 for kids ages 4-11, and free for kids under 3
You may also like:
Family Fun To Fit All Budgets: Museums & Educational Centers
Water Park Road Trip: 8 Places For Water Fun Along The Gulf Coast