4 Best Sights in Biloxi, Mississippi

The majestic arms of ancient live oaks frame this campus, which features $40 million architecture by Frank Gehry (who designed the Guggenheim Museum in Spain), plus works of master potter George Ohr and emancipated craftsman Pleasant Reed. With a strong focus on ceramic arts, the museum calendar comprises permanent and rotating exhibits, as well as classes and special events. Light snacks and free Wi-Fi are available in the café.

Severely damaged by hurricane Katrina in 2005, Beauvoir (French for "beautiful view) is "dedicated to preserving and interpreting the legacy of American hero and Confederate President Jefferson Davis, and the Southern soldier." Many of the site's structures have been repaired or restored, and the gardens have been replanted; but conservation efforts of the collections continue in earnest. Guided tours of the home are conducted every half hour, beginning at 9:30 am daily. Self-guided tours of the home and the cemetery are available anytime during operating hours.

Built in 1848, this cast-iron 64-foot tall lighthouse survived Katrina in 2005, but it took five years and $400,000 to reopen for public tours. Today, it still represents the resilience of Biloxi's citizenry. The lighthouse is open by guided tour only, and may be closed due to bad weather. Groups should call ahead to make reservations.

If you ever wondered how shrimp get from the salt water of the Gulf of Mexico onto your plate, step on board this working shrimp boat for a revealing 70-minute boat tour. You'll ride along as crew aboard the Sailfish as it trawls for edible treasure from the Mississippi Sound, and during the trip the day's catch will be hoisted aboard for inspection, identification, and education.