Attractions Nearby Jackson, Day Trips and Excursions

(Jackson, Mississippi - MS, USA)



The state capital of Jackson may well be one of Mississippi's highlights, but those able to travel outside this city will discover plenty more attractions well worth closer inspection, although often these cities are a little too far for a feasible day trip as such. Popular Mississippi attractions relatively close to Jackson include Biloxi, Clarksdale, Greenville, Gulfport and Natchez.

This part of the nation is especially musical and this heritage is certainly reflected within the attractions of Memphis, Tennessee - north of Jackson. Head southwards and into the state of Louisiana for a real treat, with both Baton Rouge and New Orleans being just a scenic train ride away.


Baton Rouge

Address: Louisiana (LA)
An industrial city and state capital of Louisiana, Baton Rouge lies some 174 miles / 280 km to the southwest of Jackson. Baton Rouge boasts a rich Native American culture and is home to no less than two prominent universities - the Louisiana State University and the Southern University. The current Louisiana State Capitol is amongst the city's most impressive attractions and is the nation's tallest capitol building, with a popular observation deck sitting on the 27th floor and providing exceptional panoramas of the cityscape. Also rather impressive is Old State Capitol and its more Gothic-style architecture.

Biloxi

The city of Biloxi is located approximately 180 miles / 290 km to the southeast of Jackson and within Mississippi's Harrison County. Biloxi suffered badly at the hands of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, although the city has enjoyed a major cleanup operation since and its beachfronts and innumerable casinos are now restored to their former glory. The city of Biloxi is also known for its exceptional sport fishing, with its setting along the northerly Gulf of Mexico attracting anglers from far and wide during the fishing season.

Birmingham

Address: Alabama (AL)
Undeniably Alabama's most cosmopolitan and appealing city, Birmingham stands at 245 miles / 394 km to the southwest of Jackson. The main tourist attractions in Birmingham are based within the central downtown district and also around the vibrant Fourth Avenue Historic District. A youthful energy is provided by the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where more than 16,000 students study. Culture vultures will no doubt by drawn by the enticing Birmingham Museum of Art.

Clarksdale

Clarksdale is to be found 160 miles / 257 km north of Jackson, in the very heart of the Mississippi Delta region. A small city on the banks of the meandering Sunflower River, Clarksdale may not be the most alluring of tourist destinations, although certainly does contain a handful of very noteworthy sights. The Delta Blues Museum is one such attraction, as is the Crossroads - where famed blues musician Robert Leroy Johnson (1911 to 1938) is said to have sold his sole to the devil in exchange for his musical excellence. Clarksdale certainly won't disappoint on the festival front, with August being a good month to visit and when both the Annual Sunflower River Blues and Gospel Festival, and the Mini Blues Fest take place, followed by the Mississippi Delta Tennessee Williams Festival each September / October.

Greenville

The biggest city within the Mississippi Delta, Greenville is a rather liberal city, with little to offer day trippers and sightseers. However, the rich musical heritage of Greenville is one attraction not to be overlooked, particularly each September, when the ever-popular Mississippi Delta Music Festival is staged. Greenville is situated just under 130 miles / 209 km to the northwest of Jackson and is certainly worth checking out if you are driving in this direction.

Gulfport

Roughly 175 miles / 282 km to the southeast of Jackson, Gulfport is Mississippi's second-largest city. The white sandy beaches and breathtaking coastline form the leading attractions for Gulfport, with great views being offered from the US-90 highway, which is perhaps better known as the Beach Boulevard. Those with an interest in gambling will enjoy visiting the Island View Casino Resort and its 2,000+ slot machines. The ferry rides to the neighboring Ship Island are also of note.

Memphis

Address: Tennessee TN
If you travel just over 200 miles / 322 km to the north of Jackson, you will reach Memphis, Tennessee. A city with strong connections with rock 'n' roll legend Elvis Presley, Memphis offers tourists an eclectic array of attractions, with Presley's home of Graceland being the most visited by far. Beale Street is an especially charming part of Memphis and is lined with souvenir shops and eateries, and is where you will find both the Police Museum and the Rock 'n' Soul Museum. Also on Beale Street is the New Daisy Theater, the Orpheum Theater and the blues-related Walk of Fame.

Natchez

Enjoying an elevated view of the Mississippi River, Natchez is around 100 miles / 161 km away from New Orleans and some 108 miles / 174 km southwest of Jackson. Natchez serves as the county seat for Adams County and makes for a reliable day trip. Attractions here are in reasonable supply and include the Natchez Under-the-Hill area, the plentiful antebellum houses (pre American Civil War), the Natchez in Historic Photographs exhibition, the Longwood mansion, and the fun-packed Spring Pilgrimage festivities.

New Orleans

Address: Louisiana (LA)
New Orleans is a captivating Creole city and continues to recover in style after being completely devastated by Hurricane Katrina. Despite the damage and destruction caused by this natural disaster, New Orleans quickly began a major cleanup operation and its most prominent attractions were soon back in shape, particularly around the French Quarter. New Orleans has long boasted a strong association with Hollywood stars Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, who have helped to fund restoration projects within particular areas, such as the Lower Ninth Ward. In fact, it is even rumored that Brad Pitt may one day be elected as Mayor of New Orleans. Families visiting this lively city should look out for the Aquarium of the Americas, Audubon Zoo and the Louisiana State Museum. Directly south of Jackson, New Orleans can be found 189 miles / 304 km away.