How to Spend a Weekend on the Mississippi Gulf Coast
You might not think of beaches and cuisine when you think of Mississippi, but the Gulf Coast is a place all in itself. Charming little towns like Pass Christian, Bay St. Louis and Ocean Springs offer seaside living at its finest, while Biloxi has all the nightlife, from casinos to clubs and concert venues.
Enjoy Famous BBQ Ribs at The Shed in Ocean Springs

You can’t possibly sightsee on an empty stomach and, honestly, there’s very little chance of that along the Mississippi Gulf Coast with such great food to be enjoyed. The Shed is a tasty, laid-back spot in Ocean Springs. This family affair is built out of junk held together by string and nailed up with pallet wood. Despite this, the overall effect is charming and the food is so good that even if you were expected to eat in an actual junkyard, there would probably still be queues.
As it is, you can find yourself a table in the sand illuminated with fairy lights and chow down on some of the best barbecue in the South. The Shed serves its own beer alongside BBQ favorites such as homemade sausages, pulled pork and brisket. While all of it is delicious, their baby back ribs are to die for and are award-winning. Get a serving of them alongside some collard greens and smokey baked beans, and you might never want to leave.
Play Poker & Swim Up to the Pool Bar at the Golden Nugget in Biloxi

There are plenty of great casinos to choose from in Mississippi; just think of the gaming film “Mississippi Grind” for inspiration. However, one of the newest along the coast is the Golden Nugget. This casino offers all kinds of table games but has a particularly busy poker circuit that’s welcoming whether you’re a professional or an enthusiastic amateur. They also happen to have an award-winning pool with a swim-up bar and private daybeds and cabanas for spending a day soaking up the golden sun.
If you want to get some practice in before heading to the Golden Nugget, then trying your hand at poker freerolls online can be a nice refresher. These tournaments have no buy-in fee, so they’re a good chance to remind yourself of your poker prowess without the potential for breaking the bank.
Hit the Beach

Once you’ve won your poker game, you can stroll right out of the casino and down to the waterfront. Biloxi boasts miles of coastline and a famous lighthouse that’s well worth visiting. The area’s Scenic Beach Boulevard runs from Pascagoula to Pass Christian and then you can hop over the bridge to Bay St. Louis or Waveland. Each of these little towns has its own beach vibe, so it’s a great idea to explore and find the perfect spot for you. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, take the ferry out to Ship Island or rent a boat and explore Cat or Horn islands.