1. Spend Time Along the Bay St. Louis Waterfront

The waterfront is a good place to start your visit, with the beach, harbor, and several nearby stops that are easy to combine. During hotter months, plan longer walks for the morning or late afternoon.

Relax at Bay St. Louis Beach

You do not need a packed schedule to enjoy Bay St. Louis Beach. Bring a chair, walk along the sand, sit near the water, or simply spend a few quiet hours outside.

Families can make it part of a relaxed morning before moving on to lunch or another activity.

Pack a few simple things before heading down:

• Sunscreen and a hat
• Plenty of water
• Towels or beach chairs
• Sandals or beach shoes
• A light layer for the evening

Local tip: Go early for a quieter beach walk. Come back around sunset if you want the waterfront at its prettiest.

Walk Along Beach Boulevard, the Harbor, and Bay Bridge

Beach Boulevard ties several Bay St. Louis stops together. You can walk near the water, grab something to eat, stop at the harbor, and continue toward Old Town without turning each place into a separate outing.

The Bay St. Louis Municipal Harbor sits where Main Street reaches Beach Boulevard. Restaurants, shops, bars, beach access, golf cart rentals, and other services are just steps away. Rutherford Fishing Pier forms the north wall of the harbor basin and has boardwalk access. 

If you want a longer walk or bike ride, head toward the Bay St. Louis Bridge. The current bridge opened after Hurricane Katrina destroyed the former crossing. The bridge is better saved for cooler hours. Midday sun can turn a nice walk into a much longer-feeling one.

2. Experience Bay St. Louis From the Water

Once you have seen the shore, spend some time on the water itself. You can keep the outing easy with a fishing pier or paddleboard, or set aside several hours for a charter, pontoon, or guided trip.

Before booking a water activity, check the day's forecast and ask what the operator includes. Trip times, equipment, age rules, and weather policies differ from one business to another.

Go Fishing From the Pier or Book a Charter

Fishing fits naturally into a Bay St. Louis trip. The city lists public access for fishing, kayaking, boating, and crabbing, including public piers and the seawall along North Beach Boulevard. Mississippi fishing license rules may apply, so check the state's requirements before you cast a line. 

A charter is a good choice if you want to spend more time offshore or would rather have a local captain handle the boat and fishing locations. First-timers should not feel out of place. Many charter trips welcome families and people who are new to fishing.

Before booking, ask:

• How many hours will you be out?
• Is fishing gear included?
• Do guests need a license?
• Is the trip suitable for children?
• Can you bring food and drinks?
• What happens if the weather changes?

Take a Boat Trip or Try a Watersport

Fishing is only one way to get on the water. Depending on the season and current schedules, you may find pontoon rentals, sightseeing trips, sunset outings, tiki-style cruises, paddleboards, kayaks, jet skis, and lessons for wind-powered board sports.

A sunset outing works nicely for couples or groups that want time on the water without giving up most of the day. Families may prefer a shorter daytime ride that can be paired with the beach or Old Town afterward.

If you want something more active, paddleboarding and kayaking let you set your own pace. 

Local Tip: Bring clothes that can dry quickly, plenty of water, sunscreen, and a waterproof pouch for your phone. Sunglasses with a strap are also a good idea if you will be on a board or smaller boat.

3. Walk Through Historic Old Town Bay St. Louis

Old Town is one of those places where a strict schedule can work against you. Main Street, Second Street, Beach Boulevard, and the surrounding blocks are packed with small shops, cafés, restaurants, galleries, antiques, and older buildings.

Give yourself a few hours instead of trying to rush through. Stop when something catches your eye, grab coffee if you need a break, and leave room for places you did not find while planning online.

Explore the Streets, Shops, and Local Character

Old Town shopping feels personal because so many of the stores are independently run. You will find antiques, clothing, home goods, records, pottery, jewelry, art, gifts, and pieces made by local artists.

Magnolia Antiques sits at the corner of Main and Second streets and carries furniture, pottery, glassware, records, books, jewelry, collectibles, and plenty of other older finds.

You do not need to check every store off a list. Pick a few places that fit what you like, then wander. Old Town is also useful on a rainy afternoon because it is easy to move between stores, galleries, coffee, and food while waiting for the weather to clear.

Browse Galleries, Murals, and Local Art

Art is not tucked away in one corner of Bay St. Louis. You will notice it in galleries, murals, shop windows, handmade goods, and public spaces as you walk around town.

Gallery 220 at 220 Main Street is an artist co-op with work in painting, sculpture, pottery, jewelry, mosaics, and photography. The Old Town Merchants Association keeps current business details online (Gallery 220 listing).

Murals and other public pieces can turn an ordinary walk into a loose art hunt. Keep an eye on side streets and building walls while moving between shops. You do not need to find every piece. Part of the fun is coming across one while you're looking for something else.

Tip: If you are buying a souvenir, a small piece from a Gulf Coast artist can feel much more connected to the trip than something picked up from a generic gift rack.

4. Discover Bay St. Louis History and Culture

Bay St. Louis has enough history to fill several hours, but you do not need to spend the whole day indoors. A few stops cover folk art, Mardi Gras, African American music history, faith, architecture, and the town's story.

The Depot area is a smart starting point because several attractions sit together. From there, you can move on to 100 Men Hall or one of the historic churches.

Visit the L&N Historic Train Depot and Its Museums

The historic L&N Train Depot dates to around 1928 and is designated a Mississippi Landmark. Today, it houses Hancock County Tourism, the Alice Moseley Folk Art Museum, and the Bay St. Louis Mardi Gras Museum. Depot Row sits nearby with shops and places to eat. 

The Alice Moseley Folk Art Museum is on the second floor. Moseley began painting at 65, and the museum now holds more than 100 of her original works.

The Mardi Gras Museum sits in the same depot and displays costumes, masks, memorabilia, and material tied to Carnival traditions along the Mississippi Coast. 

Since these stops share one location, they are easy to pair without losing much time getting around.

See 100 Men Hall and Bay St. Louis Historic Landmarks

100 Men Hall is one of Bay St. Louis's best-known cultural stops. Built in 1922, it became a gathering place for the African American community and hosted blues, jazz, and R&B performers over the years, including Ray Charles, James Brown, and Etta James. The hall still hosts live music and community events, so check the current calendar before visiting.

You can also stop by St. Rose de Lima Catholic Church, known for its "Christ in the Oaks" mural and Gospel Choir. Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church on South Beach Boulevard is another local landmark worth seeing, especially if you are already walking near the waterfront.

5. Enjoy Bay St. Louis Food, Music, and Local Events

Food, music, and community gatherings are a big part of a Bay St. Louis visit. A day can move naturally from coffee and shopping to seafood, sunset, and a live band without requiring a packed schedule.

Try not to turn meals into another checklist. Pick a few places you want to try, then leave room for a recommendation you hear while you are in town.

Taste Gulf Coast Food and Local Favorites

Seafood is an easy place to start. Shrimp, oysters, fish, crab, and po'boys all fit the South Mississippi coast, and Bay St. Louis gives you choices ranging from casual lunch spots to places where you can sit near the water and stay a while.

A simple food plan keeps the day easy:

• Grab coffee or breakfast before walking Old Town.
• Keep lunch casual after the beach or museums.
• Save dinner for a place where you can slow down.
• Leave room for dessert or a drink after sunset.

Beach Boulevard and Old Town both have places to eat, so you do not need to leave the area every time you feel hungry. During festivals or busy weekends, check hours and reservations ahead of time if there is one restaurant you really want to visit.

Food is also a good way to reset between outdoor stops. On a hot day, a long lunch in the middle of the afternoon can be much nicer than trying to push through another hour in the sun.

Listen to Live Music and Explore Bay St. Louis After Dark

Bay St. Louis does not go quiet when the sun drops. Restaurants, bars, 100 Men Hall, and community events regularly bring music into the evening.

Driftwood Motel gets involved in the local music scene too. Driftapalooza brings live bands, local art, food trucks, and vendors to the motel for a weekend of music and fun. Guests can hang out on the lawn, cool off by the pool, grab food, and listen to music without leaving the property. 

You may also find ghost walks and themed nighttime outings around town. Confirm the operator, start time, age rules, and meeting point before building your evening around one.

Experience Second Saturday and Seasonal Events

If your trip lands on the second Saturday of the month, leave time for Old Town. Second Saturday brings special merchant events, shopping, live music, art, food, and people out around town. 

The event calendar changes through the year. The 2026 Old Town calendar includes Dolly Should, Battle of the Bay, Souper Mudfest, Frida Fest, Witches Walk, and Santa Stroll. Dates differ each year, so use the current calendar rather than an older travel post when planning.

A few things make event days easier:



• Check parking or street changes before arriving.
• Wear shoes that are comfortable for a few hours of walking.
• Carry water during warm months.
• Keep a light rain layer nearby.
• Check whether registration or tickets are needed.
• Book your room early for larger weekends.

6. Explore Bay St. Louis by Bike, Golf Cart, and Beyond Old Town

Once you have covered the central waterfront and Old Town, bikes and golf carts give you an easy way to see more without getting back in the car for every short hop.

You can also add a park, community garden, golf course, or nearby coastal stop if you have an extra half day.

Ride Through Town by Bike or Golf Cart

Cycling suits Bay St. Louis well, especially early in the morning or later in the day. You can ride around Old Town, spend time along the waterfront, or take on part of the bridge if you want a longer outing.

Golf carts are also a familiar sight around town, and rentals are available locally. Ask the rental business where carts are permitted and what age or license rules apply before heading out.

Driftwood Motel guests have another option. The motel's rules say courtesy bikes are available during a stay, and management can unlock one for guest use. 

Spend Time at Parks or Play a Round of Golf

Ruth's Roots at 130 Court Street gives visitors a quieter stop near town. The City of Bay St. Louis lists it as a community garden with programs centered on young people and the local community.

If you want more outdoor space, Buccaneer State Park is nearby in Waveland. The state park currently lists a nature trail, disc golf, playgrounds, campsites, and the seasonal Buccaneer Bay waterpark. Hours, admission, and waterpark dates can change, so check the state page before leaving.

Golfers can head to The Bridges Golf Club in Bay St. Louis. The course is an Arnold Palmer signature design and plays as an 18-hole, par-72 course. 

If you have more time, nearby Waveland and Pass Christian can fit into the same coastal stay without taking over the whole day.

Plan a Day or Weekend in Bay St. Louis

With so many things to do in Bay St. Louis, it is tempting to fit too much into one day. The town is better when you pick a few main plans and leave enough space for lunch, weather changes, an unexpected shop, or a longer stop by the water.

Think about who you are traveling with as well. Families may need shorter activities and more breaks. Couples might be happy spending an entire afternoon between Old Town and the waterfront.

Choose Activities That Fit Your Trip

The easiest way to plan your time in Bay St. Louis is to match the day to your pace. If you only have a few hours, stay around Old Town and the waterfront so you are not losing time moving between stops. With a full day or weekend, you can add a longer activity such as fishing, golf, or a boat trip.

Families may want shorter stops with breaks in between, while couples can keep the day slower and leave more time for dinner or an evening out. If rain changes your plans, move indoor activities earlier and return outside once the weather clears.

Build a Simple One-Day or Weekend Itinerary

A little planning can help you fit the main stops together while keeping the day relaxed.

If you only have one day, keeping most of your plans close together will help you make the most of your time. A weekend gives you more room for longer outings and a slower pace. 

Stay Close to Bay St. Louis Attractions at Driftwood Motel

Driftwood Motel sits at 810 US 90, one block off the Main Street intersection and about a mile from downtown and the beach. That puts Old Town, the waterfront, restaurants, fishing, and many of the activities in this guide within easy reach. 

A few things make the stay easier:

• Room options for couples, families, and groups, including queen rooms, double rooms, bunk rooms, and larger booking options.
• Pool access for cooling off between activities.
• Courtesy bikes for getting around nearby parts of town.
• Local activity partners for paddleboarding, watersports, fishing charters, golf cart rentals, and other coastal activities.
• Beach chairs and umbrellas for days by the water.
• Free guest laundry after beach, fishing, or watersport days.
• Coffee, espresso, and a shared kitchenette for easy mornings and quick breaks.
• Outdoor spaces and badminton when you want some downtime at the motel.

Staying close to both the beach and downtown also means less time going back and forth during the day. You can keep your plans flexible and take a break whenever you need one.

Planning a trip to Bay St. Louis? Book your stay at Driftwood Motel and stay close to the beach, Old Town, and many of the activities covered in this guide.

Wrapping Up!

The best things to do in Bay St. Louis are not limited to one beach, museum, or attraction. The town works because the waterfront, Old Town, art, history, fishing, boating, food, music, and local events all fit together without demanding a complicated schedule.

Start by the water, give yourself time to wander Old Town, add a museum or historic stop, and choose one or two activities that match your trip. Some visitors will want to fish all morning. Others will be happier with coffee, antiques, a long lunch, and sunset by the harbor.

Leave a little room for the unplanned part. Bay St. Louis is most enjoyable when you still have time for another shop, another song, or another half hour by the water.

FAQs About Things to Do in Bay St. Louis

Is Bay St. Louis walkable?

Old Town, Beach Boulevard, and the Municipal Harbor work well together on foot. The city harbor sits right where Main Street meets Beach Boulevard, which makes the central area easy to combine. A bike, golf cart, or car is useful for places farther away. 

What are some free things to do in Bay St. Louis?

Walking the beach, spending time around the harbor, wandering Old Town, looking for public art, watching sunset, and walking the bridge are good choices when you want to keep spending down. The Alice Moseley Folk Art Museum currently lists free admission as well. 

What can couples do in Bay St. Louis?

Spend a few hours walking Old Town, browse a gallery or antique shop, then head toward the water for sunset. Dinner, live music, or a sunset boat outing can turn that into an easy full-day date without filling every hour.

What can you do in Bay St. Louis when it rains?

Head toward the Train Depot museums, galleries, antique stores, boutiques, coffee shops, or restaurants. Adults can also look at casino options. Gulf Coast showers may pass fairly quickly, so check the forecast before canceling the rest of your outdoor plans.

What Is the best time to visit Bay St. Louis?

The best months to visit are March through May and October through November, when the weather is milder. June through September is better for beach and water activities, but it is hotter and more humid.