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Is visiting the historic Biloxi Lighthouse on your list of things to do? This is truly the jewel of any coastal vacation! While a visit is pretty straightforward, it's helpful to know a little bit about what to expect. Here's a look at things to do at Biloxi Lighthouse.
The Biloxi Lighthouse is open daily. If you'd like a guided tour, they run from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. You don't need to book a tour reservation unless you're coming with a large group.
Once you climb all 57 steps to get to the top, you're treated to breathtaking panoramic views of Biloxi's coastline. Enjoy some photo opportunities while you're up there. The sunrise and sunset hours are especially beautiful. The lighthouse is in the center median of U.S. 90 at Porter Avenue.
Originally opened in 1848, the Biloxi Lighthouse was the South's first cast-iron lighthouse. It was erected as part of a Mississippi Sound lighthouse initiative sponsored by Jefferson Davis. During the lighthouse's glory days, the keeper who lived on the acre-sized grounds serviced the nine lamps and multiple reflectors that kept the lighthouse glowing.
Notably, the Biloxi Lighthouse had several female lightkeepers over the decades, until the U.S. Coast Guard began maintaining its operations. By 1968, the lighthouse was turned over to the City of Biloxi, where it lived out its existence as a landmark and popular spot for public tours. It even served as an enduring symbol of coastal Mississippi after surviving Hurricane Katrina. However, an extensive repair effort was needed after the storm knocked out several windows, toppled bricks, and destroyed the lighthouse's electrical system.
One of the best things to do at Biloxi Lighthouse is to make the short trip to the nearby Biloxi Visitors Center. The 23,000-square-foot Biloxi Visitors Center is located right near the lighthouse on U.S. 90. Enjoy a walk through Biloxi's history with more than a dozen exhibits and a 67-seat movie theater. Visitors are also treated to panoramic views of Biloxi Beach and Mississippi Sound, accompanied by soothing Gulf breezes, through floor-to-ceiling windows and a two-story porch. The Biloxi Visitors Center is designed to resemble the former estate, the Dantzler House, which stood on the site until it was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
A lighthouse visit is also the perfect chance to spend time at Biloxi Beach. This gem on the Mississippi Gulf Coast gives you 26 miles of soft, man-made white sand. The beach is considered a dream for families because of its shallow waters. Enjoy scenic views, swimming, water sports, several fishing piers, and dining on the waterfront while you're here.
While a lighthouse tour is the perfect daytime activity, you may be looking for ways to keep the magic going after sunset on the Gulf of Mexico. Luckily, there are so many date night ideas Coastal Mississippi visitors can take advantage of, whether they want a fancy night at a casino or food trucks and arcade games.
