The welcoming coastal community of Biloxi, Mississippi is home to a population of approximately 49,000 people. It sits along the Gulf of Mexico’s northern shore and has long been known for its seafood heritage, its beachfront atmosphere, and its mix of historical and leisure attractions. In this community, the rhythms of the sea are as much a part of daily life as the sidewalks and cafés, and history and modern entertainment live side by side.

This seaside settlement was originally established in French colonial times and carries that seafaring legacy into the present; the water, the industry, the breeze, and the light all conspire to remind one of maritime days gone by. One lesser-known fact is that the tradition of the “Blessing of the Fleet,” held each year before the local shrimping season, has its roots here and continues as a local ritual honoring the region’s fishing heritage. On a quiet evening you might glimpse small shrimp boats returning laden with catch, and the aroma of the Gulf’s bounty is still a signature of the local tables.

Dining here means embracing that seafood legacy. Among the most beloved restaurants is Half Shell Oyster House on Lameuse Street, known for its classic fried oysters, local shrimp, and New Orleans-inspired flavors in a gracious setting that locals return to again and again. For a more historic dining experience, Mary Mahoney’s Old French House offers seafood in romantic courtyards and period rooms within an 18th-century French-style home. On the more casual side, The Reef overlooks the water and has become popular for its laid-back atmosphere, wraps and tacos, and locally caught fish served in a setting where you can watch the Gulf’s waves.

As for local favorites beyond restaurants, visitors and residents alike often point to the downtown streets where independent boutiques, galleries, cafés, and local outfitters cluster. One particular business that stands out for good reason is the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art, focused on the work of the “Mad Potter of Biloxi,” George E. Ohr, and housed in a striking Frank Gehry–designed setting. The combination of craftsmanship, architecture, and coastline gives that spot a special place in local walking tours. On game nights, the home of the area’s Double-A baseball team, the Biloxi Shuckers, draws the crowd to Keesler Federal Park, putting entertainment and sport in one lively destination.

Day-to-day life in this community is dotted with customs tied to the coast. A stroll along the wide sands, watching the tide change color at dusk, or a quiet moment by the lighthouse pier can feel like a ritual. A spring highlight is the local shrimp festival season, when fresh catch appears in market stalls and the Blessing of the Fleet marks the start of the summer’s harvest. Among lesser-heard legends is the notion that the cast-iron lighthouse built in 1848 once warned spirits of storms long before modern gauges—a story passed along in hushed tones at local gatherings.

When it comes to things to do, there is no shortage of options. You might take time to climb up to the Biloxi Lighthouse and look out over the Mississippi Sound, stroll the waterfront boulevard with its mix of modern hotels and small independent shops, or embark on a boat excursion to one of the barrier islands. Museum lovers often head to the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum to explore the tools and vessels of the region’s seafood past, or visit the architectural artistry of the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art. A long afternoon might be spent on the boardwalks, collecting shells, watching seabirds, or taking in a game or outing at the ballpark. Festivals add seasonal sparkle—from spring to fall, the coast hosts cultural events tied to food, music, and water.

Given its coastal setting, the natural elements come into play: the Gulf breezes, the barrier islands, the beach lights at dusk, and the occasional storm surge remind residents and guests that this place lives between land and sea. It is this tension between water and settlement that gives the area its distinctive character.

As the day draws down and the lights soften, one might settle into a table at a favorite restaurant or wander through galleries until the sun dips behind the horizon and the air carries that distinctive salt-and-sugar scent of the sand. It’s a place where leisure and legacy meet, where each wave seems to carry a story of the gulf, the fishing boats, the families, and the fishermen who came before.

At this point we in Frontier Wildlife Solutions invite you to experience everything this coastal community has to offer—but we also know that living by the water can mean encounters with pests, rodents, birds, or other wildlife seeking shelter. We’re here to provide reliable and humane wildlife control services throughout the region, ready to respond when unwanted visitors show up in attics, roofs, or walls. Trust us to protect your property so you can enjoy the seaside comfort of Biloxi without interruption. Contact Frontier Wildlife Solutions today and let us take care of the wild so you can take care of the rest.