Visit

Choose from luxury hotel suites, vacation rental cottages, quaint bed and breakfasts or beachside camping for your stay and you’ll understand why our visitors often become residents.

The Mississippi Gulf Coast has a reputation as a culinary capital for good reason – our restaurants serve up everything from BBQ to soul food to fine coastal cuisine prepared by world-class chefs.  Find out why people keep coming back for seconds!

Find art, antiques and high fashion in friendly hometown settings with no parking hassles.  Click here to search specific categories like “clothing” or “antiques” in our member directory!  And check out the website of the Bay St. Louis Old Town Merchants Association. 

Hancock County’s visitors will find dozens of activities within a stone’s throw, while a short drive either east or west offers hundreds more exciting options.  The “more info” link will help you find our local treasures, like INFINITY Science Center and Buccaneer State Park.

A shining example of Mississippi’s Creative Economy movement, Hancock County features an annual Arts Alive event, Bay BridgeFest Arts Village, an active little theatre, Friday Arts Market and the monthly Second Saturday Artwalk in Bay St. Louis each month – which attracts art, literature and music lovers from across the region.

On the Mississippi Gulf Coast, we know how to celebrate and we look for reasons to practice!  Art, music, seafood, even antique cars are the focus of festivals and events both large and small in Hancock County.

From the historic county seat of Bay St. Louis, to the pristine beaches of Waveland, to the countryside of Kiln –  birthplace of football legend Brett Favre – explore the distinctive communities of Hancock County.

The roll of the dice, the “cha-ching!” of the slots – it’s gaming excitement in all its glory. Hancock County boasts both Hollywood Casino and the Silver Slipper Casino, along with the stellar amenities, dining, and entertainment that these gaming greats offer.

Hancock County boasts two Mississippi Scenic Byways – Beach Boulevard Scenic Byway and the Byways to Space. Both corridors lead visitors to discover life along the coast and inside a 125,000 acre protected wilderness that makes America’s space program possible. Explore our rich history and beautiful scenery on these truly unique roadways.

Hancock County history is rich with pioneers, pirates and patriots.  The county is part of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Heritage Area,  one of only 37 regions nationwide to have received the coveted Heritage Area designation.  Don’t miss the Hancock County Historical Society, in the heart of Old Town, Bay St. Louis!

The new INFINITY Science Center is a state-of-the-art visitor attraction, where adults and children can explore the depths of the oceans, the function of wetlands as seen in the Gulf of Mexico region, the interactions between the land and the sea, and the farthest reaches of space.  The stunning building is located just off of I-10 near the Mississippi/Louisiana state line and is adjacent to the MS Welcome Center.

Hancock County enjoys a uniquely central location on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. Situated between the cities of Biloxi and New Orleans, residents and businesses have easy access to metropolitan areas.

Our mild climate and abundant natural resources encourage outdoor activities year-round.  Bike our beach trails, play golf on our award-winning courses and enjoy some of the best fishing in the Gulf - all right here in Hancock County!