The Mississippi River fertilizes huge swaths of the United States with its water, and the state that takes its name does the same with much of its culture and history. Visiting Mississippi steeps you in the roots of American music, winds you past historic battlefields, and deposits you on the Gulf Coast to savor the seafood. You can visit the birthplaces of musical royalty, but also listen to the next generation of stars at juke joints in the Delta. Similarly, the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum continues the story told by the nearby Vicksburg National Military Park, showing how the fight for freedom has continued since the Civil War. In the far south of the state, another body of water shapes Mississippi, as the 44 miles of Gulf Coast shoreline boast beaches, phenomenal seafood, and expanses of water ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing.

Long, hot summers blanket the state in humidity for much of the year, ending as hurricane season peaks in September, making the best times to visit late fall and early spring, when temperatures are more moderate. Events are mainly scheduled for those shoulder seasons to capitalize on that milder weather, and often they center on the state’s culinary prowess, like the Biloxi Seafood Fest, Gulfport’s Country Cajun Crawfish Festival, and Greenwood’s Que on the Yazoo.

Natchez Trace

The Natchez Trace Parkway and the parallel Natchez Trace Trail cover 444 miles across the South, with more than 300 in Mississippi, following a travel path originated by Native Americans thousands of years ago. The Parkway’s visitor center is in Tupelo, but you can camp, hike, bike, and drive your way along the route, staying in cabins along the way, and starting or stopping at memorials, state parks, and unique natural sites.

Biloxi

Biloxi brings together beautiful white sand beaches, succulent Gulf Coast seafood, and a long history dating back to the 17th century. It’s a great base for exploring the state’s natural wonders and Southern hospitality. It’s also known for its championship golf courses.

The Delta

The state’s culture-rich northwest corner features a maze of backroads leading to juke joints, barbecue restaurants, and friendly small towns. Stop for ribs and pie, listen to live music in the birthplace of the blues, and visit the occasional Civil Rights memorial or haunted house along the way. The region’s wealth of fascinating spots makes travel here easy — just get on the road and see what you find.