Museums, Parks, and Landmarks to Visit on a Road Trip from Biloxi, Mississippi to Houston, Texas
If you're embarking on a road trip from Biloxi, Mississippi to Houston, Texas, you're in for a treat. From stunning parks to fascinating museums and iconic landmarks, this road trip has it all.
Did you know that Biloxi is home to one of the earliest settlements in America? The Biloxi Native American tribe inhabited the area for thousands of years before Europeans arrived in the 18th century.
About halfway between Biloxi and Houston lies the charming city of Rayne, LA. Known as the Frog Capital of the World, Rayne has a giant metal frog sculpture in the town square and hosts an annual Frog Festival.
The journey from Biloxi to Houston is approximately 400 miles and takes around 6-7 hours by car. The route takes you through scenic countryside and several wonderful towns and cities that are packed with interesting things to see and do.
Here are the top five places to visit on this road trip:
1. NASA Johnson Space Center - Houston
The NASA Johnson Space Center is a must-visit for anyone interested in space exploration and technology. The center features plenty of exhibits that showcase the history of spaceflight, including the original mission control from the Apollo missions. Visitors can also take a tour of the facility and even see a real space shuttle up close.
Point of interest recommendation: Check out the Space Center's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where engineers design and build spacecraft to explore our solar system.
2. San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site - La Porte
Located just outside of Houston, the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site is the location of one of the most significant battles in Texas history. It was here that Texan forces, led by General Sam Houston, defeated the Mexican army in 1836, securing Texas's independence.
Point of interest recommendation: Don't miss the San Jacinto Museum of History, which features exhibits on Texas's history and culture.
3. USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park - Mobile, AL
A stop at the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park is a must for military history buffs and anyone interested in naval history. The park features the USS Alabama, a World War II-era battleship, as well as several other military vehicles and aircraft.
Point of interest recommendation: Take the tour of the submarine USS Drum, which is also located at the park.
4. Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve - New Orleans
The Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve is a 30,000-acre park in southern Louisiana that includes swamps, marshes, and forests. Visitors can take guided swamp tours, nature walks, and even go on a canoe trip. The park is also home to several historic sites, including the Chalmette Battlefield, where the Battle of New Orleans was fought in 1815.
Point of interest recommendation: The park is a birder's paradise and home to over 200 species of birds. Bring your binoculars!
5. French Quarter - New Orleans
No trip to New Orleans is complete without a stop in the French Quarter. This historic district is packed with stunning architecture, boutiques, art galleries, and, of course, some of the best food in the world. Be sure to stroll down Bourbon Street, where you'll find bars, jazz clubs, and plenty of people-watching opportunities.
Point of interest recommendation: Visit the historic Cafe Du Monde for its famous beignets (deep-fried dough covered in powdered sugar) and chicory coffee.
In conclusion, the road trip from Biloxi to Houston offers a wealth of sights and experiences, from historic battlefields to space museums and stunning natural landscapes. With so much to see and do, be sure to plan enough time for plenty of stops and detours. The journey can take as long as you make it, but plan on at least a week to truly experience all this route has to offer.