Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Chatom, Alabama and Gulfport, Mississippi
CHATOM, AL - Road tripping can be the perfect way to experience the best of what the South has to offer, including excellent cuisine, fascinating history, stunning natural landscapes, and friendly locals. A road trip from Chatom, Alabama to Gulfport, Mississippi offers all of these experiences and more. Travelers will have the chance to explore charming towns, try delicious southern food, and have fun outdoors. Highlights of the trip include the halfway point of Moss Point, MS, where travelers can learn about the history of the Pascagoula River and enjoy a beautiful riverside walk.
Top Five Things to Do
1. Visit the Beauvoir Estate
At the top of this list is the Beauvoir Estate, which served as the home of Jefferson Davis, the President of the Confederate States of America, in the last years of his life. Visitors can learn about the life of this controversial figure and tour the house and grounds. The estate also has a museum with exhibits on the history of the Confederacy and the Civil War.
Interesting Fact: The Beauvoir Estate was nearly destroyed during Hurricane Katrina in 2005, but has since been restored and reopened.
2. Explore Gulf Islands National Seashore
For those who love the outdoors, the Gulf Islands National Seashore is a must-visit. This protected area encompasses a series of barrier islands and offers visitors opportunities for swimming, camping, hiking, and boating. There are also a number of historic sites to explore, including Fort Pickens and Fort Massachusetts.
Interesting Fact: The Gulf Islands National Seashore is home to over 300 species of birds, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers.
3. Take a Swamp Tour
A road trip in the South just isn’t complete without a swamp tour. In Gulfport, visitors can take a guided tour of the swamps and bayous in the area, getting up close and personal with alligators, egrets, and other wildlife. Some tours even include a stop at a Cajun-style restaurant where visitors can sample local cuisine.
Interesting Fact: The Pascagoula River, located near Gulfport, is the largest unimpeded river system in the contiguous United States.
4. Visit the Mobile Bay Lighthouse
On the trip to Gulfport, there’s a great opportunity to make a stop at the historic Mobile Bay Lighthouse. This lighthouse, built in 1885, is now open for tours and offers a glimpse into the history of maritime navigation on the Gulf Coast. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse for panoramic views of the bay.
Interesting Fact: The Mobile Bay Lighthouse is one of the few surviving lighthouses on the Alabama coast.
5. Enjoy Southern Cuisine in Jackson
Finally, no road trip in the South is complete without indulging in some delicious southern cuisine. In the town of Jackson, just a short drive from Gulfport, travelers can find some of the best food in the region. Must-try dishes include fried catfish, hushpuppies, and jambalaya.
Interesting Fact: Jackson is known as the “Catfish Capital of Alabama” and hosts an annual Catfish Festival.
Conclusion
In total, the road trip from Chatom, Alabama to Gulfport, Mississippi offers a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and great food. With the midpoint at Moss Point, travelers can take a break to enjoy the Pascagoula River before continuing on to the many other attractions along the way. With so much to see and do, this road trip is sure to be a memorable experience. The overall distance of this route is approximately 110 miles, but travelers should allow plenty of time to make stops and enjoy each destination.