Going to Biloxi in a week...need advice please... (Gulfport: rent, waterpark)

[los7883]

Ok so me and my whole family are going to Biloxi next week (parents, siblings and their families...about 16 of us.) We are hearing from people "oh you better be careful down there, they're racist." And i've read a few threads on here about people always wanting to stereotype MS and all...but I would like someone to chime in that lives in the area or has been there that can comment on Biloxi. I understand there are gonna be racist people no matter where you go, but wanted to set things straight. Are there any areas we should avoid (I know there are areas where I live that it would be better that people didn't go to also) are there more family-friendly places...which beaches in or around Biloxi are the nicest to go to...I truely apreciate any advice or suggestions...

[Memphis1979]

I'm not so sure you'll run into any racist problems there. There is an airbase there, and people that I know from the area are nice enough to strangers.

I wouldn't go swimming in the gulf at Biloxi to save my life. Its brown, the beachs are nasty, and just generally not a great place to spend a lot of time. If you've got the time, drive over to gulf shores alabama, the water is pretty clean there, nice beachs.

Family freindly, well, pretty much the only thing to do there is go to the casinos. Now this isn't vegas, and they'll have game areas for the kids, and things of that sort there, but other than that, I'm not sure there is a lot to do in the biloxi area at all. Go check out the Jefferson Davis house there, its really nice, and it is historical.

[los7883]

Actually we're gonna be staying in Gautier which i believe is really close to Biloxi...we were thinking there would be more to do in Biloxi or Pascagoula, but from what i've been reading on the forum...Pascagoula might not be the greatest place to visit...is that correct?

[mccarley]

You won't have any problems anywhere on the Mississippi coast. Go and have a good time. The beaches are clean and pretty, the water is not clear, but stained, cause thats the way its supposed to be. Go to the casinos and eat at the buffetts. They are a bargain. All have great seafood. The Isle of Capri usually has a evening buffett for $11. The Beau Rivage has the biggest buffett, but it is about $20 or $25. If you like fishing, take a fishing trip. Walk the Ocean Springs to Biloxi bridge, its a great walk. Ride the length of the Mississippi coast and see just how bad that hurricane we had on Aug. 29, 2005 was,
Basically casinos are the attraction, but do eat some Gumbo and a Shrimp Po Boy.
Have a good trip.

[Tama]

What type of activity are you looking for? You have to go out to the islands if you want to swim. There are ships that go.

Eating, walking the beach, golf, gambling, and seeing the shows are things you could do. I don't know--maybe someone does--if any kiddie parks or water parks are back after Katrina. The aquarium is gone. Shopping is limited.

A stroll through Ocean Springs and Beauvoir could be diversions. Fishing or a boat ride. Home

But--kids--I am not so sure. I would head to Gulf Shores--so much more for everyone--except the gambling. But they have a zoo, hiking trails, golf, beautiful beaches where you can swim, outlet malls, dolphin cruises and amusement parks.

[Magnoliamiss]

Yes, there is a water park a little north of I-10 in Gulfport that is open. Sorry, I don't know the name.

[navman]

Just wanted to share a perspective. I live in Gautier and in the military. That said, my neighborhood is mult-ethnic and we all know each others names, talk to one another and when Katrina hit, I was up and down the street with a chainsaw cutting trees down off of others' homes...we get along.
The thing about the Gulf Coast - it's not like the rest of Mississippi. Many people here are military, which means they are not native and have various backgrounds. Also many others retire down here and are from all over. It says a lot for our country and this state to see a car broken down on the side of I-10, the driver is a white lady and a black man stops to help. I've done the same (oh, guess I should mention I'm white) and I've stopped and helped other people of different backgrounds. Yes, racism does still exist (sadly) but I've never seen it in any blatant way down here. My personal belief is this: there's only one race, and that's the human race.
Places to go here - Ocean Springs has a nice quiet beach, the beach strip off Hwy 90 through Biloxi, D'Iberville and Gulfport is nice too. There's only the one waterpark - the way to get there is go north on Hwy 49 off the I-10 exit (Gulfport), get in the left hand lane, take the 1st light to the left and follow the signs. Sam's Club is down that road too (on the right side). Your kids and family members will enjoy it.
On the beaches too - you can rent jetskis, etc. Not sure of the prices on that. Good eating all over the place - whether Mexican, Oriental, seafood, etc.

More things to do going to Gulf Shores, btw. Also over at Mobile after you go through the tunnel is the USS Alabama and military museum, very cool. And on further east at then end of the bridge is a huge Bass Pro Shop on the left and then a few miles further east and on the left is a huge new multi-outlet mall/village. Enjoy yourselves down here, don't worry about racism. People here are more accepting than you realize. I'm not a native Mississippian so I can say I notice things like that - and I've seen it elsewhere. Take care. God bless.

[bornjacksonian]

How dare you down play Biloxi like that Memphis1979. The gulf coast is very clean and the sand is prettier than ever. They even pumped more sand in the area since Katrina. Also Katrina did major damage to the channels and it's actually allowing lighter and clearer water into the beach area. I recommend since you're with a party of 16 you all taking a ride out to Ship Island. Wonderful area and clear blue water. It's about 8 miles out from Biloxi into the Gulf. There is not need to go to Gulf Shores, AL at all Biloxi has several hotels, restaurants and casinos. Go down and enjoy yourselves you all have nothing to worry about.