Your Ultimate Natchez, MS Bucket List
Whether you're a foodie, history buff, or nature lover, Natchez, MS, offers something for everyone. Here are 10+ things you have to do and see during your next visit!
Nestled between major Southern cities like Jackson, Mississippi, and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is the charming small town of Natchez. Spending a weekend here feels like you’re stepping into a Hallmark movie, offering a backdrop of stately historic homes and picturesque nature trails. We’re breaking down some of the best things to do and see here, so bookmark this page and consider it your ultimate bucket list for Natchez, Mississippi!
Stop by Visit Natchez at The Depot
Before officially embarking on your adventures, visit the newly renovated Visitor Welcome Center. Located in a historic train depot on North Broadway Street, the Visit Natchez office offers an interactive kiosk and helpful staff eager to provide valuable tips so you can get the most out of your visit.
Walk Along the Natchez Bluff Trail
The Natchez Bluff Trail is a scenic path offering sweeping waterfront views, and an afternoon or evening stroll is a must. Home to the Natchez Bluff Bandstand, the top half of the trail is a picturesque spot where you can enjoy live music or a quiet picnic, while the bottom half winds alongside the Mississippi River. We also recommend venturing off the trail to see what locals call the “Lucky Number 13 House,” a local home decorated with colorful trinkets!
Grab a Drink at Under-The-Hill Saloon
One of Natchez’s oldest buildings, Under-The-Hill Saloon, offers a storied past. It once served as the home base for some of Natchez’s toughest visitors and thieves. Today, the local watering hole offers live music alongside a menu full of cocktails and beer. Before leaving, venture to the back of the bar to find an elephant statue. Not only is this an intriguing conversation starter, but it’s also a unique photo op!
Take a Picture with The Guest House’s Mural
Located on the corner of North Pearl Street and Franklin Street — and often called “one of the most romantic inns in the South” — The Guest House is a beautifully appointed boutique hotel. Even if you’re not staying overnight, stop by the hotel’s exterior to have your picture taken with the angel wings mural. Then, head inside for another photo op at the oldest phone booth in Natchez!
Honor the Original People of Natchez
Stretching across 128 acres, The Grand Village is home to three prehistoric Native American mounds, a carefully reconstructed Natchez Indian house, a museum, and a scenic nature trail. Research suggests that The Grand Village once served as the main ceremonial center for Natchez Indians. Be sure to also visit the gift shop to peruse authentic Native American crafts!
Visit Natchez City Cemetery’s “Turning Angel”
While a local cemetery may not initially seem like a must-visit attraction, the Natchez City Cemetery is more than a traditional resting place for past residents. In addition to self-guided tours, you can enjoy a plethora of artfully crafted memorials here. One such statue is the “Turning Angel.” It’s been said that she keeps an eye on the surrounding graves, particularly those that belong to individuals who lost their lives in a 1908 building explosion.
Listen to Live Music at Smoot’s Grocery
A restored juke joint, it’s no wonder locals and tourists alike visit Smoot’s Grocery for live music. As you soak in the local talent, sip on cold brews and munch on favorites like burgers, catfish, and more. To see who is playing while you’re visiting, check out the restaurant’s Facebook page.
Enjoy a Margarita & Tamales at Fat Mama’s Tamales
No trip to Natchez is complete without a visit to Fat Mama’s Tamales. The cozy and colorful restaurant is known for its — you guessed it — tamales. Add boudin or the Fire & Ice Pickles for extra flavor and spice, and then wash your meal down with the restaurant’s famous ‘Knock-You-Naked’ Margarita.
SB Tip: For more delicious food and drinks, visit staples like Frankie’s on Main, The Little Easy, and Malt Shop.
Learn About Black History
As a center point of Black history in the U.S., Natchez offers plenty of opportunities for an in-depth look at this significant element of America’s past. Popular museums include the African American Museum of History and Culture, the Dr. John Banks House Museum, and the Rhythm Night Club Museum. Each one offers a deep dive into some of Natchez’s most influential events, people, places, and their role in local Black history.
Forks of the Road and the Proud to Take a Stand Monument are also popular landmarks, giving an overview of slave trading and honoring those who were wrongfully incarcerated during the Civil Rights Movement.
Take a Guided City Tour
A fun and immersive way to enjoy Natchez and its surroundings is to embark on one of its many guided tour options. Southern Carriage Tours offers a classic horse-and-carriage option, while City Sightseeing Natchez is a convenient hop-on, hop-off double-decker bus. You can also book a trip with Natchez Pedal Cruzer to exercise while you sightsee. And for those who love all things spooky, book a nighttime excursion with Natchez Ghost Tours.
Explore Natchez in Historic Photographs
Situated upstairs in the Stratton Chapel behind First Presbyterian Church, Natchez in Historic Photographs is home to over 500 historic photos of Natchez from the early 1900s. As you stroll through the gallery, you’ll see images of everything from family portraits to street scenes and steamboats hauling cotton. While the exhibit is free to attend, donations are strongly encouraged.
Tour Historic Homes
Walk in the footsteps of historic Natchez residents by touring one of the city’s many historic mansions. Each one offers an in-depth look at the lives of everyone from Southern belles to enslaved individuals and even Civil War soldiers. Popular year-round options include Longwood, Stanton Hall, Fort Rosalie, Magnolia Hall, Choctaw Hall, and Melrose.
Enjoy your adventures in Natchez!
This article is sponsored by Visit Natchez.
Brianna Goebel
Brianna is StyleBlueprint’s Associate Editor and Sponsored Content Manager. She is an avid fan of iced coffee and spends her free time reading romance novels.