7 Reasons to Visit Hattiesburg, MS Right Now
From a diverse culinary scene to one-of-a-kind shopping and outdoor fun, here are seven reasons to add Hattiesburg, MS, to your travel bucket list! Image: Visit Hattiesburg
Known as the “Hub City,” Hattiesburg, MS, is a charming Southern town full of delicious food, outdoor fun, and one-of-a-kind shopping experiences. If you’re a culinary enthusiast looking to enjoy an unforgettable meal or an adventure-seeker out to explore scenic landscapes, here are seven reasons to add Hattiesburg to the top of your must-visit list!
The Lucky Rabbit
More Info: theluckyrabbit.com
Located in the heart of Downtown Hattiesburg, The Lucky Rabbit is a beloved two-building, immersive shopping destination. The store welcomes shoppers every Saturday and Sunday, inviting you to browse its nostalgia, antiques, crafts, and decor.
As you shop, take note of the unique displays of vintage soda machines, classic arcade games, and working payphone booths. The store is also known for its immersive TV-inspired set recreations, which currently include Golden Girls, Friends, Stranger Things, and Schitt’s Creek.
If you visit The Lucky Rabbit on the first Saturday of any month, you’re in for a real treat! The store’s First Saturday Market shuts down the street outside to offer outdoor shopping, food trucks, and family-friendly fun.
Birdie’s
More Info: birdhousecafe.net
Formerly known as Birdhouse Café, Birdie’s is a cozy backdrop for a delicious breakfast or lunch. Situated inside one half of an appliance store, the local eatery was opened by Chef Katie Dixon in 2013. Before opening Birdie’s, Katie gained national recognition as a MasterChef contestant, showcasing her signature approach to healthy Southern cooking.
Today, diners at Birdie’s enjoy everything from hearty salads and sandwiches to refreshing smoothie bowls, coffee, and tea — all made with fresh ingredients and flavored with Southern-inspired twists.
Southern Prohibition Brewery
More Info: soprobrewing.com
A local staple since 2013, Southern Prohibition Brewery (also known as SoPro) offers refreshing craft beer alongside a menu that puts a flavorful, unique twist on classic bar food, elevating the brewery’s creative offerings.
While SoPro brews are available locally and across five states, a visit to the official taproom is an absolute must. In addition to year-round classics like Suzy B (a wheat blonde ale) and Devil’s Harvest (a breakfast IPA), you can also enjoy a rotating selection of seasonal brews. Not a beer drinker? The brewery also offers a fun cocktail menu featuring creative drinks.
When it comes to food, start with standout appetizers like the pizza roll nachos or boudin egg rolls. For your entrée, you can’t go wrong with the Szechuan-lemon pork rinds, Korean BBQ pork belly rice bowl, or fried chicken sandwich.
Hattiesburg Zoo
More Info: hattiesburgzoo.com
Offering multiple acres of family-friendly fun in Kamper Park, the Hattiesburg Zoo is the ideal place for travelers of all ages to spend an afternoon. Home to over 100 species of animals, visitors can enjoy close-up views of alpacas, flamingos, monkeys, giraffes, zebras, donkeys, and so much more.
Before or after paying a visit to the adorable animals, be sure to check out some of the other attractions. You can dig for gems and stones at the Mining Expedition, climb the High Ropes Adventure Course, or take a ride on the electric train. If you’re visiting during the summer months, cool off next door at Serengeti Springs, the zoo’s popular neighboring waterpark attraction.
Hattiesburg Pocket Museum & Pocket Alley
More Info: hattiesburgpocketmuseum.com
Tucked discreetly away in downtown Hattiesburg’s whimsical Pocket Alley, the Hattiesburg Pocket Museum offers an ever-changing lineup of quirky, one-of-a-kind exhibits. Dubbed “Mississippi’s Tiniest Museum,” the museum has previously featured themes inspired by everything from the Smurfs and Pop-Tarts to Woodstock and McDonald’s.
Beyond the museum itself, Pocket Alley is free to explore and features colorful murals, interactive art installations, and hidden surprises that make the space feel like an outdoor art gallery. You can also stop by the nearby Pocket Theater, which features a rotating selection of short films. Altogether, the area offers one of Hattiesburg’s most unique photo ops and creative experiences.
Longleaf Piney Resort
More Info: longleafpineyresort.com
For a relaxing stay surrounded by nature, book a getaway at Longleaf Piney Resort. Located just off Longleaf Trace, the boutique retreat offers a glamping-inspired experience with modern tiny cabins tucked among the trees.
Guests can spend the day biking or exploring the scenic trail before unwinding around a fire pit or soaking in the peaceful surroundings. Designed for both adventure and relaxation, the resort provides easy access to one of South Mississippi’s most popular outdoor attractions while still feeling like a secluded escape.
Big Trouble
More Info: eatbigtrouble.com
For a delicious dinner, stop into Big Trouble for Asian-American-inspired fare. With Chef Jeremy Noffke at the helm, the restaurant is known for favorites like crab rangoon dip, steamed buns, fried rice, and ramen.
To wash down your dinner, order a craft cocktail from the Big Trouble Bar, which offers standouts like Good Timing Man (house whiskey and Coke with peanuts) or Sunset in Lafayette (gin, tea, and citrus).
Enjoy your adventures in Hattiesburg, MS!
This article is sponsored by Visit Hattiesburg.
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.