Bay Saint Louis: History, Art and Waterfront Views

Bay Saint Louis combines views of Bay of St. Louis and Mississippi Sound with historic sites, art and recurring events. Old Town, museums, galleries and the harbor offer different starting points for planning your trip. You can make the waterfront, local history and culture the focus of your days.

Waterfront Views and Getting Your Bearings in the City

Bay Saint Louis overlooks Bay of St. Louis and Mississippi Sound. The Bay St. Louis Municipal Harbor gives locals and visitors arriving by boat direct access to downtown. In one part of the city farther inland, restaurants line a park area. The Historic L&N Train Depot is also a prominent landmark: it houses a visitor center, the Alice Moseley Folk Art Museum and the Bay St Louis Mardi Gras Museum.

Old Town and the Historic Depot

Old Town is more than 300 years old. The Old Bay St. Louis Historic District covers 504 acres and includes 681 contributing resources, including four cemeteries and two religious shrines. This scale makes the historic character tangible beyond individual buildings. The historic L&N Train Depot is itself designated a Mississippi Landmark.

The Alice Moseley Folk Art Museum is on the depot's second floor. It honors folk artist Alice Latimer Moseley (1909–2004) and holds more than 100 of her original paintings. The museum also has a gift shop. Together with the Bay St Louis Mardi Gras Museum, it brings two distinct cultural subjects together in one historic location.

Another place to see art is Gallery 220 Main, at the corner of Main and Toulme Streets in Old Town. The gallery is located in a historic Art Deco building. Its cooperative includes 25 local artists and offers a diverse art collection. Membership and offerings may change over time.

Art, Music and Tours

The 100 Men Hall in Bay Saint Louis uses live music events, innovative programming and artistic expression to make this African American landmark accessible to visitors of all ages. In southern Mississippi, it served as a center of social life and entertainment for the African American community. Event schedules may change; check the organizer's current information before making plans.

The Bay St. Louis Historic Walking & Biking Tour is a self-guided bicycle tour through Old Town and the Depot District. It takes you to historic sites such as the Hancock County Courthouse, the Alice Moseley House and the Masonic Temple Building. If you plan to use printed materials for the tour, check their availability locally. Other named offerings in Bay Saint Louis include the Coastal Stroll and the Mississippi Sound Food Tour. Mystic Ghost Rides depart from 5124 Pleasure Street; reservations are required for these tours. Check availability with the provider before your arrival.

Second Saturday and Choosing Your Vacation Rental

On the second Saturday of every month, businesses in Bay St. Louis hold the Second Saturday Celebration. From Downtown to Depot Row, there are special events, live music and festive shopping; food and special offers are also part of the celebration. The Old Town Merchants Association presents it as a tradition for visitors and locals. Details may vary, so it's worth checking current event information before your trip.

When looking for a vacation rental, your interests can help you decide: Would you like to spend your days mainly exploring historic sites and art, plan around a Second Saturday event, or focus more on the waterfront and harbor? These priorities can help you choose a place to stay that fits your plans.

Discover more destinations: Diamondhead.

See the broader travel overview: Hancock County.