Mississippi is a mecca for family-friendly entertainment, and also hosts several events during Memorial Day weekend to honor military members. Pay your respects at the Memorial Day parade in Picayune, or explore the hiking trails in Jackson. Tour the Civil Rights Monument in Oxford, or treat the kids to a day on the beach in Gulfport. Most Mississippi vacation rentals are in proximity to plenty of Memorial Day festivities and eateries specializing in Southern cuisine. Enjoy fun in the sun and historic attractions at one of these cities and towns in Mississippi.

1. Picayune

Book a vacation rental for Memorial Day weekend in Picayune, and enjoy Mississippi attractions and the big city of New Orleans, which is located less than an hour away. Picayune is home to the annual Memorial Day parade that begins at City Hall, followed by a street festival honoring the city’s fallen heroes. After paying your respects, you and your family can explore the great outdoors amid mild May temperatures when hiking the Crosby Arboretum. Treat the kids to a day at the Teddy Bear House Museum before dining on some fresh seafood at Fatty’s Seafood Restaurant.

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2. Gulfport

Gulfport pulls out all the stops over the Memorial Day weekend with the Annual Mississippi Memorial Day Blowout at the Gulfport Dragway. Enjoy the live music, watch the street racing, and browse the model vehicles before hitting the beach and taking a dip in the Gulf of Mexico. Ship Island is a popular destination for fishing and tubing, while Ship Island Excursions offers dolphin tours to take in the warm May weather in Mississippi. Treat the kids to an afternoon at the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, complete with an indoor playground, or learn more about the area’s history with a stop in at the Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum.

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3. Jackson

Jackson hosts several events for your family to enjoy on Memorial Day, all within close proximity to your luxurious vacation rental. Take part in the annual Hinds County Memorial Day service at the Hinds County Courthouse, or spend the afternoon at the Museum of Art Field for the We Are Jackson Family on the Green festival that includes balloon animals and space jumps for the kids, and live entertainment for the adults. When you want to enjoy the May weather in Jackson, hike the trails of LeFleur’s Bluff State Park or admire the wildlife at the Jackson Zoo.

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4. Canton

Make Canton your vacation destination and soak up the May sunshine while attending the Canton Flea Market Arts and Crafts Show held annually on Memorial Day weekend. This city is home to historical and entertaining attractions, such as the Multicultural Center and Museum, and movie museums that include artifacts from films such as “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” Enjoy a game of golf at the Country Club of Canton before heading back to your vacation rental to grill up some barbecue to celebrate the holiday weekend.

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5. Hattiesburg

There’s no better way to honor military members than taking a tour of the African American Military History Museum, or the Mississippi Armed Forces Museum, both located in Hattiesburg. Memorial Day weekend is the ideal time to learn more about the heroes who have served, and celebrate with your family while visiting the Hattiesburg Zoo or Paul B. Johnson State Park. Beat the heat with an afternoon at Pep’s Point Water Park with the kids before dining on Southern fare at Georgia Blue.

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6. Natchez

Toss those flip-flops and become a river rat over Memorial Day weekend with a vacation rental in Natchez that overlooks the Mississippi River. Stroll through the ceremonial mounds in the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians for a historical lesson, or explore the great outdoors with hikes on the trails of the Natchez National Historical Park. May is a great time to tour the Longwood mansion and Melrose Estate, as the weather is warm, but not unbearable for outdoor attractions. After a whirlwind day of sightseeing, satisfy your cravings for Southern cuisine at Biscuits and Blues.

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7. Biloxi

If relaxation is on your agenda for your Memorial Day weekend getaway, then Biloxi is the place to be with access to fishing excursions on the Tchoutacabouffa River. Drop in your reels to capture some crevalle jack or red snapper fish for dinner back at your cozy vacation rental, or get out on the water on kayaks with rentals from Affordable Boat Adventures. You can also get a chance to honor the veterans of war when attending the annual Memorial Day ceremony at the Biloxi National Ceremony.

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8. Corinth

Corinth is home to stunning views of the hill region and attractions to entertain the entire family, such as performances by the Corinth Symphony Orchestra, and theater productions at the Corinth Coliseum. Spend an afternoon learning how Coca-Cola is bottled at the Corinth Coca-Cola Bottling Works, or view the masterpieces of local artists at the Corinth Artist Guild Gallery. The warm May weather offers you a chance to take a leisurely walk to view the exhibits at the Corinth Contraband Camp and Park.

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9. Oxford

Soak in the culture of Oxford when booking a vacation rental in this Mississippi city. Music fans can get their fill when attending the annual World Championship Old-Time Piano Playing Contest hosted over Memorial Day weekend. You can also get out and about to see the historical exhibits at the L.Q.C. Lamar House Museum, the Civil Rights Monument, and the blooming flowers in The Square.

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