Things to Do in Bay St. Louis in Winter (And Why It's Better Than Summer)

Things to do in Bay St. Louis in winter is a question worth asking seriously. Temperatures stay mild — highs in the 60s most days — the beaches empty out, and the town's real personality comes through. If you've only seen the coast in July, you're missing the better half of the year.

Why Winter Is the Right Time to Visit

The Mississippi Gulf Coast gets painted as a summer destination. That framing benefits nobody who actually travels here. Summer means heat, humidity, and crowds at every restaurant and beach access point. Winter flips all of that. The crowds thin, the pace slows, and the locals come back out.

Bay St. Louis in particular rewards off-season visitors. Old Town stays active year-round, the calendar fills up with events from January through March, and the Silver Slipper Casino next door never closes. There's no real off-season here — just a quieter, more comfortable version of peak season.

Things to Do in Bay St. Louis in Winter: The Real List

Walk or Bike the Beach

South Beach Boulevard runs along the water, and in winter it belongs to walkers, cyclists, and leashed dogs. The water is too cold for swimming, but the scenery holds up. Sunsets over the Bay of St. Louis in January are genuinely worth the trip. The beach here is public access, and Bay St. Louis beaches allow leashed pets year-round.

Spend Time in Old Town

Old Town Bay St. Louis is about a 10-minute drive north up Beach Boulevard. The galleries, boutiques, and restaurants that line Main Street and the surrounding blocks operate year-round. In winter, you can actually get a table without a wait. The art scene here is serious — this is not a strip of souvenir shops. Plan a few hours minimum.

Second Saturday brings the district to life on the second Saturday of every month, with extended gallery hours and live music. If your dates line up, don't miss it. We've covered the full experience in our Second Saturday in Bay St. Louis guide.

Catch Mardi Gras Season

Mardi Gras is not just a New Orleans event. Bay St. Louis runs its own parades and celebrations from mid-January through Fat Tuesday, and the atmosphere is festive without the French Quarter crowds. This is one of the best things to do in Bay St. Louis in winter if your travel window falls between January and early March. Locals take it seriously.

If you're planning your rig around the season, our guide on where to park your RV for Mardi Gras in Bay St. Louis has the logistics.

Day-Trip to New Orleans

New Orleans is about 1 hour west. Winter is arguably the best time to visit — Jazz Fest and Mardi Gras bring crowds, but a midweek January afternoon in the French Quarter is a different experience. Museums, restaurants, and live music venues are all operating, and hotel rates drop significantly. You're close enough to go and come back the same day without rushing.

Casino Nights at the Silver Slipper

The Silver Slipper Casino is right next door — visible from the park, on the same stretch of South Beach Boulevard, roughly a five-minute golf cart ride away. In winter, the casino is a genuinely useful option: climate-controlled, open late, with dining and entertainment on-site. You don't need a car. Roll over after dinner and walk back when you're done.

Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast is about a 15-minute drive if you want a change of scene.

Visit Buccaneer State Park

Buccaneer State Park sits just east of Bay St. Louis along the coast. Winter is the easiest time to go — trails are uncrowded, the wave pool is closed (which removes the summer chaos entirely), and the park's oak canopy and waterfront access hold up in cooler weather. It's a low-key half-day option when you want to get outside without a plan.

Explore the Mississippi Blues Trail

Hancock County has stops on the Mississippi Blues Trail, and the 100 Men Hall in Bay St. Louis is one of the most significant music history sites on the entire trail. Winter is a good time to do this kind of cultural touring — no heat, no crowds, and the sites don't get less interesting when it's 60 degrees outside. We covered this route in detail in our Mississippi Blues Trail camper's tour.

Where to Stay While You Explore

"Beachfront" on the Gulf Coast usually means you're across a highway from the water. Bay St. Louis Beachfront RV Park is the exception. The park sits directly on South Beach Boulevard with 37 full-hookup beachfront pads — concrete and level, 30/50 amp service, water, sewer, and complimentary Wi-Fi. No leveling blocks, no gravel, no guessing.

For rigs that can run self-contained, 31 dry sites are also available. Those sites have Wi-Fi but no utilities — your rig runs on its own tanks and battery or generator capacity. All rigs must be self-contained with an onboard shower and bathroom, which keeps the park clean and quiet.

Monthly rates are available, which makes the park a real option for snowbirds staying for the season. Contact the park for current pricing. Maximum rig length is 45 feet, and the park is pet-friendly — leashed pets are welcome on the beach too. Rentable golf carts make the Silver Slipper run even easier.

For a longer look at staying through the winter months, see our snowbird guide to monthly RV rentals in Bay St. Louis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the weather like in Bay St. Louis in winter? Most winter days see highs in the 60s Fahrenheit, with lows that occasionally dip into the 40s overnight. Snow is extremely rare. It's mild enough for beach walks, outdoor dining, and cycling most days.

Is Bay St. Louis worth visiting in January or February? Yes — arguably more so than summer. The town is less crowded, Old Town is accessible, and Mardi Gras season kicks off in mid-January with parades and local events that are genuinely fun and far less chaotic than New Orleans.

Are the beaches open in winter? Yes. South Beach Boulevard and the public beach access points are open year-round. Swimming is not practical in winter, but walking, cycling, and bringing leashed pets are all fair game.

How far is Bay St. Louis from New Orleans for a winter day trip? About 1 hour west. Winter — especially weekdays outside of Mardi Gras weekend — is one of the better times to visit New Orleans, with smaller crowds and lower accommodation rates.

Does Bay St. Louis Beachfront RV Park offer monthly rates for winter stays? Yes. Monthly rates are available and make the park a practical base for snowbirds and longer-term visitors. Pricing varies by month and occupancy — contact the park directly for a current quote.

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Ready to see what things to do in Bay St. Louis in winter actually looks like from a beachfront pad? Book your stay at Bay St. Louis Beachfront RV Park and use the Silver Slipper golf cart ride as your first night's plan.