Things to Do in Old Town Bay St. Louis (Camper’s Guide)

Old Town Bay St. Louis is the reason most people fall in love with this part of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. It is a walkable stretch of art galleries, locally owned restaurants, live music, and waterfront views — and if you are staying at Bay St. Louis Beachfront RV Park, the whole thing is about a 10-minute drive north up Beach Boulevard.

What Old Town Bay St. Louis Actually Looks Like?

Old Town runs along Main Street, Second Street, and the waterfront near the municipal harbor. It is not a manufactured tourist district. The buildings are real — some date back over a century — and the businesses inside them are run by people who live here. You will find galleries next to oyster bars, antique shops across from coffee roasters, and a historic train depot anchoring the east end of town.

The vibe is unhurried. People walk their dogs along the seawall, artists set up easels on the sidewalks during Second Saturday, and most restaurants have outdoor seating with views of the bay. If you have been grinding through interstate miles, Old Town is the kind of place that reminds you why you travel.

The Best Things to Do in Old Town

Second Saturday is the signature event. On the second Saturday of every month, businesses from Downtown to Depot Row open their doors for live music, special events, and festive shopping. It is family-friendly, free, and draws a mix of locals and visitors. If your travel schedule is flexible, plan your stay around it.

The 100 Men DBA Hall is a stop on the Mississippi Blues Trail that once hosted Etta James and Otis Redding. It still hosts live performances and is worth a visit whether or not there is a show that night — the history alone is remarkable.

The L&N Train Depot houses the Bay St. Louis Mardi Gras Museum and the Alice Moseley Folk Art Museum. Admission is low or free, and both collections are genuinely interesting, not filler.

The municipal harbor and pier give you a place to stretch your legs, watch fishing boats come in, and catch a sunset over the bay. If you fish, charter options run out of the harbor regularly.

For shopping, Main Street has a solid mix of antique shops, vintage clothing stores, and locally made art. Identity Vintage is a standout for curated vintage finds. The galleries rotate shows regularly, so even repeat visitors see something new.

Where to Eat in Old Town

Dining in Old Town punches above what you would expect from a small Gulf Coast town. Cuz’s Old Town Oyster Bar and Grill is the go-to for fresh seafood served casual — cold beer, fried oysters, shrimp po’boys, and the kind of no-frills atmosphere that RV travelers tend to appreciate. Prices are reasonable.

Barracuda Taco Stand works for a quick lunch when you do not want to sit down for a full meal. Anthony’s Ristorante handles the fine-dining end if you want a night out. And there are enough coffee shops and bakeries scattered through town to fuel a morning walk before heading back to camp.

Most of these places are locally owned, which means menus change with what is fresh and seasonal. That is not a marketing line — it is the Gulf Coast.

Getting There from Bay St. Louis Beachfront RV Park

Bay St. Louis Beachfront RV Park (https://bslrv.com) is about a 10-minute drive south of Old Town. Take Beach Boulevard straight up — it is a scenic two-lane road along the water, not a highway slog.

You do not need to move your rig. Drive your tow vehicle or tow dolly car, park on the street (free in most of Old Town), and walk. The entire district is compact enough to cover on foot in an afternoon, with time left over for a long lunch.

If you are staying at the park, you are also less than a minute from Silver Slipper Casino and about 15 minutes from Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast — so an Old Town day can easily roll into a casino evening without backtracking.

Why Old Town Matters for RV Travelers

A lot of RV parks advertise proximity to attractions that turn out to be chain restaurants and gas stations. Old Town Bay St. Louis is the real thing — a genuine small-town downtown with local culture, real food, and enough going on to fill multiple visits without repeating yourself.

Combined with the beachfront location, casino access, and a home base built for quality rigs (https://bslrv.com), Bay St. Louis Beachfront RV Park puts you 10 minutes from one of the best small-town experiences on the Gulf Coast.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is there to do in Old Town Bay St. Louis?

Old Town offers art galleries, antique shops, locally owned restaurants, live music venues, the 100 Men DBA Hall on the Blues Trail, the L&N Train Depot museums, and the municipal harbor and pier. Second Saturday is a monthly event with live music and special shopping.

How far is Old Town Bay St. Louis from Bay St. Louis Beachfront RV Park?

Old Town is about a 10-minute drive north up Beach Boulevard from the park. Street parking is free in most of the district.

What is Second Saturday in Bay St. Louis?

Second Saturday is a monthly community event held on the second Saturday of each month. Businesses throughout Old Town host live music, art shows, and special events. It is free, family-friendly, and one of the best reasons to visit.

Where should I eat in Old Town Bay St. Louis?

Cuz’s Old Town Oyster Bar and Grill is the local favorite for casual seafood. Barracuda Taco Stand is great for quick bites. Anthony’s Ristorante offers fine dining. Most restaurants are locally owned and serve fresh, seasonal Gulf Coast fare.

Can I walk around Old Town Bay St. Louis?

Yes. Old Town is compact and very walkable. Main Street, Second Street, and the waterfront area can all be covered on foot in an afternoon, with plenty of stops for food, shopping, and gallery browsing along the way.

Ready to book your stay? Reserve a pad at Bay St. Louis Beachfront RV Park: https://bslrv.com

Old Town is 10 minutes from your pad — park the rig once and explore all week.