If you are driving along I-10 through the Magnolia State, you are in for a real treat. While the interstate is great for making time, there is a legendary landmark just a few miles south that is absolutely worth the detour.
Welcome to the Mississippi Gulf Coast and the iconic Biloxi Lighthouse. Standing as a sentinel over the Mississippi Sound since 1848, this isn’t just a historic structure; it is the very heart and soul of Biloxi. Here is everything you need to know about why this charming beacon should be your next pit stop.
A Beacon of Resilience
As you drive down Highway 90 (Beach Boulevard), you can’t miss it-literally! The Biloxi Lighthouse is famous for being one of the only lighthouses in the United States located right in the middle of a four-lane highway.
But its location isn’t its only claim to fame. This 64-foot-tall cast-iron tower is a survivor. It has weathered countless hurricanes over nearly two centuries, most notably Hurricane Katrina in 2005. When the storm surges cleared, the lighthouse remained standing, becoming an international symbol of the city’s strength and determination to rebuild. When you stand at its base, you aren’t just looking at a building; you’re looking at a monument to “Biloxi Strong.”
What to Expect When You Visit
The Biloxi Lighthouse offers a wonderful mix of history, architecture, and breathtaking views. If you arrive during tour hours, you have the rare opportunity to actually climb to the top.
The journey up involves 57 spiral stone steps, followed by an eight-rung ladder that takes you through a trapdoor into the light room. Once you emerge onto the gallery, the view is spectacular. You’ll have a 360-degree panoramic view of the sparkling Gulf of Mexico, the white sandy beaches, and Deer Island just offshore. It is the perfect place to feel the salt air on your face and snap a few photos that will make your friends back home jealous.
If you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, the lighthouse is surrounded by a beautifully manicured park area. Just across the street is the Biloxi Visitors Center, a stunning piece of neo-classical architecture that houses a museum dedicated to the lighthouse and the city’s history. It’s a great place to cool off in the AC, browse local crafts, and learn about the “female lightkeepers” who famously tended the tower for over 70 years.
Why It’s a Great Stop for I-10 Travelers
- Easy Access: It’s a straight shot south from I-10. You can hop off the highway, enjoy the beach breeze, and be back on your way in an hour-or stay for lunch at one of the incredible seafood spots nearby!
- Affordability: Tours are very budget-friendly (usually around $5 for adults), making it a great high-value stop for families or solo adventurers.
- The “Watermark”: Inside the lighthouse, you can see the painted line that marks how high the water rose during Hurricane Katrina. It is a humbling and powerful visual that puts the history of the coast into perspective.
- The Photo Op: Whether the sun is glinting off the white cast iron at midday or the tower is illuminated by colorful LED lights at night, it is the most photographed site on the Mississippi coast.
Visitor Information
Address:
Biloxi Lighthouse
1050 Beach Boulevard
Biloxi, Mississippi 39530
Telephone: (228) 374-3105
Website: https://biloxi.ms.us/visitor-info/museums/lighthouse/
Hours of Operation:
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours
Admission:
Adults (12+): $5.00
Youths (6-11): $2.00
free for ages 5 and younger
Directions:
From I-10 East or West: I-10 to exit 46 (I-110), then I-110 south approximately 4.7 miles to US 90, then US 90 west approximately 0.9 miles to the Biloxi Lighthouse on your left.
Insider Tips for Your Visit
- Check the Clock and the Clouds: Tours are typically held in the mornings (usually between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM) to avoid the intense afternoon heat and humidity. Be sure to check the weather before you head down, as the lighthouse climb is closed during rain or high winds for safety.
- Dress for the Climb: If you plan on going to the very top, leave the flip-flops in the car and wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes. The final ladder climb is quite steep and narrow, so you’ll want a good grip to make the transition through the trapdoor safely.
- Don’t Skip the Visitors Center: While the lighthouse is the star, the Biloxi Visitors Center directly across the street is a hidden gem. They offer a free short film about the lighthouse’s history and have some of the cleanest restrooms and best porch swings on the entire Gulf Coast!
Safe travels on your journey along I-10! We hope you take a moment to turn toward the water and experience the magic of the Biloxi Lighthouse. It’s a little piece of history that will surely brighten your trip.
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