Overview
Hattiesburg is a city in Forrest County, in the Gulf Coast region of Mississippi. It is best known for being the home of the University of Southern Mississippi.
3 sights · 6 things to do · 4 places to eat · 3 bars & cafés · 4 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Hattiesburg
African American Military History Museum
Hattiesburg Zoo
A small zoo that is home to llamas, monkeys, tigers and prairie dogs. A miniature railroad circles the zoo.
Paul B Johnson State Park
State parkland with a lake for boating and swimming; also has a campground among pines.
Mississippi Armed Forces Museum
Here you can learn about armed forces stuff from a Mississippi perspective. Lots of tanks and helicopters and materiel on display, plus changing exhibits.
Hattiesburg Pocket Museum
Purported to be the smallest museum, with alternating exhibits, but is basically it's just a menagerie of items put out on display.
de Grummond Children's Literature Collection
University of Southern Mississippi campus. A collection of children's books and original art from over 1000 authors and artists.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May, Oct–Nov. Summer highs reach about 91°F; winter lows dip to about 38°F. Very hot (Jun, Jul, Aug) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jan and Jul. (climate data from nearby Gulf Coast)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- PIB Hattiesburg Laurel Regional Airport, Moselle — 11 mi away. Directions
- GPT Gulfport Biloxi International Airport, Gulfport — 64 mi away. Directions
- MSY Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, New Orleans — 108 mi away (major hub). Directions
The closest full service airports are in Gulfport (GPT) about 1 hour 20 min on US-49, Jackson (JAN) about 1½ hours on US-49, Mobile (MOB) about 2 hours on US-98, and New Orleans (MSY) about 1 hour 45 min on I-59.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning African American Military History Museum, Hattiesburg Pocket Museum, Saenger Theater
- Lunch Jutamas Thai Restaurant
- Afternoon Hattiesburg Zoo, Longleaf Trace
- Dinner McAlister's Deli
- Evening Fat Cat
Day 2
- Morning Mississippi Armed Forces Museum, Paul B Johnson State Park
- Lunch Crescent City Grill
- Afternoon de Grummond Children's Literature Collection, Okatoma Canoe & Kayak
- Dinner Mugshot's Grill and Bar
- Evening Keg & Barrel
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
By plane
The closest full service airports are in Gulfport (GPT) about 1 hour 20 min on US-49, Jackson (JAN) about 1½ hours on US-49, Mobile (MOB) about 2 hours on US-98, and New Orleans (MSY) about 1 hour 45 min on I-59.
By car
Hattiesburg is at the midpoint of Interstate 59 that connects New Orleans and Meridian. Other major highways include US Route 49 to Jackson and Gulfport and US Route 98 to Mobile, Alabama.
By train
Amtrak serves Hattiesburg daily with the Crescent train between New York City and New Orleans.
Get around
Public transportation in Hattiesburg is largely undeveloped. The best way to get around is by car.
By bus
Hub City Transit provides four fixed bus routes in the downtown area around the Amtrak station. Buses run every hour between 6AM and 6:30PM. The fare is 50 cents for adults, 25 cents for senior citizens and children 5 years to high school age. Route 1 travels between the Amtrak station and the hotels near I-59 and Hardy St. This bus stops at the University of Southern Mississippi and many restaurants along Hardy Street.
See
Historic Downtown Hattiesburg Come to downtown to enjoy the classic architecture. Many small cafes and restaurants, many have great lunch specials. There are several shops along front street. Try the depot coffee shop for great coffee in a great atmosphere, right across the street from the Historic Train Depot.
Do
- Hattiesburg is the home of the University of Southern Mississippi with a vibrant campus that is home to approximately 16,000 students. The university offers doctoral programs and has extensive research programs, as well as offering undergraduate degree programs, plus has a rose garden. William Carey University has approximately 4,000 undergraduate students in a leafy campus just down Highway 49 from USM. Both universities offer sporting events and campus tours upon request.
- Golf Hattiesburg is home to some of the finest golf courses of the South, and most of them are public. The Hattiesburg Country Club generally has the best facilities for short-term visitors.
Do Okatoma Canoe & Kayak
Kayak or Canoe on Mississippi's only real white water rapids for a half-day, full-day, or overnight trip. The conditions are generally safe for even the most novice boater but ask the operators if concerned. Primitive camping along the river is also available. Canoe $40, single kayak $30, double kayak $50 - all prices per day with pickup and dropoff. Significant group discounts start with 6 boats or more. Drinking on the river is prohibited along most stretches, so ask around before putting in.
Eat
Eat Crescent City Grill
Moderate prices. Delicious New Orleans-inspired dishes in an upscale/casual atmosphere. Everything is delicious, from salads and seafood to appetizers and desserts. Award-winning wine list. Executive chef Robert St. John has published cookbooks and offers up cutting edge Southern delights.
Eat Jutamas Thai Restaurant
M-F lunch/dinner, Sa dinner, closed Sunday. Thai restaurant. Wonderful food. Excellent curries and soups. Try the Khai Jeaw (traditional Thai omelet), the Phad Thai, and the Tom Yum Goong. Moderate prices. Locally owned.
Eat McAlister's Deli
And 122 Sheffield Loop. Large sandwiches, huge stuffed potatoes, salads and tasty desserts, including Kentucky pie. Best iced tea around in a friendly, casual atmosphere.
- Donanelle's, 4321 49 South. Steaks,Ribs,and Yellow-Fin Tuna. Great Atmosphere.
Eat Mugshot's Grill and Bar
Voted best burger in Mississippi.
Drink
Drink Keg & Barrel
Small pub with a laid back atmosphere, reasonably priced pub food, and broad beer selection. Both indoor and outdoor seating available.
Drink Mahogany Bar
Attached to the Crescent City Grill, this is a local favorite for students from USM and others. The name describes the atmosphere with a little sports bar thrown in for good measure. Patio seating available as well.
Drink Fat Cat
LGBTQ+ friendly bar.
Sleep
Nearby
Laurel
City / town · 8 listings · 28 mi away
Stone County
Rural area · 6 listings · 38 mi away
Monticello
City / town · 25 listings · 50 mi away
Picayune
City / town · 1 listings · 59 mi away
Gulfport
City / town · 18 listings · 65 mi away
D'Iberville
City / town · 5 listings · 66 mi away
Biloxi
City / town · 34 listings · 66 mi away
McComb
City / town · 14 listings · 69 mi away
My experience
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