Overview
Natchez is a city near the southwest corner of the U.S. state of Mississippi. This historic town is perched on a high bluff above the Mississippi River 100 miles upriver from New Orleans. It was an important, wealthy city before the Civil War. That history gave it the South's grandest collection of antebellum homes.
6 sights · 6 things to do · 5 places to eat · 5 bars & cafés · 7 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Natchez
Longwood
Longwood is probably the most famous of the antebellum mansions in Natchez. It is the largest octagonal (eight-sided) house in the United States. Construction of Longwood was started in 1860. When the Civil War broke out…
Natchez Pilgrimage
Private homes are opened to the public for tours for 5 weeks during March and April and again for 2 weeks in September and October.
Historic Natchez Pageant
Also known as the "Historic Natchez Tableaux", this annual event is presented by over 200 local performers in elaborate costumes, recreating the romanticized eras of old while illustrating the town's history from its fou…
Antebellum Houses
Natchez is famous for its many antebellum houses that are open to the public for tours. Houses that are open for tours year round include Auburn, House on Ellicott Hill, Longwood, Magnolia Hall, Melrose, Monmouth, Rosali…
Natchez in Historic Photographs
A wonderful collection of historic photographs of Natchez people and places. The photographs were taken between 1870 and 1913 by Henry Norman.
Natchez Convention & Visitors Bureau
The Natchez Visitor Center is at the head of the Mississippi River Bridge, where Highway 84 meets Louisiana. Find brochures, maps, guides, attraction information, tour and event tickets and more.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Oct–May. Summer highs reach about 92°F; winter lows dip to about 42°F. Very hot (Jun, Jul, Aug) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jun and Jan. (climate data from nearby Baton Rouge)
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.
- AEX Alexandria International Airport, Alexandria — 70 mi away. Directions
- BTR Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport, Baton Rouge — 72 mi away. Directions
- MSY Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, New Orleans — 127 mi away (major hub). Directions
Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Longwood, Natchez Pilgrimage
- Lunch The Castle Restaurant
- Afternoon Old South Winery, Natchez Food & Wine Festival
- Dinner Fat Mama's Tamales
- Evening Andrew's Tavern
Day 2
- Morning Historic Natchez Pageant, Natchez in Historic Photographs
- Lunch Magnolia Grill
- Afternoon Emerald Mound, Angels on the Bluff
- Dinner Mammy's Cupboard
- Evening Bowie's Rabbit Hole
Day 3
- Morning Antebellum Houses, Natchez Convention & Visitors Bureau
- Lunch Pearl Street Pasta
- Afternoon Great Mississippi River Balloon Race, Natchez Festival of Music
- Evening Under-the-Hill Saloon
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
- From I-55/Brookhaven, MS - take U.S. Highway 84 approximately 60 miles west to Natchez.
- From I-20/Vicksburg, MS - take U.S. Highway 61 approximately 70 miles south to Natchez.
- From I-10/Baton Rouge, LA - take U.S. Highway 61 approximately 90 miles north to Natchez.
- From I-49/Alexandria, LA - take LA Highway 28 approximately 35 miles east to U.S. Highway 84. Take U.S. Highway 84 approximately 40 miles east to Natchez.
- Natchez Trace Parkway - Natchez is the southern terminus of the Natchez Trace Parkway, a parkway administered by the National Park Service. The Parkway follows the old Natchez trace from Natchez to Nashville. The trace began as a footpath used by Native Americans and early explorers to travel across the region. It was later improved by the U.S. government in the early part of the 19th century. A combination of low speed limits and no commercial traffic make for a very relaxing and enjoyable drive.
See
- Visitor's Center is on the Natchez side of the bridge over the Mississippi River a couple minutes by car from the center of the old part of town. Free maps and visitor information, in addition to historical exhibitions and souvenirs for sale.
- Natchez Under-the-Hill is, as the name suggests, under the bluff by the Mississippi River at the end of State St. It used to be a rootin' tootin', wild-wild-west kind of place complete with saloons and gunslinging. Floods washed much of it away, but there is still a restaurant, an old-timey saloon, and a casino left.
See Historic Natchez Pageant (Historic Natchez Tableaux)
Also known as the "Historic Natchez Tableaux", this annual event is presented by over 200 local performers in elaborate costumes, recreating the romanticized eras of old while illustrating the town's history from its founding all the way to the modern era. The Tableaux was founded jointly by the Natchez Garden Club and the Pilgrimage Garden Club, but in 2017/2018, the groups split and now offer separate events during Spring Pilgrimage. The Tableaux is held Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday evenings during the Spring Pilgrimage season. Tickets are available online or at the Natchez Visitors Center.
See Antebellum Houses
Natchez is famous for its many antebellum houses that are open to the public for tours. Houses that are open for tours year round include Auburn, House on Ellicott Hill, Longwood, Magnolia Hall, Melrose, Monmouth, Rosalie, Concord Quarters, Stanton Hall, Briars, Dunleith, and The Towers. Tickets are available through the website or at the Natchez Visitors Center. Individual house - $10 for adults, $8 for children. Three house package - $24 for adults, $18 for children.
See Longwood
Longwood is probably the most famous of the antebellum mansions in Natchez. It is the largest octagonal (eight-sided) house in the United States. Construction of Longwood was started in 1860. When the Civil War broke out in 1861, all of the workers (who were from Pennsylvania) returned to the north, leaving the house unfinished. Dr. Haller Nutt, the owner of the house, finished out the basement (6000 sq feet) for his family to live in. Dr. Nutt died of pneumonia in 1864 without ever having finished the house, and the upper floors of the house remain unfinished to this day. The house was donated to the Pilgrimage Garden Club in the 1970s and is on tour daily.
See Natchez in Historic Photographs
A wonderful collection of historic photographs of Natchez people and places. The photographs were taken between 1870 and 1913 by Henry Norman.
Do
- Walking tours and driving tours. The Natchez Visitors' Center gives free maps and pamphlets for doing driving or walking tours of the sights of the historic old section of town.
- Southern Carriage Tours - Enjoy the luxury and charm of a horse-drawn carriage tour through the streets of Natchez' historic district to see some of the finest and most significant landmarks in antebellum Natchez. Tours depart from the Canal Street Depot. Tickets are also available at the Natchez Visitors Center. $15 for adults, $5 for children. The tour guides also point out restaurants and hotels.
Seasonal events
Do Great Mississippi River Balloon Race (Natchez Balloon Festival)
Voted the best annual event in Mississippi by readers of Mississippi Magazine. The Balloon Race happens every year on the third weekend of October. Two flights take place each day, in addition to a "balloon glow" Friday night and great musical acts all weekend. The actual festival takes place on the grounds of Rosalie Mansion, and you can catch a great view of the balloons from many places around town. Make your reservations for a room early as this is a very busy weekend in Natchez.
Do Natchez Food & Wine Festival
Enjoy a weekend of good food and good drink in Natchez. Guest chefs of regional and national renown prepare four-course meals Saturday evening at several antebellum mansions around Natchez. Other events include a biscuit bake-off, beer tasting, bocce ball tournament, and brunch on Sunday to wrap up the weekend. Make reservations for Saturday evening early as seating is limited.
Do Angels on the Bluff
Each year, usually the first weekend in November, the Natchez City Cemetery offers guided tours. Guides direct groups from grave to grave where local actors, dressed in period costumes, tell stories about the lives and/or deaths of various people buried here. The times and dates vary from year to year, so be sure to check the website or call the Natchez Visitors Center.
Do Natchez Festival of Music (Natchez Opera Festival)
Every Tuesday through Saturday evening during the month of May, Natchez is host to a wide range of musical events featuring the rich musical history of Mississippi and world-class singers that come specifically for this event. The Natchez Festival of Music hosts a wide slate of shows spanning from operas, operettas, Broadway musicals, classical concerts and recitals to the more contemporary fare of Blues, Jazz, and more. Admission pricing varies by event, though there is usually one free event per season. Performances and concerts are held at the Natchez Performing Arts Center and other local Natchez venues such as Bowie's Tavern, Smoot's Grocery, the antebellum mansions and stately churches of the region, and other local historical sites.
Buy
Eat
Eat The Castle Restaurant
The Castle Restaurant is in the carriage house on the grounds of Dunleith Plantation. Excellent food with a great wine list to compliment.
Eat Fat Mama's Tamales
Opened in 1989, Fat Mama's has become a local favorite, serving tamales, chili, Gringo Pie (tamales topped with chili and cheese), nachos, and Cajun boudin.
Eat Magnolia Grill
Enjoy dinner with a great view of the Mississippi River from their glassed-in porch under the hill. Excellent burgers and sweet potato french fries are favorites on their menu.
Eat Mammy's Cupboard
Another local favorite. Open for lunch and serving delicious sandwiches and homemade desserts. The novelty architecture alone is worth going for a look.
Eat Pearl Street Pasta
Pearl Street south of Main Street. Very good lunch & dinner items (mostly pasta based as the name suggests).
Drink
Drink Andrew's Tavern
A little bar on Main Street with a dart board and a juke box.
Drink Bowie's Rabbit Hole
A big screen TV and great beer selection make this 1840s cotton warehouse a great place to relax.
Drink Fat Mama's Tamales
Anyone in Natchez will tell you that Fat Mama's "Knock-You-Naked" Margaritas are the best around. Don't forget to stop in this funky little restaurant.
Drink Under-the-Hill Saloon
An old-style saloon located under-the-hill with a great view of the Mississippi River.
Drink Smoot's Grocery
This former "mom-and pop" store has been turned into a popular Blues lounge and live music venue, with a full bar. Many local musicians have gigs here. Great place to get a beer and listen to some tunes.
Sleep
Stay Dunleith Plantation
Dunleith was built in 1856 after the original house on the site, Routhland, was struck by lightning and burned to the ground. Dunleith has rooms in the main house, wing, and dairy barn. . Rates include a tour of the house and a full Southern breakfast at The Castle Restaurant.
Go next
Nearby
Vidalia
City / town · 6 listings · 3 mi away
Port Gibson
City / town · 15 listings · 37 mi away
Winnsboro
City / town · 3 listings · 46 mi away
Simmesport
City / town · 2 listings · 47 mi away
Marksville
City / town · 6 listings · 50 mi away
St. Francisville
City / town · 3 listings · 53 mi away
Brookhaven
City / town · 6 listings · 56 mi away
McComb
City / town · 14 listings · 58 mi away
My experience
Write about your trip here. Notes save automatically in this browser as you type; back them up from My journal.