How to Spend a Weekend in Hattiesburg, Mississippi

If you love discovering charming Southern small towns, let me introduce you to Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

Just a few hours from New Orleans, Hattiesburg blends history, art, local restaurants, and family-friendly attractions into one easy weekend getaway. Whether you're planning a girls' antiquing trip or a family adventure, there's plenty to keep you busy from Friday afternoon through Sunday morning.

One fun fact that immediately caught my attention? Hattiesburg boasts the highest concentration of locally owned restaurants per capita in Mississippi. Naturally, my foodie ears perked right up.

About Hattiesburg

Located in south Mississippi, Hattiesburg is home to both the University of Southern Mississippi and William Carey University, giving the city a vibrant college-town energy while still maintaining its historic Southern charm.

Known as the birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll and an important destination along the Civil Rights Trail, Hattiesburg has deep historical roots that are thoughtfully preserved throughout the city. Today, visitors will find colorful murals, locally owned restaurants, craft breweries, boutique shopping, and museums woven alongside that history, creating a destination that feels both creative and welcoming.

It's also an incredibly easy road trip from much of the Southeast.

Driving Times

Auburn, Alabama: approximately 4 hours
Birmingham, Alabama: approximately 4 hours
New Orleans, Louisiana: approximately 2 hours
Mobile, Alabama: approximately 1.5 hours

Our Weekend Itinerary

Friday

We arrived Friday afternoon, checked into our hotel, and immediately headed to Ed's Burger Joint.

If you're craving an old-school burger in a fun, laid-back atmosphere, this is the place. The burgers were juicy, the fries hit the spot after a long drive, and the over-the-top milkshakes absolutely lived up to the hype.

After dinner, we wandered downtown and stumbled upon one of Hattiesburg's most unique attractions: the Hattiesburg Pocket Museum.

Tucked into a small alleyway, the Pocket Museum is the smallest museum in Mississippi and packed with tiny interactive exhibits and whimsical surprises. Addy was completely fascinated and didn't want to leave. Like we had to bribe her to go back to the hotel.

We ended the evening with drinks beneath the twinkle lights at Keg & Barrel, whose spacious outdoor patio was recommended to us by multiple locals before our trip.

Saturday

Saturday began with breakfast at The Midtowner, one of Hattiesburg's most beloved local restaurants.

If you're anything like me, breakfast is one of the best parts of vacation, and The Midtowner felt like a local classic. Think diner comfort food served in a bright, cheerful space that feels like it's been welcoming locals for years.

With full bellies, we made our way to the Hattiesburg Zoo, where Addy's favorite attraction was easily the train ride. The spider monkeys were a close second.

From there, we spent the afternoon exploring downtown.

Our first stop was The Lucky Rabbit, a massive vintage marketplace filled with antiques, collectibles, nostalgic displays, and treasures around every corner. If you enjoy antiquing or simply browsing unique finds, you could easily spend a couple of hours here. Note: There is no AC soooooo beware if you’re visiting during the summertime.

We grabbed a quick ice cream before lunch at Glory Bound Gyro Co., a great lighter option in the heart of downtown, then headed back for a much-needed toddler nap.

That evening, we continued exploring downtown by mural hopping along the Hattiesburg Public Art Trail. One of my favorite things about the city is that public art truly is everywhere. Around nearly every corner, you'll discover another colorful mural that adds so much personality to the city.

We also stopped into T-Bones Records & Café, one of those places that's simply fun to browse, before making our way to Hen House for what may have been the best mocktail I've ever had. George ordered their bourbon hot honey peach cocktail (gave it a 10/10).

Dinner that evening was at Southern Prohibition Brewery, where we wrapped up a full day of exploring with local craft beer and delicious food.

Later that night, I had the opportunity to attend the Mississippi Miss Hospitality Competition at the historic Saenger Theater. It was such a fun experience and a uniquely Mississippi tradition that made the weekend feel even more special.

Sunday

Before making the drive home, we made one final stop at Loblolly Bakery.

Recently recognized by The New York Times as one of the best bakeries in the United States, it was the perfect place to grab a coffee and breakfast treat before hitting the road.

Sometimes the best souvenir from a trip is one last really good pastry.

Don't Miss

Wander the Hattiesburg Public Art Trail
Visit the Pocket Museum
Shop at The Lucky Rabbit
Ride the train at the Hattiesburg Zoo
Eat breakfast at The Midtowner
Grab a burger and milkshake at Ed's Burger Joint
Sip cocktails at Hen House
Stop by Loblolly Bakery before heading home

Final Thoughts

Hattiesburg surprised me.

It has all the ingredients I look for in a Southern weekend getaway: locally owned restaurants, unique shopping, colorful public art, rich history, and plenty to do for families.

If you're looking for a road trip that's close enough for a weekend but still feels like discovering somewhere new, I'd absolutely add Hattiesburg to your list.

Happy exploring!