Discover Natchez - Where History Meets the Mighty Mississippi
Explore Natchez, Mississippi's oldest city, renowned for its antebellum mansions, rich history, and stunning bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River. Plan your historic getaway!
Natchez, Mississippi, is more than just a city; it’s a journey back in time, a grand narrative remarkably preserved from the ravages of the Civil War. Perched dramatically atop towering bluffs overlooking the mighty Mississippi River, it’s a place where history isn’t just displayed in museums, but breathes in magnificent antebellum mansions, whispers along cobblestone streets, and smiles through the enduring charm of its people.
As Mississippi’s oldest city, Natchez offers a unique window into a bygone era. Here, the opulent grandeur of the Old South harmonizes with stunning natural beauty, inviting visitors to step directly into the 19th century and experience a rich cultural tapestry unlike any other.
Seasonal Weather Guide
Plan your perfect getaway with our detailed seasonal forecast.
Where Time Stands Still: The Soul of Natchez
Natchez’s primary allure is its unparalleled collection of over 500 antebellum structures, many miraculously untouched by the Civil War. This allows visitors an authentic glimpse into the architectural splendor and daily life of the pre-war South. But the city’s story stretches far beyond its iconic mansions, encompassing the deep roots of Native American heritage, the bustling river trade that shaped its commerce, and the complex, vital narratives of both slavery and freedom that are integral to its identity.
From the vibrant annual Spring and Fall Pilgrimages, which offer special access to private homes, to the breathtaking sunsets over the Mississippi, Natchez is a city that engages all senses. It serves as the historic southern terminus of the Natchez Trace Parkway, making it a natural starting point for scenic drives and adventures. Here, every corner reveals a layer of history, every vista offers a moment of reflection.
Things to Do
Unforgettable experiences await you.
Longwood Mansion Tour
Tour the magnificent octagonal antebellum mansion, famously unfinished due to the Civil War, offering a unique glimpse into 19th-century life and architectural ambition.
Stanton Hall Mansion Tour
Explore one of the most opulent and grand Greek Revival mansions in Natchez, showcasing extravagant furnishings and period architecture of the antebellum era.
Drive the Natchez Trace Parkway
Drive or bike a scenic portion of this historic 444-mile parkway, enjoying beautiful natural landscapes and numerous historical markers and trails along the way.
Mississippi River Overlook at Natchez Bluffs
Stroll along the scenic Natchez Bluffs for panoramic views of the mighty Mississippi River, offering stunning sunsets and opportunities for photography.
The Icons You’ll Want to See
Longwood — An architectural marvel, this octagonal mansion remains famously unfinished, a poignant testament to the outbreak of the Civil War. Its distinct onion-shaped dome and the stark contrast between its opulent ground floor and raw upper levels offer a unique window into a moment frozen in time. Allow 1.5 hours for a tour.
Stanton Hall — A quintessential Greek Revival estate, this palatial home exemplifies antebellum grandeur with its massive columns, ornate interiors, and sprawling grounds. It’s often considered one of the most magnificent homes in the South, offering guided tours that delve into its rich history. Allow 1.5-2 hours for a comprehensive visit.
Natchez Bluffs — Perched dramatically above the Mississippi River, these towering bluffs offer breathtaking panoramic views, especially stunning at sunset. It’s a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, reflection, or simply to watch the riverboats glide by. Free to access and always available.
Natchez Under-the-Hill — Descend to this historic riverfront district, once a notorious port filled with taverns, brothels, and bustling commerce. Today, it offers a glimpse into Natchez’s gritty past with charming shops, casual dining, and direct access to the river. Easily walkable, allow a few hours to explore.
Natchez Trace Parkway — Beginning right here in Natchez, this 444-mile scenic byway offers a journey through history and natural beauty, perfect for driving, cycling, or hiking. It’s an ideal starting point for exploring ancient Native American mounds and historic sites like Emerald Mound (free, 1 hour round trip drive).
Natchez Museum of African American History and Culture — This vital museum provides a comprehensive look at the experiences, contributions, and struggles of African Americans in Natchez and the surrounding region, offering a crucial counter-narrative to the city’s antebellum stories. Allow 1-2 hours for a visit.
Essential Guide
Everything you need to know.
Must-Visit Spots
Local Cuisine
Where to Stay
Travel Tips
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Natchez is easiest by car, approximately a 2.5-hour drive south of Jackson, MS, or 3 hours north of New Orleans, LA. While major airports are a few hours away (Baton Rouge BTR, Jackson JAN, or New Orleans MSY offering more options), a car is essential for exploring beyond the walkable downtown. Consider booking accommodations, especially historic B&Bs like Monmouth Historic Inn & Gardens or Dunleith Historic Inn, and tour tickets well in advance, particularly if visiting during the popular Spring (March-April) and Fall (September-October) Pilgrimage seasons for special access and pleasant weather. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are mild.
Typical costs include $150-$250/night for B&Bs/hotels, mansion tours at $20-$30 per house (look for package deals to save), and meals ranging from $15-$25 for casual to $40-$60+ for fine dining. Don’t forget comfortable walking shoes for exploring the city’s historic streets. For unique local experiences, be aware that Fat Mama’s Tamales is cash-only, and seasonal riverboat excursions offer unique perspectives of the Mississippi. A narrated trolley tour provides an excellent city overview if you’re looking for a guided experience.
When to Visit
Choose the perfect time for your adventure.
Peak Season: Spring (March-April) & Fall (September-October)
Pros
- Pleasant, mild weather ideal for exploring
- Coincides with Natchez Pilgrimage events and special tours
- Gardens are in full bloom (spring) or showcase beautiful fall foliage
- Vibrant atmosphere with many activities and cultural events
Cons
- Higher prices for lodging and tours
- Significantly larger crowds, especially on weekends
- Requires booking accommodations and tours well in advance
- Some popular attractions might have longer queues
Shoulder Season: Late Spring (May), Early Fall (Late October-November), Early Winter (December)
Pros
- Fewer crowds than peak season, more relaxed atmosphere
- Still pleasant weather, though slightly warmer or cooler
- Better availability and potentially lower prices for lodging
- Opportunity to see holiday decorations in December
Cons
- Fewer special events compared to peak pilgrimage seasons
- Weather can be less predictable, with hotter days in May or cooler days in November
- Some attractions might have slightly reduced operating hours in late fall/early winter
- Not all gardens will be at their peak bloom or fall color
Off-Peak: Summer (June-August) & Deep Winter (January-February)
Pros
- Best deals on accommodations and packages
- Very few crowds, allowing for a more intimate experience
- Opportunity to experience Natchez at a relaxed, quiet pace
- Good for travelers on a budget or those seeking solitude
Cons
- Extreme heat and high humidity in summer can limit outdoor activities
- Some tours or attractions might have limited schedules or closures
- Fewer organized events or festivals during these months
- Potential for cold snaps and occasional icy conditions in winter
Natchez isn’t just a destination; it’s an immersive historical experience, offering a rare glimpse into a complex past framed by enduring beauty and genuine Southern hospitality. Whether you’re drawn by the grandeur of its mansions, the stories echoing from its riverfront, or the allure of the Natchez Trace, this city promises a journey that is both enlightening and unforgettable.
Sample Itineraries
Natchez History & River Escape
Immerse yourself in Natchez's antebellum grandeur, explore historic sites, and enjoy scenic Mississippi River views.
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Day 1: Antebellum Grandeur & Bluff Views
- Morning (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM)
Arrive in Natchez and check into your accommodation, ideally within the historic district for easy access (e.g., The Natchez Grand Hotel or a local B&B like Dunleith Historic Inn, budget dependent). Begin your historical immersion with a guided tour of Stanton Hall, one of the most magnificent and well-preserved Greek Revival mansions in the South. The house is massive, covering an entire city block, and its interior is stunning.
- Location: 401 High St, Natchez, MS 39120.
- Cost: Approximately $30 per person for a tour.
- Time Needed: 1.5 - 2 hours.
- Practical Tip: Purchase tickets upon arrival or online. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as you’ll be standing and walking throughout the tour.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:30 PM)
Enjoy a casual lunch at Fat Mama’s Tamales (307 Oakhaven Cir), famous for their “knock-you-naked” margaritas and delicious hot tamales (around $30-40 for two). After lunch, head south on Canal Street (a 10-minute walk or 2-minute drive) to explore Longwood, the largest octagonal house in America and a testament to unfinished ambition. This Byzantine-style villa was never completed due to the Civil War, offering a unique glimpse into the past.
- Location: 140 Lower Woodville Rd, Natchez, MS 39120.
- Cost: Approximately $30 per person for a tour.
- Time Needed: 1.5 - 2 hours.
- Practical Tip: The tour covers both the finished ground floor and the original, unfinished upper floors. The grounds are also beautiful for a short stroll.
- Evening As the sun begins to set, make your way to The Natchez Bluff (about a 5-minute walk from most downtown locations) for breathtaking panoramic views of the Mississippi River. Afterward, enjoy dinner at Pearl Street Pasta (117 Pearl St), known for its delicious Italian-inspired dishes and cozy ambiance (expect to pay $70-100 for two, including drinks).
- Morning (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM)
Arrive in Natchez and check into your accommodation, ideally within the historic district for easy access (e.g., The Natchez Grand Hotel or a local B&B like Dunleith Historic Inn, budget dependent). Begin your historical immersion with a guided tour of Stanton Hall, one of the most magnificent and well-preserved Greek Revival mansions in the South. The house is massive, covering an entire city block, and its interior is stunning.
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Day 2: Riverfront History & Southern Plantations
- Morning (9:30 AM - 12:30 PM)
Start your day by exploring Natchez Under-the-Hill, the historic riverside district. Drive or walk down the scenic bluff via Canal Street (approx. 5-7 minute drive or 20-minute walk from downtown). This area was once a notorious port with taverns and gambling houses. Today, you can find charming shops and restaurants. Walk along Silver Street, soak in the river views, and imagine the bustling riverboat era. Consider a coffee or pastry at a local cafe like The Little Easy Cafe (610 Franklin St) before heading back up the bluff.
- Location: Silver Street, Natchez, MS 39120.
- Cost: Free for exploration, coffee/pastry around $10-15.
- Time Needed: 1.5 - 2 hours.
- Practical Tip: The walk back up the bluff is steep; consider driving or taking a ride-share if mobility is a concern.
- Afternoon (12:30 PM - 5:30 PM)
Have lunch at The Camp Restaurant (204 Silver St, right Under-the-Hill) for casual American fare with great river views (around $40-50 for two). Afterward, embark on a profound journey to Frogmore Cotton Plantation & Gins (approximately a 25-minute drive northeast of Natchez). This award-winning working plantation offers an immersive tour on both the history of cotton farming and the realities of slavery and sharecropping.
- Location: 11094 US-84, Frogmore, LA 71335 (note, it’s just across the river in Louisiana).
- Cost: Approximately $25 per person.
- Time Needed: 2.5 - 3 hours, plus travel time.
- Practical Tip: Tours are seasonal; check their website for availability and book in advance. This is a powerful and educational experience.
- Evening Return to Natchez for a relaxing evening. Enjoy dinner at The Carriage House Restaurant (1010 High St), located on the grounds of Stanton Hall. Known for its traditional Southern cuisine, including delicious fried chicken and biscuits, it offers a refined dining experience (expect to pay $90-120 for two). Afterward, consider a leisurely stroll through the beautifully lit streets of the historic district.
- Morning (9:30 AM - 12:30 PM)
Start your day by exploring Natchez Under-the-Hill, the historic riverside district. Drive or walk down the scenic bluff via Canal Street (approx. 5-7 minute drive or 20-minute walk from downtown). This area was once a notorious port with taverns and gambling houses. Today, you can find charming shops and restaurants. Walk along Silver Street, soak in the river views, and imagine the bustling riverboat era. Consider a coffee or pastry at a local cafe like The Little Easy Cafe (610 Franklin St) before heading back up the bluff.
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Day 3: Presidential Ties & Departure
- Morning (9:30 AM - 12:30 PM)
Begin your final day with a tour of Rosalie Mansion, a grand antebellum home built in 1823, perched high on the bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. This mansion served as Union Army headquarters during the Civil War and is beautifully preserved by the Mississippi State Society Daughters of the American Revolution. The interior features original furnishings and stunning period details.
- Location: 100 Orleans St, Natchez, MS 39120.
- Cost: Approximately $25 per person.
- Time Needed: 1.5 hours.
- Practical Tip: The views from the grounds are spectacular, so allow a few extra minutes for photos. It’s a short walk from the Natchez Bluff.
- Afternoon (12:30 PM - 3:00 PM)
Enjoy a final Southern lunch at King’s Tavern (619 Jefferson St), Natchez’s oldest standing building (circa 1789). They specialize in delicious wood-fired pizzas and craft cocktails in a historic setting (around $40-50 for two). After lunch, take some time to browse the unique shops and art galleries located along Main Street and Franklin Street in downtown Natchez for souvenirs or local crafts.
- Practical Tip: Main Street offers a variety of antique stores and local boutiques, perfect for finding a piece of Natchez to take home.
- Time Needed: 1 - 1.5 hours for lunch and shopping.
- Evening Depart from Natchez, enriched with memories of its deep history and Southern charm.
- Morning (9:30 AM - 12:30 PM)
Begin your final day with a tour of Rosalie Mansion, a grand antebellum home built in 1823, perched high on the bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. This mansion served as Union Army headquarters during the Civil War and is beautifully preserved by the Mississippi State Society Daughters of the American Revolution. The interior features original furnishings and stunning period details.
Weekend Antebellum Charm
A concentrated trip hitting Natchez's top historic homes and experiencing its vibrant downtown.
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Day 1: Antebellum Grandeur & Riverfront Charms
- Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM)
Begin your Natchez adventure by immersing yourselves in the grandeur of Stanton Hall. This magnificent Greek Revival mansion is centrally located and offers exquisite tours. Expect the tour to last approximately 1.5 hours ($25 per person). Afterward, grab a quick coffee and pastry at Natchez Coffee Company (100 S Broadway St, ~$30 for two) just a few blocks away, then stroll over to Rosalie Mansion (100 Orleans St), overlooking the Mississippi River. Rosalie, a Federal-style home, also offers guided tours lasting about 1 hour ($20 per person).
- Practical Tip: Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be doing a fair amount of walking between homes and along the bluff. All these locations are within a 5-10 minute walk of each other downtown.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:30 PM) Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Pearl Street Pasta (105 S Pearl St), a popular downtown spot known for its delicious Italian-inspired dishes and charming atmosphere (~$60 for two). After lunch, continue your historical journey at Magnolia Hall (215 S Pearl St), another beautiful Greek Revival mansion operated by the Natchez DAR. This tour takes about 1 hour ($20 per person). Conclude your afternoon with a relaxing stroll along Bluff Park, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Mississippi River and Natchez Under-the-Hill below. Allow 45 minutes to an hour for photos and soaking in the scenery.
- Evening (6:00 PM onwards)
Head down to the historic Natchez Under-the-Hill, a unique riverside district with a storied past. Enjoy the quaint shops and soak in the atmosphere. For dinner, experience the rustic charm and delicious wood-fired cuisine at King’s Tavern (612 Jefferson St), Natchez’s oldest standing building (est. 1789). Their menu features unique small plates and entrees in a historic setting (~$80 for two, including a drink). Afterward, if you’re up for it, enjoy a nightcap at the Natchez Brewing Company (200 Main St) for local craft beers.
- Budget Check Day 1 (Activities & Food for 2): Stanton Hall ($50) + Rosalie Mansion ($40) + Magnolia Hall ($40) + Natchez Coffee Co ($30) + Pearl Street Pasta ($60) + King’s Tavern ($80) = $300
- Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM)
Begin your Natchez adventure by immersing yourselves in the grandeur of Stanton Hall. This magnificent Greek Revival mansion is centrally located and offers exquisite tours. Expect the tour to last approximately 1.5 hours ($25 per person). Afterward, grab a quick coffee and pastry at Natchez Coffee Company (100 S Broadway St, ~$30 for two) just a few blocks away, then stroll over to Rosalie Mansion (100 Orleans St), overlooking the Mississippi River. Rosalie, a Federal-style home, also offers guided tours lasting about 1 hour ($20 per person).
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Day 2: Octagonal Wonders & Southern Flavors
- Morning (9:30 AM - 12:30 PM)
Start your day with a visit to the truly unique Longwood (140 Lower Woodville Rd). This octagonal, Byzantine-inspired mansion remains unfinished due to the Civil War, offering a fascinating glimpse into a grand vision halted in time. It’s about a 10-15 minute drive from downtown. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for the self-guided tour ($25 per person). The grounds are also lovely for a short walk.
- Practical Tip: Check tour times in advance, especially for Longwood, as they can vary seasonally.
- Afternoon (12:30 PM - 5:00 PM) For a casual and distinctly Natchez lunch experience, head to Fat Mama’s Tamales (303 South Canal St). This iconic spot is famous for its “Knock-You-Naked” margaritas and delicious hot tamales and Gumbo (~$40 for two). It’s a 5-10 minute drive from Longwood. After lunch, drive to the Melrose Estate (Natchez National Historical Park) (1 Melrose-Montebello Pkwy), a beautifully preserved antebellum plantation managed by the National Park Service. The guided tour of the mansion and grounds provides an excellent overview of the lives of both enslaved and free people, lasting about 1.5 to 2 hours ($20 per person).
- Evening (5:30 PM onwards)
Enjoy a final taste of Natchez with an early dinner before departing. For a slightly more upscale Southern dining experience, consider The Castle Restaurant & Pub at Dunleith Historic Inn (84 Homochitto St). Located in the historic carriage house of a grand estate, it offers elegant ambiance and delicious regional cuisine (~$100 for two, including a drink). Reflect on your antebellum journey through Natchez before heading home.
- Budget Check Day 2 (Activities & Food for 2): Longwood ($50) + Fat Mama’s Tamales ($40) + Melrose Estate ($40) + The Castle Restaurant ($100) = $230
- Total Itinerary Budget (Activities & Food for 2): $300 (Day 1) + $230 (Day 2) = $530. This leaves $270 from your $800 budget for souvenirs, snacks, or contributes significantly towards one night’s accommodation.
- Morning (9:30 AM - 12:30 PM)
Start your day with a visit to the truly unique Longwood (140 Lower Woodville Rd). This octagonal, Byzantine-inspired mansion remains unfinished due to the Civil War, offering a fascinating glimpse into a grand vision halted in time. It’s about a 10-15 minute drive from downtown. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for the self-guided tour ($25 per person). The grounds are also lovely for a short walk.
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