Yeah, I wouldn't say there's anything you really 'can't miss' in Biloxi, but half shell is dang good and the Beau is the place to gamble. Downtown Ocean Springs (just over the bridge to the east) is a pretty cool laid back area.
We stopped in Biloxi on our way to Florida in July. We stayed at Beau Rivage and the kids (ages 4-10) thought it was great despite the fact that the pool was closed that day due to bad weather. There's a big arcade area that should keep the kids occupied for an hour or two. And I know first hand that you can lose a little money in a short amount of time at the casino there.
Another family option would be Margaritaville, which has all sorts of things to do but I don't think it has gambling (looked into staying there but didn't actually go there).
I'm not sure how big your group will be but one good thing about Beau is that you can get connecting rooms. When I called Margaritaville, I was told that it wasn't an option - not sure if that's because they were all booked or they just don't have connecting rooms. But we have four young kids, so connecting rooms is a must in the rare occasion when we stay at a hotel instead of a VRBO/AirBnB.
Not a casino…but a couple of weeks ago we stayed at the Hyatt Place for a night on our way to Gulf Shores…it was really nice and just across the street from the beach. The Beau is just down Beach Blvd from the hotel.
We go to Biloxi about every other month. Have eaten at both many times and Mary Mahoney's is far superior to Half Shell. The crab fingers in butter sauce are fantastic and the Flounder Imperial is about the best flounder I have eaten anywhere.
Beau is best gamble. We also go to the Shucker's games from time to time. Thursdays are $2 dogs and $2 16 oz PBRs. No limit. It's directly across the street from the Beau.
We are heading there in a couple of weeks. Can't wait.
I know this is an old thread, but we just got back from there. 2nd the Shuckers game idea. 3 of our kids got to get involved in the game and be on the jumbotron.
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We stayed at margaritaville. It was ok. Corner suite was nice but the bathroom smelled like a mall bathroom. I don't think they cleaned it before we got in.
Also not enough elevators there. Checking in and out was a nightmare.
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