This name was given to the city by its respected resident “Pearl Rivers,” who was an owner and publisher of the local New Orleans Daily Picayune newspaper. The word “picayune” is the name of a little Spanish coin. Mrs. Nicholson (real name) named the area after her dearest creation. The newspaper is still around today and is named Times-Picayune.
Picayune offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages and preferences. You could start from an unusual museum called The Teddy Bear Museum. This place invites you to relive childhood excitement with its display of more than 12,000 teddy bears and teddy bear-related items from different periods.
As we're talking about the fun for the whole family, your kids would be excited to visit the Paul's Pastry shop. It is a unique local pastry spot that has been around since the 1970s. This is your perfect destination to get a delicious King Cake. What sets the Paul's shop apart is that they were first to start filling the cakes with various fruits and cream cheese and topping them with colorful sugars in the spirit of Mardi Gras.
Picayune is just twenty minutes away from another thrilling attraction of the area - Stennis Space Center. The Stennis Space Center is a NASA facility located on the Pearl River near Picayune, WS. It was established in 1961 and is now the primary center for testing NASA's new rocket engines and propulsion systems. The facility was used for many programs, including the Apollo.
Visitors can walk around the INFINITY Science Center - a non-profit museum and NASA visitor center. It boasts a 72,000 square feet facility, with an abundance of interactive exhibits on the topics of the Nature of Mississippi, space travel, NASA, Earth Science, and more.
Another must-visit spot on the map of Picayune is the Crosby's Arboretum. It is a stunning natural preserve spreading across 760 acres of land both for public and scientific use. The Arboretum is divided into 3 main sections - savanna, woodlands, and waterways, and hosts over 300 indigenous trees, plants, and shrubs.
The prominent feature of the preserve is the Pinecote Pavilion. It was designed by E. Fay Jones, who was mentored by Frank Lloyd Wright - a key figure in the architectural and design world of the 20th century. The structure is geometric, light, and sophisticated, making it a perfect addition to the area's natural surroundings. The Pavilion is available for rent; it hosts many private and public events important for the community.
Best Times to Visit Picayune, MS
The best time to visit Picayune is during the spring or fall, when the temperatures are not as oppressive, and the crowds are smaller.
The spring season is ideal for spending the most time outside, taking in all the outdoor opportunities. Picayune is surrounded by environmental richness, including Lake Hide-A-Way in the eastern part of the city, multiple creeks running through the city, multiple parks for any activities and ages - J.P. Johnson Park, Friendship Park, Crosby Commons. Lake Maurepas, Lake Pontchartrain, Lake Borgne are just 30 minutes away from the city and give you access to beautiful beaches and diverse aquatic pastimes.
During the fall and winter periods, join this lovely community at one of the annual events. October Trick or Treat Trail is the perfect opportunity to get into the Halloween Mood with a big group of friends. Compete for the cleverest costume on the block and enjoy various activities and tasty eats from the booths sponsored by local vendors. In December, get to explore Picayune's fun downtown area. Christmas on the Rails and Shop by Candlelight will keep your Christmas spirit up with diverse present shopping opportunities, more than twenty thousand lights across downtown, hot chocolate, lots of sinning, and various fun rides for kids and adults.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Picayune, MS:
Picayune by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs demonstrating mean nightly cost patterns by star rating class in Picayune, MS. You can use these charts to calculate the cheapest months to make a reservation in Picayune for your upcoming travels.
Find the perfect higher-end hotel for your stay in Picayune, MS
4 Star Average Prices: $139.50
Our curated hotel options offer the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. We provide everything you need for a relaxing and rejuvenating vacation, from elegant rooms and suites to on-site restaurants and spa services. Plus, our convenient location puts all the best of Picayune at your fingertips. Book your stay today and experience the best of southern hospitality!
Cheap Hotel Options in Picayune, MS
3 Star Average Prices: $111.24
There are several excellent low-budget hotel options in the area. The hotels feature comfortable rooms and a number of necessary amenities, including free wi-fi and complimentary breakfasts. Check out our list of local hotels, and we'll help you find a place that fits your needs regardless of whether you're in town for a weekend getaway or on a business trip.