Why? Jackson is a laid back, genteel city, proud of its landmark capitol building. The reason people choose a holiday in Jackson is to soak up some southern culture, shop for antiques and explore the rather sprawling city's distinctive neighbourhoods.
When? When you travel to Jackson on holiday be prepared for rainy weather, for in this city the climate is generally warm and wet. The summer months are extremely hot. A good time to holiday in Jackson is from mid-February to mid-March, when the city indulges in a month-long festival programme centred around the Dixie National Rodeo.
Who for? Those touring the Civil War battlefields, or interested in the ecology, culture and society of the South, will have a pleasant holiday in Jackson discovering this unprepossessing city, which gives a friendly welcome.
More Info: Find out all the information you need to plan a holiday in Jackson with our user-friendly Jackson travel guide, which among other things, lists details of all events, excursions and attractions in the city.

Capitol building © Mississippi Development Authority/Division of Tourism

Although it is Mississippi's largest city, and the state capital, Jackson has a slow pace with a distinctly southern lifestyle, and its population of about 400,000 is spread over a large geographic area, making it seem smaller than it is. The main landmark in the city is the old Mississippi State Capitol building in the very centre of the downtown area, modelled on the US Capitol in Washington and adding an impressive dimension to the city skyline.

Jackson meanders along the banks of the winding Pearl River, having been founded in 1821 as a trading post and incorporated into the United States in 1833 for the deliberate purpose of being the state capital. It is an exceedingly well-ordered city thanks to thoughtful town planning, but because it is spread out, exploring its distinct neighbourhoods is best done by car.

Downtown are the cultural centres, historic buildings and museums, but visitors need to travel to areas like Ridgeland, a few miles out, to find good shopping, eating, lodging and nightlife opportunities. The neighbourhood of Mid North has some great recreational areas, like Le Fleur's Bluff State Park, while to the west of Downtown is the significant Farish Street Historical District, a centre of black culture, politics, religion and business.