Where to Stay in Jackson – A Guide to the Capital of Mississippi
The City of Jackson (as it is officially known) is the capital and largest city in Mississippi. It is famous for its influence in the musical genres of blues, gospel, folk, and jazz, which earned it its nickname of “The City with Soul“. It is located in the center of the state, on the banks of the Pearl River. This Southern town is home to several museums and art galleries with diverse topics such as civil rights, African-American culture, history, sciences, and, of course, art. In this post, we will explore the best areas to stay in Jackson.
Jackson is at the center of the Jackson, Mississippi Metropolitan Statistical Area, and its most visited cultural attractions are the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, the Old Capitol Museum, the Mississippi Museum of Art, the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum, the Museum of Mississippi History, and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum.
Jackson is an extremely kid and family-friendly city to visit. Other than the museums mentioned above, the Mississippi capital is also home to the Mississippi Children’s Museum, The Jackson Zoological, and Russell C Davis Planetarium. The Governor’s Mansion is the second oldest in the country and offers guided tours. For outdoor enthusiasts, Park LeFleur’s Bluff State Park is the perfect escape from city life.
Jackson has a humid subtropical climate. This means that summers are warm, long, and oppressive while winters are mild. Rain is frequent year-round, though during the winter and spring it’s more common. The best time to visit Jackson, MS is during late summer and early fall when temperatures are comfortable and the skies are clear.
In order to reach Jackson by air, Jackson–Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport is located 6 miles east of downtown Jackson. It offers domestic connections to several big cities across the US.
When it comes to public transportation, JATRAN operates a bus network connecting different districts across the city. Regular taxis and ride-sharing apps are widely available in town. That said, the best way to move around Jackson is by car. You can rent a cheap car in Jackson here.
The best area to stay in Jackson is Downtown, where you will find the best hotels and the most popular sites to visit. See accommodation in Downtown Jackson.
Here’s a guide with the best areas to stay in Jackson, Mississippi.
The Best Areas to Stay in Jackson, Mississippi
1. Recommended area: Downtown Jackson, MS
Downtown Jackson is a modern place, full of shops, cafés, top-notch restaurants, and impressive hotels to spend the holidays.
During the last decade, Downtown Jackson has gone through a process of revitalization, which included redeveloping some of its areas and repurposing some of its industrial heritage sites.
As is to be expected, downtown is home to most office towers and skyscrapers in the city. The Jackson Downtown Convention Center is also located here, making it the best place for business travelers.
Downtown Jackson has the best nightlife options in town thanks to its wealth of bars and nightclubs. In addition, there are also many high-end restaurants to sample some world-famous Southern cuisine.
This area is home to some of the city’s top cultural attractions such as the Mississippi Museum of Art, the Civil Rights Museum, or the Ods Statehouse Museum.
Downtown is connected by buses. However, it can also be explored on foot.
The best area to stay in Jackson is Downtown Jackson, thanks to its sights, great transport connections, and luxury hotels.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Jackson, MS:
- Heart of the city
- Best area for sightseeing
- Best area for business travelers
- Best area to stay without a car
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Jackson Downtown – Coliseum
Located in downtown Jackson, Mississippi, next to Interstate 55, this hotel offers a daily continental breakfast and rooms with free Wi-Fi.
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Budget
Red Roof Inn Jackson Downtown – Fairgrounds
The Red Roof Inn Jackson Downtown – Fairgrounds is a 3-minute drive from the Mississippi State Capitol. It offers free Wi-Fi and rooms with flat-screen cable and satellite TV.
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Luxury
The Westin Jackson
The Westin Jackson is located in Jackson, 600 meters from the Jackson Convention Complex, and offers air-conditioned rooms. This 4-star hotel offers room service and an ATM. The hotel has an indoor pool, fitness center and 24-hour reception.
2. Pearl
Despite being an independent town and not a neighborhood in the city, Pearl is an excellent area to stay in the Jackson Metro Area.
This important area is well-connected with other cities of Mississippi and Jackson through its highway and road system.
Pearl is located along the Pearl River and is one of the largest cities in the Mississippi state.
The best thing about Pearl is the tranquility it offers, with a southern atmosphere that makes it place a great area to stay.
It is important to highlight that the city does not have many public transport options, so you’re better off staying here if you travel by car.
Pearl is one of the best areas to stay in Jackson thanks to its location, just a few minutes east of the City Center, and its affordable accommodation.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Jackson, MS:
- Quiet area
- Well-connected
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Candlewood Suites Pearl
This Pearl hotel, Mississippi, is a short drive from the Jackson-Evers International Airport. It has full kitchens and free high-speed internet connection throughout the hotel.
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Budget
Best Western Airport Inn
This hotel in Mississippi is 8 km from Jackson-Evers International Airport. The hotel has a seasonal outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi and a daily continental breakfast.
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Luxury
Courtyard by Marriott Jackson Airport/Pearl
This Mississippi hotel, 9 km from the Amtrak and Greyhound stations, offers a continental breakfast and free Wi-Fi, both free of charge. Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport is 11.4 km from the property.
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