Insider's Guide to Harrah's Gulf Coast

The 4-star Harrah's Gulf Coast along Biloxi's picturesque coastline is reason enough to visit the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The resort—a 2017 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence winner—is packed with things to do and places to eat, and there's plenty to sightsee in the Biloxi area. If you're spending a weekend at Harrah's Gulf Coast (or taking advantage of our deal), use this itinerary to get the most out of your stay:

Friday: Hit the Buffet...and the Casino

For dinner: Casinos are synonymous with buffets, and Harrah's has one of the best in Mississippi, Flavors Buffet. Use this time to fill up on whatever cuisine floats your boat; the options here range from southern mainstays to more exotic Asian delicacies. And of course, it's all-you-can-eat.

Late night: Time to hit the slots, and Harrah's has 775 of them, including progressive, video, and World Series of Poker slots. If slots aren't your favorite, Harrah's has tables for blackjack, craps, and more. Since the casino is open 24 hours, this can be a really late night if you want.

Saturday: Golf, Spa & an Award-Winning Meal

During the day: Start with a quick breakfast at the onsite Steak n' Shake, where you can wake up to biscuits n' gravy, banana pancakes, and a hand-dipped caramel-frappe shake (remember, you're on vacation—shakes for breakfast is acceptable).

From there, you have a few choices. You can schedule a tee time at the Grand Bear Golf Course, a Jack Nicklaus-designed, 18-hole course spectacularly set in the towering pines of the De Soto National Forest. Or you can stay onsite and...say it with us...reeeeee-laaaaax at the Bellissmo Spa & Salon, which even offers daily tours of its spa. For a special experience, opt for the spa's signature Water Therapy, which includes a full-body massage enhanced with a warm Vichy shower.

In the afternoon: Start with a light lunch at Mix & Mingle, an indoor/outdoor sports bar and grill, where you can grab a sandwich, a salad, or even a cocktail if you're in the mood. The bar happens to be right next to your next stop, The Pool at Harrah's Gulf Coast. If it's hot enough, take a dip in the heated pool or lounge nearby in a cabana. If it's a little chilly, you can still sprint over to the hot tub, which is welcoming no matter the weather.

For dinner: You can't spend a weekend at Harrah's without trying Magnolia House, the resort's premiere dining experience from James Beard Award nominee Kelly English. Named "Best New Chef" in 2009 by Food & Wine magazine, Chef Kelly uses Magnolia House's upscale-but-not-stuffy atmosphere to cook inventive southern dishes, from fried crab claws to sauteed gulf snapper.

Sunday: Explore the Coast & Farewell Dinner

During the day: The beauty of the Mississippi Gulf Coast is its subtropical climate, meaning the weather is rarely too cold for you to enjoy the scenery. Be sure to spend some time today soaking in the views of the Gulf Coast. We recommend the hiking along the bayou at the gorgeous Gulf Islands National Seashore, a short 20-minute drive from the resort, or climbing to the top of the historic Biloxi Lighthouse, a 65-foot icon.

Farewell dinner: Save an amazing dinner for last by visiting Blind Tiger, a spinoff of its popular Bay St. Louis spot. With a scenic waterfront location, the Blind Tiger focuses on fresh seafood (specifically its 1-pound dish of Royal Red shrimp) and juicy burgers.