The Mississippi Gulf Coast is a culturally, historically, and environmentally distinctive region where many chapters in the national story have been written. The bounties of the Mississippi Gulf Coast's natural resources have brought people to this area from all over the world. The modern culture of the Coast consists of a multi-ethnic gumbo of people and traditions.

The heritage area is located along the Mississippi gulf coast. Interstate I-10 runs east and west while I-59 cuts across the northwest corner of the NHA. The Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport allows visitors to fly directly into Mississippi Gulf NHA as well.