It may be spring, but it’s already time to start heading to the beach or at least planning a summer vacation. The Mississippi Gulf Coast offers about 62 miles of coastline that are punctuated with unique and charming coastal communities, so you are sure to find some great beaches, things to do, and places to stay. But, where are the best beaches in Mississippi?
1. Gulfport Beach
This beach runs from Biloxi Beach to Long Beach, and it is located close to the city of Gulfport. Fortunately, parking is easy to find close to the beach as it doesn’t typically get too crowded. While there, you can walk along the fishing pier, rent a jet ski, or just swim and relax on the clean and quiet beach! There are opportunities to rent a chair and umbrella if you don’t want to bring your own but still want to enjoy the calmness. If you find that you need a bite to eat while you’re at the beach, there are plenty of nearby cafes and restaurants.
2. Ship Island Beach
If you’re looking for clear, blue water at the beach, Ship Island is probably your best bet. It is part of Gulf Islands National Seashore and is located about 11 miles off of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. It offers high-quality, natural beaches, as well as swimming, shelling, and relaxation! For those who love history, Fort Massachusetts, a well-preserved brick structure used in the Civil War, is located on the island. In order to get to Ship Island, there are one-hour boat rides that leave from Gulfport Yacht Harbor in Jones Park (at the intersection of Highway 90 and 49) where you may see dolphins or other marine life along the way. Food service is available on the boat ride. During the summer, there is a section of the beach that includes lifeguards. While on the island, visitors have access to a snack bar, restrooms, showers, drinking water fountains, and picnic pavilions. Beach chairs and umbrellas can be rented as well.
3. Biloxi Beach
The beaches in Biloxi are beautiful and have been well-maintained. They are also easily accessible off of Highway 90, and if you’re staying in one of the casinos, your best bet would be to go to the beaches west of Beau Rivage and the I-110 ramp. Specifically, if you are staying at the Hard Rock Biloxi or the Beau Rivage, you can walk to the beach on a boardwalk (the entrance to this boardwalk is immediately west of the Beau Rivage parking garage). Further west, you can find a large parking area next to Snappers Seafood Restaurant and Sharkheads Souvenir City. At Snappers, you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner with outdoor deck seating that overlooks the sand. As you go further west, there is definitely more beach to enjoy! There is a great beach up towards Beauvoir, the Jefferson Davis Home and Presidential Library. There is a comfort station on the beach that is across from the Mississippi Coast Coliseum that includes showers, public restrooms, vending machines, as well as plenty of parking. While here, you can rent aquacycles, jetskis, umbrellas, and chairs.
4. Front Beach
This beach is located in Ocean Springs and runs from Biloxi Bay Bridge to Ocean Springs Harbor. This beach boasts panoramic views of the Mississippi Sound, thus, it’s probably one of the most beautiful beaches in Mississippi that you can photograph. In addition, the water here is calm and shallow, which is great for when you want to get in the water!
5. Pass Christian Beach
This beach is known as the “Birthplace of Yachting in the South,” and Theodore Roosevelt even used to spend time on this beach. It’s also one of the best beaches in Mississippi for kids as it has wide and clean shores, as well as opportunities for fun activities such as beach volleyball and sandcastle building. It also makes for a great spot to teach a child how to ride a bike due to its soft and wide spaces. Pass Christian Beach Company, which is located at Henderson Ave. and Highway 90, offers fun activities for both children and adults. This is where you can rent jet skis and chairs, but you can also get ice cream, water, sodas, and other pre-packaged items. They also have volleyball for adults and kids, as well as giant Jenga.
