This Quiet Gulf Coast City Is Hiding In Plain Sight
Each year, millions flock to the Gulf Coast to soak up its southern sunshine and warm waters, drawn by its stunning scenery and relaxed coastal vibe. During the spring and summer, the region buzzes with energy as visitors enjoy everything the beaches have to offer. If you are seeking a more peaceful yet equally beautiful Gulf Coast destination for your travels this coming year, Ocean Springs, Mississippi, is well worth your attention.
This small town is home to just under 18,500 residents and lies along Mississippi’s central coast, just an hour and a half from New Orleans and about an hour from Mobile. The streets are lined with oak trees and art galleries, while the surrounding areas twinkle with wildlife refuges and national seashores. So pack your flip flops, bring an appetite, and get ready to explore what makes the peaceful Mississippi town of Ocean Springs so special.
National Seashores & Wildlife Refuges
Ocean Springs is located near both a national seashore and a national wildlife refuge, meaning that you’ll be able to enjoy some truly incredible surroundings during your time in town. The first place to have on your radar is the Davis Bayou Area, which is part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Here, you’ll find a campground, hiking trails, a boat launch, a fishing pier, and several boardwalks to explore. The fishing pier, for example, extends roughly 50 feet out over the shore, featuring a small pavilion at the end that is perfect for wildlife watching as well as fishing. For those looking to hike, the Davis Bayou North Trailhead offers a one-mile route from the visitor center’s parking lot to the picnic area, where you can stop for a bite to eat.
The Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge, meanwhile, is a fascinating place to learn more about the area’s ecosystems and wildlife. This area is home to some of the last remaining wet pine savannas, providing a crucial habitat for the critically endangered Mississippi sandhill crane. Other key species to keep your eye out for include the dusky gopher frog, the oak toad, and the Henslow's sparrow.
Water Sports & Charters
With so many bays and bayous around town, your Ocean Springs experience isn’t complete until you have spent some time on the water. Several local agencies offer charters and watersport lessons, depending on your interests. If you enjoy fishing, check out the charters provided by Goin’ Coastal Charters. Led by experienced guides, the company offers half-day and full-day charters that explore the nearby bays, bayous, and national seashore. As an alternative, Goin’ Coastal also hosts island trips, eco trips, and sunset cruises upon request.
If you want to learn a new sport, Bending Pines Watersports is another fun option to keep in mind. Run by an Ocean Springs local who has been teaching for over a decade, the classes offered here include windsurfing, wind foiling, and kitesurfing, with both group lessons and private sessions available.
Art Scene
For a town of its size, Ocean Springs’ art scene is phenomenal. And at its center is the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, a nationally accredited art museum that was founded in 1991. This museum preserves the works of artist Walter Anderson, a philosopher and artist born in New Orleans in 1903, who lived along the coast until his passing in 1965. Inside the museum, visitors can admire his paintings, drawings, murals, sculptures, carvings, block prints, and writings.
The town is also home to numerous notable art galleries that are worth checking out during your visit. The Hillyer House is a wonderful place to find a souvenir, operating in Ocean Springs for over five decades, selling artisan paintings, glassworks, pottery, and more. The Pink Rooster / Gallery Garbo is another fantastic stop, selling jewelry, fragrances, books, ceramics, paintings, and glass.
Restaurants & Inns
To complete your Ocean Springs getaway, be sure to pick the best spots to eat and stay overnight. You can kick off the morning with a coffee from The District Coffee Co., which has been serving coffee in Ocean Springs since 2018. A few of the beverages on the menu include espresso, brewed coffee, and matcha lattes.
For a filling lunch or dinner, The Lady May never disappoints! This spot is renowned for its Italian and Southern-inspired cuisine, featuring a diverse menu that includes flatbreads, burgers, sandwiches, stuffed tuna, fried chicken, and more. For a cozy night’s rest, check into the Mockingbird Inn, a charming downtown accommodation housed in a historic home dating back to 1899.
An Easy Decision For Your Next Trip
If you haven't visited Ocean Springs yet, its highlights make it easy to see why it should be on your list. It offers numerous ways to explore its land, whether that be through hiking, camping, or picnicking, while its water is just as enticing, with fishing charters and windsurfing lessons available. Back in town, the perfect meal and night away await in the cozy restaurants and inns, as well. Who knows what else you might discover during your own trip?
