Why This Mississippi Town Deserves More Attention

On Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, Ocean Springs sits just east of Biloxi across Biloxi Bay, pairing a convenient location with a far quieter feel. Washington Avenue sets the tone with colorful storefronts and easy access to places like the Pink Rooster and other independent studios. Just a short stroll away, Front Beach adds calm water, a fishing pier, and breezy views that make the town feel especially relaxed. With its artsy energy, coastal scenery, and laid-back pace, Ocean Springs is the kind of Mississippi town that deserves far more attention.

The Artsy Vibe Of Ocean Springs

While many salty-air villages are littered with kitschy tourist attractions, Ocean Springs is a slow-paced, artsy town with an enormous heart. A quick walk down Washington Avenue offers small, charming studios like the Hillyer House, Coastal Magpie, and the quirky Pink Rooster/Gallery Garbo. Walking up the lush green pathway to the Pink Rooster is a treat in and among itself. The dense walkway of native Mississippi plants leads to a welcoming wrap-around front porch to a converted century home. Inside, you’ll find locally made jewelry, pottery, and glass painting, among other bits and bobs. Its art studios, like the Pink Rooster, add to the overall colorful vibe of Ocean Springs.

Take An Ocean Springs Food Tour

Exploring art studios takes a lot of energy, so luckily, Ocean Springs is no stranger to amazing food! The city has about 100 restaurants within its city limits, and visitors will have trouble narrowing down the ample options come mealtime. If good old-fashioned Mississippi seafood is what you are after, there’s no better place than Bacchus On The Bayou. It delivers some of the best seafood on the coast (the oysters, in particular) with breezy views of the water on their outdoor patio.

Looking for something casual? The Crawfish House serves tasty southern food in a laid-back atmosphere. The exterior may look a bit worn, but the dishes from the kitchen will make you feel like you've arrived in seafood heaven. Just be sure not to fill up there before visiting the famous Tato-Nut Donut Shop! While New Orleans is known for beignets, Ocean Spring’s tato-nut—made with mashed potatoes—is a must-try. It might sound unusual, but one taste is enough to turn you into a tato-nut fan.

Quiet, Relaxing Beaches

You could easily spend a whole weekend exploring the salt-scented streets shaded by tall live oaks, browsing art galleries, shops, and cafes, and forgetting you’re in a beach town! When you’re ready to relax, pack a good book and plenty of sunscreen, and head to Front Beach — a perfect place to unwind. There’s no need to wake up early to snag a spot, as the atmosphere here is similar to a Midwest public park. It’s laid-back, rarely crowded, and the Gulf of Mexico’s waters are usually calm. You’ll find fishermen along the shore, locals strolling on the well-kept sidewalks and pier, and fishing boats gently rocking in the distance. The water’s calmness makes it ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, or kayaking.

Take In The Rich History Of Ocean Springs

Not too far from Front Beach is the Fort Maurepas City Park and Nature Preserve. While the original fort of the French settlement (established in 1699) no longer exists, there are a few plaques peppered throughout the park to pay tribute to its origins, as well as a rebuilt replica of the original fort. Today, it’s a well-maintained park with picnic areas, walking trails with views of the ocean, a playground with a splash pad, dedicated green spaces shaded by live oaks, and public beach access.

If a visit to Fort Maurepas City Park piques your curiosity about Ocean Springs' early history, make sure to visit the Ocean Springs Historical Museum. Originally constructed as Ocean Springs’ public school building in 1927, the museum narrates the stories of early settlers as well as the Native Americans who once inhabited the land.

Ocean Springs After Dark

Ocean Springs may be a sleepy fishing hamlet during the day, but it comes alive at night! The local bars and restaurants get a little raucous in the evening, with live music happening somewhere seven days a week. The Government Street Grocery is one of the most happening spots once the sun goes down, with great bar food and live music almost every day of the week. The inside is colorful and bright, and it’s easy to blend in with the locals at this beloved watering hole. While it was once a local grocery store (hence the name) it’s now one of the most popular spots to have a cold brew on a warm patio to bookend your day in Ocean Springs. From dawn to well past dusk, you're bound to make memories that last a lifetime in Ocean Springs.

Don’t Miss Out On This Mississippi Treasure

Ocean Springs is truly special not because of what it offers, but because of what it lacks. It’s free from heavy traffic, large crowds, and commercialized attractions. You can relax by the gentle waves without battling crowds for a good spot. The restaurants are locally owned and serve some of the best Southern cuisine in the state! Although it’s on the coast, it has the warm, hometown charm of a small inland town. Ocean Springs rejects the ordinary and instead showcases an artsy, distinctive spirit visible in every part of this quiet fishing village. If you’re seeking a charming yet lively coastal town in Mississippi, Ocean Springs is a treasured hidden jewel!