Mississippi is in the southern region of the United States with a coastline that runs along the Gulf of Mexico and Mississippi Sound. With calm waters and ocean temperatures that reach 90 degrees during summer, Mississippi beaches are some of the warmest and best for swimming. They’re also known for having beautiful sugar-white sand perfect for strolling or sunbathing.
Are you ready to hit the beach? Let’s check out 15 of the best beaches in Mississippi!
1. Harrison County Public Beach, Gulf Port
Harrison County Public Beach is found in Gulfport, a city on the coast of Mississippi known for its beautiful beaches. This beach features a boardwalk that connects the main parking lot to the public area.
Harrison County Public Beach is popular and can get crowded, so be sure to arrive early! At the beach, you can find barbecue pits and picnic tables that offer the perfect place for a day of lounging with friends, family, or solo. There are also restrooms and showers.
Gulf waters are great for kayaking, fishing, and swimming. When you’re not at the beach, Gulfport offers plenty to do, including dining and shopping.
2. Dogwood Beach, Pass Christian
Dogwood Beach is located in Pass Christian, Mississippi just west of Gulfport. The beach offers beautiful white sand, clear waters, and plenty of amenities and activities for everyone to enjoy.
Visitors can rent umbrellas, chairs, and kayaks. When you’re finished hanging out at the beach, there are showers available for use. If you’re on vacation or looking for things you do nearby, you can hang out on the beach strip or visit Pass Christian’s downtown area. Both areas offer plenty of shopping and restaurants.
3. Ship Island Public Beach, Gulfport
Ship Island Public Beach is found on Ship Island, which is off the coast of Biloxi. It’s accessible by ferry from Gulfport, making for the perfect escape from town. This Mississippi beach ranks among the top 10 beaches on the East Coast.
Ship Island offers several miles of beautiful sand, making it a great place to relax or play beach games. The island is also home to many native animals, so visitors can learn about the wildlife while enjoying the picturesque views.
There are few amenities on the island, including a snack bar and picnic pavilions. If you’re looking to spend the night, camping is welcomed on the island.
4. East Beach, Ocean Springs
East Beach is in Ocean Springs, close to the city of Gulfport. It’s one of the more low-key beaches in Mississippi that locals love to visit. With that said, you won’t find any tourist attractions. Visitors enjoy the lengthy shore with little to no disturbance due to the secluded nature.
Some amenities include fishing piers, beach supply shops, and cafes around the beach. If you want to spend your trip relaxing in the sunshine, there are several vacation rentals right by the water.
5. Biloxi Beach, Biloxi
Located in Biloxi, Mississippi, one of the oldest cities in the country, Biloxi Beach is a massive tourist attraction. There’s so much to do for a weekend or week trip to the beach. You can find casinos, restaurants, hotels, and playgrounds by the shore. Spend your day by the ocean hunting for shells, soaking up the sun, or going on tours.
Biloxi Beach has a popular shrimp boat tour where you can explore the murky waters. It’s also home to the Beauvoir historical site if you want to learn the rich history behind this old city. There are also steamboat tours, fishing charters, lighthouse trips, jet ski rentals, and kayak tours available.
6. Long Beach
Long Beach is a city with a popular beach enjoyed by tourists and locals alike because it’s a much quieter version of other Mississippi beaches like the ones in Gulfport and Biloxi. Here you’ll find lots of things to do with the whole family.
Enjoy playing in the ocean and sunbathing on an uncrowded stretch of beautiful sand. After your day at the beach, there are showers for rinsing off.
Visitors can also visit one of three piers and the observation tower that offers a scenic view of the coastline. There are also several local parks situated right on the beach.
7. Popp’s Ferry Landing, Biloxi
Popp’s Ferry Landing is a fantastic beach on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. It’s a peaceful spot that sits at the edge of a neighborhood.
The area is filled with nature trails and large open spaces with wildlife. Popp’s Ferry Landing is perfect for fishing or taking in the stunning view of the vast stretch of blue waters. There are several picnic tables in the area, too.
8. Gulf Islands National Seashore, Ocean Springs
Gulf Island National Seashore is located on the Alabama-Mississippi line. It has some of the finest white sands, along with pristine beaches and clear emerald waters. The beach is also home to six historic forts.
The national seashore offers an excellent trail system, perfect for walking or running, leading to scenic observation decks. You can enjoy the views of this exquisite natural beauty.
If you’re a nature enthusiast, you’ll love exploring these beautiful beaches. And, birdwatchers will be overjoyed at the variety of avian species that you can spot here.
9. Front Beach, Ocean Springs
Front Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Mississippi that borders the Gulf of Mexico. With warm waters and soft white sand, it’s easy to enjoy a beach trip here.
You’ll find a lot of anglers along the Front Beach pier and shore. Dogs love it here, too! The area is also filled with shrimp boats and marine research ships.
Areas of shallow water are perfect for kids to play and the ocean welcomes all swimmers. Play a game of volleyball on the courts or stroll on the beach and spot some wildlife.
10. Waveland Beach, Bay St. Louis
Waveland Beach is a simple spot on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. It’s located on South Beach Boulevard in the quaint town of Waveland. If you’re looking to get away from the crowds, Waveland Beach is the place to go.
The beach borders waters that are approximately 10 feet deep most times. So, it’s safe for people who love water activities. That said, you can go fishing, swimming, kayaking, and more! There are shallow areas of the ocean, too.
If you’re looking to stay in the area, Bay St. Louis is small but fun. There are good restaurants, lots of local events, and casinos.
11. Ocean Springs Beach, Ocean Springs
If you’re looking for something truly unique, then Ocean Springs is the spot! This beach is one of the best Mississippi beaches that attracts people from both near and far, thanks to many attractions.
The beach is a relaxing place to hang out for the day. It’s perfect for those looking to kick back and for families, too. For the best views, visit at sunset!
Other popular places in the area include the Ward Museum, which has over 14,000 artifacts, and the children’s museum, which features history about pirates and various kinds of animals.
If you’re looking to stay a few days, there are plenty of accommodations and restaurants in the area.
12. Ross Barnett Reservoir Beaches, Ridgeland
While not an oceanside beach, you can find several man-made beaches around the 33,000-acre Ross Barnett Reservoir. Also called The Rez, this reservoir formed in 1965 upon damming the Pearl River to provide water for Jackson, MS.
While the water is somewhat shallow, visitors enjoy visiting the reservoir to swim, boat, and fish. There are also opportunities for biking and hiking in the area.
By the shore, you will find marinas to dock your boat to visit restaurants, campgrounds, rental shops, and convenience stores. If you need more fuel or fishing bait, you can find stores for that too.
Two of the most popular beaches around the Rez are Old Trace Park and Lakeshore Park. These are perfect spots for picnicking and playing in the water.
13. Horn Island, Jackson City
If you want to go to a beach with a peaceful vibe, then Horn Island is the place for you. It’s one of few undeveloped barrier islands on the Gulf Coast.
Because Horn Island is located in Gautier, where there aren’t hotels, it’s usually fairly deserted, offering ample privacy for your beach day. This is a great place to unplug and camp for a few days, too. Just be sure to bring everything you need.
14. Lake Mars Beach, Ocean Springs
Lake Mars Beach has a natural shoreline featuring tidal marsh and low-profile dunes. Lake Mars isn’t the best place to swim, but there is no shortage of fun activities.
You can walk on the Lake Mars Pier or use the boat launch protected by a rock jetty. Many people visit the pier for incredible bird-watching opportunities. Visitors enjoy fishing along the pier, boating, photography, and viewing the wildlife.
15. Bay St. Louis Beach, Bay St. Louis
Bay St. Louis Beach is often referred to as one of the best beaches in Mississippi by locals and travelers. The beach is about 25 minutes away from New Orleans and is home to plenty of entertainment.
Enjoy fishing and local seafood restaurants. Sunset views at the beach are also spectacular. Parking is available but limited, so be sure to arrive early!
Besides water activities, you can visit historic Fort Coburn near the bay or enjoy shopping at one of the many new boutiques and art galleries in town. Be sure to bring your camera because there are so many photo opportunities in the area, too.
Enjoy Mississippi Beaches!
Mississippi beaches are great for playing in the ocean and catching some rays! Several of them are also excellent for fishing, surfing, and boating. We hope our list of the best beaches in Mississippi has you looking forward to your next beach trip!
