Ocean Springs is a picturesque hamlet on the Mississippi Gulf Coast with a quaint downtown full of shops, art galleries, and eateries. The fresh seafood is incredible and a must-try when visiting. If you have extra time and want to explore a bigger city, Biloxi is only about a 10-minute drive and is easily reached by way of the Biloxi Bay Bridge. Whether you have a short visit or a lengthy stay, there are hidden gems to explore and enjoy. Read on to learn about the best things to do in Ocean Springs, Mississippi.
Why Trust Trip101?
✅ Over 50,000 articles reviewed and published by our experienced team
✅ Over 50 years of combined experience researching, writing and reviewing travel articles
✅ Over 40,000 hours spent on research and fact-checking from credible sources (last year’s data)
✅ Optimizing content from data-driven insights collected directly from users on our platform
✅ Focus on authentic and up-to-date information by collaborating with local guides, global travelers and other industry experts
✅ Long-standing partnerships with credible brands like Airbnb, Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, GetYourGuide, Viator, RVShare and more
✅ Full disclosure on any partnerships or sponsored content
Trip101’s team of writers, editors, and content managers oversees the publication of all travel content, including destination guides, accommodation recommendations, and travel tips. They have extensive experience in the travel industry and no content, written or visual, gets published without a review. Many of our team’s work has also been featured in Travel+Leisure, National Today, The Indian Express, The Telegraph (India), Robb Report, The Adventure Handbook, Tripoto, Korea Tourism Organization, and Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Some of them are also members of professional organizations like the Society of American Travel Writers and the International Travel Writers and Photographers Alliance.
Each member of the team follows Trip101's methodology and strict editorial guidelines to ensure accuracy, authenticity, and relevance.
1. Stay where Elvis and Al Capone kept out of sight
Gulf Hills Hotel & Resort is rumored to have been built in 1927 as a hideout for Al Capone, a notorious mobster, using laundered money from his illegal operations. It is known for a fact that Elvis Presley enjoyed vacationing on the property, although his favorite cottage no longer exists. Recently, investors have purchased it and plan to restore it to a state of grandeur but don’t worry as the rooms are still in great condition for a comfortable stay. The location is only minutes from downtown Ocean Springs. Views of the water from the large swimming pool are very relaxing.
You may find construction crews on the property in the summer of 2022, but the convenience of the location, the intriguing history, and the reasonable rates make it worth considering during your stay in Ocean Springs.
2. Dine in locally-owned eateries
A few chain restaurants dot the landscape, but the most popular Ocean Springs restaurants and eateries are locally owned. Many have the advantage of a continuous supply of fresh seafood straight from the Gulf. There are two main streets in downtown. Look for Bright Eyed Brew Company, The Lady May, and Maison De Lu as you stroll on Government Street and head into French Kiss Pastries for a sweet treat. You’ll find both Blue Dog Bistro and Mosaic on the longer stretch known as Washington Avenue.
3. Fish or swim in Biloxi Bay
Ocean Springs has a three-mile (4.8 km) expanse of sandy beach with calm waters that are perfect for swimming and fishing. Parking is adjacent to the beach area, and the atmosphere is family friendly. This part of Biloxi Bay is on the Mississippi Sound portion of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. It is far less crowded than other Gulf beaches because there are no high-rise condominiums within sight. Walk out on one of the piers jutting into the water to get a better look at the fish and marine life.
4. Play at Fort Maurepas Park where history echoes
The land near where Fort Maurepas Park now exists was explored by the French as early as 1699. A fort was erected on the site in the early 1700’s, and a replica is there today. Families with young children will like the playground created to simulate an old sailing vessel and the public restrooms. A statue of Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville is a great reminder of the past. The splash pad, green space, and pavilion add to the family appeal. The park is also located directly across from the beach.
5. Find the mosaic mural
If you’re at the beach or Fort Maurepas Park, you are just a stone’s throw from a stunning mosaic mural on the east side of the Biloxi Bay Bridge (which is also Highway 90). Running 120 feet (36.5 meters) in length, it is the longest mosaic in Mississippi. There are four connecting panels that depict the beauty of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. To fully appreciate it, you will want to park your car at the Yacht Club and walk closer in order see all the intricacies, colors, and scenes.
6. Visit the Walter Anderson Museum of Art
One of the most outstanding attractions in Ocean Springs is the Walter Anderson Museum of Art. Walter Anderson lived from 1903 to 1965 and was a prolific artist with much of his work inspired by the scenes in nature he encountered in this Mississippi region. The interior of the Ocean Springs Community Center, adjacent to the museum, was painted in breathtaking fashion by Anderson and is a must-see part of the museum tour. Anderson came from an artistic family and had four very accomplished children, all of whom still reside in Ocean Springs. You will want to allow a couple of hours so that a docent at the museum can share the details of his life and work. You will be amazed.
7. Browse the shops along Government Street
Unique shops and specialty boutiques lure visitors along the tree-lined blocks of Government Street with their offerings of jewelry, home decor, clothing, art, and much, much more. With names such as Coastal Magpie, My Happy Place, and Realizations, you will enjoy what each vendor has on display. Purchase your favorite item and support the local economy.
Bonus suggestion: Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum
If you find yourself with a few hours left during your time in Ocean Springs, I encourage you to cross the Biloxi Bay Bridge into Biloxi and visit the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum. There you will see displays describing all of the significant events that have happened in Coastal Mississippi and find out what it takes to put the incredible seafood on your plate in restaurants. You’ll see all things having to do with boats, shrimping, crabbing, oystering, and fishing, plus the effects of hurricanes that have made landfall on this coast.
Ocean Springs is about so much more than getting a suntan
You can work on your tan in Ocean Springs, but you’ll probably find more interesting things to do. The shopping, history, art, and dining opportunities are unique to the area and provide a wonderful glimpse into the culture and culinary preferences of the people of Coastal Mississippi. Even though this is often referred to as The Secret Coast, we urge you to unlock those secrets for yourself.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
