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Mississippi has become one of America’s biggest bright spots for tourism, and it’s not just the coast.
With the fun-filled riverside city of Vicksburg and the down-home charm of Hattiesburg soaring in popularity, Biloxi is no longer the sole bright spot in one of the South’s most underrated destinations.
That being said, Biloxi is certainly still a huge draw with 24/7 casinos, ritzy beachfront hotels, and gleaming white-sand shores lining the very body of water that made this city the ‘Seafood Capital of the World’.
But did you know that across the Biloxi Bay Bridge lies another white-sand beach town with far less glitz and a lot more charm?
Ocean Springs: Mississippi’s Charming Hideaway
Biloxi has been named as an alternative to Vegas, so you know it’s not exactly the most laid-back town, as neon lights illuminate the night sky more than the scenic sunsets.
But just across the bay is the lesser-known town of Ocean Springs, and it’s largely a hidden gem due to the fact Biloxi visitors are either glued to slot machine chairs, feasting on the fresh “catch of the day”, or relaxing poolside and beachside with a cold drink in hand.
In other words, not much exploring is going on. But a short trip away is a whole different vibe.
Think rows of historic buildings with local favorite bars and eateries, art galleries, and inviting shops all offering quintessential southern hospitality, plus old-timey inns oozing pastime nostalgia — a far cry from the Hark Rock one town over.
White Sand & No Crowds: Discover Ocean Springs’ Serene Shores
Let’s get one thing straight before you guys yell at me: Ocean Springs does not offer the same pristine waters as Florida’s Gulf-side beaches, but it does offer a relaxed shoreline perfect for unwinding, even if your stresses are simply from going a little too hard at Biloxi’s Margaritaville.
In that case, no judgment; we’ve all been there.
What Ocean Springs has going for it is vibrant white sand, tranquil beaches, and numerous activities to keep busy, whether it be fishing, boating, or kayaking — but the clown-like beach trikes can stay on the Biloxi side.
While you can’t venture too far into Ocean Springs’ water before losing sight of your feet, much of the water is shallow for an easy soak, especially to cool off in summer as temps begin to blaze in the 90s.
Better yet, as hordes of tourists fill up Biloxi’s coast, the same can’t be said for Ocean Springs.
Here you’ll find wide open spaces even the Dixie Chicks would be jealous of. Oops, I mean “The Chicks” now. Oh, today’s world…
Despite the brackish tint of this side of the Gulf of Whatever-You-Want-To-Call-It, Ocean Springs’ East Beach actually holds an impressive 4.7 Google rating, with one recent beachgoer saying The Water is fairly clean by Gulf standards. So is the sand. More like a cove than an ocean beach. We had a great time!’
Closer to town, however, lies Ocean Springs Beach with hundreds of more reviews with the common consensus that it’s clean, tranquil, and great for sunset strolls.
One recent visitor claimed, “Love this little beach! It’s pet friendly and never crowded!”.
Ocean Springs Is Home To Mississippi’s ‘Most Beautiful Hotel’
Choosing where to stay is always the biggest headache of any trip even though you’ll want to spend a majority of your time perusing downtown and enjoying the scenic shores.
Good news is Ocean Springs is home to Mississippi’s ‘Most Beautiful Hotel’, according to Architectural Digest.
The Roost is a stunning boutique hotel not only with eye-popping aesthetics but convenience to some of the town’s top attractions.
The Lady May is a community staple beloved by locals and tourists alike to stop by for scratch-made home cookin’ and within walking distance from the Roost.
Given it’s a boutique hotel, it’s best to book in advance as rooms are space is limited. I searched random weeklong stays throughout June and July and rates varied between $233 – $254.
For cheaper stays, check out an array of historic inns, such as:
- The Inn of Ocean Springs
- The Mockingbird Inn
- The Eaves B&B
Sam Sears
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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