By VI Staff on November 18, 2020 - Updated
When compared to nearby Gulf Coast states like Florida, Texas, and Louisiana, Mississippi has a relatively small stretch of coastline, but that's still more than enough to give the Magnolia State some of the best beaches in the area. When the sun starts to shine and the air gets warmer, there's no better way to have some fun in Mississippi than by heading down to one of the state's Gulf Coast beaches. Whether you're looking to swim, sunbathe, surf, fish, or do some wildlife watching, you'll find a lot of options all around Mississippi. CDC information for travelers. Hours/availability may have changed.
The Golden Nugget Casino is a beautiful establishment situated on the Beach Boulevard, Biloxi, Mississipi, near the road 90. The casino offers over 1,159 slot machines in. Earn and redeem Reward Credits at over 55 resorts and casinos around the world. Choose your dream destination today. Harrah's Ak-Chin Hotel And Casino, Maricopa. “ This casino is on what I call casino row, meaning there are several casinos very close and in good weather within walking distance of each other. “ There was a large variety of games to keep us entertained for hours.
1.Gulfport Beach
Ask any Mississippi resident about their favorite beach and there’s a very strong chance they’ll mention Gulfport. This is one of the state’s main beach towns and has been hugely popular with both the state residents and tourists for decades now. It’s regarded as one of the cleanest and most comfortable beaches on the Gulf Coast, with a lot of good activities and water sports opportunities. You can try anything here, from fishing to jet skiing, and there’s a lot of space at Gulfport Beach so it never gets overly busy. Best Things to do in Gulfport
Fun day trip ideas close to me, things to do this weekend, small towns, best weekend getaways: Ohio, From San Francisco, From NYC, Texas, Florida
2.Ship Island
Funnily enough, the term ‘Ship Island’ actually refers to two separate islands, known individually as East Ship Island and West Ship Island. These are a couple of the barrier islands not far from Gulfport Beach. There are plenty of things to do around the Mississippi barrier islands, with Ship Island being one of the best areas to visit. You can only get here by boat, but it’s worth the trip, with the beaches on West Ship Island being especially beautiful. There’s also a huge old fort situated on the island that can be fully explored, with guided tours running here each day.
You are reading '6 Best Beaches in Mississippi' Back to Top
Things to do near me today, beaches with kids, romantic parks, unique places to visit in USA, hotels, tourist attractions: Sarasota, From Boston, OR, NC, From Houston, NJ, GA
3.East Beach
Situated in Ocean Springs, East Beach is a far cry from the flashy casinos and playgrounds of places like Biloxi Beach. You won't find too many tourists here at all, actually. Only the Mississippi locals tend to visit East Beach, meaning you can almost have the place to yourself if you come in the middle of the week. The beach runs for a long distance, with several fishing piers and simple amenities dotted out along the way. You can also find some nice guesthouses and cafes along this beach, so it's a nice spot to spend a relaxing day.
You are reading '6 Best Beaches in Mississippi' Back to Top
Long weekend getaways with friends near you, weather, best small towns, what should I do in for couples, cheap, with friends, nearby beach, fun things to do near me today: Poconos, NY, TN, MI, OC, All Inclusive, Family weekend getaways, NJ, NC, VA, TX, OH
4.Biloxi Beach
Undoubtedly the most famous beach in all of Mississippi, Biloxi Beach is more than just a beach; it’s a full-on, all-ages entertainment area. No matter who you are or what you love, you’ll find a whole lot of fun to have at Biloxi Beach. If you’re just coming for the beach experience, Biloxi has some of the softest sand and warmest water in the area, but if you really want to make the most of your day, be sure to check out the area’s full range of activities, including steamboat tours, a trip around a lighthouse, fishing charters, casinos, restaurants, bars, resorts, kayaking, jet ski rentals, and more. Best Things to Do in Biloxi
You are reading '6 Best Beaches in Mississippi this Weekend with Friends' Back to Top or More places to see near me today, what to do, weekend trips
Nearest romantic getaways today at night, places near me, local wedding venues, best small beach town, restaurants, outside, things to do with kids near me, staycation, beaches, resorts near me, how do I plan: Cincinnati, MD, OR Beaches, HI, Indoor Amusement Parks, Things to Do in Gatlinburg, WI, Orlando, Texas Beaches
5.Bay St. Louis Beach

Not far from Biloxi Beach is Bay St. Louis Beach, and this is a good Mississippi coastal location for people who want to enjoy the same aesthetic beauty of Biloxi without all the crowds and attractions. It’s a quieter, simpler beach, with the local town offering a calm, relaxing atmosphere and a lot of pretty old store-lined streets to check out. The beach itself provides great views and good conditions for lots of different activities, and it’s one of the best Mississippi beaches for fishing and watching the sunset.
You are reading '6 Best Beaches in Mississippi this Weekend' Back to Top or Restaurants near me, stuff to do near me
Where should I go this weekend for fun, adventurous places to visit near me today, famous for, kid friendly, what can you do in for free, beaches, resorts near me, time zone, best restaurants near me, natural wonders: Indoor Pools, San Luis Obispo, Roswell, Las Cruces, Missouri Beaches, Billings, AZ Castles, January, September, August, Thanksgiving, Malibu Beaches, Manchester, Franklin, Key Largo
6.Horn Island
Another of the barrier islands, Horn Island is found not too far from major coastal cities like Biloxi and Gulfport. You can hitch a ride on a private charter or tour boat to get over there, with some brave adventurers even choosing to make the journey by kayak. Either way, when you get to Horn Island, you'll be greeted to some of the softest, whitest sands on the entire Gulf Coast. This is a great spot for couples to visit for a romantic getaway, while also being equally well-suited for families or groups of friends planning a camping trip.
You are reading '6 Best Beaches in Mississippi' Back to Top or More must do for couples, what to do near me, places to visit this weekend
What Ms Beach Casinos Are The Closest To La Bordering
Where can I go for top-rated things to see near me, fun things to do today, with toddler, social distancing, places near me, list of, stuff to do near me, rentals, beach and last minute resort ideas for couples: Ontario, Bessemer, Bookstores, Guilford, St Croix, Murfreesboro, Winston-Salem Wedding, ME, Wellington, Boulder, RI, Boise Day Trips
6 Best Beaches in Mississippi

- Gulfport Beach, Photo: Fotoluminate LLC/stock.adobe.com
- Ship Island, Photo: digidreamgrafix/stock.adobe.com
- East Beach, Photo: foto76/stock.adobe.com
- Biloxi Beach, Photo: duydophotography/stock.adobe.com
- Bay St. Louis Beach, Photo: Mosto/stock.adobe.com
- Horn Island, Photo: Wirepec/stock.adobe.com
- Cover Photo: Courtesy of pmstephens - Fotolia.com
Mississippi Beach Guide
Thirty of the United States have some kind of coastline, be it on ocean coast, a gulf coast, or a coast along one of the five Great Lakes. Twenty three of them have states on the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, or Gulf of Mexico, ensuring that many Americans are never too far away from the beach. So, whenever you need to just get away from it all, embrace nature, and spend some time far from the noise, lights, and pollution of the big cities, the beach is always one of your best options, especially if you happen to be living or traveling in one of the coastal states.
Despite having a relatively small stretch of coastline, Mississippi is still home to some of the finest beaches in the Gulf Coast area, with the likes of Biloxi and Gulfport being known all around the nation. So the next time you're in Mississippi on a sunny day and want to spend some time swimming, surfing, sunbathing, or just enjoying the sand and sea with your friends and loved ones, be sure to visit one of the locations listed below. The information supplied in our Mississippi beach guide will help you learn all you need to know about the state’s best beaches.
You are reading '6 Best Beaches in Mississippi ' Back to Top
Many agree that this has to be the best beach near NOLA. It is also one of the closest beaches near New Orleans.
Visiting Ship Island is an excellent way to spend your day. To get to the island you will need to take a ferry from the dock in Gulfport, MS, which costs about $30 per person for a roundtrip. This will take approximately an hour.
The trip itself is exciting - we saw a bunch of dolphins jump close to us! 😊 Walking to the beach will take 10+ minutes or so, as the nicest beaches are on the southern side of the island, while the dock is on the northern side of it.
There's not much to do except relaxing, swimming, and touring the fort. You can rent umbrellas and sunbeds (around $25 for two) or bring your own if you don't mind carrying things around with you. There's a reasonably-priced snack bar, showers, and well-maintained bathroom facilities.
The beach has powder-white sand and the water is clearer than in Biloxi Beach (which we also recommend visiting) and very shallow so swimming is safe for kids. Crabs, jellyfish, stingrays are swimming really close!
While you are there make sure to visit Fort Massachusetts - it's free, and if you are into history, you're going to love it (have a look at the article on Wikipedia about it).
This beach is a must-go.
Nudism
The furthest end of the beach is where you can find the 'nudist section'. Getting there can be tiring – it's a long hike from where the boat drops you off. Few folks journey to that part of the island, but the ones who do have been going there for years, and they know what's the deal over there.
What we loved
- The beach and the facilities
- Not too crowded
- Watching dolphins jump out of the water!
Driving Time (till the boat dock in Gulfport, MS)
You can drive to the boat dock, leave your car there, and take a 1-hour ferry trip to the island. The parking lot near the boat dock is tiny. There is a larger one near Jones Park which is within a short walking distance from the dock.
- 1 hour 10 minutes from Mobile, AL
- 1 hour 20 minutes from Hattiesburg, MS
- 1 hour 20 minutes from New Orleans, LA
Hotels and rentals
If you're considering staying for one or even a few nights, there are plenty of options available near the beach. Chose your preferred accomodation type and your favourite room provider:
- Nearby rentals from VRBO.
- Nearby rooms and properties from Booking.com.
What Ms Beach Casinos Are The Closest To La Border Crossing
Beaches nearby
What Ms Beach Casinos Are The Closest To La Border Patrol
Additionally, there's a number of beaches near Ship Island Beach which you can visit:
What Ms Beach Casinos Are The Closest To La Borders
- Harrison County Sand Beach (13 miles)
- Biloxi Beach (13 miles)
- Gulfport Beach (14 miles)
- Shell Beach (50 miles)
- Dauphin Island Public Beach (50 miles)