20 Mississippi Beaches

Located between the Mississippi River in the west and the Gulf of Mexico in the south, Mississippi has a range of exciting, tranquil and summer-perfect beaches. Beaches in Mississippi range from traditional coastal beaches to sections of sand or pebbles by the river and lakes. The state’s coastline stretches 62 miles (99.78 km), with 26 miles (41.84 kilometres) making up Mississippi’s coastal beaches.

If you love the water as much as the sand, take a dip in the Gulf of Mexico and explore the artificial reef created by the Department of Marine Resources. Fishing in these waters is popular, with 200 species of fish available to catch. The Mississippi coastline is also a must-visit spot for birdwatchers.who often see ald Eagles, Blue Herons and the Mississippi Sandhill Crane, the rarest crane in North America, can be seen on the coast throughout the year. There are plenty of beaches in Mississippi to catch some rays, relax with your family or to get closer to nature. Here are 20 Mississippi beaches for your next trip to the Magnolia State.

Mississippi Beaches

20 Beaches in Mississippi

1- Gulfport Beach

For broad stretches of soft sands and a perfect ocean breeze, look no further than Gulfport Beach.

The beach runs along the Gulf of Mexico and is so wide and open that you are bound to find peace and quiet even on summer days.

The beach is close to the city of Gulfport, making it an ideal day trip if you are in the local area and there’s free parking by the beach.

If you forget to pack loungers, chairs or umbrellas, plenty of rental services are available by the beach to meet your needs.

You can also rent jet skis, volleyballs and other beach equipment.

Gulfport Beach is at 1301 20th Avenue, Gulfport, MS 39501.

Check into: Courtyard by Marriott Gulfport Beachfront

2- Ship Island Beach

Ship Island is a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico.

This long stretch of sand and grasses makes for a perfect day out from the mainland.

The island is accessible only through organised excursions that sail out to the shores for a day.

Once on Ship Island, enjoy its beach. Not only is Ship Island beach a great place to relax in the sun, but it is one of the best natural beaches in Mississippi for swimming, snorkelling and looking for shells.

Ship Island is also home to Fort Massachusetts which can be explored with a National Parks guide during your trip.

Don’t forget to make the most of the journey to the island, as dolphins can often be seen in the waters.

Ship Island Beach is in Biloxi, Mississippi.

3- East Beach

East Beach is a secluded beach in the bustling town of Ocean Springs. Visit East Beach instead of Front Beach to avoid the crowds.

Despite its secluded location away from the main town, East Beach still has plenty to offer.

Aside from its welcoming sands, there are areas for volleyball, a children’s splash park, a fishing pier and several cafes and restaurants.

The waters are relatively calm at East Beach however, there is only a lifeguard on duty during the summer.

East Beach is at East Beach Drive, Ocean Springs, MS 39564.

4- Biloxi Beach

Biloxi Beach is made of soft white sand, making it a great destination for a tropical beach feel.

The beach was extensively damaged following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, however, since then, the township has repaired and restored the beach to its former glory.

The waters at Biloxi Beach are ideal for swimming as its waters are very calm due to the barrier islands in the Gulf of Mexico.

The beach is only a short walk from many attractions on Beach Boulevard, including many restaurants and casinos.

Biloxi Beach is at 1027-1031 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, MS 39530.

Check into: DoubleTree by Hilton Biloxi

5- Bay St Louis Beach

Bay St Louis Beach is the ideal location to head to for kayaking, canoeing, or simply relaxing on the sand.

The waters are calm thanks to barrier islands in the Gulf of Mexico, making it the perfect spot to wade in the shallows or to venture onto the waters in a kayak.

There are many rental places close to the beach, and tours are offered from the marina.

Like many beaches along the Mississippi coastline, Bay St Louis Beach has soft and white sands.

Grab a beach chair and soak up the sun.

Bay St Louis Beach is at 916 S Beach Blvd, Bay Saint Louis, MS 39520.

6- Horn Island Beach

Horn Island, and its beaches, are the perfect destination for nature lovers.

The National Park Service operates the entire island, which protects the natural landscape and its inhabitants.

There are no facilities on Horn Island, so make sure you pack plenty of snacks and drinks for your trip.

The island is also only accessible by private boat, however, there are some tours available from the mainland.

When you arrive at Horn Island beach, make the most of the tranquil and undisturbed surroundings.

While relaxing on the beach, look for the protected and uncommon species of birds, animals and marine life.

Horn Island Beach is at Horn Island, MS 39567.

7- Old Bridge Beach

Old Bridge Beach is a great family-friendly beach destination in Mississippi.

There are areas for volleyball and fishing, as well as dedicated children’s playgrounds.

The beach is located on the shores of Bay Springs Lake.

The waters at Old Bridge Beach are some of the clearest in Mississippi and are perfect for swimming in.

There are plenty of spots along Old Bridge Beach to help you extend your stay, including many lodges and shelters filled with grills, water supplies and tables to sit at while you enjoy your barbecue.

Showers and restroom facilities are also available.

Old Bridge Beach is at Old State Hwy 4, New Site, MS 38859.

8- Lower Lake Beach

Another spectacular lakeside beach in Mississippi is Lower Lake Beach, which looks across Sardis Lake.

The lake itself is vast at almost 100,000 acres (40.500 ha).

Its clean and clear waters make it a great place to go swimming.

Lower Lake Beach has access to recreation areas, including ramps for boating and kayaking and children’s play areas.

There are also snack bars and plenty of campgrounds if you want to extend your stay in this slice of paradise.

Lower Lake Beach tends to be quieter than most Mississippi beaches year-round but venture further around the lake shore for a more secluded escape.

There are plenty of tiny hidden beaches just waiting to be discovered.

Lower Lake Beach is in Sardis, MS, 38666.

9- Pass Christian Beach

Pass Christian Beach is a great family-friendly beach destination in Mississippi that is easily accessible and has plenty of parking. 

The beaches are soft, white and sandy and head towards the dark blue of the Gulf of Mexico.

It is not always possible to swim in the waters here, so check before taking a dip.

The beach is popular year-round; however, expect it to be much quieter off-season, when you may even have the beach to yourself at certain times of the day.

Pass Christian Beach is at Pass Christian, MS 39571.

Check into: Hotel Whiskey Pass Christian

10- Waveland Beach

Waveland Beach is a pleasant stretch of soft white sands close to the city of Waveland.

The beach is the ideal destination to switch off and relax.

There are no immediate facilities, shops or restaurants by the beach as they are prohibited by the city to be based so close to the beach.

This creates a tranquil, peaceful and laid-back atmosphere rare on a beach close to a city.

If tanning or sitting on the beach isn’t for you, or you fancy a change of scenery during your visit, walk along the shoreline feeling the sand between your toes.

Look out for the Veterans Memorial Monument, or walk towards Buccaneer State Park, where there are plenty of activities to get involved in.

Gulf of Mexico, Bay St Louis, MS 39520.

11- Harrison County Public Beach

Harrison County Public Beach is sometimes known as Sand Beach. This beach is another relaxing and tranquil beach that is often quiet.

The white sands on the beach are imported from Arizona, which gives the area a tropical paradise vibe next to the brilliant blue of the Gulf of Mexico.

Despite its beauty, the beach is not as frequently visited as others along the gulf coast, even during peak season.

Things to do at this Mississippi beach include sunbathing, swimming, fishing, or simply going for a stroll along the shore.

Look out for native wildlife both around the sands and in the waters.

If your kids are interested in nature, explore the shoreline for small glowing jellyfish and crabs in the water.

The area is also frequently visited by blue herons.

Harrison County Public Beach is at 842 Commerce Street, Gulfport, MS 39507.

12- Long Beach

Long Beach is in the town of Long Beach and is a local favourite.

The beach is an extension of both Biloxi Beach and Gulfport Beach but is significantly quieter and less visited.

The beach is backed by grassy dunes giving it an almost New England feel.

Aside from strolling along the beach and soaking up the sun, Long Beach is perfect for fishing.

Several fishing piers along this stretch of beach are perfect for catching fish or simply enjoying the process.

There are showers and washroom facilities close to the beach, and plenty of restaurants and shops just a short walk away.

Long Beach is at US-90, Long Beach, MS 39560.

Check into: The Inn at Long Beach

13- Gulf Islands National Seashore

Gulf Islands National Seashore is a must-visit beach and natural landscape in Mississippi.

The seashore is operated by the National Parks Service and is America’s largest national seashore.

It stretches from Mississippi to Florida and covers 160 miles (257.5 kilometres).

A section of the national seashore is on Ship Island, Horn Island, Cay Island and Petit Bois Island.

When visiting these seashores, expect to find pristine white sands that are perfect for walking along or relaxing.

There are designated areas for swimming and fishing that are mindful and respectful of the natural landscape.

Gulf Islands National Seashore also puts on many family-friendly activities throughout the year, including ranger-led hikes and children’s activities.

Gulf Islands National Seashore is at various locations across Mississippi’s barrier islands.

14- Front Beach

Ocean Springs is a perfect coastal town in Mississippi whose beach does not disappoint.

Tourists have been flocking to the town and its sandy shores since the 1850s.

Front beach runs from Biloxi Bay Bridge down to Ocean Springs Harbour.

This stretch of coastline is perfect for a full day spent by the sea. There is plenty of sand to relax on, even on hot summer days.

Front Beach is also close to a fishing pier, children’s playground and plenty of places to grab a bite to eat.

Visit the beach at sunset for incredible views out across the waters.

Front Beach is at Front Beach Drive, Ocean Springs, Mississippi.

15- Lake Mars Beach

Lake Mars Beach is a quiet and relaxing beach close to Ocean Springs.

The beach is off the beaten track and is only accessible on foot.

This makes it far more tranquil than other beaches in the surrounding area and one that is well worth the extra effort to get there.

The beach features pristine white sands to relax and sunbathe on, however, many visitors come for the nature.

There is a fishing pier and plenty of opportunities to see local wildlife and birds.

Swimming isn’t recommended at Lake Mars beach as it has a tidal marsh.

Lake Mars Beach is at 9403 Seacliff Blvd, Ocean Springs, MS 39564.

16- Ross Barnett Reservoir Beach

Ross Barnett Reservoir Beach is the ideal lakeside location for families.

Plenty of facilities by the beach allow you to spend all day relaxing and having fun.

The waters are safe to swim in, with many families spending the day in the water during the summer.

It is also possible to kayak on the water.

During the summer, the Gator Bait kayak race is held.

There are spaces for barbecues, picnic areas and children’s playgrounds to keep little ones entertained.

Ross Barnett Reservoir Beach is at Ross Barnett Reservoir, 100 Reservoir Park Road, Brandon, MS 39047.

17- Grenada Lake Beach

Grenada Lake Beach is the perfect summer destination to visit in Mississippi.

It has golden sands and is a designated swimming beach making it a great family-friendly destination.

The beach is great for water-based activities and sports in the state.

The lake is large at 36,000 acres. Many people head onto the lake to sail or kayak, and others take advantage of its fishing piers and calm waters for swimming.

The main stretch of the beach forms part of the 148 miles (238.18 kilometres) of shoreline.

If you want to escape the busy areas of the beach, take a stroll along the shore. The trees hide away smaller and quieter sections of the beach.

There is a fee to access the beach, which goes towards its maintenance.

Grenada Lake Beach is at 98 Beach Road, Grenada, MS 38901.

18- Milo’s Point

Milo’s point is a small and peaceful beach escape along the coast from Front Beach.

The point is dog friendly and features plenty of sand to relax on, grassy dunes, and tide pools.

Head to Milo’s Point at sunset for breathtaking views and great photography opportunities.

While there are no direct facilities at Milo’s Point, it is within a short walk of Front Beach and the attractions in Ocean Springs.

Milo’s Point is at 400 Front Beach Drive, Ocean Springs, MS 39564.

19- The Rocks

The Rocks is a stretch of sandy beach along the shores of Grenada Lake.

The road to The Rocks is unpaved, so park up and head to the sands on foot.

The beach is backed by a rocky bluff covered in trees.

It is often quiet and more tranquil than other beaches around the lake.

As its name states, there are plenty of rocks at The Rocks.

The rocks are large and perfect for climbing or for taking photos as the sun sets.

The Rocks is at Coffeeville, MS.

20- Dogwood Beach

Dogwood Beach is a pleasant beach in Pass Christian, with plenty of things to do.

This beach is a local family favourite due to its location and activities.

The beach offers rentals for beach staples such as chairs and umbrellas and kayaks to explore the open waters. Showers are available.

There are also children’s play areas, volleyball courts and plenty of shops and restaurants all within a short walk of the beach.

Dogwood Beach is at Pass Christian, 39560.

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