Open Travel Guide
Beaches in Mississippi

Best Beaches in Mississippi 2026

Where to swim, surf, and do nothing in Mississippi — and which stretch of coast suits which kind of day.

By Updated

This guide covers 5+ beaches in Mississippi — Biloxi Beach, Ship Island (Gulf Islands National Seashore) and Horn Island (Gulf Islands National Seashore) top the list. Every recommendation carries its practical details: typical costs, the best time to visit, and what to know before you commit.

Beaches profiled
5
Reading time
~12 min
Last updated
May 2026

Mississippi is the birthplace of the blues, a land of mighty rivers, antebellum mansions, and some of the most soulful cooking in America. From the cotton fields of the Delta where Elvis Presley was born and B.B. King learned to play, to the white-sand beaches of the Gulf Coast and the grand antebellum homes of Natchez, Mississippi offers visitors an authentic dive into Southern culture, music, and history.

Top beaches

A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Mississippi.

    • Free public beach
    • Adjacent casino resort hotels
    • Fishing pier
    • Boat launch
    • Restrooms (at various points)
    • Parking along US-90

    Biloxi Beach

    Biloxi (Gulf Coast)44 miles of continuous Mississippi Gulf Coast shoreline

    • Pristine white sand beach
    • Gulf Islands Ferry service
    • Historic Fort Massachusetts
    • Snorkeling
    • Swimming
    • Picnic areas

    Ship Island (Gulf Islands National Seashore)

    Gulfport (12 miles offshore)12 miles offshore from Gulfport

    • Primitive wilderness beach
    • Undeveloped barrier island
    • Sea turtle nesting grounds
    • Camping (permit required)
    • Snorkeling
    • Birding

    Horn Island (Gulf Islands National Seashore)

    Jackson County (offshore)12 miles offshore from Ocean Springs

    • Free public beach
    • Jones Park with picnic pavilions
    • Ship Island ferry terminal
    • Fishing
    • Boat launch
    • Playground

    Gulfport Beach (Jones Park)

    GulfportAdjacent to US-90 / Gulfport Harbor area

    • Public beach
    • Picnic tables
    • Kayak launch
    • Walking path
    • Near downtown Ocean Springs restaurants and galleries

    Ocean Springs Beach

    Ocean SpringsShort beach along Ocean Springs bayou and bay

What to bring

A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.

  • Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
  • HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
  • FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
  • Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
  • Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
  • ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.

Beach safety

Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.

Critical

Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.

Caution

Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.

Tip

Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.

Practical

Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.

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