Sink Your Toes into Mississippi Sand

Laying claim to more than 62 miles of coastline, Southern Mississippi’s beaches are tough to beat. White sand, balmy breezes, and all sorts of opportunities for family-friendly fun – there’s a lot to love about Mississippi beaches.

Front Beach

Adjacent to the community of Ocean Springs, Front Beach may not be quite right for sandcastles, but what it lacks in smoothness, it more than makes up in rugged beauty. And volleyball nets, bon fire stations, and fishing piers don’t hurt.

Ross R. Barnett Reservoir

Further inland, outside of Jackson, the Ross R. Barnett Reservoir offers 105 miles of shoreline, with several man-made beaches. Catch up on your tan or hop in the water, where opportunities for all kinds of waterborne fun abound – everything from boating, fishing, and swimming to hiking the surrounding area.

Gulfport Beach

The most popular stretch of the largest man-made beach in the world is located in Gulfport, along Mississippi's Gulf Coast. Especially active in the summer, Gulfport Beach's sands are lined with vendors offering everything from boat and jetski rentals to parasailing adventures.

To the immediate north of the water, there's much to explore in the way of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Check the schedule during your visit – the beach and its surrounding area a known to host a variety of popular special events throughout the year.

Lake Mars

Also located near Ocean Springs, Lake Mars is off the beaten path, but well worth the extra walk. There, visitors will find smooth white sands, Fiddler crabs, and a boat launch – it’s an especially relaxing option.

Biloxi Beach

One of the more popular destinations on this list, Biloxi Beach is beset on all sides by fun. Not only is the expansive beach picturesque – especially at sunset thanks to the Biloxi slyline – but the proximity to the city means beachgoers aren’t far from all sorts of first-rate urban amenities.

Sardis Lake

In northern Mississippi, west of Tupelo and south of Olive Branch, Sardis Lake is perfect for a day in the sun. Not only are its beaches as smooth as any oceanfront sand, the lake is known far and wide for its wonderful fishing opportunities.

Waveland Beach

To the far southwest in Waveland, Waveland Beach promises more than just sun and sand. In the adjacent Buccaneer State Park, beachgoers will find nature trails, disc golf, a water park, and, of course, access to the water.

Bay St. Louis Beach

This beach makes the list less for its own beauty – though very stunning – and more for its proximity to Bay St. Louis, a town recently named “one of the coolest small towns in America.” Sink your toes into white sand before exploring the nearby trendy slice of modernized Americana.