Located on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi, Ocean Springs is a beautiful cultural hot spot with vibrant arts and music scenes. Its unique character makes it a must-visit on your trip to the Magnolia State.
Check out these great places and fun activities that you can do when you visit Ocean Springs, MS, as well as neighboring Biloxi and Gulfport. When the time comes for you to choose your new home from among the waterfront homes for sale and move to any of these wonderful areas, you’ll know what to expect.
Have fun in or out of the water
When you visit a coastal city, one of the top things that might be on your bucket list is to spend time by the seashore. Davis Bayou Area is the mainland section of the Ocean Springs portion of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, the largest seashore in America. It is an ideal place to go boating, camping, hiking, picnicking, kayaking, and snorkeling.
Go beaching
A vacation on the coast is never complete without a day on the beach. Sunbathe on the white sands of Front Beach, go on a stroll along the shore, or take in the scenic views and spectacular sunset. You can also go fishing or crabbing on one of the two public piers.
Have family-sized fun at the park
Take the whole family to Fort Maurepas Park, the highest point on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and enjoy the beautiful sights on the viewing platform. The kids can have their fun on the ship playground and splash pad. Also found here is a life-size statue of French explorer Pierre LeMoyne, Sieur d’Iberville.
Tour the bayou via airboat
One of the unique and thrilling activities you can do in Mississippi is to take an airboat swamp tour where you can catch a glimpse of real live alligators as you ride through the bayou. Experience this with the oldest and most established ranch and tour operator in the state, the Gulf Coast Gator Ranch. Their walking and boat tours provide both excitement and knowledge of the area’s rich ecosystem.
Appreciate art in the local museums
If spending time outdoors is not your thing, then make the most of the city’s culture and arts scene by visiting the museums and galleries in and around the city. Make sure to visit the Walter Anderson Museum of Art to find the works of the renowned Ocean Springs artist it was named after. Other Ocean Springs museums worth visiting are the Ocean Springs Museum of History and The GI Museum, as well as the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art and Coastal Mississippi Mardi Gras Museum in nearby Biloxi.
Watch pottery masters at work
If Walter Anderson’s art spoke to you, you might want to take a trip to his family’s Shearwater Pottery, founded by his brother Peter in 1928. To this day, three of Peter Anderson’s children produce unique decorative art and functional pieces that you could find at the studio.
Take part in the revelry
Schedule your trip to Ocean Springs in November to attend this year’s largest arts festival in Mississippi, the Peter Anderson Arts & Craft Festival. This annual event features hundreds of artists, crafters, and food vendors.
Savor the nightlife
Go downtown and watch evenings come alive at various local establishments here. You can opt to chill with friends at The Office Bar & Lounge, The Wilbur Craft Bar, or Knuckleheads. But if you’re up for live music while savoring the best brews and spirits in town, there’s The Government Street Grocery and The Juke Joint.
Shop for one-of-a-kind finds
The eclectic allure of Ocean Springs extends to its unique shops. For your outdoor outfitting needs, there’s Chandeleur Outfitters. Find the latest styles in women’s fashion and accessories in The Bay Collection and Lee Tracy. Care for some amazing and specially curated vintage items? There’s Buddyrow in Downtown Ocean Springs for you.
Plan your escape
If you’re looking for non-traditional amusement, challenge yourself and your friends to an escape room adventure. Visit Locked Up to hunt for clues and solve puzzles so you can escape from the various themed rooms prepared for you. Book ahead for a slot and get your team to maximize their brainpower!
These are just some of the best venues and activities that await you in Ocean Springs and other nearby cities. So, find your very own waterfront home here with the help of the Owen & Co., LLC Real Estate team. Reach out by calling 228.822.9870 or sending an email to info(at)owenandco(dotted)com.
