The top things to do in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, include recreational activities, shopping, beach time, and much more!
Things to do in Ocean Springs, MS
The first time we visited Ocean Springs, MS I was blown away by how cute the town was and how many things there were to do.
Our 1st visit was because we had read about TatoNut Donut Shop and needed to try their famous doughnuts. After our initial visit we fell in love with the area and have been back many times.
Living in Gulf Shores, Alabama it is an easy drive to Coastal Mississippi. We love that every time we visit Ocean Springs we find amazing new dining spots, art for our house, and fun places to spend time.
There is a reason Ocean Springs was voted best coastal small town by USA Today. Whether this is your first time visiting or you have been to town many times I hope that you have a fantastic time exploring the area.
TL;DR Don't have time to read the full article? Here are my top finds:
🏨Hotels and Vacation Rentals
📍Tours
Explore Downtown Ocean Springs
Downtown Ocean Springs is a must-visit! The Oak tree-lined streets, historic buildings, independent shops, breweries, and coastal charm are unbelievable.
There is a thriving art scene in Ocean Springs including the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, First Saturday Art Walk, and numerous art galleries.
If you are looking for cute boutiques to bring home the perfect outfit or gift you will find them along Government Street and Washington Street.
Walter Anderson Museum of Art
This museum is dedicated to preserving the art of Walter Anderson (1903-1965). You will also find works from Walter Andersons brothers Peter Anderson who founded Shearwater Pottery and James McConnel Anderson who was a painter and ceramist.
Be prepared to gaze in wonder at Walter Anderson's 3,000 square food murals that depict the discovery of the Mississippi Coast.
The Little Room is a must visit. Walter Anderson spent a lot of time on Horn Island but when he had to be on the mainland he wanted a place that would transport him back to Horn Island. The Little Room was painted to portray a day on the island.
Address - 510 Washington Avenue, Ocean Springs, MS, 39564
Phone - 228-872-3164
Gulf Islands National Seashore - Davis Bayou Area
Davis Bayou Area is part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore that is also along the Florida Gulf Coast.
There is a fantastic visitor center, campground, walking trails, and maybe an alligator or two
Gulf Islands National Seashore also includes Cat Island, Horn Island, Petit Bois Island, West Petit Bois Island, and Ship Island.
William M. Colmer Visitor Center Address - 3500 Park Rd, Ocean Springs, MS 39564
Front Beach
Ocean Spring's Beach is easy to reach from downtown Ocean Springs. The beach stretches from the Biloxi Bay Bridge to Ocean Springs Harbor.
Enjoy white sand beaches and gorgeous views.
Ocean Spring Pier
Take a walk along the Ocean Springs fishing pier and enjoy great bird watching, look for marine life, and savor the gorgeous weather along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Address - 101-193 Bienville Blvd, Ocean Springs, MS 39564
Shearwater Pottery
Shearwater Pottery was founded in 1928 by Peter Anderson. Shearwater Pottery produces figurines, decorative tiles, art potter, and utilitarian ware.
The pottery is functional as well as decorative. The high grade hard fired earthenware is gorgeous. For more than 90 years this family owned pottery gallery has been in production. Today three of Peter Anderson's children are still active in the production.
Address - 102 Shearwater Dr, Ocean Springs, MS 39564
Phone - (228) 875-7320
Fort Maurepas Park & Splash Pad
Fort Maurepas Park includes a life size bronze statue of Pierre LeMoyne, an outdoor stage, handicap accessible restrooms, a ship playground and a splash pad.
Address - 499 Front Beach Drive, Ocean Springs, MS 39564
Ocean Springs Fresh Market
On Saturday mornings rain or shine you can visit the Ocean Springs Fresh Market to purchase plants, flowers, locally grown fruits and veggies.
Address - L&N Depot Plaza
Little Children's Park
If you are traveling with little ones that need to get some energy out make sure to check out Little Children's Park. You will find playground equipment, swings, and restrooms.
Address - 400 Washington, Ave Ocean Springs, MS
Mary C. O'Keefe Cultural Art Center
Locally known as The Mary C this art center includes two galleries, live music performances, guitar classes, printmaking, sewing camp, and so much more.
They offer classes, events, educational lectures, theater classes, concerts, and more things to do in Ocean Springs.
Address - 1600 Government St, Ocean Springs, MS 39564
Ocean Springs Bridge Mosaic Mural
The longest mosaic in Mississippi features four large mosaic panel pieces. Each of the panels depict the natural beauty of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
The mosaic is combination of artwork from local artists Christ Stebly, Susie Ranager, Ching Walters, and Patt Odom. Artist Elizabeth Veglia arranged the overall placement and installation of the panels.
Address - East end of the Biloxi Bay Bridge - Highway 90 & Front Beach
Seaman's Memorial
Dedicated to the Mississippi Merchant Mariners who have served the United States in peace and in war. The memorial has bronze plagues bearing the names of those honored.
There is a special section dedicated to seamen who lost their lives at sea while on dut for the country or in pursuit of making a living from the sea.
Address - Washington Avenue & Front Beach
Live Oak Bike Route
If you enjoying exploring by bicycle you will love the 15.5 mile round trip Live Oaks Bicycle Route which connects the Davis Bayou Area to Ocean Springs.
There are green and white bike route signs on the right side of city streets to help guide you along the route. You can also visit the Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce for more information.
Ocean Springs Events
Mardi Gras - Kick off Carnival Season on the Mississippi Gulf Coast with the Ocean Springs Mardi Gras parade. Close to 100 floats parade by!
Battle on the Bayou - This annual kayak race in Ocean Springs is 9.5 miles through Old Fort Bayou Blueways. Kayaks, canoes, and stand up paddle boards are welcome during the event.
Spring Arts Festival (March)- The last weekend of March you can enjoy more than 100 artists and crafters during this outdoor festival in Downtown Ocean Springs.
1699 Weekend of Discovery (April) - celebrate the history of Ocean Springs being founded in 1699. There is a 5k run/walk, boat regatta, children's pet parade, and full dress reenactment at Fort Maurepas Park.
Taste of Ocean Springs Food & Wine Festival (May) - Celebrate the great food of Ocean Springs!
Red, White, and Blueberry Festival (June) - This family friendly event features blueberry recipes, cooking sessions, and great vendors to explore.
Artwalk (Labor Day Weekend) - Wander booths with potters, painters, sculpture arts, and more.
Mississippi Songwriters Festival (September) - Enjoy live performances from up and coming songwriters and musicians.
Cruisin the Coast (October) - This annual event welcomes 5,000 classic cars to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Enjoy classic car cruises, live music, a Friday night sock hop, and street party.
Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival (November) - One of the largest fine arts festivals in the Southeast.
Annual Tree Lighting (December) - This community event celebrates the holiday season with the lighting of the Ocean Springs Christmas Tree.
Things to do near Ocean Springs, MS
One thing about Coastal Mississippi is there is no shortage of things to do. With so many fun coastal towns can be hard to decide what attractions, museums, and parks to fit into your visit.
There are lots of fun things to do in Coastal Mississippi!
Gulf Coast Gator Ranch & Tours
Hop on an airboat and experience the wind through your hair as you look for gator friends.
Ship Island
Ship Island is part of Gulf Islands National Seashore. This barrier island can be reached by hopping on the Ship Island Ferry.
Once on the island enjoy fishing, hiking, bird watching, and beach time.
Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum
If you have ever wanted to learn about the seafood industry but were never sure where to go to find the right information this is the museum you want to visit.
The museum is filled with exhibits that locals and visitors will enjoy including shrimping, recreational fishing, managing marine resources, oyster catching, marine blacksmithing, wooden boat making, and so much more.
They also have boat tours on the Biloxi Schooner which is an authentic replica of a Biloxi Oyster Schooner.
Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge
Did you know there is a specific type of Sandhill Crane only found in Mississippi?
Things to know when visiting Ocean Springs
Closest Airports
- Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport - 21 miles
- Mobile Regional Airport - 55 miles
- Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport - 103 miles
- Pensacola International Airport - 114 miles
Ocean Springs Lodging
If you are visiting and need to book accommodations, here are our recommendations.
The map below shows the current hotels and vacation rentals available in the area. You can select the dates you are visiting to see current availability.
Coastal Mississippi Tours and Attractions
Hard Rock Cafe Biloxi - Hard Rock Cafe voucher gets you to the front of the line with priority seating!
Historical Haunted Bayou Cruise - Explore the back bayous along the Mississippi Sound.
eBike Rental in Biloxi and Ocean Springs - Peddle your way through town on a great e-Bike
Check out all of the great tours in the Biloxi Area
Additional Gulf Coast of Mississippi Articles
The Shed Barbecue & Blues Joint - Award-winning BBQ in a super fun atmosphere.
Blue Dog Bistro - Great menu for brunch and lunch. You get to decide if you feel like ordering from the good dog or bad dog menu.
The Lady May - Great local restaurant in Downtown! Get the biscuit board and waffle board. yum!
Pop Brothers - Gourmet popsicles you have to try!
We love exploring Mississippi's Gulf Coast including Biloxi, Gulfport, Bay St. Louis, Pass Christian, Waveland, Long Beach, and more!
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