Gulfport is one of the best beach resort towns in all of America and a great place to visit in Mississippi. Many miles of coastline stretch out in both directions, and the nearby barrier islands like Cat Island and Horn Island add something very special to this stretch of shore. If you’re planning a trip to Gulfport, MS and want to enjoy the best beaches in the area, read on to learn all about them.
Gulfport Beach
The premier beach of the city of Gulfport, Gulfport Beach has been beloved by many generations of beach-goers over the years for its simple beauty and cleanliness. It's an ideal spot to simply sit back with a good book and relax, listening to the sounds of the waves and feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin.
If you want to be a little more active, however, Gulfport Beach also features its own fishing pier, with a lot of different species being caught in the Gulf of Mexico waters, and other activities like jet skiing and swimming can be enjoyed here too. Gulfport Beach is also known for never really getting too busy, so it always has a calm, quiet atmosphere, a far cry from the noisy, busy beaches elsewhere along the Gulf Coast.
Biloxi Beach
Biloxi Beach is perhaps the most famous beach in the Gulfport area. Just a short ways east of the city, Biloxi is one of the oldest settlements in all of Mississippi, being founded back in 1699. The city is well-known for its casinos, restaurants, and other tourist attractions which are all located just a short walk off the beach itself.
Fishing, boating, swimming, and simple relaxation can all be enjoyed on this beach, with Biloxi Beach being well-known as one of the best sport fishing spots on the Gulf of Mexico coastline. All kinds of species can be caught in these waters including mackerel, snapper, redfish, and trout. But if you’re not into fishing, there’s plenty more to enjoy at Biloxi Beach, with pontoon, jet skis, kayaks, and paddleboards all being offered for rental. The Betsy Ann Riverboat runs old-fashioned tours along the water too, and the old Biloxi Lighthouse is open to visitors.
Ship Island
Ship Island is actually the name given to two of the barrier islands just off the coast of Gulfport: East Ship Island and West Ship Island. Both islands can only be reached by boat, with the west island being more accessible due to regular ferry crossings from Gulfport. You'll have to pay a little fee to reach West Ship Island, but the beaches are more than worth it.
There's also a lot of history on this island, with Fort Massachusetts being built here in the mid-19th century and still remaining standing in the modern era. Tours of the fort are organized regularly and can be reserved, offering a unique experience that history lovers will adore. You can also enjoy all of the traditional beach activities here like fishing, swimming, and sunbathing.
Bay St. Louis Beach
Bay St. Louis Beach is located just slightly west of Biloxi, only a short journey away from Gulfport, and it's definitely worth the trip for beach-lovers. The town itself is a joy to explore, with a nice historic district filled with antique stores and some great dining opportunities at Bay St. Louis' various eateries.
The local harbor is lovely to walk around, and the beach itself is simply gorgeous. It's a great spot to gather in the evenings for a relaxing walk through the soft sand as the setting sun fills the sky with different shades of orange and red, and it's a super spot in the daytime too, with lots of good fishing and swimming opportunities.
Harrison County Sand Beach
Located around 11 miles from Biloxi, Harrison County Sand Beach (aka Sandy Beach) is a lesser-visited beautiful stretch of powder-soft sand beach lapped by the warm waters of the Gulf Coast. Perfect for those who hate crowds, this beach offers plenty of tranquility and space to call your own. However, although it is not a very busy beach it continues to be clean and well-maintained – the perfect spot to soak up some sun, enjoy a swim or take long romantic walks with someone special. There are 2 bon-fire pits along the beach which can be booked in advance if you would like to host a beach event.
Harrison County Sand Beach, 842 Commerce St, Gulfport, MS 39507, 228 896 0055
