BILOXI,
Miss., July 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Coastal
Mississippi is a must-visit oasis
for sun-lovers, thrill-seekers, and adventurers alike. Spanning an
impressive 62 miles, visitors can indulge in an array of
unforgettable experiences – celebrating the very essence of the
summer season and vibrant, welcoming communities across the
region's three counties. From exploring Coastal waters to
tantalizing summer treats, outdoor escapades, heritage tourism, and
more, Coastal Mississippi promises an unparalleled retreat.
Wonders by the Water:
Travelers can immerse
themselves in the tranquil rhythm of the waves, stroll along the
pristine white-sand beaches, or find offshore offerings.
Experiences include:
- Gulf Islands National Seashore, America's largest national
seashore spans 160 miles from Mississippi to Florida with thirteen distinct areas to visit,
six of them in Coastal Mississippi. From the region's barrier
islands of Cat Island, Horn Island, Petit Bois Island, and Ship
Island – each one has something unique and special to offer
visitors to the Gulf Islands National Seashore.
- In addition to the barrier islands, the Gulf Islands National
Seashore Davis Bayou Area is located onshore in Ocean Springs and offers fishing, hiking,
biking, bird watching, picnicking, camping, and ranger-led
programs. The park also features the Davis Bayou Trail, which takes
visitors through a coastal forest and over two local bayous with a
fishing pier and boat launch.
- Pack your swimsuit and sunscreen for a day on Ship Island, the
only barrier island accessible by passenger ferry through Ship
Island Excursions. Enjoy the sun, shells, surf, and a bit of
history by touring Fort Massachusetts near the Ship Island Ferry
landing. The Fort is part of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Heritage
Area, once used by the British to stage their invasion of
New Orleans during the War of
1812.
- Journey along the many Coastal Blueways. For short, exciting
trips, travelers can paddle the Wolf River to Bay St. Louis or through the stunning Grand
Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, one of the most
biologically productive ecosystems in the northern Gulf of Mexico. For a longer adventure,
travelers can explore routes from the upper Pascagoula River to the
Mississippi Sound—the longest free-flowing river in the nation.
Visitors looking for a kayak, canoe, and other rentals in Coastal
Mississippi can visit the link here.
- To experience the fresh gulf breeze to its fullest, travelers
can embark on a nautical day of fun with North Star Sailing
Charters. Cruises offered include morning, afternoon, and sunset
charters of 2.5, 4, and 6-hours in length – all featuring
magnificent views of the Mississippi coastline, barrier islands, and
marine life.
- Just a short half mile offshore from Biloxi, Deer Island Coastal Preserve is a
petite treasure waiting for day trippers looking for adventure.
Although it's technically not a barrier island, Deer Island is home to ten types of endangered
species. Easily accessible by boat, canoe, and paddleboard,
Deer Island is a must. As always,
please mind the first rule of beachgoing: leave only your
footprints behind.
Delectable Summer Treats:
Travelers can find the
flavors of the season with irresistible summer treats from
snowballs to milkshakes and more. Frosty eateries include:
- Tucked away in downtown Ocean
Springs, travelers can visit Caboose Cones for snowballs and
ice cream straight out of an historic train caboose. With over 50
flavors to choose from, like Blue Bubblegum, Cream Soda, and Pink
Lemonade, and sugar-free options, it's a must-try treat on a warm
summer day!
- For indulgent ice-cold treats, ranging from specialty
milkshakes to floats, and more, The Yard Milkshake Bar in
D'Iberville is a perfect summer
stop. Travelers can find endless flavors and toppings, including
gluten-free and vegan options.
- A coastal favorite with locations in Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, and Ocean
Springs, Pop Brothers features artisanal popsicles in a
variety of all-natural inventive flavors made with fresh fruits
& spices.
- For a New Orleans-style dessert, travelers can visit Tropical
Treats New Orleans Style Sno-Balls in the Long Beach Harbor,
serving ice-cold sweet treats sure to make any beach trip a little
cooler!
Inland Outdoor Adventures:
For outdoor and nature
enthusiasts, Coastal Mississippi is a paradise waiting to be
explored. From traversing scenic trails and bayous to biking along
the coast and more, there's a plethora of experiences to be had,
including:
- The Historic Pascagoula Bike Trail for a mix of cycling,
history, and culture spanning 15 historical sites, including the La
Pointe Krebs House, the oldest structure in Mississippi, the Round Island Lighthouse, and
Jimmy Buffett's childhood home.
- Escape to a whimsical trail known for invoking imagination. The
Enchanted Nature Trail at Henderson Point Children's Interactive
Playground features everything from bug hotels to butterfly gardens
and a beautiful vine tunnel – a perfect family activity for any
summer day.
- In Gulfport, travelers can
visit the Brickyard Bayou Bike Park, a 21-acre natural bike trail
that joins the community's amenities together, including an outdoor
classroom, Bark Park, the 34th Street Holistic Garden, and
Brickyard Bayou's Disc Golf Course.
- A one-of-a-kind byway in the United
States, Logtown Scenic Byway to Space, located in
Bay St. Louis, is one of the six
different routes that cover over 30 miles near and through the NASA
Stennis Space Center's buffer zone. This picturesque route winds
through hardwood trees and sleepy moss-covered oaks that capture
scenic views along the now-extinct town – telling a story of a
once-booming community dating back to the mid-1800s.
- For summer golf, Coastal Mississippi offers 12 golf courses,
including stunning views of the region's wetlands, pine forests,
and shorelines. A few highlights include The Oaks Golf Club, an
18-hole course spanning through wetlands and timberlands, or Grand
Bear, offering challenging play for all levels at a Jack Nicklaus-designed course.
"Summer in Coastal Mississippi is a symphony of sights, sounds,
and sensations," said Judy Young,
CEO of Coastal Mississippi Tourism. "Whether you're seeking
relaxation, adventure, or a locally made sweet treat, our 62-miles
of shorelines offers endless possibilities for creating new summer
memories this year."
For more information and to plan your stay,
visit CoastalMississippi.com.
About Coastal Mississippi: Coastal Mississippi is the organization charged with
promoting South Mississippi as a
tourism and convention destination worldwide. Its mission centers
on attracting ever-increasing numbers of leisure, convention,
sports, and business visitors to the area. It is dedicated to
maximizing the travel and tourism industry for South Mississippi.
Visit CoastalMississippi.com to learn more.
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SOURCE Coastal Mississippi