Mississippi Gulf Coast Beaches: Top 10 Picks for Sun & Surf
What is the Most Popular Beach in Mississippi?
The Mississippi Gulf Coast beaches are a hidden paradise for surfers. With warm waters, rolling waves and a laid-back Southern vibe, this stretch of coastline offers a fantastic blend of thrill and tranquility. Whether you’re chasing the rush of a clean break or simply soaking in the golden sunsets, the Gulf Coast delivers an atmosphere that feels both untamed and welcoming.
Embrace the local charm found in the best tides, the quiet spots where crowds thin, and the sandbars that shape waves into unforgettable rides. Add in easy access to fresh seafood, vibrant coastal towns and a rhythm of life that invites you to slow down, and you’ll see why surfers return here season after season.
1. Biloxi Beach
Where surf and leisure converge
Categoría: Parejas, Económico
Biloxi Beach is a haven among surfers thanks to its consistent swells and forgiving sandbars that carve waves into smooth, rideable peaks. The water here stays warm for much of the year, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned riders looking to extend their surf season. Early mornings often bring the cleanest breaks, while afternoons invite a more relaxed vibe that’s great for mixing surf with sunbathing.
Shifting tides can reveal hidden spots with surprisingly strong waves, so timing is everything. Beyond the surf, Biloxi offers access to vibrant bars and seafood restaurants, as well as family-friendly museums and landmarks. Don’t miss the chance to book a surf lesson with expert local instructors to really enhance your surf session.
Biloxi Beach
2. Gulfport Beach
Home to unmatched community spirit
Categoría: Familias, Foto
The shifting sandbars and open water of Gulfport Beach create waves that range from playful rollers to more challenging sets. This variety makes it a favourite for surfers who enjoy testing different styles of riding in one session. The wide shoreline also means you can spread out and carve your own line without feeling crowded.
What makes Gulfport stand out is the way surf culture blends with the town’s lively spirit. After catching the waves, you’re steps away from bustling piers, snack shacks and scenic parks. For an extra thrill, consider renting a paddleboard to explore calmer stretches or time your visit with one of the waterfront festivals that turn the beach into a celebration of coastal life.
Gulfport Beach
3. Ship Island (Gulf Islands National Seashore)
An untamed beauty with wild waves
Categoría: Historia, De aventura
For a surf experience unlike anywhere else on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, head to Ship Island. Accessible only by boat, its remote setting means fewer crowds and a raw, natural energy that surfers love. The island’s position in open water allows swells to roll in with more force, creating powerful breaks that challenge even experienced riders. With pristine sands and clear horizons, every session feels like an escape into untouched wilderness.
Ferries make the journey simple, but the reward is extraordinary: a Mississippi surf spot where every ride feels special. The adventure doesn’t end with the waves. Pack a picnic and spend the day exploring dunes, spotting wildlife or snorkelling in calm shallows between surf sessions.
Ship Island (Gulf Islands National Seashore)
4. Bay St. Louis Beach
A coastal town with character
Categoría: Gastronomía en , Historia
Bay St. Louis beach brings a laid-back charm that pairs beautifully with its gentle, rolling waves. Surfers here enjoy a slower rhythm, with conditions that are welcoming for beginners yet still rewarding for those who want to practice their technique. The shoreline’s calm energy is beloved by riders who prefer a more meditative connection with the water, framed by the town’s creative spirit.
After surfing, wander through art galleries, sip coffee at quirky cafes or browse local boutiques just steps from the sand. Linger for evening strolls along the waterfront to balance surf time with a taste of the town’s vibrant personality.
Bay St. Louis Beach
5. Ocean Springs Front Beach
A historic setting with modern surf appeal
Categoría: Familias, De aventura
Ocean Springs Front Beach blends timeless charm with surf conditions that feel refreshingly current. Gentle yet steady waves roll in along a shoreline framed by oak trees and historic homes, creating a backdrop that’s as inspiring as it is inviting. Surfers appreciate the approachable breaks that make this spot ideal for refining techniques or enjoying a relaxed ride, while the wide beach ensures plenty of room to chill out.
Convenience adds to the beach’s appeal. Easy parking, nearby eateries and a welcoming community make it easy to spend the whole day by the water. Time your surf session with the sunrise or sunset, when the horizon transforms into a canvas of colour and turns every ride into something unforgettable.
Ocean Springs Front Beach
6. Henderson Point Beach
Secluded shores with natural surf
Categoría: Familias, Foto
Enjoy waves shaped by the Gulf’s natural rhythms without the bustle of larger crowds at Henderson Point Beach. Its location near the Bay Bridge gives it a sense of seclusion, and the breaks often feel more intimate, ideal for riders who value space and a slower pace. The water conditions are steady but varied, offering opportunities for both peaceful cruising and moments of challenge.
Part of the charm lies in its simplicity; easy access, uncrowded sands and a backdrop of coastal scenery that feels untouched. We recommend bringing your own gear and provisions, as it’s a spot best suited for a self-sufficient day. Bring your camera, too, for some of the most striking sights along the coast.
Henderson Point Beach
7. Horn Island
Skilled surfing on the edge of solitude
Categoría: De aventura, Foto
Accessible only by boat, isolated Horn Island boasts waves that roll in with raw power, shaped by the Gulf’s open waters. Surfers who make the journey are rewarded with breaks that demand skill and confidence, set against a background of beautiful sands and endless horizons, far removed from the bustle of mainland beaches.
The island’s natural beauty adds to the adventure. Between sessions, hike the dunes, spot dolphins or simply soak in the quiet that comes from being miles away from the nearest town. To make the downtime between surf sessions just as memorable as the rides themselves, bring your own supplies, and light snorkelling gear or binoculars to observe the island’s diverse wildlife.
Horn Island
8. Long Beach
Gentle surf with room to roam
Categoría: Parejas, Familias, Económico
Long Beach lives up to its name with a wide, open shoreline that feels tailor-made for relaxed surfing. The approachable waves mean beginners, families and casual riders alike are well catered for. More experienced surfers enjoy the consistent breaks, which provide a steady rhythm without the intensity of more remote Gulf surf spots.
Unlike the buzz of big resort destinations, Long Beach keeps its surf scene rooted in a friendly, local vibe with an easygoing atmosphere. With high-quality restaurants, nearby parks and excellent shopping, it’s easy to spend hours here without interruption. If you’re travelling with family, set up for the day and combine surf with swimming or beach games, or stroll the boardwalk and enjoy the coastal breeze.
Long Beach
9. Waveland Beach
A residential coast with a peaceful surf scene
Categoría: Familias, Historia, De aventura
Waveland Beach stands out for its unhurried pace and broad shoreline, where the surf rolls in gently against a backdrop of quiet neighbourhoods. Rather than being defined by skill level, the appeal here is the sense of space and tranquillity. Waves arrive with a steady rhythm that suits those who enjoy surfing without the pressure of crowds or competition.
The charm of Waveland Beach lies in its understated character. Its coastal simplicity gives your trip a touch of local life. With fewer visitors than other Mississippi Gulf destinations, Waveland feels more like a community beach than a tourist hub. Enjoy the easy access and nearby conveniences that make it practical for a day trip.
Waveland Beach
10. Old Bridge Beach
Riding waves where history remains
Categoría: Económico, Foto
Carrying the weight of history in its name and landscape is Old Bridge Beach. The shoreline is marked by remnants of the old bridge that once connected communities, giving visitors a unique setting that connects surf with story. These structures, along with the coast’s natural contours, help guide the breaks, creating steady waves that are both approachable and rewarding.
Facilities are limited, so bring your own board, water, and snacks. Arrive at lower tide, when the exposed remnants add character to the scenery without interfering with the surf, or at early morning or late afternoon when the light catches the old bridge and turns the shoreline into a breathtaking photo opportunity.
Old Bridge Beach
Este artículo incluye opiniones del equipo editorial de Go Guides. Hoteles.com compensa a sus autores por los artículos que se muestran en el sitio. La compensación puede incluir costos de viaje y otros costos.