Want a beach that is open, public, and clean? Try out one of our 4 best public beaches in the south for “2023”. All four are found on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Miles of white sandy beaches on the Gulf of Mexico with warm water most of the year.

Shows a crowded beach not in Mississippi
NOT A MISSISSIPPI BEACH

The crowds start forming in Florida, Alabama, and along the East coast. If you want someone to step on your towel and drink your beverages, go to one of the “popular” destinations. If you want a warm place on the water without the crowds but with things to do, come visit one of the beaches we have decided to discuss in this blog.

The Mississippi Gulf Coast can be found along U.S. 90 just south of I10 after you leave Louisiana in the West and Alabama in the East. With lots of choices, we have focused on four beaches where tourists tend to gravitate. These beaches have amenities. While there are lots of other beach choices along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, these are among the best.

Sign on the beach welcoming visitors

Free parking always opens beaches

All Mississippi Gulf Coast beaches are open 24/7. You can sleep on the beach. Also, most of the beaches have parking directly in front of the sand. Some lots are larger than others. There are fire pits along the beach and pergolas as well.

These beaches are not rated in this article as to which is better than the other. You must make that decision. Why not take a drive from Ocean Springs to the Pass Christian bridge and decide?

1: Ocean Springs Public Beach

Most beaches in Mississippi are available to the public even though many are owned by people who own homes on the beach. State law permits access to most beaches at the minimum for walking from one to another. Ocean

Springs has a few beaches, this blog will focus on their main beach called “Front Beach”. This beach starts at the harbor on the East side of town and goes to the Yacht Club on the West. The beach includes two piers for public use. You can fish just watch the birds and dolphins from these piers.

If you want to lie on the beach or swim, the center part of the beach directly in front of Ft. Marparious park is the best place to be. You can play volleyball as well. The park just across the street has restroom facilities and space for picnics. The water is warm much of the year and this beach is a favorite spot for young locals.

Empty beach with single tree designates peaceful
Ocean Springs West Beach

Lots of history here

The park occupies thttps://msgulfcoastheritage.ms.gov/historic/districts/ocean-springs/he site of the first European colony on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Ocean Springs was the capital of the French territory that was the Louisiana Land Purchase. There are monuments at the park celebrating all of the countries that once owned the area including Florida, Louisiana, and much of the South and central part of the U.S. to the Pacific North West.

2: Biloxi Public Beaches

Biloxi is just across the U.S. 90 bridge from Ocean Springs as you go West. Biloxi has one of the longest beaches on the Gulf side of any city on the coast. There are several beaches to choose from but we recommend two beaches in Biloxi. All beaches are on U.S. 90.

East Biloxi Beach

The first beach to check out is where Veterans Ave hits U.S. 90. This is called Biloxi West Central Beach. This is the Eastern part of the beach boardwalk. We like this beach because several restaurants on the pilings face the beach so you can grab a drink after swimming and walk around.

No crowds here

The beaches are wide and the water warms most of the year. Your dog is welcome on this beach. We often sit on the decks above and watch people playing volleyball or just walking along the beach. Jet skis and other beach things are available for rent.

Photo of piers and beach in Ocean Springs devoid of people
Ocean Springs West Beach

2.5: The other Biloxi Beach

The other beach is located across from the shopping mall. As with other beaches, there are beach vendors on this beach as well as renting chairs and jet skis. You can walk across for a meal from some of the fast-food restaurants and get a Starbucks coffee as well. There are other fine beaches between the Biloxi/Ocean Springs bridge and Gulfport.

3: Gulfport has great public beaches

Gulfport beaches offer amenities similar to the ones offered along the Biloxi beaches. Public restrooms and piers are available. It’s hard to pick just one spot in Gulfport as the “best” in the City. If you want to swim and lay your stuff out on the sand, there are miles of beaches for you to choose from.

If you want to be near refreshments, there are restaurants on the Gulfport beaches further west near the port. Jones Park is adjacent to a point where the beach wraps around to the South and then back again past the port. This is one of the most popular beaches with locals. There are public restrooms and fishing piers near the harbor.

Because there is parking all along U.S. 90, you can just pull over and claim your piece of beach for the day. If you have a motor home or trailer, you can park for free at the beach just for the day.

Did I mention that our beaches are not crowded? Did I also mention that the water is very shallow? Your children would have to wade out 50 yards before the water was up to their waists.

Beach, nesting area and palm tree near water
Gulfport Beach with Beach Grass, Least Tern’s nest there

4: Long Beach public beach

Beaches are beautiful in Long Beach. In addition to the groomed white sand, there are some of the most beautiful homes on the Mississippi Gulf Coast along the beach. The beaches in Long Beach are separated by the Long Beach harbor. The East or West beaches.

The harbor provides restaurants and other services. You can get hungry laying on the beach. These beaches are not frequented as much as the ones in Biloxi. Long Beach receives its fair share of guests but it does not have any casinos so the traffic on these beaches is lower.

If you want secluded, come to a beach in Long Beach. Most of the people at these beaches are locals who can make recommendations for shopping and restaurants in the small downtown area just off of the beach. As with the other beaches, warm water and shallow water are perfect for families.

empty beach with clouds on the sky
Lots of room to spread out

4 Best Public Beaches in the South for “2022”: Found

Now you know about our almost private, public beaches. Every year hundreds of thousands of people drive East and West without knowing what is only a few miles South of their path. I am from California and I was astonished that I bypassed these great beaches.

Beaches in much of California are crowded and it’s a serious chore to reach them through the traffic. Then when you are ready to dive in, you find the water to be frigid. What a shock. Why fight the crowds, and swim in warm water? Most people just float and swim anyway so that’s what our beaches are best for.

You can enjoy other beach activities including parasailing, paddleboarding, jet-skiing, snorkeling, and fishing. After a long day at the beach, try out one of our great restaurants or bars. Try your luck at one of our 12 casinos. There are lots of things to do. Have kids, try out the amusement area near Biloxi beach, or go to Margaritaville.

Can I stay by the beach?

With us of course. Christie’s Gulf Beach Rentals has lots of vacation rental properties on or near the beach. Our properties can accommodate an intimate party of two or a family of 12.

Stay with us and enjoy onto only our beautiful beaches but our properties. Some of our properties have fire pits, BBQs, and yard games. Others are a few steps from the beach. Make your reservations on this site. If you have questions, call us or message us. Send us an email: Yes@ChristiesGulfBeachRentals.com. Want to read more about the area, check out the blog site: RetireCoast.com and Logan-Anderson, Gulf Coastal Realtors blog articles

Please read our other blog articles and visit our “activities” page.