The best value for spring break destinations in 2025

Plan your spring break around low cost and safety yet a location with lots of things to do. How can you save money yet go to a great place and have fun? Drive to the Mississippi Gulf Coast for the best value for spring break destinations in 2025. Take a road trip. Driving will save money over flying and there are no delays.

Four people in a car sharing the expense of gas is a great start. Share a vacation rental property and divide the cost. I know of several that can sleep 10 people.

If you want beautiful beaches with plenty of options, you need to stay on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The Mississippi Gulf Coast is a short drive from much of the United States. Forget the most popular spring break destinations, Key Largo or Daytona Beach.

If you want a memorable Spring break vacation a great option is the Mississippi Gulf Coast the home of Mardi Gras. The whole family can come or just you and your friends from college.

people on the beach

Check the list of best things to do including outdoor activities:

  1. 1. Small towns with cafes, pubs, and shops
  2. 2. New Orleans is an hour away
  3. 3. Live music is played in Ocean Springs, Bay St Louis, and other local destinations. You can walk around entertainment districts with open containers.
  4. 4. Beautiful clean white sand beaches open 24/7 that permit alcohol in non-glass containers always free parking
  5. 5. National Seashore where you might see alligators, turtles, and other animals
  6. 6. In warm weather, walk along the beach boardwalk in Biloxi
  7. 7. Take a boat to a barrier island for the day
  8. 8. Rent jet skis and other beach toys
  9. 9. 12 casinos with entertainment and restaurants open 24/7 where you can have a great time
  10. 10. Art galleries and shops in downtown area cities
  11. 11. Take a scenic drive along the beach, miles of sand without highrise buildings. See beautiful estates on the North side of Beach Blvd
  12. 12. Rent a pontoon boat and explore the bayous
  13. 13. Fishing is great during the Spring from the beach, pier, or boat
  14. 14. Mardi Gras parades, St Patricks Day parades, and Easter parades
  15. 15. Use one of the many fire pits along the beach for a night gathering. Many vacation rentals have fire pits as well.
  16. 16. Rent a golf cart and drive around one of several cities that permit this.
  17. 17. Golf at any one of several great courses in the area
  18. 18. Bring your guns and go shooting at one of several shooting ranges including one at a National Forest a few minutes from the Gulf Coast.
  19. 19. Hang out at a well-appointed vacation rental house with a fire pit and bbq, Watch a game, and catch up with friends.
  20. 20. take a short one-hour drive to Mobile and visit the Battleship
  21. 21. Paintball, bowling, and other activities at one of several facilities.
  22. 22. Enjoy Cajun and Creole food found only on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, try some Gumbo and alligator sausage or even sushi
beautiful mississippi gulf coast beach spring break

The Mississippi Gulf Coast is less expensive

You can have a good time on the Mississippi Gulf Coast it’s a great destination that is less expensive than Florida or Alabama. Not just the cost of accommodations but food, fuel, and other entertainment costs will be lower. The best way to make the trip affordable for a group is to rent a vacation rental property at ChristiesGulfBeachRentals.com you will find that by dividing the cost (which is already reasonable) by the number of guests, the cost per person will be very low.

Spring breakers need not break the bank by spending particularly with high inflation. For those of you 21 years and older, the 12 casinos offer nightclubs and great restaurants including gambling. This is something that other destinations do not offer.

Casinos are just one thing that makes the Mississippi Gulf Coast a great spring break destination. College students come to the Mississippi Gulf Coast because it offers everything that you can find at other beach destinations and more for lower prices and without the crowds.

Spring break at the harbor

Spring break is the perfect time to visit the Mississippi Gulf Coast

Christies has vacation rental properties in Gulfport, Long Beach, and Waveland any of which will be the perfect place to stay and yet be close to other venues. Spring break is the perfect time to come to the Mississippi Gulf Coast because of the weather. Low humidity, warm days, and lots of sun.

You should consider easy access to the Mississippi Gulf Coast which is closer to much of the mid-west and even the east coast than Florida. Why spend more money and time traveling from New York City to Fort Lauderdale when you can drive to the Mississippi Gulf Coast in less time at less cost?

The best beaches at any time of year can be found on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The sandy beaches here lead to the Gulf water which is shallow with a hard bottom and no rocks. Jellyfish are a rare occurrence here. Sit on the beach or on one of the many public piers and enjoy the scenic views of the barrier islands and shore birds. You can often see dolphins swimming around. The area is a nature lovers’ destination, particularly on the bayous.

Historic districts are reinventing themselves

The historic districts in Gulfport and Biloxi are reinventing themselves with restaurants, pubs, and entertainment (new main street development). The Mississippi Aquarium which opened a couple of years ago is a popular destination in early April or for that matter all year.

Events are held all year and many during Spring Break. Gumbo Festival, Seafood Festival, and many more. Check our “events” tab on the Christies Gulf Beach Rentals website for more information. The events section will list the best places to go during your stay.

Have a meal at one of the many restaurants on the beach. McElroys is a great spot high above the marina in Biloxi to watch people and boats while having an adult beverage on their large deck. The view is just across from the largest island in the area. The Mississippi Gulf Coast is the perfect spring break destination, a beautiful place to relax and recharge. The best time to visit is anytime. The food on the Mississippi Gulf Coast must be experienced.

You want your children to be safe on Spring Break

Parents want to be sure their adult children are safe on Spring Break We have all heard about crime and other issues with some of the many popular destinations in other countries and even the Caribbean. The Mississippi Gulf Coast is in the United States and is a safe place for your family to stay and play. The Mississippi Gulf Coast does not have a reputation as being a jam-packed party destination where arrests are made frequently and in some cases in another state, the beach was closed.

Did I mention that the best value for spring break can be found on the Mississippi Gulf Coast? Let me show you below what I mean about low prices compared to high prices for your 2023 vacation rental. Start with Fort Lauderdale. The snapshot from Airbnb for spring break in March 2023 for 8 people lists various options.

Prices in Fort Lauderdale range from a low of $228 in the North area to $1,500 per night with an average of about $450 per night. I strongly suspect that the properties are similar to properties on the Mississippi Gulf Coast so let’s compare prices there.

ABB map with high prices in Florida

Prices on the Mississippi Gulf Coast are lower

Prices on the Mississippi Gulf Coast for the same time period and 8 people are shown in the snippet below taken at the same time as the one above for Fort Lauderdale. The highest price shown is $635 per night and the lowest at $161 per night. The average is around $300 per night.

Based on this information, you would save about $150 per night by staying on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. A 33% savings is just the start. It will take less fuel to reach the Mississippi Gulf Coast from Chicago than it will reach Fort Lauderdale. 19 hr and 55 minutes or 1,359 miles from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale.

It takes only 13 hours and 10 minutes to reach Gulfport, MS, and 900.5 miles. The difference is that the Mississippi Gulf Coast is six hours closer and at least 20 gallons of fuel closer than Florida. A round trip will save 40 gallons of fuel and 12 hours of driving time. Even driving from New York City to the Mississippi Gulf Coast is one hour closer and less expensive.

ABB map with lower prices in Mississippi

Price is not everything, that hour waits for a table and parking.

Of course, price is not everything. Compare the list of things to do above with any beach in Florida or Alabama and you will quickly see that in addition to the fact that the Mississippi Gulf Coast is less expensive, it is actually more active than those other beaches. More things to do on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Less crowded meaning you can actually get into a restaurant without waiting an hour for a table.

About those long lines in Alabama and Florida. I have been there and it’s not a pretty sight when you are hungry. It’s possible that there may be a wait on the Mississippi Gulf Coast but not probably and if there is it’s not long. You want to have a good time not spend 15 minutes looking for a parking spot and then waiting an hour or more for a table.

A recent article about beaches and improved health benefits might lead you to a beach vacation rather than a vacation in the mountains or another location. Check out our website for more about restaurants and places to visit.

Christies Gulf Beach Rentals

The best place to find your Spring Break Value. Christies has houses, townhomes, bungalows, and more which are perfectly situated near the beach. Bring friends or family, most of our properties sleep large parties. A few accept small dogs with advanced approval. Reserve before they are all gone. Click here to view our properties

PODCAST

Book your beach vacation now for 2024-2025 at Christies

It’s time to book your beach vacation but where should you go?  Start by searching through Christies Gulf Beach Rentals website for the perfect property on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.  No need to fight the crowds in Florida or pay higher prices in Alabama or the Carolinas.  Beautiful white sand beaches stretch for miles and are open 24/7.  Check out our blog articles about the area.  We often call the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the forgotten coast.  Come visit us and see Southern Hospitality firsthand.  Most of our properties are within a short walk to the beach.

Before I dive into your vacation plans, you should know that the Mississippi Gulf Coast is a bargain compared to other beach areas in the South. 2024 rates are about the same as 2023 rates and below rates charged in other states. See the chart below. Given the sad shape of the overall economy and the high cost of eggs and other staples, you need a break and Christies is offering you our best rates so book soon.

We project that 2025 will bring more people to the Mississippi Gulf Coast than 2024 which has been better than 2023. It seems (and this is my opinion), that people took too much vacation during COVID and held back in 2023. More people are taking vacation in 2024 and at this rate, 2025 will be an even better year to take a beach vacation.


Average cost per Vacation Rental per night 2024

Region January March May July
Mississippi Gulf Coast $100-$150 $125-$175 $150-$200 $250-$350
Alabama Coast $125-$200 $150-$225 $175-$250 $300-$400
Florida Gulf Coast $150-$250 $175-$300 $200-$300 $350-$500
**Notes:** * These are averages and actual prices can vary significantly depending on factors like location, type of rental, size, amenities, and specific dates. * January represents off-season, March is shoulder season, May is shoulder/peak season transition, and July is peak season for all regions. * Expect higher prices during weekends and holidays. * These estimates can help you budget for your trip, but be sure to compare prices from different rental websites before booking. * Sources: Airbnb, VRBO, multiple sources


Our great restaurants

Our great restaurants are one of the best-kept secrets of the Coast.  Take Ocean Springs with its downtown full of pubs, bars, and great restaurants.  The big chain restaurants have a place but you want to try our privately owned small specialty restaurants.  Sample the great Southern food culture here that includes Cajun and Creole.  Similar restaurant scenes have popped up in Biloxi, Gulfport, and Bay St. Louis.  

There there is Long Beach, a quaint Southern beach town with a delightful downtown and marina.  If you would like to stay in Ocean Springs, look at the High Tides Cottage vacation rental.  This property is one of our most popular.

How about staying in a historic house right on the beach in Biloxi?  The Lighthouse Sands Serenity offers four bedrooms and a large porch with beach views all day.  This house is more than 120 years old and is large enough to accommodate 8 guests.  The companion property on the North side is a separate rental called Beachfront Beacon Bliss.  This property can accommodate 8 guests in four bedrooms.  Book both properties for a total of 16 guests with seven parking spaces and nearby extra parking.  

Lighthouse Sands Serenity view of beach

Want a sea view?

If it’s sea views you want, check out our Paradise Tower condo with views from the 16th floor.  Of course, if you want great beach access, all of our properties are located near the beach.  With comfortable beds, kitchens to prepare meals, and even fenced yards, we have it all.  Some properties are pet-friendly and near the beach.  

Several of our properties have a large deck and views of the beach.  Check out Gulf View Haven and the Sand Dollar.  The Gulf View Haven accommodates up to 12 and is pet friendly.  The great deck is often used in the afternoon catching the last rays of the sun off of the beach.  Many of our properties have barbeque so you can pick up some fresh gulf shrimp and enjoy the family at home.

Outdoor activities all year

There are plenty of outdoor activities on the Mississippi Gulf Coast so staying at any of our great properties will act as a base from which to enjoy your favorite pastime.  Did I mention that most of our properties have plenty of parking for your vehicles?  If you are coming to the Mississippi Gulf Coast for an event, ask us which property is best to park your trailer, we have properties with extensive parking areas.

Want a nice condo for two?  If you are coming to the Mississippi Gulf Coast to attend a concert for a special weekend getaway, we can accommodate you at one of our condos a short walk to the beach.  Some even provide a beach cart for your towels and things.  

Hot tub 2252 Beach

The Happy Flounder has two bedrooms and the community has two swimming pools for your use.  This gated community is located within walking distance of shopping and restaurants.  Check out the Cozy Condo by the Sea.  Perfect for two.  It has a single king bed and a kitchen.  This is a great property to relax and enjoy the two swimming pools, and walk to the beach or restaurants.  Some of the best restaurants on the beach are just a few minutes by foot.  The community is across from the Biloxi Boardwalk.

Need a house with a fenced yard? No problem.

Looking for a house with a fenced yard within walking distance of the beach?  Book your stay at Sea la Belle Beach House.  Three bedrooms can accommodate the whole family.  Located in a quiet Gulfport neighborhood it is close to everything.  Drive less than a mile to the Rouses grocery store, pick up some Southern food, and cook it at home or on the BBQ.  We have several properties with fenced yards along with a fire pit plus BBQs.

Sea la Belle Beach House living room

Christies Gulf Beach Rentals is the property manager for many great properties on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.  Our management company specializes in connecting guests with owners’ properties so that both parties benefit.  If you want a great stay, check out our website for all of our properties.  

Use search criteria to narrow down the property you are looking for.  Some guests are looking for a first-floor property, others do not mind walking up steps near the beach.  All of our properties have easy access, either drive in and park or go through a security gate and park.

Your rental property is well cared for.  The property owner has selected Christies to be sure their beautiful beach house is well cared for and their guests receive a 5-star stay.  We love working with guests who have a large family.  More often our properties are booked by guests who are reuniting with other family members for birthdays, anniversaries, or other events.  

Weddings, birthday parties, we can help

Weddings and birthday parties are perfect for vacation rentals.  A vacation rental property is a perfect place for people to choose overcrowded hotel rooms.  The cost to book a vacation rental with Christies is usually lower than accommodation at hotels and motels.  Our properties have plenty of room and lots of parking to accommodate your party.

Did I mention Pass Christian?  A delightful small city located on U.S. 90, Beach Blvd.  It has a small downtown area and a very nice marina.  What stands out are the magnificent houses that line Beach Blvd.  I love driving by these houses that seem to stretch forever.  Even driving at the 45-mile-per-hour speed limit, it takes a while to pass them.  If you want to take a good look, there is a street just to the North of Beach Blvd that parallels Beach Blvd in front and you can drive slowly by.  

Peaceful Bayou view down bayou

Have you ever stayed on a Bayou?  Book the Peaceful Bayou and see what it is like to view beautiful waterways in several directions.  Property owners in the area have their boats tied up at their homes.  The bayou next to this property goes out to the Gulf of Mexico.  

You can fish from your yard

This means that you can fish from your yard.  Many varieties of fish are located in the water including shrimp and crab.  Pop down to Walmart and buy a fishing license.  You can cook your freshly caught fish on our BBQ located on the large patio under the house.  

Our properties have some important amenities which include a laundry room (or closet), and keyless entry (no lost keys) and when you book on the Christies site, you receive free vacation travel insurance at no additional charge.  The private pool that some of our properties have including the Octopus Garden, a 3 3-bedroom condo located in Gulfport near the beach, is a bonus.

 Be sure to book your next vacation at one of Christies Gulf Beach Rentals properties if you want great customer service.  Brian Logan, our property manager is highly rated.  Ask him to tell you some stories of midnight calls for TV remote control batteries. 

Magnolia house

A topic that many people don’t consider when traveling is medical care.  I bring this up because the great news is that medical care on the Mississippi Gulf Coast is some of the best in the nation.  Our hospitals and many clinics are highly rated, and several hospital groups hire only the best doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals.  

Great medical care for those in need

Don’t be concerned about visiting us for an extended stay if you have medical issues.  Or even if something were to happen while you were here for just a weekend.  Check out this article for more details.

Some guests ask about the best time to visit the Mississippi Gulf Coast.  The honest answer is anytime.  That said, I prefer the shoulder season when the temperature is in the mid-70s and the mornings are cool for that nice walk on the beach.  From mid-September through April.  

Another reason is that this is the slow season when bookings are easier and prices are lower.  The Mississippi Gulf Coast is not normally crowded even at the height of the summer.  Winter days on the beach are beautiful.  Sunny skies with a bit of a nip in the air are great for getting out.

Fishing season is great in the Fall, Winter and Spring

Fishing season if there is one, would be in the cooler months when some species come into the shallower waters to spawn.  Speckled trout is great to eat and from what I have been told, fun to fish for on a fall evening.

Sea Glass Inn vacation rental

This is what Google Bard has to say:

There are many reasons why you should book your next vacation rental with Christies Gulf Beach Rentals! Here are just a few:

  • Prime location: Christies Gulf Beach Rentals offers a variety of rentals in prime locations along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Whether you’re looking to be right on the beach, in the heart of the action, or tucked away in a quiet corner, they have a rental for you.
  • Wide variety of rentals: From cozy condos to spacious beachfront houses, Christies Gulf Beach Rentals has a rental to accommodate any group size and budget. They also have pet-friendly rentals and rentals with private pools, so you can find the perfect fit for your needs.
  • Top-notch amenities: Many of Christies Gulf Beach Rentals’ properties come with amenities like private balconies, beach access, swimming pools, hot tubs, and even game rooms. This means you can have everything you need for a relaxing and enjoyable vacation right at your fingertips.
  • Excellent customer service: Christies Gulf Beach Rentals is committed to providing its guests with excellent customer service. They are available 24/7 to answer any questions you have and to help you plan your perfect vacation.
  • Positive reviews: Christies Gulf Beach Rentals has a long history of providing guests with unforgettable vacations. They have a 4.9-star rating on Google and many positive reviews on TripAdvisor and other sites.

In addition to these reasons, Christies Gulf Beach Rentals also offers:

  • Competitive rates: They offer competitive rates on all of their rentals, so you can be sure you’re getting the best value for your money.
  • Easy booking process: Their booking process is simple and easy, so you can book your rental in just a few minutes.
  • Free cancellation policy: They offer a free cancellation policy, so you can book your rental with confidence knowing that you can cancel if you need to.

So if you’re looking for a relaxing and enjoyable vacation on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, be sure to book your rental with Christies Gulf Beach Rentals!

Articles about the Mississippi Gulf Coast:

Travel and Leasure Magazine – This “Secret Coast” in Mississippi Has Some of the Most Affordable Beachfront Real Estate in the U.S.

Travel Off PathThese are the cheapest beach towns in the U.S. according to a new report

Smarter Travel – 4 Hidden, Cheap Beach Destinations

RetireCoast.Com – Biloxi, MS best Coastal City: Things you need to know

Please visit our website and check out our great articles and properties. Check our activities page for things to do while you are here. Call us if you have a large group, we can accommodate them in one or more properties.

Best Mississippi Gulf Coast Vacation Property Rentals Management Services

​Looking for the Best Mississippi Gulf Coast Vacation Property Rentals Management company?  Christies Gulf Beach Rentals can manage your vacation property completely hands-on.  We do it all for you from managing the calendar and managing the cleaning process to directing repairs and maintenance.  Our owners have decades of experience with property and business management.  Our client portal has it all for you to help you manage your finances.

One of our owners has owned and managed a large national business.  He has decades of experience with vacation rental management having owned many in Europe before the trend was popular in the U.S.  Another owner has more than 20 years as a property manager.  I could go on about our experience but it’s about how this experience is applied that you should be interested in.  

We created Gulf Coast Property Management LLC for long-term vacation rentals management and then started Christies Gulf Beach Rentals for short-term rentals.   We have two websites that refer people to your properties, not including the referrals from our associated Logan-Anderson Gulf Coastal Realtors website.

Christies calendar is consolidated with 3rd party sites

The state of Mississippi requires that all property management companies be affiliated with a real estate agent or broker.  One of the Christies owners is a broker and owner of Logan-Anderson Gulf Coastal Realtors.  This is a good thing for our clients.  That real estate brokerage license means that the state is watching our operations. 

It’s true, most of Christie’s bookings come from third-party sites such as Airbnb and VRBO but some of those bookings have come from people who have first visited the Christies website.  Our site contains a consolidated calendar of all third-party bookings.  

The calendar indicates all bookings for our client’s properties.  If they choose to stay on their property, they can book it on Christies with a special code that permits their stay to be free.

The client portal contains links to not only the Christies site but their listings on third-party sites if they decide to look at them.  Included in the Client Portal are links to the linen inventory, maintenance logs, agreements, HOA rules, and much more.  It’s literally a one-stop place for everything they need to know about their property.  One key item in the Client Portal is our financial data which indicates all details for paid stays.  

vacation rental property
Newly constructed house, one of Christies vacation rental properties

No email reports, just 24/7 access to all data

Rather than sending out reports and emails.  Clients have 24/7 access to the Client Portal to see for themselves how much they have earned in any one period (updated weekly).  We feel this is far better than sending a rental income report that our clients are not ready to see or use.  At the end of the year, their 1099 will match the data they have been seeing all year.  This will permit them to make IRS quarterly deposits.

The State of Mississippi collects sales and guest taxes for local communities.  Christies registers all of our client’s properties with the state.  We report monthly at the Department of Revenue website on your behalf.  If all revenue is from third parties, we check the boxes.  

If Christies received a booking through our website, we collect sales tax and remit it in the report.  The entire process is completed and you can rest assured if there is an audit, we are here to help.

Gulfport Beach at Sunset

Guest Guide is customized for your property

Our Guest Guide is another feature.  We want our guests to know everything about the property including its history if any.  This document is comprehensive and includes not only all of the rules (HOA also) but how to use things.  WIFI code, parking instructions, and any regulations that local authorities require to be passed along.  Listings of local restaurants, stores, and churches are included.  

The Guest Guide is customized for each client’s property and our clients are involved in its creation.

Cleaning is a necessity so we manage the cleaning process.   Brian our manager makes site visits to be sure that properties are ready for the next guest.  The Guest onboarding process is something that Brian takes very seriously.  He communicates with each individual on the day of arrival (also before).  Brian responds quickly to guest requests.

Suggestions such as securing wall art

​We meet with prospective owners at the property and walk through the property. We take this opportunity to explain our vacation rental management process. Often even experienced owners can benefit from our advice about various things such as how to secure wall art, fix beds to the wall, wifi thermostat, and much more.  After years of experience with guests who are hard on properties, we have found some solutions to prospective problems.  

Christie will for a fee, completely set up a house, condo, etc.  She acquires all of the furniture, furnishings, and kitchen items, and even decorates often creating her own art.

Part of our service is to recommend such things as twin beds, picnic tables, the best ways to decorate, and much more.   We recommend the correct sleeping configurations for the maximum return on your investment (and consider HOA

Coastal Cottage Guest Book vacation rental management
Guest Guide

How much can I earn from my vacation rental?

Adding two full beds for example instead of a queen bed will sleep two more.  Brian and Christie provide excellent service to our guests and clients.

Christies is not just a vacation rental management business, we often manage the sale of our client’s vacation rentals or help a client find a property for a vacation rental.  One of the key things we can offer in this process is knowledge of short-term rentals and their activities.  A question often asked is? “How much can I make from my vacation homes?”  This would be difficult for many but it’s not hard for Christies.  

We use existing client data to extrapolate.  Not only about the total income but the details such as how often it will rent.    As a rental company, it’s our business to know about rates and occupancy.  If you are planning on buying a rental property as an investment property or for personal use, you need data.

Consolidated calendar Christies Gulf Beach Rentals
Consolidated calendar

Christies offers knowledge about vacation management

Property owners need all of the information they can get to make decisions such as: “Do I keep it or sell it?”, “How much will I need to save from earnings to cover slow periods”?  Rental properties are all different, even when they have the same floor plan and are part of a large condo group.   Christies Vacation Rental property management services can help you manage your property as a business.  

In addition to rental management, we offer additional services including:

  • – Creation of an LLC 
  • – Quit Claim Deed of to LLC
  • – Accounting services
  • – Utility and bill payments (for those who don’t want to do anything)
  • – Landscaping (bi-weekly, monthly lawn care)
  • – Manage major repairs
  • – File permit requests and addend city meetings

The management fee

About that management fee.  You will need to contact us about this.  I can tell you that our fee is a fixed percentage of the gross income after deducting cleaning and HOA fees.  Christies gets 100% of the cleaning fees.  We do charge a minimum of $100 in any month where the income falls below $100.  

This minimum fee which should be a rare occurrence is to compensate us for visiting the property to make sure it’s still there, in good condition and the pipes did not freeze in the winter.  Our fee is very competitive.

We do not ask for a security deposit or any other type of deposit for our clients.  We do charge a small start-up fee to manage the free photos, create your webpage, guest guide, program doors, thermostats, etc.  As I said, it’s very reasonable.  All property managers charge a set-up fee.

Sail boat regatta
Sailboat Regatta, Ocean Springs

Your income

Time to talk about your income.  Don’t get excited, there are no specifics here, every property is different.  You should know that your rental condo will be busy sometimes and not other times.  For example, Mardi Gras is popular on the Mississippi Gulf Coast so you may expect to earn more during that time.  

That perfect vacation may take place during Cruzin-the-Coast for example when rates are much higher than at other times of the year.  You would think with all of the local casinos on the Mississippi Gulf Coast that people would want to stay there.  They do but many also want a beautiful condo or house within easy walking distance of the beach.  A place where the entire family can have fun.

Our Coastal Cottage property is within walking distance of the beach and is one of several beach houses that Christies rents.  I have a fire pit and a large yard.  This is perfect for a larger family that wants to enjoy their rental home and the sea breeze.  

Mississippi Gulf Coast pond
There is more than beaches on the Mississippi Gulf Coast

Having many properties – more opportunities to rent yours

You may have a condo with great views and an outdoor pool.  And of course, all of our properties have access to beautiful beaches.  Sometimes we receive requests to accommodate a couple of dozen or more.  This allows us to fill several clients’ properties at one time.

Other times when we receive last-minute calls for a property that is booked, we can move the new guests to another property.  On occasion when all of our properties are fully booked, we coordinate with two other property owners who have several vacation rentals they manage on their own.  

This coordination works both ways and helps find homes for our visitors.  In the end, we want our guests to have the best vacation and our owners to earn a great income.

Social Media

In addition to the Christies Gulf Beach Rentals website plus Airbnb and VRBO, we post on Facebook and Twitter. Every new blog article is posted along with some blog articles about the Mississippi Gulf Coast posted on RetireCoast.com and Logan-Anderson Gulf Coastal Realtors. This keeps our sites active.

All new properties are posted on social media sites to draw attention. We encourage all of our clients to post their property on their social media websites.

If you are interested in having Christies Gulf Beach Rentals manage your property please reach out to us. Click on the button below and complete the client interest form. Click here for more information about property management

4 Best Public Beaches in the South for “2023”

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.

You need to visit Beautiful Front Beach Ocean Springs Mississippi

Pack up and head to Ocean Springs, Mississippi. You really need to visit beautiful Front Beach in Ocean Springs. This beach is one of the best kept secrets along the entire Gulf of Mexico. Not one of the largest beaches along the Mississippi Gulf Coast but one of the best. The visit is entirely free. No cost to park, use restrooms, use the pier for fishing (you will need a fishing license).

My wife and I frequent the beach to eat a breakfast sandwich and drink our coffee. She drinks tea and that’s ok. Mornings bring out the joggers, walkers, dog walkers and a those individuals like us who love the peace and calm. There are so many birds around that we just sit and watch them. The pelicans are the most fun to watch as they have their own breakfast.

Fish jump out of the water on a regular basis and other birds fight for space on the few pilings left over from past hurricanes. Regardless of the time of year, there are two times of the day that we love the best at Front Beach, the morning and the evening just before dark. The sea breezes come in at both ends of the day making summers comfortable.

History on the beach

Front beach is the home of the former Ft. Maurepas established in 1699 when D’Iberville landed and claimed the land for France. Everyone knows of the Louisiana Purchase, well this was where it all started. Those ships landed in the gulf just off shore and for some time into the future France owned a large part of what is now the United States. Over the years the fort decayed and was eventually destroyed.

The City of Ocean Springs established a park on the site and placed a number of placques and statures to remind everyone who visits about the French heritage. Many places along the Mississippi Gulf have French names to this day. There is a French Club in Biloxi. The facility at the park is very nice. Modern restrooms, showers and picnic benches under cover.

Watch the video above (we borrowed it from RetireCoast.com) to see what the area looks like from the park facility. If you love fishing, this is a great place according to locals. You can even catch crabs if you have a basket. This park is a popular place for teenagers to gather. The often use the fire pits and enjoy each others company in the evening.

Take the bridge challenge

Walking at the beach is a popular past time. The sidewalk along the which sand was just repaired from a hurricane and now goes from the marina on the East to the Yacht club on the West. The path then goes to the pedestrian entrance to the bridge.

Take the bridge challenge. The walk is over two miles from Front Beach to the other side of Biloxi bay to the Golden Nugget Casino. We like the walk because of the incline of the bridge. The pedestrian walk way is safe and has seating and mileage markers along the way. What a terrific view of Biloxi Bay and the Gulf of Mexico from the peak of the bridge.

The photo above was taken during one of the Regattas held by the Yacht Club just off of Front Beach. This is just one of many events that are held along the beach. The annual Mardi Gras parade starts at Front Beach.

My wife and I were recently driving down the street at Front Beach and we witnessed a ceremony celebrating the oldest WWII veteran from Ocean Springs. Lots of people joined in the event. We had no idea of the event but that’s basically the point, Front Beach is a focal point for events in the area.

Ocean Springs Marina

Ocean Springs Marina

The photo above was taken from the back of the marina which is accessed off of Front Beach. We like to walk around the boats and talk with the owners. The shrimp and fishing fleet are tied up there also. You can buy fresh caught shrimp, crab and other fish if you catch the boats at the right time. Actually you can arrange to meet them when they arrive.

The back marina is at the end of this photo. Another beautiful park was build along the same inlet that goes from Front Beach to the back marina. This long walkway is pleasant and we often walk along to see our favorite alligator. My wife says it’s a she, I am not sure. Sometimes it’s there and rarely ever moves from the mud shore on the other side.

The pelicans love to swoop down in this small bayou to have a meal. In addition we often see the other large birds that are part of the landscape here and many are endangered. We see turtles and fish jumping up.

Pelicans boating

The photo above was taken in the Ocean Springs marina near Front Beach. Pelicans were taking a trip with the fisherman on his boat. Not sure if they paid for the trip but it was funny. Notice the one next to the fisherman at the wheel. If you love pelicans, come to Front Beach and watch them.

My wife likes these birds (Great Blue Heron). They are protected and fly around our house near the bayou. We see them at the beach such as this one at the Front Beach pier. It allowed me to get pretty close, actually I walked around it without flying away. Notice it is standing on one leg, this what they do when they rest.

You are officially invited to visit Ocean Springs and Front Beach. Since you are officially invited to come, there is no reason to delay. Start making plans now, any time of the year is good, we can arrange for the fish and birds to meet you (well not actually). The high season for visiting is June and July. You can save money by visiting in the Fall and Winter.

Snowbirds are welcome in the Winter with lower rates

Professional Snowbirds know when to come and visit. It’s during the late fall and winter months. Rates for vacation rentals at Christies are the lowest of the entire year. Longer stays earn discounts. Booking directly on ChristiesGulfBeachRentals.com will not only earn you lower rates but you will receive at no additional cost, vacation travel insurance. This is a great benefit.

We even have a page on our site for professional Snowbirds. If you go to that site you can see what we offer you for staying during the winter.

No need to wait for the winter, even if you are only spending a weekend, the Mississippi Gulf Coast is a great place to come and visit. This article about Front Beach is only one of many we will be doing on various areas along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. We recommend that you visit RetireCoast.com to learn more about the area. Also check out our news selection on the menu at this site.

Retire on the Mississippi Gulf Coast

Why not stay at one of our great vacation rentals and check out the area for possible retirement. Read this article “Why I decided to retire in Ocean Springs” a good place to start. Check out this article as well:

Podcast

Try our podcasts where we describe various areas along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Click here to visit our podcast page, from there you can use your own podcast service.

Please leave comments and visit our great properties.

Is the Mississippi Gulf Coast a fun place?

It is a fun place to visit. There are so many things to do it will be hard to know where to start. How about that beach? The casinos? Do you like to fish or boat? Where to begin, that’s the question.

You will need to eat so one of the first places you start is at one of our excellent restaurants. Try one that offers Gulf Coast cooking including shrimp, crab, and oysters. Gumbo and anything with crawfish is staples on the food front. After you have eaten your fill, why not take a walk on the beach. Try the Biloxi Boardwalk.

Have you ever been down a bayou? Go out on a boat and see live alligators in the swamp. This is a fun adventure and the operators guarantee that you will return safely. If taking a boat to see alligators is too much, visit the Gulf Islands National Seashore in Ocean Springs. You can walk around and see alligators in one or more locations.

Try fishing

Want to try your hand at fishing. Stop by a store and pick up some fishing gear. Try one of the public piers or just fish from the beach. There are about 200 species of fish in waters around the Mississippi Gulf Coast. You can also go out on a charter boat to catch some bigger fish. Leave from one of the marinas along the coast.

Fishing is Mississippi Gulf Coast a fun place
Catch a fish

Have you ever caught blue crabs? Buy a basket, drop in a chicken leg and lower it into the water. While you are taking pictures of the water and texting friends, our crabs will accommodate you by jumping in the basket. Take them to your vacation rental, boil them, and enjoy.

Rent a boat and navigate our bayous. These beautiful waterways are a unique experience you only see in the South. If you want, pull a blow-up toy around behind for the kids. The water is warm in the summer. Take your boat out to one of our islands for the day.

Is the Mississippi Gulf Coast a fun place

Yes, it is. If the above is not enough, keep reading. How about this for a day. Get up in the morning, and have your coffee or tea at a local restaurant. Eat a benet (a Southern delight) and stroll to the beach. Swim and layout on the sand. Get up, walk to a restaurant, and have a great meal of gulf shrimp overlooking the water.

Take a drive in the afternoon along U.S. 90 in either direction and look at the beautiful homes that face the water. Stop at one of the marina restaurants for a refreshing drink and a snack of fried pickles. Return home and get ready for the evening.

Drive over to one of the casinos that are offering free entertainment, have dinner and cocktails then try your luck or watch the entertainment. After, it’s off to bed to start a new day.

Boating fun on the Mississippi Gulf Coast
Boating on the Bayou

Take a boat to Ship Island

Want to spend a great day on the water. Take the boat to ship island from one of the marinas. Pack your lunch and beverages in an ice chest. Bring your 10×10 awning and towels. Take the ship to the island. Walk to the Southside of the island where waves and crystal clear water await.

You can take a walk around the island and return a few hours later. Perhaps it’s time to rent a jet ski on the beach. Drive around on your jet ski and enjoy our warm water. Jump off and do some swimming in shallow water just offshore. Then ride back and head out for dinner.

This evening, light a fire at your vacation rental fire pit or the beach. Hang around and enjoy the company of your companions. Buy some cooked crawfish, corn, and potatoes at Rouses and have your Boil.

Mississippi Gulf Coast fun food, crawfish
Crawfish boil

Where to go from here

A great article about 22 things to do on the Mississippi Gulf Coast may help, click here to read it. You will need a place to stay and we recommend one of the properties on ChristiesGulfBeachRentals.com. Several of our properties are located on or near the beach.

if you are interested in property on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, visit Logan&Anderson, Gulf Coastal Realtors. You may find that buying a vacation home of your own is affordable on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

To read more about the Mississippi Gulf Coast, please click here it will take you to RetireCoast.com where you can dive into articles about the Coast, finance, and lifestyle subjects.

Are you still asking yourself Is the Mississippi Gulf Coast a fun place?

Bay St. Louis is a trendy, fun place to play and live

Don’t leave out a visit to Bay St. Louis on your visit to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Trendy and fun. Pubs, cafes, shops, fishing well, just lots to do. Enjoy views of the bay while sipping your favorite beverage.

Located not far from New Orleans, Bay St. Louis is easy to reach. Take I 10 South at the Bay St. Louis exit or drive along U.S. Highway 90 from the West or East. The small city is located at the mouth of the Bay of St. Louis.

Stay at one of our vacation rentals and drive a few minutes West along Beach Blvd. Cross the Bay of St. Louis bridge and arrive. Walk around the quaint old town where houses were first built in the late 1800s. These houses serve as restaurants, shops, and pubs.

Take a bay tour from the marina or rent a boat or jet ski and explore for yourself. Please take time to listen to the podcast produced by Gulf Life Now by clicking below.