Why wait, winter is here and you are cold. Our 55+ degree days with clear skies are far better than hunkering down in front of the fireplace in Minnesota. Sorry, no snow here. Leave those heavy clothes behind. Shorts are mandatory. Snowbirds need to escape the cold winters and defrost on the beach. Yes, you can drink frozen daiquiris in January.
All snowbirds are welcome here. We love people who travel from Washington, North and South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, New York, and even New Englanders. If you live between these states and the Mississippi Gulf Coast, it’s still warmer here than where you are now.
21 Reasons to Stay on the Mississippi Gulf Coast in Winter
Warm weather: The average winter temperature in the Mississippi Gulf Coast is 65 degrees Fahrenheit, with highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s. This is a great escape from the cold weather up north.
Beautiful beaches: The Mississippi Gulf Coast has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Miles of white sand and clear blue water make for a perfect place to relax and soak up the sun.
Great food: The Mississippi Gulf Coast is home to some of the best seafood in the country. You can find everything from fresh shrimp and oysters to catfish and crab.
Lots of activities: There are plenty of activities to keep you busy on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. You can go swimming, fishing, boating, golfing, shopping, and more.
Friendly people: The people on the Mississippi Gulf Coast are known for being friendly and welcoming. You’re sure to feel right at home here.
Affordable prices: The Mississippi Gulf Coast is a great value for your money. You can find affordable accommodations, food, and activities.
Short travel time: The Mississippi Gulf Coast is only a short flight or drive from many major cities in the United States.
Variety of destinations: There are many different destinations to choose from on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. You can find big cities, small towns, and everything in between.
Something for everyone: The Mississippi Gulf Coast has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing vacation or an action-packed adventure, you’ll find it here.
History and culture: The Mississippi Gulf Coast has a rich history and culture. You can visit historical sites, museums, and art galleries.
Outdoor recreation: The Mississippi Gulf Coast is a great place to enjoy the outdoors. You can go hiking, biking, camping, and more.
Wildlife: The Mississippi Gulf Coast is home to a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, sea turtles, and alligators.
Festivals and events: The Mississippi Gulf Coast hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year.
Shopping: The Mississippi Gulf Coast has great shopping. You can find everything from souvenirs to high-end boutiques.
Dining: The Mississippi Gulf Coast has a wide variety of dining options. You can find everything from casual restaurants to fine dining establishments.
Nightlife: The Mississippi Gulf Coast has a vibrant nightlife. You can find bars, clubs, and casinos.
Transportation: The Mississippi Gulf Coast is easy to get around. You can fly, drive, or take the train.
Accommodations: There are a variety of accommodations to choose from on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. You can find hotels, condos, and vacation rentals.
Safety: The Mississippi Gulf Coast is a safe place to visit. The crime rate is low and the people are friendly.
Relaxation: The Mississippi Gulf Coast is a great place to relax and rejuvenate. You can spend your days swimming, sunbathing, and exploring.
Really? How about a beach?
Miles and miles of beaches await Snowbirds who escape the winter. Talk about a long walk on the Biloxi boardwalk or the beach sidewalk. Go fishing, no need for a hole in the ice since we have none. Winter is great for fishing along the Gulf and in the Bayous. No need to cut a hole in the ice, just throw you line in the water. While it’s true that alligators are hard to see during the winter, a few may be found if you know where to look.
Our seasoned food will keep you warm as you think of your family back home shoveling their driveway. Rather than operating a snowblower, you can be on a jet ski. Those 10-pound boots can stay in the mudroom, all you need here is flip-flops.
Our weather is just for Snowbirds
Why talk about the weather when you can see the NOAA weather chart for each month of the year along with some history? Our winters are very mild as you can see from the chart below:
Average temperature for Biloxi, Mississippi
Month
Average High Temperature (°F)
Average Low Temperature (°F)
January
59.5
42.8
February
62.1
45.2
March
67.3
49.9
April
74.1
56.5
May
82.1
64.8
June
88.8
73.8
July
91.1
77.5
August
90.9
77.3
September
84.6
70.5
October
75.2
60.8
November
65.1
50.3
December
57.4
43.2
Winter things to do
There are lots of activities on the Mississippi Gulf for Snowbirds who escape from our great weather. I mentioned fishing but you can also go out deep sea fishing or rent a boat and Cruze our bays and bayous. Visit the aquarium and some of our many museums. Walk around Ocean Springs or Bay St. Louis if you like art.
This is more like it!
Of course, there are plenty of casinos along the coast (12) to keep you busy at night. Most have live entertainment some nights of the week. Our golf courses are open. Winter is a great time to golf in this area. Take a day trip to New Orleans to visit the WWII museum or to Mobile to visit the battleship.
Don’t forget the food, some of the best in the nation. We have our own food culture here. Cajun and Southern food dominate most menus. You can even get a hamburger made from 1/2 Andouille sausage and 1/2 beef. Gulf shrimp are abundant and don’t get me started on how good they are.
It’s also crawfish season for those Snowbirds who escape just to eat these delicious items. Crawfish are available all winter even into April.
Mardi Gras
Did you know that every Mississippi Gulf Coast city celebrates Mardi Gras with parades? If you plan to be in the area during the Mardi Gras season which is typically in February, plan to attend at least one parade. Some friends of ours moved to the Gulf Coast and found the parades to be great fun. They attended most of them and carted home boxes of goodies thrown out.
There are other events scheduled during the winter as well. The word “winter” means little to residents of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. We wear shorts all year except those very few days when the temperature goes below 50. Ask someone who lives here when the temperature gets to 50, they will tell you it’s cold. Ask a snowbird wearing shorts, you know what they will say in the middle of January.
Snowbirds love the white sand beaches after their escape from the cold. Take a stroll along the Biloxi boardwalk and enjoy the long empty beaches. Or, bring some firewood and use one of the many fire pits on the beach.
You should book early for the best properties. Booking during the summer and early fall will usually guarantee that you will find the property you desire. While there are various types of properties hotels, and motels for example. Many snowbirds will feel right at home renting a vacation property for a few days, weeks, or months.
Short-term rentals are very popular on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and few property management companies have the great selection that Christies Gulf Beach Rentals offers.
You found our website, Christies Gulf Beach Rentals. The best place to start. We have several properties within walking distance of the beach and a special bayou retreat as well. Go back to the home page and take a look at the variety we offer. Book right on the site and save money over using the 3rd party sites.
If you are planning to stay for more than two weeks, it’s best to contact us for a lower rate e.g. 30+ days. We will email you a coupon and then you can reserve it right on our site with your credit card.
Happy Porpoise Cottage walking distance of the beach. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, yard, fire pit, bbq, picnic table, laundry it’s all there.
From a single-family house with a fenced yard to a townhome and bed and breakfast-type accommodations inside of a historic house. Your group can be as small as one or as many as 13. We have two houses next to each other and we can sleep a total of 25 between both, great for a large family.
Many of our properties have fire pits which are terrific for winter evenings. Most of our properties have BBQs outside in the backyard. If you are traveling with a group for an event and need additional parking, some of our properties can accommodate multiple vehicles.
Stay with us
Contact us at Yes@christiesgulfbeachrentals.com by email or just reserve on the site. Rates are lower in winter so take advantage of them. If you are active-duty military or a veteran, contact us for our discounted rates. If you want to learn more about the area, read some of our blog articles and go to RetireCoast.com and Logan Anderson, Gulf Coastal Realtors sites that specialize in articles about the area.
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.
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 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.
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?
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.
This blog is intended to provide a few of the many restaurants located on water along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Our focus will be on Gulfport and Biloxi since that is where our properties are located at the present time. We will add others over time.
The restaurants listed are located on the beach, across the street from the beach with a beach view or located on a Bayou not far from our properties. If we list one that is further afield the distance will be mentioned. Check back as this blog page is a work in progress.
View from Golden Nugget Sports Bar Restaurant of Biloxi Harbor
The restaurants listed are considered good although the author has not eaten at all of them. There are specific restaurant reviews on a related website that is linked here and those restaurants are not all on water.
You should know that there were many more restaurants on or near the beach before hurricane Katrina. Most of those located on Beach Blvd, U.S. 90 were rebuilt so they are modern and well air-conditioned. Many offer decks with views, these are the ones that I like even if the food is adequate, sitting by the water having a cold drink is part of the fun.
BILOXI AREA
Salt Grass – located on the north side of Beach Blvd across from the Golden Nugget Casino. There are views of the entrance to Biloxi Bay even though this is not located on the beach.
Golden Nugget Sports Bar restaurant – Great views of the harbor. The food is great (personal experience) as are the margaritas.
Blind Tiger – located on the beach across from Harrahs Casino. This one has a large deck.
McElroys – On one of the ports in Biloxi near the Hard Rock Casino. Located on the harbor has good views on the south side.
The Reef – Located on Beach Blvd, has a large deck (one of the best decks) with a great view of the sea.
Shaggys – next to the Reef with a deck as well. During the summer they open their much larger deck overlooking the sea.
Slap y’Mamas – Also located near Shaggys and the Reef. It has a deck but it is smaller than the others.
GULFPORT
Felix’s – Very close to our Blue Wave and Gulf Coast Haven properties. This is locked on the north side of Beach Blvd but it is raised and has a nice deck.
Island View Beach Casino – Located on Beach Blvd just west of US 49 in Gulfport. There are two restaurants in this Casino with sea views and decks.
OTHER GULF COAST AREAS
You should visit Ocean Springs, a small city with lots of restaurants and small bars and an active night scene. There are two restaurants on the water of note. Mikey’s on the Bayou a must stop for oysters and McElroys on the Bayou with a great view.
View from McElroys on the Bayou looking north. They have a dock for boats
OTHER SOURCES
We have included some other sources that also provide information about the properties.
Gulfcoast.org This is a great place for all things Gulf Coast.
Sun Hearld the local newspaper with articles about local restaurants
