If you’re a beach aficionado like me, you’re always scoping out the best beaches to visit (and pin on inspiration boards). Did you know that the Mississippi Coast has 62 miles of scenic shoreline – and 26 miles of beautiful, white sand beaches?

Here’s the 411 on the sandy beaches of the Mississippi Gulf Coast

Ship Island. Photo flickr creative commons: Laszlo-photo, adapted by Wandering Educators

Getting there

Highway 90 runs parallel to most of these 26 miles of beach. For this reason, it’s known as Beach Boulevard.

Different kinds of beaches:

Beaches with activities

If you’re looking for beaches with plenty of activities, focus on the coastline between Gulfport and Biloxi. You can fish (from a pier, or take a boat out), play some beach volleyball, or hit some watersports – parasailing, jetskiing, aquacycling, rent a catamaran, and more. At night, enjoy a bonfire and the clear, starry skies.

Ocean Springs Pier. Photo flickr creative commons: Adrianna Battista

Island beaches

If you’d like an out-of-mainland experience, take a ferry (or kayak, if you’re feeling energetic – 12 miles of paddling) to the Barrier Islands. The Barrier Islands are part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. The most popular island is West Ship Island, named by USA Today as one of the top 10 beaches in the US. Here, you can relax in an eco-conscious environment – protected from commercial development. Hikers, birdwatchers, and those intent on fishing share the islands’ beaches with sunbathers and swimmers. On the ferry ride out, which takes about an hour, you may see dolphins cavorting alongside, as if to hurry you to your destination! Once on-island, you’ll see all kinds of marine life – manta rays, aforementioned dolphins, and all kinds of fish. Restrooms (with showers) and picnic pavilions are free to use. Keep in mind that on West Ship Island, everyone needs to leave each night – there is no camping or overnight possibilities. Other barrier islands do not have this rule.

Ship Island Beach, Mississippi. Photo flickr creative commons: yel02

Tranquil Beaches

Sometimes, you just want a quiet beach experience. Maybe you want to walk slowly, digging your toes in the sand, holding hands with your loved one; or want to sunbathe (or, if you burn easily like me, perch under a colorful beach umbrella while the kids play seaside). There are many beaches that fit this criteria, including Pass Christian Beach and Long Beach.

For Marine-lovers

Be sure to make time to visit the Center for Marine Education and Research. It’s located in Gulfport, and is an interactive museum. I know our daughter loves touchpools – here, you can interact with starfish, sea urchins, sharks, fish, crabs, and stingrays. You can also take advantage of the Dolphin Encounter and the Dolphin Interaction Programs.

Amenities along the Beach Route

If you’re looking for public bathrooms, showers, and drink machines, you can find them along the route at Long Beach Harbor, Jones Park, Courthouse Road, and the Coliseum.

Gull at Ship Island. Photo flickr creative commons: Laszlo-photo

Mississippi Gulf Coast Beach Tips

• Bring sunscreen!
• There several designated nesting areas along this coastline - when you are in one, please be careful to only take photos of the birds - do not disturb!
• Traveling with your dog? Don't hit the beaches in Harrison County - not allowed. Leashed pets are allowed in Hancock and Jackson counties.
• Beach vendors can provide anything from water and snacks to equipment rentals (chairs, umbrellas, jetskis, etc.).

Barrier Islands Tips:

• If you’re headed to the Barrier Islands, you can rent umbrellas and chairs, but also can bring your own. If you’re a foodie and need to eat often, bring a large picnic, enough to last the whole time between ferries (you can tell I think about this a lot).
• The pier to the ferry is long – if you’re hauling kids or a lot of gear, bring a wheeled wagon (or at least, a capacious stroller).
• Ferries leave from Gulfport and Biloxi.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Beach. Photo flickr creative commons: Whit Andrews

What is your favorite beach on Mississippi's Gulf Coast? Do share!