Ocean Springs

Ocean Springs is a small city of about 18,000 people in Jackson County on Mississippi's Gulf Coast, widely recognized as one of the most charming and walkable towns on the Gulf. The city is home to nationally recognized painters and potters, and more than 100 unique shops, museums, and galleries showcase its artistic heritage. The famous live oaks shade the very walkable and window-shoppable downtown along Washington Avenue, which is often called the most beautiful downtown on the Mississippi Coast.

Ocean Springs has deep historical roots — French explorer Pierre LeMoyne d'Iberville established Fort Maurepas on the east shore of Biloxi Bay in 1699, on the site that would become Ocean Springs. The city's artistic identity was cemented by Walter Anderson, a nationally recognized painter whose work is celebrated at the Walter Anderson Museum of Art. The annual Peter Anderson Festival draws over 100,000 visitors with more than 300 arts and crafts vendors.

The Gulf Coast climate features hot, humid summers (highs in the 90s°F/32°C) and mild winters (highs in the 60s°F/16°C). The beach water is warm for swimming from May through October. Hurricane season (June–November) is a factor. The best time to visit is spring (March–May) or fall (September–November) for comfortable temperatures and outdoor festivals.

By Plane

Four major airports are within reasonable driving distance: Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT), Jackson International Airport (JAN), Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), and Mobile Regional Airport (MOB). Additionally, Ocean Springs Airport (5R2) accommodates small private planes.

By Car / Road

Highway 90 and Interstate 10 are the main access roads. From New Orleans, take I-10 East toward Slidell for 88 miles, take Exit 50, merge onto Highway 609 south for the last three miles — about 1.5 hours. From Mobile, take I-10 West for 46 miles, take Exit 57, go south on Highway 57, turn right onto Ocean Springs Road — about 1 hour.

Driving is the best option, though the downtown area is highly walkable. Coast Transit Authority (CTA) provides limited service with five stops within Ocean Springs; fares are $1. ACES Taxi (+1 228-257-4702) and limousine services (Golden Gulf Limousine +1 800-738-5466; King Limousine +1 228-396-1212) are available.

• Walter Anderson Museum of Art (510 Washington Avenue, +1 228-872-3164): M-Sa 9:30AM–4:30PM, Su 12:30–4:30PM. Adult $10; AAA, military, senior $8, child (5–15) $5. Celebrates the work of nationally recognized Gulf Coast artist Walter Anderson.

• Mary O'Keefe Cultural Art Center / Ocean Springs Museum of History (1600 Government St, +1 228-641-2995): Tu–F 10AM–4PM. Donations accepted.

• The GI Museum (5796 Ritcher Road, +1 228-872-1943): Open every Wednesday and the first and third Sunday of each month. No charge, donations welcomed.

• Mississippi Vietnam Veterans Memorial: Lists all names of Mississippians who died in Vietnam, plus a helicopter used in the war.

• Crooked Feather: Famous sculpture by Peter Toth carved from a 5×11 foot cypress log, on the south side of Highway 90 near the Biloxi-Ocean Springs bridge.

• Front Beach: Sugary white sand with shallow depths, popular for sunbathing and water activities. Two public piers for fishing and crabbing. Scenic views of the Mississippi Sound, Deer Island, and Biloxi's casino skyline.

• Washington Avenue: Full of unique shops and restaurants, regarded as the most beautiful downtown on the Mississippi Coast.

• Gulf Islands National Seashore (Davis Bayou): Nature reserve with views of marshland wildlife, camping, nature trails, ranger programs, picnic area, boat ramp, and fishing pier.

• Festivals Year-Round: Mardi Gras (Ocean Springs traditionally hosts the first parade on the Gulf Coast), Renaissance Festival at St. John's Episcopal Church, Art Walk, Cruisin' The Coast (3,800+ rare and classic automobiles), and Peter Anderson Festival (300+ vendors, 100,000+ visitors).

• Beach Activities: Swimming, fishing, crabbing, and kayaking along Front Beach and East Beach.

• Phonecia: Mediterranean meets Gulf Coast cuisine.
• Aunt Jenny's: Fried catfish served family style.
• The Shed: BBQ.
• TatoNut (1114 Government Street): Charming donut shop at the heart of downtown — potato-based donuts with a warm atmosphere. Quite possibly the best donut in the world.
• Kenny Wards: Prime steaks and seafood.

• Government St Grocery: Drinks and live music in a casual setting.

• Shearwater Pottery: The most famous (and expensive) pottery shop in Ocean Springs.
• Local Color: A great place to pick up local art.
• Washington Avenue Shops: Best bet for unique souvenirs and gifts along the beautiful downtown corridor.

• Biloxi (15 minutes west on US-90): Casino resorts, Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art, and Biloxi Lighthouse.
• Gulfport (20 minutes west on US-90): Mississippi Aquarium and Ship Island ferry.
• New Orleans, Louisiana (1.5 hours west on I-10): French Quarter, world-class dining, and music scene.
• Mobile, Alabama (1 hour east on I-10): Battleship Alabama and Mardi Gras Museum.
• Pensacola, Florida (2 hours east): Beaches and the Florida District of Gulf Islands National Seashore.