Waveland
The Land of the Waves
Waveland is the only Gulf Coast community that prohibits commercial buildings on its beachfront. As a result, you’ll experience seascapes as far as the eye can see. It is also home to the 343-acre Buccaneer State Park which offers a plethora of outdoor activities, such as camping, fishing, birding, disc golf, and even a water park.
Buccaneer Bay Water Park
Things to Do: Buccaneer State Park, Buccaneer Bay Water Park, Waveland Ground Zero Hurricane Museum, Waveland-Bay St. Louis Bike Trail
Also Nearby: INFINITY Science Center, Possum Walk Heritage Trail
Must See: Waveland Lighthouse, Garfield Ladner Pier, Veteran’s Memorial Monument
Diamondhead
Where living is easy.
The perfect place for young families and retirees, Diamondhead offers access to a variety of recreational activities including championship golf courses, pools, trails, and parks.
Things to Do: The Club at Diamondhead, North Rec Pool, East Rec Pool & Playground
Also Nearby: Lazy Magnolia Brewery, Jourdan River Blueway, McLeod Park
Bay St. Louis
A Place Apart
Off the beaten path with a slow-paced way of life, the historic town of Bay St. Louis offers a strong sense of community. Passersby smile and greet you as though they’ve known you their whole life, and the quaint, locally-owned businesses abound with handmade treasures.
Ruth's Roots Community Garden
Things to Do: Shopping and antiquing in Old Town, Bodega Adventure Rentals, Bay St. Louis Historic L&N Train Depot, Twisted Tiki Tours, Mystic Ghost Ride
Must See: Ruth’s Roots, 100 Men Hall, Public Art Murals, Angel Trees
Casinos: Hollywood Casino, Silver Slipper Casino
More Resources: https://playonthebay.org/about-us/
Pass Christian
"The Pass"
Tucked away on the Mississippi Sound is the charming and tranquil town of Pass Christian. As the birthplace of yachting in the South, you'll find plenty of options for fishing charters and ocean exploration. View unforgettable historic homes and magnificent oaks, pick up a one-of-a-kind antique or gift from a range of local retailers, and take a stroll through Mainstreet where you’re sure to experience the welcoming community.
Things to Do: Downtown shopping, Island Hopper Charters, Enchanted Nature Trail, War Memorial Park, Pass Christian Isles Golf Club, Pass Christian Historical Society
Must See: Henderson Point Park, Scenic Drive Historic District, Cat Island Coffee House
Long Beach
The Friendly City
Another hidden gem on The Secret Coast, Long Beach has a thriving small business community. Find unique experiences on the Wolf River, taste the freshly-roasted coffee of Coast Roast, and enjoy 500-year-old Friendship Oak right in Long Beach.
The Friendship Oak
Things to Do: Wolf River Canoe & Kayak, Fishing Charters, Bankhouse Coffee, Harper McCaughan Town Green, War Memorial Park
Must See: Friendship Oak, Darwell’s “Art Carnival” Cafe
Gulfport
Open for business and geared for a good time!
The second-largest city in Mississippi, Gulfport offers everything including spacious parks, ferry rides to Ship Island, museums, and even up-close experiences with marine life. Keep an eye out for events and live entertainment at Jones Park and Fishbone Alley – there’s always something exciting happening in Gulfport.
Things to Do: Mississippi Aquarium, Ship Island Excursions, Gulf Islands Waterpark, Ocean Adventures Marine Park, Mississippi Aviation Heritage Museum
For the Kids: Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, Zip’N Fun Adventure Park, Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum
Must See: Jones Park, Fishbone Alley, Centennial Plaza, Gulfport Arts Center
Casino: Island View Casino & Resort
Signature Event: Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival (November-December)
Biloxi
The Playground of the South
There are unlimited ways to play in the city of Biloxi with access to eight casinos, the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center, and Minor League Baseball’s Biloxi Shuckers. Once known as the “Seafood Capital of the World,” you’ll also find plenty of options for seafood, in addition to delectable Cajun and creole cuisines.
Hard Rock Hotel& Casino
Things to Do: Biloxi Shrimping Trip, jet skiing, Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum, Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art, watch the Biloxi Shuckers play at MGM Park; Ground Zero Blues Club
For the Kids: Escape at Margaritaville Resort & Family Entertainment Center, Big Play Entertainment Center
Must See: Biloxi Visitors Center & Lighthouse
Casinos: Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, Boomtown Casino, Golden Nugget Casino, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Harrah’s, IP Casino Resort Spa, Palace Casino Resort, Treasure Bay Casino & Hotel
Signature Events: Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic (June)
More Resources: https://biloxi.ms.us/visitor-info/
D'Iberville
Down-home spirit, uptown style.
Teeming with retail chains and restaurants, you will find all your favorite spots within a quick drive in D’Iberville. You can go bowling, roller skating, watch a movie, play an escape game, learn to scuba dive, and kayak or fish the Biloxi Back Bay all right in this up-and-coming city.
Things to Do: Shopping in The Promenade, Hint Hunter Puzzle Room, Cypress Lanes Bowling Center, Biloxi Bay Kayak Rentals, Adventure Locators
For the Kids: Mullet Hop Trampoline Park, Golden Gate Skating Center
Casinos: Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort
Ocean Springs
The City of Discovery
Known as one of the most artistic communities along The Secret Coast, you will find ceramics, boutiques, galleries, and live music around every corner of downtown Ocean Springs. The live oak-lined streets, exhilarating nightlife, and community events make it a fun place to be at all times.
Walter Anderson Museum of Art
Things to Do: Window shopping downtown, Walter Anderson Museum of Art, Gulf Islands National Seashore – Davis Bayou Area, Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center
Must See: Front Beach, Shearwater Pottery
Signature Event: Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival (November)
Gautier
The city whose name has many pronunciations, Gautier features many ways to experience the marshlands of Coastal Mississippi – from paddling tours to hiking trails and boardwalks. Keep an eye out for birds and colorful plant life in the untouched wilderness.
Things to Do: Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge, Eco-Tours of South Mississippi, Estuarine Education Center, Shepard State Park
Must See: Wat Buddhametta Mahabarameea Thai Temple
Pascagoula
The Flagship City
Rich with history, Pascagoula was named after the Native American tribe that once dwelled in the region. It boasts historic architecture including the oldest standing structure in the state of Mississippi – La Pointe-Krebs House.
Things to Do: Historic Pascagoula Bike Route, Pascagoula River Blueway, Magnolia Birding Pier, Pascagoula Beach Park
Must See: Round Island Lighthouse, La Pointe-Krebs House & Museum
Moss Point
The eastern-most coastal community Moss Point abounds with some of the most beautiful and unique natural habitats. With access to the longest free-flowing river in the lower 48 states, it is the outdoor enthusiast’s dream for paddling and airboat tours, among other recreational activities.
Pascagoula River Audubon Center
Things to Do: Pascagoula River Audubon Center, Gulf Coast Gator Ranch & Airboat Tours, Grand Bay NERR
Attractions Pass
Want to visit multiple attractions during your stay on The Secret Coast? We have just the thing for you!
The Coastal Mississippi Attractions Pass is an online exclusive deal that grants you admission to ten area attractions for one low price. Visit top attractions including the Mississippi Aquarium, Walter Anderson Museum of Art, Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum, and more. Click here for full details and purchase.
