Page 74 - Play Coastal Mississippi - Summer, 2025

ATTRACTIONS
Mississippi Aquarium
OUTDOOR FUN
While the beaches yield open-air delights like a Biloxi Lighthouse climb for epic Gulf views, beach boardwalks, jet skiing, and pier fishing, take a day trip to places like Wolf River bayous to Bay St. Louis or the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Moss Point for walking trails, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding.
Or maroon yourself for the day on a Barrier Island with the help of Ship Island Excursions. On the 12-mile ferry ride from Gulfport to Ship Island, you’re sure to see dolphins playing in the sea sprays and ospreys and pelicans air-cruising the boat. You’ll lose cell service on the off- the-grid lark, but you can replace scrolling with snorkeling in the Gulf waters or relaxing in the shade of the 1858 post- Civil War site, Fort Massachusetts.
During the summer months, the Coast is home to several 4th of July beach jubilees as well as other events like the Our Lady of the Gulf Crab Fest, the Mississippi
Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo, Blessing of the Fleet & Shrimp Festival, George Ohr’s Birthday Bash, Jus’ Blues Music Awards & Conference, and Booker Fest.
And once all of your summer escapades are done for the day, you will have earned a handmade fruity, herb-infused popsicle at Pop Brothers.
THE ART SCENE
The arts are a monumental part of the Coast’s allure and home to world-class art museums like the famed jewel-box style Walter Anderson Museum of Art and the acclaimed Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art with rarified silver funky buildings. But the Coast also features smaller spaces like the Alice Moseley Folk Art Museum and the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum. Each of the beach towns has an array of walkable shops, umbrella bistros, and art galleries where local artists offer paintings, pottery, jewelry, and other crafts.
WHERE TO EAT
If farm-to-table fresh is your palate vibe, check out the rotating and seasonal menus at White Pillars Restaurant & Lounge in Biloxi or Vestige in Ocean Springs. The menus at both restaurants are crafted by award-winning chefs.
And with such a diverse collection of Coastal eateries, you can start your day right with other-worldly biscuits and pour-over coffee at Greenhouse and end it with live music at Government Street Grocery. Everything in between is up to you.
Coastal casual favorites can be found at restaurants like Bozos Seafood, Steve’s Marina, The Blind Tiger, Lady May, the Chimneys Restaurant, Juanita’s Kitchen, One Thirty One Lameuse, and Thorny Oyster. You’ll also find hearty Southern cuisine paired with incredible live music at places like Ground Zero, the Shed Barbeque & Blues Joint, Murky Waters Blues-N-Bbq, and Glory Bound.
74PLAYCOASTALMISSISSIPPI I SUMMER2025
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