Page 98 - Play Coastal Mississippi - Winter, 2026

GOLF & OUTDOORS
EXPLORE THE BEAUTY OF THE COAST TOGETHER
Story by Joey Lee
At last, cooler days are here! While folks up north have been enjoying gumbo weather for months, we’re finally savoring gentle breezes and softer sunshine. The salt air feels fresh again and the great outdoors is calling. And whether you’re five or 85, the Coast offers plenty of activities for every age to enjoy.
Some days call for a gentle walk, and the Coast has plenty of options that don’t require boots or a backpack. In Gautier, Shepard State Park offers more than 395 acres of trails, marsh walks, and picnic areas. The terrain is flat, the air is filled with birds calling, and the park makes it easy for families to explore together.
In Ocean Springs, Davis Bayou provides short loops, shaded boardwalks, and a visitor center that’s perfect for curious kids or grandparents who prefer and easygoing stroll. Rangers often host guided programs, making it easy to learn about the wildlife that thrives in the bayou. You don’t need a big plan just comfy shoes and maybe a pair of binoculars.
The Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve near the Alabama state line is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. This 18,000-acre reserve is where fresh water ecosystems merge with the Mississippi Sound and ultimately find the Gulf. Diverse habitats including pine savannas, salt marshes, salt pannes, bays, and bayous, make this the ultimate location
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