Florida and California tend to hog the spotlight when it comes to choosing an awesome beach getaway.
No matter the season, many U.S. beaches are overlooked, whether in Texas, South Carolina, or the upper East Coast.
Sandwiched between the vast swamplands of Louisiana and the popular resorts of Gulf Shores lies Mississippi.
There’s a lot to explore in the ‘Magnolia State’, especially along the scenic shoreline.
You may know Biloxi, Gulfport, or even the state’s incredible Ship Island, but you surely aren’t aware of their secret beach town where down-home charm meets tranquility.
Southern Living, who knows a thing or two about the South, named Bay St. Louis as a top fall getaway.
Feel Right At Home In Mississippi’s Secret Coastal Escape
“Secret” is a tricky word.
Surely someone has heard of Bay St. Louis and loved every bit of it, but one reason this charming coastal town has remained under the radar for so long is the aftermath caused by infamous Hurricane Katrina.
While New Orleans was the most notable destination during those dark times, many other small towns dotting the coast were ravaged as well and did not receive the same amount of media coverage.
Being only an hour from N’Awlins, it’s easy to see why Bay St. Louis has undergone extensive renovations, but they are back, better than ever!
While many structures were destroyed, the delightful getaway has somehow held on to its contagious down-home charm and southern hospitality – you know, the positive allure of the South.
Visitors will feel right at home here in this peaceful town oozing charm, history, and beautiful natural surroundings, especially with accommodations like Carroll House Be & Breakfast, a throwback to simpler times.
Better yet, make sure to hit up Old Town, the center where fun events are held like the Second Saturday Artwalk and classic car shows.
Forget Biloxi’s Casinos! Experience The Tranquility Of Bay St. Louis
Gulfport has seen a surge in popularity recently, while nearby Biloxi tends to be where all the fun lies.
Home to lively name-brand casinos like Hard Rock, among others, people head down to Biloxi to relax at the beachside during the day and let loose come sundown.
That’s fun and all, but if a slower pace is your vibe, then look no further than Bay St. Louis.
Plus, after such a rebuild they could definitely use the visitors to boost their local economy.
Despite being home to ‘America’s Largest Block Party‘ this fall, this tranquil town is no boot-scootin’ boogie.
But live music definitely thrives here in this slice of paradise along the bay.
Just don’t expect a fist-pumping rager by any means – more like a Jimmy Buffett sing-a-long with margaritas in hand.
Bay St. Louis, as you can imagine, is nestled along, well, Bay St. Louis. They’re real clever ’round these parts…
As such, canals flow through parts of town for those who love to kayak. I just didn’t expect Venice upon arrival.
Wide Open Beaches And No Crowds
Circling back to Mississippi’s underrated coastlines, you can kiss Gulfport and Biloxi goodbye and embrace the wide open spaces and crowd-less beaches of Bay St. Louis.
Some beaches in neighboring states along the Gulf see their fair share of crowds, too, but this is the Gulf’s best-kept secret, giving credence to the common reference here – Mississippi’s ‘secret coast’.
Just remember this is the Gulf and the waters are not as pristine as Cancun and much of Florida, but you don’t always have to pass the “can I see my toes?” test to enjoy some awesome beach days.
Although fall is just around the corner, beachgoers can still enjoy sunny temperatures in the high 60s to low 80s.
For the longest stretch of beach, check out Waveland.
One recent Seattle tourist raved it was ‘too sunny’, in fact, and loved the ‘white sand’, ‘blue water’, and not a single piece of trash in sight.
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