Whereas coastal Mississippi is well-known for its white sand seashores and water sports activities, reminiscent of boating and using jet skis, there’s rather more to do on the coast than simply benefit from the surf and sand. The perfect half is, you are able to do as little or as a lot as you want whereas having fun with the nice outdoor. So, don your sun shades, throw on a hat and profit from your summer season with these 10 enjoyable actions.

Tour the coastal backwaters on a river and marsh tour

Touring the Pascagoula River and marshes — Picture courtesy of Karon Warren

Flowing into the Gulf of Mexico on the Mississippi coast, the Pascagoula River is the longest unimpeded river within the decrease 48 states. A tour of this river takes you into cypress swamps and salt marshes crammed with such wildlife as alligators, bald eagles, egrets and turtles. You’ll additionally see a wealth of pure vegetation, together with wild lilies, orchids and extra. Boat and kayak excursions can be found to tour the river and marshes.

Go bird-watching on the Mississippi Sandhill Crane Nationwide Wildlife Refuge & Customer Middle

Search for native birds and wildlife on the Mississippi Sandhill Crane Nationwide Wildlife Refuge — Picture courtesy of Karon Warren

The Mississippi Sandhill Crane Nationwide Wildlife Refuge & Customer Middle in Gautier is the place you may discover a moist pine savanna ecosystem. This isn’t solely the house of the Mississippi sandhill crane, migratory songbirds and waterfowl, but in addition is wealthy with uncommon orchids, carnivorous vegetation and different floor cowl. Meaning there’s one thing to see alongside each step of the .75-mile C.L. Dees Path or the 1.5-mile Fontainebleau Path.

Hike at Gulf Islands Nationwide Seashore

Hit the paths alongside Coastal Mississippi — Picture courtesy of Karon Warren

In Ocean Springs, get able to discover the Gulf Islands Nationwide Seashore at Davis Bayou, the place you possibly can set out on one among 4 trails that showcase the world’s woodlands, bayou and wildlife. On the .2-mile Civilian Conservation Corps Overlook Path, you possibly can stroll by way of the world’s pines, palmettos and different native vegetation to an overlook going through the water.

Be taught concerning the space’s shrimping business throughout a shrimping journey

Catch some shrimp in Coastal Mississippi — Picture courtesy of Coastal Mississippi

Shrimping is a key business alongside coastal Mississippi, one which sustains the livelihoods of generational fishermen in addition to satisfies the appetites of the thousands and thousands who go to right here yearly. Throughout the 70-minute “Dwelling Marine Journey” cruise that begins in Biloxi, you possibly can learn the way a shrimping internet is about and listen to concerning the historical past of this business. Earlier than the journey is over, the web is retrieved, and the boat captain will current the catch: all the pieces from shrimp to flounder to blue crabs and extra.

Discover Ship Island

Faux you have got your individual personal island on Ship Island — Picture courtesy of Tim Isbell

If you happen to’ve ever wished to expertise your individual personal island, take the ferry to Ship Island, one of many final undeveloped barrier islands off the Mississippi coast. Though you received’t be fully alone, it might really feel prefer it as you stroll alongside the seashores, swim within the waves and search for shells. You can also take a tour of Fort Massachusetts, a brick fort operational in the course of the Civil Warfare. You’ll be able to deliver your individual bagged chair and seaside umbrella or hire one on the island.

Kayak the Wolf River

Paddle away on the Wolf River — Picture courtesy of Coastal Mississippi

Whether or not you’re a first-time paddler or an skilled kayaker, the waters of the Wolf River in Lengthy Seaside supply a soothing technique to benefit from the nice outdoor. You’ll be able to paddle the “higher 4.5 miles” or prolong your journey for 10.6 miles. Alongside the best way, you possibly can cease for a swim on one of many white sand seashores or eat a snack alongside the banks. For a novel twist, strive the “Full Moon Paddle Journey,” and let moonbeams information your method.

Catch the Biloxi Shuckers in motion

Catch a sport with the Biloxi Shuckers — Picture courtesy of Benton Reed Pictures

A Double-A Affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers, the Biloxi Shuckers play ball at MGM Park throughout from Beau Rivage in Biloxi. This intimate ballpark is right for households, pals or {couples} who love America’s pastime. The staff usually performs from April by way of September, so seize your tickets for a night sport. It’s the right ending to a sun-soaked day in coastal Mississippi.

Climb the world’s lighthouses

The Spherical Island Lighthouse welcomes guests — Picture courtesy of Coastal Mississippi

Standing tall and overlooking the waters of the Gulf of Mexico, lighthouses proceed to function majestic scouts seeking to warn mariners of potential risks and information them to security. In addition they present panoramic views of the encompassing panorama for these keen to sort out their quite a few stairs. In Pascagoula, guests can tour the circa-1859 Spherical Island Lighthouse on Fridays and Saturdays. In Biloxi, they’ll take a look at the 1848 Biloxi Lighthouse every morning from 9 to 10 a.m.

Benefit from the waters of the Gulf of Mexico

Aqua cycles are a enjoyable technique to trip the waves — Picture courtesy of Karon Warren

Alongside coastal Mississippi, guests can play within the surf of the Gulf of Mexico. Swimming, floating and using a boogie board are a number of the best methods to benefit from the waves. Nonetheless, guests can also make the most of the numerous water sports activities actions obtainable as nicely. These vary from aqua cycles to jet skis to paddleboards to parasailing and rather more.

Chill out on the seaside

Decide your spot on 26 miles of white sand seashores — Picture courtesy of Coastal Mississippi

After all, you possibly can’t overlook coastal Mississippi’s stunning white sand seashores relating to one of the best summer season actions. Carry your individual cover and seaside chair, or hire some from the operators alongside the seaside, and set your self up for a number of hours of absorbing the solar and ocean breeze. No matter you select, you possibly can’t go mistaken spending a day on the seaside.