Never heard of Ocean Springs, Mississippi? We hadn’t either until it started popping up on lists like Southern Living’s 15 Most Adorable Small Towns and in USA Today’s readers’ choice for best coastal small towns. A few months ago our family decided to spend a long weekend there, and it exceeded our expectations. We almost squeezed it into a weekend to New Orleans a couple of years ago, but we’re glad we gave Ocean Springs its own proper visit instead of just a quick stop.
Ocean Springs is exactly the kind of charming, walkable coastal town we love—historic streets, independent shops, inviting restaurants, and a peaceful bay where kids can splash in shallow water. It reminded us a lot of Cape Charles, Virginia: both towns are easy to explore on foot, full of character, and perfect for a relaxed family getaway.
We visited in late November during our kids’ Thanksgiving break, so we didn’t do much beach time despite pleasant temperatures that reached the low 70s. Even so, there was plenty to fill our days: strolling downtown, browsing boutiques, sampling local eats, and wandering peaceful neighborhoods lined with live oaks and porches.
Where is Ocean Springs, Mississippi?
Ocean Springs sits on Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, just across Biloxi Bay from Biloxi. It’s roughly a three-hour drive from northwest Florida and about 90 minutes from New Orleans, making it an easy addition to a Gulf Coast or New Orleans itinerary.
We based ourselves in a centrally located Airbnb and walked everywhere—no car needed. We spent our time visiting parks, toy and candy stores, restaurants, and local shops, and enjoying the relaxed pace of the town. It was the ideal low-key family trip.
Where to Stay In Ocean Springs
Lodging options range from boutique hotels and B&Bs to short-term rental homes. Trendy choices include modern cabins at the Beatnik Motel, and there are several charming inns and boutique hotels within easy walking distance of downtown.
We stayed in a dog-friendly Airbnb near the main street. The place was clean and convenient, though a bit noisy from nearby restaurants, so next time we’d pick a quieter spot slightly south of Government Street where the residential streets feel more peaceful. There are also boutique hotel options such as The Roost Boutique Hotel and The Springs Hotel, both of which have appealing design and amenities.
The Springs Hotel also houses a lovely floral and gift shop that’s worth a stop. From the photos and quick peek inside, the hotel interiors are thoughtfully designed and welcoming.
Overall, there’s no shortage of appealing places to stay, whether you prefer a home rental, a quirky boutique motel, or a small upscale hotel.
The well-styled interiors and small amenities make overnight stays feel special and independent from the typical chain-hotel experience.
Where To Eat in Ocean Springs
Ocean Springs has many casual, family-friendly restaurants, coffee shops, and dessert spots. During our short visit we enjoyed multiple breakfasts, brunches, dinners, and plenty of sweet treats. Highlights included local coffee, handmade donuts, freshly prepared gyros, and artisan popsicles. Below are the places we tried and loved.
- Bright Eyed Brew Co
- The TatoNut Shop (donuts)
- Fat Spoon Cafe
- Lady May
- Glory Bound Gyro Co
- Pop Brothers (popsicles)
- Candy Cottage
Bright Eyed Brew Co.
Bright Eyed Brew Co is a lively neighborhood coffee shop—so popular it had a line even on a weekday. The shop’s atmosphere is a great way to start a day of exploring downtown.
TatoNut Donuts
TatoNut serves large, inventive donuts with creative flavors. We loved the Praline and Katrina donuts and wish we’d had time to sample more of their specialty offerings.
We also enjoyed a brunch at Fat Spoon Cafe and ate twice at Lady May, which offers a varied menu from flatbreads to morning favorites—its patio is a pleasant spot for family meals.
Glory Bound Gyro Co
Glory Bound Gyro Co is casual, flavorful, and focused on gyros with a range of toppings and sauces. It’s not fancy, but the food is satisfying and memorable.
Pop Brothers
Pop Brothers serves artisan popsicles in a colorful pedestrian alley known as Cash Alley. There are many inventive flavors; try a chocolate dip for an extra treat.
We also browsed Candy Cottage for novelty sweets and enjoyed seeing the town gearing up for the holidays during our visit.
What To Do in Ocean Springs
Even without full beach days, Ocean Springs offers a pleasant mix of activities: walking historic downtown, visiting art galleries and museums, shopping local stores, and admiring classic Southern architecture. The town has a strong arts presence and several must-see spots for shoppers and gallery-goers.
Historic Downtown is full of shaded sidewalks, large oak trees, and inviting storefronts. The Walter Anderson Museum of Art and local pottery studios are popular cultural stops, and many galleries and shops line the main streets.
We also enjoyed wandering residential streets to admire classic coastal Mississippi homes—porches, picket fences, and moss-draped oaks give the town a timeless feel reminiscent of New Orleans neighborhoods.
We left Ocean Springs wanting more time to relax there: to bike around town, spend a summer day at the beach, or enjoy a snow cone from the caboose stand when it’s open. It’s that kind of place that invites repeat visits.
Ocean Springs, Mississippi: A Recap
If you want a quick summary of the best places to stay, eat, and shop we enjoyed, here’s a concise list to guide your visit.
Where to Stay:
- Beatnik Motel
- The Roost Boutique Hotel
- The Springs Hotel
- Various Airbnbs in and around downtown
Where to Eat:
- Bright Eyed Brew Co
- The TatoNut Shop (donuts)
- Fat Spoon Cafe
- Lady May
- Glory Bound Gyro Co
- Pop Brothers (popsicles)
- Candy Cottage
Where to Shop & Browse:
- Palmette (floral and gift shop)
- Crooked Coast
- Local galleries and the Walter Anderson Museum of Art
- Shearwater Pottery and other independent shops
More Family Trips We’ve Taken
If you enjoy family-friendly travel guides, we’ve written about many other destinations worth exploring, from New Orleans and Charleston to Palm Springs and Costa Rica. Ocean Springs fits nicely into that list as a relaxed coastal town with character, great food, and plenty of small-town charm.