Never heard of Ocean Springs, Mississippi? We hadn’t either until it started showing up on lists like Southern Living’s 15 Most Adorable Small Towns and USA Today’s 10 Best Coastal Small Towns, where it even ranked at the top. A few months ago our family decided to see what the fuss was about — and it did not disappoint. We’d considered stopping there during a weekend trip to New Orleans a couple of years ago, but giving Ocean Springs a dedicated visit was the right call. It felt like a charming, walkable coastal town with plenty to discover.
Ocean Springs reminded us a lot of Cape Charles, Virginia: a relaxed, historic seaside town full of independent shops, restaurants, and shallow waters where kids can play. We visited in late November during the kids’ Thanksgiving break, so while we didn’t spend much time on the beach, the weather reached the low 70s on several days and there was still plenty to enjoy off the sand.
Where is Ocean Springs, Mississippi?
Ocean Springs sits on Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, just across Biloxi Bay from Biloxi. From Northwest Florida it’s about a three-hour drive west, and roughly 90 minutes east of New Orleans, making it an easy addition to a Gulf Coast or New Orleans itinerary.
We spent most of our time strolling the historic downtown and waterfront. We rented an Airbnb in a very walkable location and didn’t use the car once. Our days were filled with visits to parks, independent shops, toy and candy stores, restaurants, and wandering through picturesque neighborhoods. It was a low-key family escape that felt restorative.
Where to Stay In Ocean Springs
Ocean Springs offers a variety of lodging options: short-term rentals, cozy B&Bs, and boutique hotels. Trendy choices include the modern cabins at the Beatnik Motel, and there are charming options like The Roost Boutique Hotel and The Springs Hotel, which has a floral and gift shop called Palmette on site.
We stayed in a dog-friendly Airbnb close to downtown that was comfortable and well appointed, though it was a touch noisy from nearby restaurants. There are quieter, equally charming neighborhoods south of Government Street we’d choose next time. Other appealing stays we noticed included the updated farmhouse-style Roost and the centrally located Springs Hotel with a lovely interior design and an inviting pool area.
Where To Eat in Ocean Springs
Food is a big part of any family trip for us, and Ocean Springs has plenty of kid- and dog-friendly restaurants and treats. In a short 48-hour visit we sampled coffee, donuts, brunch, dinners, and desserts. Highlights included:
- Bright Eyed Brew Co (coffee)
- The TatoNut Shop (over-the-top donuts)
- Fat Spoon Cafe (brunch)
- Lady May (breakfast, brunch, and dinner)
- Glory Bound Gyro Co (gyros and casual fare)
- Pop Brothers (artisan popsicles in Cash Alley)
- Candy Cottage (novelty candy)
Bright Eyed Brew Co.
Bright Eyed Brew Co. is a lively morning spot with great coffee and a mural-filled interior. There’s even a tiny Airbnb tucked behind the building. We noticed a line on an ordinary Monday, which felt like a great sign.
TatoNut Donuts
TatoNut is a standout for creative, oversized donuts. We tried the Katrina and Praline flavors and savored every bite — next visit we’d sample even more of their specialty offerings.
Lady May was so good we ate there twice; it offers a broad menu from flatbreads to waffles and has a pleasant patio. Glory Bound Gyro Co., a sister restaurant, serves flavorful gyros and casual plates that left us tempted to return. For dessert, Pop Brothers in Cash Alley serves inventive popsicles — we loved the Vietnamese coffee and chocolate-peanut butter varieties, especially dipped in chocolate.
What To Do in Ocean Springs
Beyond the beach, Ocean Springs rewards slow exploration. Historic downtown features shady sidewalks, giant oak trees, and independent shops. You can wander galleries, visit the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, or browse Shearwater Pottery when it’s open. Palmette, the floral and gift shop inside The Springs Hotel, was a particular favorite for its beautiful displays and unique finds.
We enjoyed wandering residential streets to admire coastal homes, porches, picket fences, and moss-draped oaks. The town has New Orleans-style charm with quieter, family-friendly rhythms. Little Free Libraries sprinkled through neighborhoods were a welcome find for book lovers, and the downtown shops were merrily preparing for the holidays during our visit.
We left Ocean Springs wanting to return. There’s more to explore, and a future summer visit to bike around town or spend time on the beach is already on our list — plus I’m still hoping to try a snow cone from the caboose stand next time.
Ocean Springs, Mississippi: A Recap
If you want a quick summary of our recommendations for a short visit, here’s a concise list of stays, eats, and shops to consider.
Where to Stay:
- Beatnik Motel
- The Roost Boutique Hotel
- The Springs Hotel
- Various Airbnbs in the downtown and south Government Street neighborhoods
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
- Crooked Coast
- Walter Anderson Museum of Art
- Shearwater Pottery
- Ocean Springs Mercantile
If you enjoy family-friendly small towns with a creative spirit, Ocean Springs is a delightful Gulf Coast stop worth a multi-day visit.