Your Guide to Ocean Springs, MS
Ocean Springs, Mississippi, has a certain magic to it, and there's never been a better time to visit. A weekend here offers a unique blend of cultural experiences, coastal relaxation, and delicious flavors. Image: Eddie Robinson | RPF
Strolling through Ocean Springs, it’s easy to see why this coastal Mississippi gem keeps drawing admirers back. Live oaks stretch gracefully over charming streets lined with shops, galleries, and eateries. The town has both a slow-burning creativity and a fresh, forward-thinking energy that’s impossible to miss in its colorful murals, handmade wares, and welcoming rhythm. Here’s where to stay, eat, play, and shop in Ocean Springs.
A Brief History of Ocean Springs
Founded in 1699 by French explorers, Ocean Springs is one of the oldest communities along the Gulf Coast. Over the centuries, it evolved from a fishing village to a turn-of-the-century resort town, once famed for its mineral springs (hence the name). Today, it’s known as an arts hub thanks in part to the legacy of Walter Anderson and his family of artists.
Where to Stay
Ocean Springs’ retro resorts and new boutique hotels capture the town’s personality: relaxed, stylish, and rich in local character.
OS Hotel & Lofts1515: At the heart of the exciting new OS1515 Downtown development, OS Hotel blends boutique luxury with walkable convenience. Its 32 rooms have a cozy coastal aesthetic, while Lofts1515 offers apartment-style stays with plenty of elbow room. This complex is also home to CRAVE Food Hall, Mississippi’s first and only food hall, with eight chef-driven concepts.
Springs Hotel: Just steps from downtown, this recently reimagined boutique inn completely nails coastal-modern design in a compact, comfortable package. This trendy pick is for those who want to be within flip-flop distance of the action.
Gulf Hills Hotel & Resort: A local landmark since 1927, this serene property sits along the water and boasts a nine-hole golf course. Music lovers will enjoy knowing Elvis Presley once stayed here, history buffs will appreciate the inn’s rich past, and everyone will love the updated rooms and sweeping bay views.
Where to Eat & Drink
Ocean Springs’ culinary scene is a delicious mix of refinement and comfort. It has one of the South’s top tasting menus, tons of fresh seafood, and coffee shops housed in greenhouses and art galleries.
Vestige: A multiple-time James Beard–recognized spot that delivers inventive seasonal tasting menus focusing on local ingredients. Dining here feels like an art form in itself.
Phoenicia: A beloved local institution serving gourmet Mediterranean dishes with a Gulf Coast twist. Think fresh seafood, rich olive oil, and hearty spices.
701 Craft: A relaxed, upscale space for scratch-made plates and craft cocktails.
The Government Street Grocery: Part burger joint, dive bar, local hangout. Great for a casual bite, live music, and a cold beer with a come-as-you-are vibe.
Murky Waters Blues & BBQ: Known for smoky, tender barbecue and delectable Southern sides.
Lost Spring Brewing Co.: The locally loved place for inventive beers, this spot is a community taproom meets cocktail lounge.
COMING SOON
Desi Vega’s Steakhouse: This beloved New Orleans staple will bring upscale chops and classic sides.
Where to Explore (Indoors & Out!)
Ocean Springs’ beauty extends beyond its shop-lined streets, offering culture, art, and nature just minutes apart. Rent e-bikes through Tour De Coast or a golf cart through Downtown Cart Rentals to explore the area with the wind in your hair.
Walter Anderson Museum of Art: An award-winning museum that celebrates the life and work of Walter Anderson, whose paintings and drawings capture the wild spirit of the Gulf.
Shearwater Pottery: Founded by the Anderson family in 1928, this pottery studio produces distinctive pieces still made on-site today.
Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Arts Center: This center is a hub for performances, workshops, and exhibitions, showcasing the depth of the town’s creative talent.
Gulf Islands National Seashore Davis Bayou Area: Stroll nature trails, fish from the pier, or soak in the serene bayou views.
Old Fort Bayou: Paddle a kayak through calm, wildlife-rich waters throughout this 13-mile “blueway” for a peaceful taste of the coast.
Where to Shop
With more than 200 independent boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and bars, there’s a lot to shop for here, too! Downtown Ocean Springs makes shopping easy — everything’s wonderfully walkable.
Coastal Magpie: Funky, curated coastal finds, from art and decor to jewelry and clothing, each piece reflects the town’s creative spirit.
Hillyer House: A nationally recognized gallery and homeware shop known for its exquisite pottery, jewelry, and fine art.
Chandeleur Outfitter: A go-to for menswear, outdoor gear, and coastal lifestyle goods.
Bubbly Babes: Bright, delightful, homemade bath, body, and beauty products with a splash of Southern sass.
The Candy Cottage & Gourmet: Old-fashioned charm and sweet-tooth satisfaction meet in this whimsical candy shop.
Shops1515: An evolving mix of retail concepts.
COMING SOON
Perhaps the most exciting development on the horizon for Ocean Springs is The Collective, set to open this fall. The sprawling campus will be comprised of The Book Porter, an independent bookstore; Ashiro, a casual Japanese restaurant from the James Beard–recognized team behind Vestige; Corktown Wine Shop with small-batch global selections; a café offering local snacks and coffee; and even a tiny hotel.
Upcoming Annual Events
Mississippi Songwriters Festival: September 18-21, 2025 | Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Arts Center
This beloved annual festival kicks off with the prestigious Songwriters Hall of Fame Ceremony. Over the weekend, expect performances, showcases, and songwriter Q&A sessions featuring top regional talent. The setting at the Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Arts Center adds a vibrant, arts-focused dimension to what’s quickly become one of the Gulf Coast’s most beloved music gatherings.
Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival (47th annual): November 8-9, 2025 | Downtown Ocean Springs
Mississippi’s largest fine-arts festival, this long-running celebration brings together more than 400 artists, crafters, and food vendors in a dynamic two-day showcase. From handcrafted jewelry and pottery to vibrant coastal-themed art, visitors can wander through festival lanes while soaking up local charm, live entertainment, and culinary delights.
Cruisin’ the Coast: October 5–12, 2025 | Throughout Coastal Mississippi
One of the region’s marquee events, Cruisin’ the Coast features thousands of classic and custom cars rolling down scenic Highway 90. The week includes rock concerts, nostalgic sock hops, swap meets, and car shows — an ideal blend of Southern flair, automotive passion, and small-town fun.
This article was made possible by Visit Mississippi.
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Zoe Yarborough
Zoe is a StyleBlueprint staff writer, Charlotte native, Washington & Lee graduate, and Nashville transplant of eleven years. She teaches Pilates, helps manage recording artists, and likes to "research" Germantown's food scene.