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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

Β· By Zoe Yarborough
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Several boats are docked in front of a light blue, two-story house decorated with patriotic bunting in Ocean Springs, MS, surrounded by trees and grass on a sunny day.Pin
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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 two-story red brick building with a clock tower stands on a street corner in Ocean Springs, MS, surrounded by cars, trees, and pedestrians enjoying a sunny dayβ€”a charming sight for any local guide.Pin
Ocean Springs has been lovingly deemed the β€œCity of Discovery.” We’ll show you all the reasons why. Image: Coastal Mississippi
Table of Contents
  1. A Brief History of Ocean Springs
  2. Where to Stay
  3. Where to Eat & Drink
  4. Where to Explore (Indoors & Out!)
  5. Where to Shop
  6. Upcoming Annual Events

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.

A street in Ocean Springs, MS, is lined with large, arching trees, cars parked along the sides, and a green traffic light overhead on a sunny day.Pin
In Ocean Springs, Southern traditions mingle with an ever-growing cultural scene. Image: Coastal Mississippi / RPF Media

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.

A modern bedroom in Ocean Springs, MS, features a large bed with a faux fur blanket, two peach armchairs by the windows, wooden floors, a wall-mounted TV, and a decorative ceiling lightβ€”a cozy retreat.Pin
Every nook and cranny of the Springs Hotel is stunning. Make sure to pop into Palmette, a fine art gallery and flower shop within the hotel. Image: Springs Hotel

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.

Aerial view of waterfront houses along Ocean Springs, MS’s sandy shoreline, with a pier extending into calm, sunlit water under a partly cloudy sky.Pin
Sometimes a day at the beach is all you need, and that’s always an option in Ocean Springs. Image: Eddie Robinson / RPF Media

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.

A white building with orange trim houses a restaurant; a metal archway marked β€œCASH ALLEY” leads to an area decorated with colorful umbrellas overhead.Pin
Cash Alley Garage is a laid-back 70s-inspired spot serving creative takes on comfort food. You can’t help but snap some photos of the iconic umbrella-covered alley. Image: Facebook

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 SOONΒ 

Desi Vega’s Steakhouse: This beloved New Orleans staple will bring upscale chops and classic sides.

A blue house with a porch sits on a grassy lot in Ocean Springs, MS, next to a blue van labeled "traveler." Colorful bicycle wheels are mounted on a pole in the foreground and trees surround the area.Pin
Ready for a caffeine fix before some cultural stops? The Traveler is a new coffee shop and art exhibit on the Walter Anderson Museum of Art campus. Nearly everything here β€” the furniture, coffee mugs, and even the walls β€” is crafted by local artists. Image: Coastal Mississippi

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.

Exterior view of the Walter Anderson Museum of Art in Ocean Springs, MS, featuring a modern building, outdoor sculpture, and museum sign along a tree-lined pathβ€”a must-see stop on any art lover's guide.Pin
The WAMA is a must-visit for every single art lover. Image: Eddie Robinson / RPF Media

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 β€œblueway” for a peaceful taste of the coast.

Fishing boats are docked along a marina in Ocean Springs, MS, bordered by trees and grassy marshland under a partly cloudy sky.Pin
Front Beach and East Beach are perfect for sunrise walks, sunset picnics, and lazy afternoons with your toes in the sand. Image: Eddie Robinson / RPF Media

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 β€” 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:Β 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 cafΓ© 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.

A large crowd walks among white vendor tents at an outdoor street festival in Ocean Springs, MS, on a sunny day, surrounded by trees and buildings.Pin
The Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival is a beloved celebration of 400+ artists, makers, and coastal charm in downtown Ocean Springs. Image: Eddie Robinson / RPF Media

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 β€” 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 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.

See all articles by Zoe Yarborough
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