Gulf Islands are seen as an ideal spot for canoeing, kayaking, swimming, and bird watching. Visitors are also offered excursions to numerous historic sites. Four out of five regions of Mississippi are the barrier islands, including Petit Bois Island, Horn Island, West Ship Island, and East Ship Island, regarded as a part of Gulf Islands National Seashore. The Davis Bayou is the fifth region, begging for exploration.
Known for their remoteness, the Mississippi Gulf Islands are accessible by passenger ferries or private boats only. However, they are worth a trip, with fishing, boating, swimming, bird watching, exploring, and photography being only some of the activities available here. The Davis Bayou area, with its nature trail, is an ideal place for hiking, during which you'll enjoy pleasures common of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
As with any other island on the Gulf Coast, Ship Island is home to a great variety of animal and plant life. By hiking the island, you'll explore bones, shells, legends, and mysteries, contributing to your memorable experience.
Fishing is allowed on the islands, however, a fishing license is required. There are more than 200 species of fishes, some of them are indigenous to the Gulf of Mexico, like snapper, grouper, and mackerel to name a few.
Starting in downtown Ocean Springs, the 25-km Live Oaks Bicycle Route runs along the streets of the town and the Davis Bayon Area, making the place a prominent destination for bikers.
Since the establishment of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, about 280 bird species have been identified on its territory.
For great outdoor fun Mississippi Gulf Coast is unrivalled. In fact, twenty-two championship golf courses are able to challenge golfers of all levels.
While most of the Gulf Islands National Seashore is situated offshore, the Mississippi District Headquarters can be found in the town of Ocean Springs, having a reputation of an artistic and historic community. Here you'll find an art collection featuring the work of outstanding craftspeople and artists of the town. It is here you'll find the best entertainment, wonderful stage shows, and boundless stakes gaming, which altogether make Mississippi Gulf Coast a balanced escape.
There are twelve resort casinos, each of them housing up to ten restaurants, with the choice diverse enough to suit everyone's taste. Some of the casinos own full-service hotels, offering the best lodging options.
Among plentiful family attractions, the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center makes itself conspicuous, regarded as one of the top 50 museums for children in the nation. Another popular attraction, the Marine Life Ocenarium, offers you an opportunity to swim with dolphins - a great experience!
Free, guided tours and excursions of Fort Massachusetts are available during spring, summer, and autumn, scheduled twice daily. Also available are self-guided tours of the Nature's Way Trail in the Davis Bayou area.