11 Fun Things to Do in Ocean Springs, MS
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The Mississippi Gulf Coast has so much to offer, and Ocean Springs, Mississippi, was the perfect addition to our Tampa-to-New Orleans road trip. While it gives a charming, small-town feel, there are still plenty of fun things to do in Ocean Springs! From artsy boutiques and cozy cafes to delicious foodie finds, all wrapped in warm Southern hospitality.
Ocean Springs is perfect for a laid-back weekend getaway—just an hour and a half from New Orleans! And like NOLA, you can stroll from spot to spot with a drink in hand.
Just a heads-up: Many places are closed Sundays and Mondays, so consider that when planning your trip! We were here Monday to Tuesday morning and we still found plenty to do.
Things to Do in Ocean Springs, MS
1. Explore Government Street
Government Street is the main street in Ocean Springs. Walk up and down this street and you’ll find plenty of restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, and museums to check out! Many of the restaurants that I list below are located here!
2. Twelve Oaks Nature Trail
Twelve Oaks Nature Trail is not the longest nature trail (which is exactly the kind that Remi prefers), but it does have quite a combination of habitats packed in as well as a little observation deck! It’s a little over a half-mile loop that allows you to experience large mossy oak trees in a mixed pine and oak forest, swamps, and a tidal wetland.
Because of this, especially in the warmer months make sure you bring bug spray!
Tip: You may almost miss the sign, even if using a GPS. It’s tucked back behind a Good Year.
3. Check Out the Beach
I mean you are on the Mississippi Gulf Coast after all! I will admit, coming from Florida I still prefer our beaches. We were saving our beach days for Orange Beach, but there are totally beaches you can check out if you’re hoping to catch some rays or relax!
If you’re staying in downtown Ocean Springs you’ll be within walking distance of Front Beach. Make your beach experience magical with a fun picnic crafted by Coastal Picnic & Co.
4. Head Next Door to Biloxi
Biloxi was such a short drive from Ocean Springs and the perfect place to spend one of our afternoons! We checked out the Biloxi Lighthouse Pier (so pretty), Half Shell Oyster House, and the casinos! There are so many casinos to choose from! We ended up just checking out Hard Rock because it was a quick walk from Half Shell Oyster House!
Another couple of popular ones mentioned to us were Golden Nugget and Beau Rivage. We’re not huge gamblers, but it was still a fun stop to try our luck! We ended up coming out $10 ahead! It’s a fun little warm-up before you hit the big leagues in Las Vegas 😉
5. Listen to Live Music at Beer House & Mosaic
Beer House & Mosaic was our first stop once we arrived in Ocean Springs! It had the perfect blend of tapas-style bites and a chill, laid-back vibe—just what we needed before checking in at The Roost. Mosaic has a range of globally inspired small plates, and we were obsessed with the pulled pork quesadilla. That chipotle aioli on top? Chef’s kiss!
Their bar area was gorgeous, so we grabbed seats there and tried the strawberry mojito and white sangria—both were delicious, but the mojito stole the show. With 45 beers on tap, wine, craft cocktails, and an inviting patio with live music, this spot is a standout on any list of things to do in Ocean Springs!
6. Do an Oyster Shooter at Half Shell Oyster House
Half Shell Oyster House in Biloxi is a perfect stop before hitting the casinos! We skipped a full meal but couldn’t resist trying their oyster shooters, a cocktail, and charbroiled oysters—and everything hit the spot.
The shooters, with their added horseradish and Old Bay rim, were a standout (especially for Remi!). Their cocktail menu made it hard to choose, but I went with the berry martini, which had a week-long berry vodka infusion. Remi’s margarita was light and refreshing, even by my tequila-averse standards. If you visit, definitely go hungry!
7. Visit a Speakeasy
If you know me (or follow my blog), you know I’m a sucker for a good speakeasy, and finding one here was like discovering a treasure! The Wilbur isn’t just a top pick for things to do in Ocean Springs—it’s an experience.
At first glance, it might look like a simple bar, but head inside and push on the bookcase for a hidden lounge with Prohibition-era vibes. My favorite touch? A mural of Al Capone, who once owned a local estate. The Wilbur captures Ocean Springs’ unique blend of history and artistry!
8. Get Some Mississippi BBQ
If you’re looking for one of the most mouthwatering things to do in Ocean Springs, Murky Waters BBQ is a must! This spot truly lives up to the hype with its smoky, tender meats and flavorful sauces.
We indulged in wings, brisket, and burnt ends (which I finally learned are those perfectly charred, melt-in-your-mouth brisket pieces). Our waitress recommended them, and she didn’t steer us wrong! Paired with sides like potato salad and crispy onion straws, every bite was a winner. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for this stop!
9. Feel Like a Local at Juke Joint
Imagine a bar that feels just like your best friend’s house party—welcome to Juke Joint! With disco lighting, quirky decor (hello, stickered poles and a Barbie in beads!), and a playlist of nostalgic tunes, this spot oozes eclectic charm.
This is the place you’ll want to go if you’re looking for a nightcap. It’s a little walk from the main part of Government Street, but it was worth it. Locals are warm and inviting, and if you’re lucky, you might catch a live set on their huge backyard stage. Notice all of the raccoon art? It’s a tribute to the family living out back!
10. Grab a Coffee from Bright Eyed Brew Co.
You will fall in love with the charm of this adorable little coffee shop. The barista was so knowledgeable and helpful. Not only that, I could truly feel his excitement and warmth when he was helping us decide on a coffee flavor and informing us about some of the local favorite spots.
We got the rum flambé brown sugar with an extra pump of flavor! Their syrups are house-made, and the coffee is so good. You can really taste and appreciate all of the effort that goes into each piece of Bright Eyed Brew Co.
11. Relax at District Coffee Company
District Coffee Company is the perfect spot for tasty bagels, a solid coffee boost, and a workspace vibe. We didn’t get to settle in, but it was perfect for a quick pick-me-up on our way from New Orleans to Orange Beach. Plus, their mural on the side of the building is a fun photo-op you don’t want to miss!
Where to Stay in Ocean Springs, MS
The Roost Boutique Hotel
Staying at The Roost felt wonderfully cozy and inviting! We stayed in the Fern suite, which had everything we needed—mini kitchenette, a full-length mirror, Roku TV, and, honestly, the comfiest bed. I was seriously missing it at our next stop!
The common areas are lovely too; you can relax in a rocking chair outside with a good book or grab a craft cocktail at The Wilbur, The Roost’s hidden speakeasy. The location is perfect, just a short walk to Government Street and a quick 10-minute drive to Biloxi!
🏨Check out all hotel options for Ocean Springs here
Click herе to searchAre you ready to experience the best things to do in Ocean Springs, MS?!
I hope that you enjoyed this list of some of the best things to do in Ocean Springs, Mississippi! It is such a coastal gem full of small-town charm (and great food!). If you get the chance, Government Street Grocery and The Mermaid Dive Bar were also recommended to us and seemed like super fun spots! Did you know about this cute coastal gem in Mississippi?
Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other blog posts:
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