A quick drive from Springs Hotel is Davis Bayou, which is a part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore and is home to a large variety of fun, outdoor activities. Featuring several walking trails, a public fishing pier, a boat launch, and picnic areas! Stop by the Visitor Center to check out the indoor exhibits that highlight the local flora and fauna. Another amazing stop is the University of Southern Mississippi’s Marine Education Center which strives to teach visitors about our coastal ecosystems. It is also home to the longest steel cable extension bridge in the state!

Known for their sweeping canopies, large size, and draping Spanish moss, live oaks dot the entirety of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Tucked along a quiet street, one of these live oaks stands tall. Estimated at around 400 years old, the Ruskin Oak has withstood storms, and developments, and has watched Ocean Springs develop into the community it is today. Also in Ocean Springs is 12 Oaks- a land trust property with sweeping oak trees. You can see another one of these massive oaks in Long Beach. The Friendship Oak is thought to be over 500 years old and stands proudly on the local college campus.

Spend the day cruising through downtown and along the beach. Enjoy the sunshine on your face and wind in your hair as you experience the Ocean Springs in a new way! There is something so special about exploring this coastal town on a bike. It allows you to see things you normally wouldn’t while driving. Located a few blocks down from The Roost, TriHard Sports offers everything for local running, swimming, and biking enthusiasts. Head that way to rent one of their cruisers and get to ride- you’ll be surprised at all that you will discover.

Coastal Mississippi has some of the best "birding hotspots" in the state! The Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge is known for its amazing conservation efforts for one of the rarest bird subspecies in the world - the sandhill crane. The Davis Bayou area of the Gulf Islands National Seashore has some great bird-watching opportunities during all seasons. Trek along the Fontainebleu Trail and spend the day spotting ospreys, admiring blue herons and brown pelicans, and catching glimpses of the sandhill cranes!

Nothing beats a day at the beach. Toes in the sand, listening to the soft sound of the waves and relaxing with a good book. There really is nothing quite like it. A quick walk from our lobby is Front Beach, complete with a small children’s park and beautiful views of Deer Island. Walk from your room to gorgeous sunset scenes and stroll along the water. We also have a partnership with a local company, and can get a full day of beach chairs set up for you! All you have to do is ask our friendly front desk staff, and we will get it scheduled!

Coastal Mississippi features some incredible hiking trails, or “greenways” tucked along the back bays, beaches, and bayous. Bring your camera and capture moments hiking among massive live oaks and along tidal marsh habitats. Some of our favorite local trails include the Twelve Oaks Walking Trail, the Weeks Bayou Nature Trail, and the shorter hikes in Davis Bayou. A short drive north will take you to the longer Tuxachanie Trail which is a flat, 12-mile trail. Hikers follow along an old, abandoned railroad for the first few miles and will see a large variety of local vegetation.

Photo: Coastal MS

“Adventure awaits for those who fish.”

Soak up the sun and go after “the big one” with family and friends on your very own charter ride! Coastal Waters Outfitters offers both inshore and offshore fishing trips in local waters as well as island tours and sunset cruises.

If you would be interested in one of these excursions, let our Front Desk know and we would be happy to take care of booking the trip for you! Prices vary based on trip type and number of people.

Watch the sail unfurl and your worries slip away during a memorable sunset or daytime sail on the Biloxi Schooner. Sponsored by the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum, they bring to life the maritime heritage from the late 1800s. Feel free to bring your snacks and drinks for the 2-3 hour sail. Check their website, here, for up-to-date sailing information and the current walk-on sail schedule. Or reach out to them about booking the whole boat for your own, private party!

Photo: Coastal MS

Experience the Pascagoula River in a whole new way. As one of the last free-flowing rivers in the United States, its pristine state offers impeccable biodiversity within the river basin. This gives visitors a great chance to spot many different animal species that call the river their home. Explore these diverse and vibrant ecosystems with Captain McCloy. To schedule your trip and reserve your spot, visit the Pascagoula River Audubon Center, here.

Photo: Coastal MS

Just a few miles off the mainland, you'll discover one of Mississippi's treasures, Ship Island. Forming a part of Gulf Islands National Seashore, this island is known for its pristine gulf water, sparkling-white beaches, and remoteness.

We recommend hopping on the Ship Island Ferry for a round-trip excursion. Swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, nature photography, bird watching, and exploring are just some of the activities enjoyed on Ship Island!