Searching for a great place to cool off? How about an island with waters so clear, they rival the Caribbean? If this sounds like your idea of paradise, we’ve got the perfect beach for you. Ship Island has the cleanest beach in Mississippi. Come with us to bask in all the beauty of one of the best beaches in Mississippi with clear water:

Part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, Ship Island offers "the finest beaches in Mississippi."
best beaches in Mississipp
Ship Island Excursions/Facebook
USA Today even named it "the hidden gem of Mississippi."
Dennis Koon/Google
Despite being an island, it’s relatively easy to access thanks to Ship Island Excursions, which offers ferry service to and from Ship Island.
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The island is about 11 miles from the state’s coast, so the boat ride takes about an hour. But it’s well worth it because when you dock, you’ll find the clearest water in Mississippi.
best beaches in Mississippi
Debra Durante/Google
The clear gulf surf is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and boogie boarding.
Melissa B/TripAdvisor
Though the pristine water is the first thing you’ll notice, the gorgeous white sand is sure to be a close second.
Ship Island Excursions/Facebook
Like a true tropical paradise, the beach is full of umbrellas and chairs, which you can rent.
Ship Island Excursions/Facebook
Two chairs and an umbrella can be rented for $25 per day, and the island also features a snack bar as well as restrooms.
Of course, you can always bring your own umbrellas and chairs, but remember, you’ll have to carry everything you bring, so most opt to rent umbrellas and chairs.
Frankie Lovell/Google
Ice chests are also allowed; however, they cannot exceed 42 quarts. Beverages of all kinds are permitted on Ship Island, but glass containers are prohibited.
Ship Island Excursions offers regular ferry service to the island from March through October. Round-trip tickets are $44 for adults and $38 for children.
Gerald J/TripAdvisor
Tickets go on sale one hour before departure. However, it’s highly suggested you buy your tickets online in advance during the summer since boats tend to sell out.
Like our very own tropical paradise with pristine sand and clear waters, a visit to Ship Island is a summertime must.
TRaeMcPherson/TripAdvisor

Watch this YouTube video by 7.62x51mm for an aerial view of these pristine white sands::

This isn’t the only impressive beach in the state. Check out another one of these amazing Mississippi beaches. Tell us about your favorite beaches in Mississippi in the comments.

Are you ready for the road trip season? Before you hit the road, be sure to check out the OIYS road trip guide for some great packing ideas.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

More to Explore

The Amazing Attractions of Mississippi

William Suphan | March 16, 2023

Besides Ship Island, what are some more of the best Mississippi beaches?

Of course, Ship Island is one of the best beaches in Mississippi, but here is a list of 7 more beaches that we recommend:

  • Presley's Outing, Moss Point
  • Paradise in Picayune, Picayune
  • Old Bridge Beach, New Site
  • Lower Lake Beaches, Vicksburg
  • Lake Tiak-O'Khata, Louisville
  • Starkville KOA Holiday, Starkville
  • Pep’s Point, Hattiesburg


To discover more about these gorgeous havens, check out this article highlighting the best Mississippi beaches. 

What are the weirdest places to visit in Mississippi?

The weirdest places to visit in Mississippi include:

  • Kuhn Memorial State Hospital. This is a hotbed of supposed paranormal activity that brings paranormal investigators from all over.
  • Red Water Artesian Well. While the state has many similar wells, this one has red water that is completely safe to drink.
  • Frog Art Farm. This collection of frog sculptures in Fayette was created by Louise Cadney Coleman and is an odd and charming exhibit.
  • King’s Tavern. Located in Natchez, this is the city’s oldest building and is purported to be haunted by the spirit of a mummified body that was found there in the 1930s.

Find out more about the weirdest places to visit in Mississippi. 

What are some amazing hidden gem attractions in Mississippi?

Some amazing hidden-gem attractions in Mississippi include:

  • NASA Bus Tour. Take a tour through restricted areas of the Stennis Space Center and learn about how they do things at NASA.
  • Biedenharn Coca Cola Museum. This popular carbonated drink is bottled in Mississippi and this museum exhibits memorabilia that is over 100 years old.
  • Grammy Museum. This is one of two Grammy museums in America and is full of wonderful musical history.
  • Jim Henson Museum. Jim Henson was beloved for Kermit the Frog and the other Muppets and this museum celebrates Kermit and all the rest.

Learn more about these and other amazing hidden gem attractions in Mississippi. 

What are the most unique attractions in Mississippi?

The most unique attractions in Mississippi include:

  • Home of William Faulkner. This was the home of an author who wrote stories set in a fictional version of Lafayette County.
  • Birthplace of Elvis Presley. There was only one King of Rock and one birthplace for him, and that place is in Tupelo.
  • The Mississippi Blues Trail. This trail of locations tells the history of blues music and how it grew at places like the WROX radio station.
  • Vicksburg National Cemetery. This is the largest cemetery for Union soldiers of the Civil War in the country.

Find out more about the most unique attractions in Mississippi. 

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