Quiet towns in Mississippi may seem like part of the good ole days, but every once in a while you come across a place that can take you back to a much simpler time. Ocean Springs is definitely one of those places. At more than 300 years old, the town is loaded with history and teeming with charm, making it easy to see why it’s known as the “gem of the Gulf Coast.”

Small towns in Mississippi may not be as abundant as they once were but they do still exist, and Ocean Springs definitely fits the bill of a quaint fishing town.
Anably, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
The picturesque coastal community was established by the French in 1699, and seafood has been a huge part of the city ever since.
Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant/Flickr
In fact, it was Ocean Springs’ location on the Gulf of Mexico that initially attracted explorers and settlers, while the abundance of seafood is what caused them to stay.
Mississippi Department of Archives and History, No restrictions, via Wikimedia Commons
By the late 19th century, ice plants began popping up all over the region and greatly increased seafood sales.
Anably, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Today, the seafood industry is still thriving, making Ocean Springs the perfect place to get fresh shrimp, fish, crabs, and oysters.
Whit Andrews/Flickr
But it is still one of the more quiet places in Mississippi.

Related Stories

Escape To The Countryside When You Stay At This Rural Airbnb In Mississippi

Escape To The Countryside When You Stay At This Rural Airbnb In Mississippi

 You Can Get A Jar Of Cheesecake In The Drive-Thru At This Quaint Eatery In Mississippi

You Can Get A Jar Of Cheesecake In The Drive-Thru At This Quaint Eatery In Mississippi

 The Incredible Flower Road Trip Through Mississippi Is The Ultimate Spring Adventure

The Incredible Flower Road Trip Through Mississippi Is The Ultimate Spring Adventure
Of course, great seafood isn’t the only thing you’ll find in Ocean Springs. The city’s quaint downtown area is home to more than 150 independent shops, eateries, and art galleries.
Shearwater Pottery Ltd, 102 Shearwater Dr, Ocean Springs, MS 39564, USA
Shearwater Pottery, Ltd./Facebook
Shearwater Pottery was founded in 1928 and is still producing fabulous art, such as figurines, decorative tiles, and other pottery pieces.
The perfect mix of old and new, downtown Ocean Springs also includes plenty of places reminiscent of days long gone, such as the picture-perfect candy shop, The Candy Cottage.
The Candy Cottage & Gourmet, 702 Washington Ave, Ocean Springs, MS 39564, USA
Brian Leon/Flickr
Sadly, the historic Lovelace Drug Store and Soda Fountain was closed, but we can still admire the cool vintage sign in one of the best Mississippi small towns.
Speaking of days long gone, Ocean Springs is a city deeply influenced by its rich heritage and history - a fact that’s celebrated with annual reenactments on the beach and year-round art, music, and food festivals.
1699 Historical Society of Ocean Springs/Facebook
Beautiful beaches and access to the Gulf Islands National Seashore only add to Ocean Springs’ appeal.
Deer Island, Biloxi, MS, USA
Amanda C/Tripadvisor
Not to mention Deer Island is less than a mile from the coastline. The 400-acre island is perfect for a secluded getaway and since it’s so close, anyone with a small boat, canoe, kayak, or paddle board can access it.
Whether you plan on just hitting the beach or taking in all the town has to offer, a trip to Ocean Springs should definitely be on your bucket list.
NatalieMaynor/Flickr

Ready to venture to one of the most quiet towns in Mississippi? Find some fishing gear to pack on the REI website. And read another story about this picturesque seaside town that was recently published in Southern Living.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Outdoors Adventures In Mississippi

Carolyn Harmon | January 24, 2024

What are some fun outdoor adventures in Mississippi?

This Ultimate Weekend Itinerary is for folks who love spending time outdoors in Mississippi. Here are a few highlights of the adventurous 3.5-hour drive.

  • Clark Creek Natural Area (Woodville): Without many amenities (restrooms and a water fountain), this pretty space is truly a natural area of more than 700 acres. If you can believe there are 50 waterfalls here from 10 to more than 30 feet high! Some of the uncommon trees include southern sugar maples, umbrella trees, pyramid magnolias, and silverbells attracting lots of wild birds and other animals. Go for a hike and definitely bring your camera to this remote area in Mississippi.
  • Windsor Ruins (Port Gibson): What was once one of the largest private homes in Mississippi before the Civil War was destroyed by fire in 1890, leaving behind only 29 columns. The historic site of Windsor Plantation is on the National Register of Historic Places and was built for Smith Coffee Daniell II in 1861. Temporary fencing around the site protects folks from falling debris. Without amenities on the site, folks need to plan ahead especially during rain storms to check for impassable roads.
  •  Natchez State Park (Natchez): For more Civil War history, visit the Bob M. Dearing Natchez State Park. It is 10 miles from historic Natchez, the oldest settlement on the Mississippi River where before the war, more than half of the millionaires in the country lived. And did you know that the largest bass in Mississippi history was caught in Natchez Lake in 1992? The largemouth bass weighed 18.15 pounds and was swimming around the 230-acre lake, which is also great for boating. Pack a picnic, plan a hike for the day, and check out the camping facilities.

Related Articles

Featured Addresses
Ocean Springs, MS 39564, USA