Where to eat, stay and play in Ocean Springs, Mississippi

Correction: An earlier version of this story included a photo of a room at the Springs Hotel mislabeled as The Roost Boutique Hotel. The story has been updated with the correct photo of a room at The Roost instead. 225 regrets the error.

Eclectic Ocean Springs has been one of the Mississippi Gulf Coast’s best-kept secrets for decades. But recent accolades about the charming town from outlets like USA Today and Southern Living signal the cat is out of the bag.

Don’t worry, though. All those accolades haven’t spoiled the magic. Maintaining both authenticity and elbow room, Ocean Springs is known for its relaxed vibe and artsy throughline.

The cornerstone attraction is the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, which houses works by the 20th-century painter, arguably Mississippi’s most famous artist. Since opening in 1991, the museum has catalyzed Ocean Springs’ vibrant cultural scene, spinning off numerous artist studios, galleries, outdoor murals and annual events. Shearwater Pottery, the brainchild of Anderson’s master potter brother, Peter Anderson, is also a popular visit.

Antique stores abound in Ocean Springs, along with adorable inns, cabins and boutique hotels. Gourmands have plenty to chew on, thanks to 100 local restaurants that include a 2024 James Beard nominee and a forthcoming concept created by a Food Network star.

Outdoor dining and quiet beaches make Ocean Springs a winning summer hangout. But fall is a great time to visit, too, thanks to inspired gatherings like the Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival and the Mississippi Songwriters Festival.

EAT

At 2024 James Beard Best Restaurant finalist Vestige, elegant plates fuse Japanese style with Southern ingredients, the handiwork of husband-wife founders Alex Perry and Kumi Omori. Don’t miss elevated Southern comfort fare by Top Chef and Chopped Champions contestant Chef Nick Wallace at The Hen & Egg, opening this year. Sink your teeth into Mississippi-style barbecue at 43-year-old Pleasant’s BBQ. Cool off at Pop Brothers artisan popsicle stand, and don’t miss a macaron, iced latte or homemade Dubai chocolate bar at French Kiss Pastries.

STAY

Ocean Springs’ many cute accommodations include The Roost Boutique Hotel, complete with a year-round plunge pool, and Front Beach Cottages’ restored 1940s fishing shacks.

DO

View fantastically rendered coastal flora, fauna and landscapes at the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, and make time to see some of Anderson’s preserved murals in one of the outbuildings. Sip local suds at The Cypress Taphouse and grab a cocktail at The Wilbur Bar. Catch some rays on the tranquil and sparsely populated Front Beach or East Beach, known for their flat sand and kid-friendly shallow water.

More to explore in Mississippi

Bay St. Louis

From its dog-friendly beaches and boardwalk trail, this small town screams old-school fun. Go trendy with a stay at The Pearl, or head to Crab Fest in July.

Gulfport

Family-friendly activities take priority in Gulfport, including the Mississippi Aquarium and the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center.

Biloxi

Knock back a local craft brew at Fly Llama Brewing. Do your best seventh-inning stretch at a Biloxi Shuckers game.

Pass Christian

“The Pass” was almost destroyed by Hurricane Katrina, but has fought its way back with a picturesque downtown and quiet beach rentals. Reach it via the Menge Avenue exit on Interstate 10, soon home to a Buc-ee’s, set to open June 9.

This article was originally published in the June 2025 issue of 225 Magazine.