Ocean Springs sits at the edge of one of the most productive and beautiful coastal ecosystems in North America. The Mississippi Sound — the shallow, protected body of water between the mainland and the barrier islands — is a nursery for Gulf seafood, a haven for migratory birds, and a playground for kayakers, anglers, and nature lovers.

The town's position between Biloxi Bay to the west and the Back Bay of Biloxi to the north gives it access to a remarkable variety of aquatic habitats — from the open waters of the Sound to the quiet tidal creeks and marshes of the Back Bay. And just offshore, the barrier islands of Gulf Islands National Seashore offer some of the most pristine beaches and clearest water on the Gulf Coast.

The Back Bay is Ocean Springs' backyard paddling destination — a large, shallow bay north of the town that is protected from the open Gulf by the mainland. The bay's calm water, abundant wildlife, and beautiful scenery make it one of the finest kayaking destinations on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

What You'll See: Great blue herons, egrets, ospreys, and brown pelicans are common year-round. In winter, the bay attracts large numbers of diving ducks and other waterfowl. Dolphins occasionally venture into the bay from the Sound.

Launch Points: Several public boat ramps and kayak launch points are available around the Back Bay. The Ocean Springs Harbor is the most convenient for downtown visitors.

Guided Tours: Several outfitters in Ocean Springs offer guided kayak tours of the Back Bay and the tidal creeks, with naturalist guides who can identify the birds, fish, and plants of the coastal ecosystem.

The Mississippi Sound — the shallow body of water between the mainland and the barrier islands — offers excellent kayaking for experienced paddlers. The Sound is generally calm, but conditions can change quickly, and the distances to the barrier islands (5–10 miles) require careful planning.

Barrier Island Paddling: Paddling to the barrier islands is one of the great Gulf Coast adventures — a multi-day trip with camping on pristine beaches, snorkeling in clear water, and the extraordinary experience of being completely surrounded by the Gulf. Permits are required for overnight camping on the islands.

The Mississippi District of Gulf Islands National Seashore protects four barrier islands off the Mississippi coast — Ship Island, Horn Island, Petit Bois Island, and Cat Island. These islands are among the most pristine beaches on the Gulf of Mexico, with white sand, clear water, and an extraordinary diversity of wildlife.

Ship Island is the most accessible of the barrier islands, with regular ferry service from Gulfport (about 30 minutes). The island offers excellent swimming, snorkeling, and beachcombing, as well as Fort Massachusetts — a Civil War-era fort that is one of the best-preserved coastal fortifications in the South.

Ferry Service: Gulf Islands National Seashore Ferry operates from Gulfport from spring through fall. Reservations are recommended.

Horn Island is Walter Anderson's island — the place where the artist spent weeks at a time, alone, painting the natural world with an intensity that produced some of his greatest work. The island is accessible only by private boat or kayak, and it remains one of the most wild and beautiful places on the Gulf Coast.

What to Expect: 12 miles of pristine beach, ancient live oak forests, freshwater ponds, and an extraordinary diversity of birds and wildlife. Camping is permitted with a free backcountry permit from the National Park Service.

The Mississippi Sound and the Back Bay offer excellent inshore fishing for redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and sheepshead. The shallow grass flats and oyster reefs of the Sound are prime habitat for these species, and the fishing is productive year-round.

Best Techniques: Wading the grass flats with soft plastic lures or live shrimp is the most exciting way to catch redfish and speckled trout. Fishing around oyster reefs with jigs or live bait is productive for sheepshead and flounder.

Guide Services: Several professional fishing guides operate out of Ocean Springs, offering half-day and full-day inshore trips. The guides know the Sound's best spots and can put you on fish quickly.

The Ocean Springs Harbor and the Front Beach pier offer accessible fishing for a variety of species, including Spanish mackerel, bluefish, and various bottom fish. No boat required.

The Gulf of Mexico off Ocean Springs offers excellent offshore fishing for red snapper, king mackerel, cobia, and other species. Charter boats are available from the Ocean Springs Harbor and from nearby Biloxi.

Ocean Springs is an excellent birding destination, particularly during spring and fall migration. The town's position on the Gulf Coast makes it a natural stopping point for migratory birds crossing the Gulf of Mexico.

Davis Bayou — part of Gulf Islands National Seashore — is the best birding spot in the Ocean Springs area. The bayou's combination of salt marsh, maritime forest, and open water attracts a remarkable variety of birds year-round.

What to See: Wading birds (herons, egrets, ibis), shorebirds, waterfowl, and during migration, a wide variety of warblers, vireos, and other neotropical migrants.

The Campground: Davis Bayou has a campground that is an excellent base for birding and exploring the area.

The Front Beach area is excellent for watching shorebirds, gulls, and terns, as well as the brown pelicans that are a constant presence along the Gulf Coast.

Ocean Springs is one of the most bike-friendly towns on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, with a network of bike lanes and paths that connect the downtown to the waterfront and the surrounding neighborhoods.

The Biloxi-Ocean Springs Bridge — a dedicated pedestrian and cycling bridge connecting Ocean Springs to Biloxi — offers spectacular views of Biloxi Bay and is one of the most scenic cycling routes on the Gulf Coast.

Front Beach — Ocean Springs' main beach, on Biloxi Bay, with calm water and beautiful views of the bay and the Biloxi Bridge. The beach is excellent for swimming, sunbathing, and watching the sunset.

Gulf Islands National Seashore Beaches — the barrier island beaches are among the most pristine on the Gulf Coast, with white sand and clear water. Accessible by ferry (Ship Island) or private boat.

Best Time: Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) for birding and comfortable temperatures. Summer for beach and water activities (hot and humid, but the Gulf water is warm and inviting).

What to Bring: Sunscreen, insect repellent (mosquitoes can be intense in the marshes), water, and a good pair of binoculars for birding.

For more on Ocean Springs, see our Ocean Springs Weekend Guide, Best Restaurants in Ocean Springs, and Ocean Springs Arts & Culture. For more Gulf Coast outdoor adventures, see our guide to Port Arthur TX.