Tucked between Biloxi Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, Ocean Springs is Mississippi's most charming coastal town — and one of the best-kept secrets on the entire Gulf Coast. While its neighbors Biloxi and Gulfport draw visitors with casinos and resort hotels, Ocean Springs has quietly built something far more interesting: a genuine arts community, a world-class culinary scene rooted in fresh Gulf seafood, and a downtown that feels like it was designed for wandering.

The town's crown jewel is the Walter Anderson Museum of Art — a world-class institution celebrating the visionary artist who spent decades painting the natural world of the Mississippi Gulf Coast with an intensity and originality that still astonishes visitors. But Ocean Springs is more than one museum. It's a community of working artists, independent restaurants, and people who chose this place for its beauty and its character.

Ocean Springs sits on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, about 75 miles east of New Orleans via I-10. The drive from New Orleans takes about 90 minutes — making Ocean Springs an easy day trip or weekend escape from the Crescent City. From Mobile, Alabama, it's about 45 miles west on I-10.

By Air: The closest major airport is Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY), about 90 miles west. Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT) is just 10 miles away and serves several major carriers.

The heart of Ocean Springs is its compact, walkable downtown — a grid of tree-lined streets anchored by Washington Avenue and Government Street. The downtown is home to more than 50 galleries, studios, boutiques, and restaurants, all within easy walking distance of each other.

Washington Avenue is the main commercial street, lined with galleries, coffee shops, and restaurants in beautifully maintained historic buildings. The street has a relaxed, unhurried quality that is increasingly rare in American downtowns.

The Ocean Springs Art Association Gallery — one of the oldest art organizations in Mississippi — occupies a beautiful building on Washington Avenue and showcases the work of local and regional artists.

Front Beach — just a short walk from downtown — offers a beautiful stretch of white sand beach on Biloxi Bay, with views of the Biloxi Bridge and the bay beyond.

The Walter Anderson Museum of Art is the cultural heart of Ocean Springs and one of the most remarkable small museums in America. Walter Inglis Anderson (1903–1965) was a visionary artist who spent decades painting the natural world of the Mississippi Gulf Coast — the birds, fish, plants, and landscapes of the barrier islands and coastal marshes — with an intensity and originality that placed him among the great American artists of the 20th century.

The museum's collection includes Anderson's paintings, drawings, and ceramics, as well as the extraordinary "Little Room" — a small room in Anderson's cottage that he secretly covered floor-to-ceiling with murals depicting the natural world of Horn Island. The murals were discovered after his death and are now considered one of the great works of American art.

Don't Miss: The Community Center murals — a series of large-scale paintings Anderson created for the Ocean Springs Community Center that depict the history and natural world of the Gulf Coast.

Hours: Tuesday–Saturday 9:30am–5pm, Sunday 12:30–5pm. Admission: $10 adults, $5 children.

Ocean Springs has one of the most impressive restaurant scenes of any small town on the Gulf Coast — a reflection of the community's commitment to quality and its proximity to some of the finest seafood in the world.

The Shed is a Gulf Coast institution — a rambling, funky BBQ joint on the outskirts of town that has been winning national awards for its smoked meats since 2001. The atmosphere is as memorable as the food: a collection of sheds, trailers, and outdoor spaces decorated with folk art, license plates, and decades of accumulated character.

Must Order: The pulled pork, the smoked chicken, and the banana pudding.

Vestige is Ocean Springs' most celebrated restaurant — a farm-to-table destination that has earned national recognition for its creative, locally-sourced cuisine. Chef Alex Perry changes the menu regularly based on what's available from local farms and the Gulf, creating dishes that are both technically accomplished and deeply rooted in the flavors of the region.

Reservations: Essential. Book well in advance.

A beloved local institution serving Mediterranean-inspired food with Gulf Coast ingredients. The hummus, the lamb dishes, and the fresh Gulf fish preparations are all exceptional.

A casual neighborhood restaurant with excellent Gulf seafood, creative cocktails, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The shrimp and grits and the Gulf fish tacos are local favorites.

The Roost Bed & Breakfast — a beautifully restored historic home in the heart of downtown, with comfortable rooms and a genuine sense of Ocean Springs character.

The Shearwater Pottery Cottage — a unique rental property on the grounds of the Anderson family's historic Shearwater Pottery, offering an immersive experience in the artistic heritage of Ocean Springs.

Vacation Rentals: Numerous beach cottages and historic homes are available through Airbnb and VRBO, many within walking distance of downtown.

Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival (first weekend of November) — one of the largest arts and crafts festivals in the Southeast, drawing more than 100,000 visitors to Ocean Springs for a weekend of art, music, and food. Named for Walter Anderson's brother Peter, who founded Shearwater Pottery.

Ocean Springs Mardi Gras (February) — a smaller, more intimate Mardi Gras celebration than New Orleans, with parades, music, and the genuine community spirit that defines Ocean Springs.

Cruisin' the Coast (October) — a massive classic car show that takes over the entire Mississippi Gulf Coast, with Ocean Springs as one of the prime gathering spots.

Gulf Islands National Seashore — the barrier islands off the Mississippi coast are among the most pristine beaches in the Gulf of Mexico. Boat tours and ferry service are available from Ocean Springs.

Biloxi (10 miles west) — the casino capital of the Gulf Coast, with excellent seafood restaurants and the Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art.

Pascagoula (20 miles east) — a working port city with excellent fishing and the Scranton Nature Center.

Best Time to Visit: Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) offer the best weather — warm but not oppressively hot, with lower humidity than summer. The Peter Anderson Festival in November is the town's biggest annual event.

Getting Around: Downtown Ocean Springs is very walkable. A car is needed to reach the Shed BBQ and other outlying attractions.

For more Gulf Coast adventures, explore our guides to Port Arthur TX: Cajun Culture & Gulf Coast Adventure and Kemah TX: Bay Area Waterfront Getaways. Also see our Best Small Towns in the South hub for more Southern destinations. Planning a day trip from New Orleans? See our Ocean Springs Day Trip from New Orleans guide.