Never heard of Ocean Springs, Mississippi? We hadn’t either until it started showing up on lists like Southern Living’s “Most Adorable Small Towns” and USA Today’s top coastal towns. A few months ago our family decided to find out why it’s so beloved — and it didn’t disappoint. After debating adding it as a quick stop during a trip to New Orleans years ago, we’re glad we returned with a proper visit and gave the town the time it deserves.
Ocean Springs is an attractive, walkable coastal town with a compact historic downtown, friendly shops, and a calm bay that’s ideal for families. It reminded us a lot of Cape Charles, Virginia — another small beach town we love for its walkability, local stores, and easy access to shallow water for kids.
We visited in late November during our kids’ Thanksgiving break, so we skipped long beach days even though temperatures climbed into the low 70s. Still, Ocean Springs offered plenty of things to do without getting in the water.
Where is Ocean Springs, Mississippi?
Ocean Springs sits on Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, just across Biloxi Bay from Biloxi. From our home in Northwest Florida it’s about a three-hour drive west, and New Orleans is roughly 90 minutes to the west, making Ocean Springs an easy stop on a Gulf Coast or New Orleans itinerary.
We based ourselves in a centrally located Airbnb and didn’t drive once during our stay. Exploring by foot let us wander parks, local shops, restaurants, toy and candy stores, and charming residential streets — a perfect slow-paced family getaway.
Where to Stay In Ocean Springs
Ocean Springs offers many lodging options: boutique hotels, B&Bs, and short-term rentals. Trendy spots like the Beatnik Motel and small hotels that feel like updated historic homes give the town a distinctive, local vibe.
We stayed in a dog-friendly Airbnb near downtown that was comfortable and well stocked, though it was a bit noisy near some restaurants. If you prefer quieter streets, the neighborhoods south of Government Street feel very charming and walkable. There are also well-designed boutique hotels nearby with inviting common areas and pools — perfect if you want hotel conveniences.
We enjoyed peeking into hotels like The Roost and The Springs Hotel — both show how the town blends historic charm with thoughtful contemporary design.
The Springs Hotel also houses a delightful floral and gift shop, which makes it an appealing base if you want a central location for shopping and dining.
Overall, lodging options range from cozy vacation rentals to stylish boutique hotels, so you can choose what suits your family best.
Where To Eat in Ocean Springs
Food plays a huge role in our trips, and Ocean Springs didn’t disappoint. The town is packed with family- and dog-friendly restaurants, cafes, and specialty shops. In our 48 hours we enjoyed two breakfasts, two brunches, two dinners, and several sweet treats. Highlights included:
- Bright Eyed Brew Co (coffee shop)
- The TatoNut Shop (donuts)
- Fat Spoon Cafe (brunch)
- Lady May (all-day menu)
- Glory Bound Gyro Co (gyros and casual fare)
- Pop Brothers (artisan popsicles)
- Candy Cottage (novelty candy)
Bright Eyed Brew Co.
Bright Eyed Brew Co is a popular morning spot with a cozy vibe and often a line out the door — a reliable sign of great coffee. There’s even a tiny Airbnb in the same building for a truly central stay.
TatoNut Donuts
The TatoNut Shop is a beloved local donut spot housed in a charming building just a few streets from downtown. We enjoyed oversized flavors like Katrina and Praline and wished we’d returned to try more of their specialties.
Other memorable meals included a delicious brunch at Fat Spoon Cafe and repeated visits to Lady May, where the patio and menu appeal to both kids and adults.
We also loved casual spots like Glory Bound Gyro Co for its creative gyro combinations and Pop Brothers for artisanal popsicles in Cash Alley — a colorful, umbrella-draped pedestrian lane. Candy Cottage, next to Lady May, was great for novelty sweets.
What To Do in Ocean Springs
Beyond the beach, Ocean Springs is best enjoyed on foot. Historic downtown is full of tree-lined streets, big oak trees, independent shops, galleries, and tucked-away parks. It’s the kind of town where wandering leads to discoveries.
Ocean Springs has a lively arts scene, with attractions like the Walter Anderson Museum of Art and local pottery studios. We didn’t make every stop, but the creative energy is clear in shop windows and galleries scattered through town.
Shopping highlights included Palmette, a beautiful floral and gift shop where we lingered longer than planned, and Crooked Coast for coastal-themed finds. The town also has many Little Free Libraries tucked into neighborhoods, which was a bonus for book-loving kids.
Strolling the residential streets revealed classic Gulf Coast architecture: wide porches, picket fences, and moss-draped oaks. The New Orleans influence is visible in the style and rhythm of the town, which made walking the neighborhoods especially pleasant.
We left Ocean Springs wanting to return — to slow down more, bike around town, spend a summer day on the beach, or finally get that snow cone from the caboose stand. It’s a small town with a big heart and enough charm to fill a relaxed long weekend.
Ocean Springs, Mississippi: A Recap
If you want a quick reference for the places we enjoyed, here’s a snapshot of recommendations for lodging, dining, and shopping in Ocean Springs:
Where to Stay:
- Beatnik Motel
- The Roost Boutique Hotel
- The Springs Hotel
- Airbnbs in and around downtown (many are dog-friendly)
Where to Eat
- Bright Eyed Brew Co (coffee)
- The TatoNut Shop (donuts)
- Fat Spoon Cafe (brunch)
- Lady May (casual dining)
- Glory Bound Gyro Co (gyros)
- Pop Brothers (popsicles)
- Candy Cottage (sweets)
Where to Shop & Browse
- Palmette (floral and gifts)
- Crooked Coast (coastal goods)
- Walter Anderson Museum of Art
- Shearwater Pottery and local galleries
- Ocean Springs Mercantile and other independent shops
More Family Trips We’ve Taken
If you enjoyed this guide and want more family-focused trip ideas, we’ve shared posts about other destinations that highlight family-friendly activities, eats, and places to stay.