Coastal Mississippi is the perfect destination for families, friends and couples who are interested in spending time unplugged, surrounded by natural offerings. When planning a trip to experience the unspoiled beauty of the great outdoors, camping is one of the most affordable options. Proven to help reduce stress and improve emotional and physical health, spending some time venturing outside should be on your vacation goals list! Following is our Insider's Guide to camping in Coastal Mississippi.

Explore the Gulf Islands National Seashore

Summer is the perfect time to explore the barrier islands that sit just miles off the mainland of Coastal Mississippi. With white-sand beaches and beautiful Gulf waters, the islands are an ideal summer day trip.

While all of the barrier islands offer something unique that is worth exploring, Ship Island is the most accessible to travelers thanks to the Ship Island Excursions ferry service out of Gulfport and Biloxi.

Photo: Trevor Reid

BEFORE YOUR ISLAND ADVENTURE

When planning for a trip out to Ship Island, be sure to bring all your beach

Are you heading to the Mississippi Coast Coliseum Crawfish Music Festival? A five-day festival with more than a dozen acts can be a bit overwhelming. Don’t worry, we’ve listed everything you need to know beforehand to make sure you have an awesome time enjoying headline entertainment, hot boiled crawfish, and so much more at Coastal Mississippi’s premiere spring event!

Sing along:

No matter what kind of music you like, you are sure to hear some tunes you enjoy at the Crawfish Music Festival. If you don’t purchase reserved seating, make sure

In the social media era, you know when your friends are travelling. From spring break to summer vacation to holiday trips, your feeds fill up with travel pics – beach selfies, famous landmarks, well-known vistas. Some destinations are so shared, you feel like you’ve been there even if you haven’t.

On the southern edge of Mississippi, you’ll find a different kind of destination. It’s a region known as “The Secret Coast,” because unlike some places it still contains secrets, which is great for travelers who like to explore and discover. Scroll

What pairs best with authentic coastal cuisine? Outdoor ambience! In addition to the best fresh-caught seafood and the most innovative menus you’ll find in the Southeastern United States, the Mississippi Gulf Coast boasts a variety of restaurants with incredible al fresco dining experiences. Al fresco dining, or dining outside, is the preferred method of eating on the coast, whether it be a quick solo lunch or a shared family meal. Enjoy a shrimp po-boy as you watch the waves roll in from the Gulf of Mexico, or savor chargrilled oysters over

It’s time to plan that family vacation, and Coastal Mississippi should be at the top of your list. You can take advantage of everything from our pristine beaches and outdoor excursions, to great ways to play with the entire family.

Image: Ursula Noircent

You may have spent much of the past year feeling the need to explore, to get out there and see the world. Pack your bags, because this is the year to go! The Mississippi Gulf Coast should be at the top of your list of destinations.Why? Let us break it down for you. Not only will you be able to fulfill those other resolutions on your list while you’re here, you’ll also do it surrounded by hospitality in an extremely affordable and comfortable vacation.

Time keeps marching on, and so should you! You may be hoping to achieve your step goals more often and be healthier this year. Here on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, we can make your fitness goals fun to achieve. This year could be your chance to get out there, explore, and hit that step count without even realizing it.

You’re going to love the breathtaking beauty you’ll find on any of our nature trails across the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Whether it’s a trek alongside a bayou, a great day on the golf course, or an adventurous journey into the piney

Image: Jeff Wilkinson

The New Year is calling… It wants you to stop staring at your screen and live a little on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Yes, we realize the irony as you’re reading this on a phone, tablet, or other device. This year resolve to get rid of the distractions of technology a little and wind down to experience the world around you because in South Mississippi, there’s a whole lot of world to experience.

Talk about the perfect sunrise/sunset viewing spot!

Those views are now easier to access than ever thanks to a brand-new amenity in West Biloxi. The ribbon has been cut on a half-mile stretch of raised boardwalk just south of restaurant row on Biloxi Beach.