Spending time in nature can be a great way to decompress after a long day at the office. The natural advantages of being outside include health benefits that are hard to match, plus you and your family can make memories that will last a lifetime. From soaking up the sun on the beach to working up a sweat on the trail, you can find so much to do in the area. Check out the best ways to get back to nature on The Secret Coast!
Enjoy A Quiet Beach
While the Gulf Coast is not short on options for fun in the sun, some beaches may prove a little too busy and crowded for your liking. Consider discovering a relaxing beach getaway in Coastal Mississippi, such as Pass Christian, to spend a day under the sun. Commonly referred to as “The Pass” this coastal community offers a stretch of white sandy beaches and a premium in relaxation. Another great stop along our 62-mile shoreline is Long Beach, which boasts plenty of room to spread out in the sand as well as numerous fishing charters if you want to get out on the water.
Try Camping Out
Enjoying the natural beauty of the outdoors is a great way to spend a weekend and de-stress. Consider choosing one of the camping spots along The Secret Coast, like POW Lake Recreation Area, to spend some quality time enjoying Mother Nature together with family and friends. You’ll be able to hike the several trails as well as enjoy a cookout under the stars. For those who don’t own a camper, consider renting one from Gulf Coast Campers to get your adventure started. You can get even more inspiration for planning your Coastal Mississippi camping adventure here!
Go Bird Watching
Coastal Mississippi is known for a vast array of birds that call this area home. Grab your binoculars and head out on the Mississippi Coastal Birding Trail to catch a glimpse of these beautiful species. While there are various trails available depending on what kind of bird you want to see, most of the birds can be spotted year-round, making this a great option to enjoy the nature of The Secret Coast during any season. Check out our comprehensive bird watching guide at this link!
Lace Up Your Hiking Boots
Winding seamlessly between the beach and the swamp, Coastal Mississippi offers nature trails unlike any other. The greenways offer access to a wide range of diverse areas throughout the region. You can have your pick of enjoying a hike through nature near water, or you can discover local plant varieties and other wildlife farther inland. For those more experienced hikers, consider the nearly 14-mile Tuxachanie Hiking Trail or the Big Foot Horse Trail that features 23 miles of trail for an all-day hike that won’t disappoint.
Quick Nature Options
While those are all wonderful options, you don’t need to plan a special getaway in Coastal Mississippi to enjoy the great outdoors. There are plenty of quick, accessible options within walking distance of schools, businesses, and homes in the area that offer a great connection to nature. One of these fantastic spots is The Friendship Oak Tree. Standing tall over the Secret Coast for over 500 years, stand in awe of the presence of this hurricane survivor while enjoying the beautiful landscaping in the area. Other great options that are easy to access include the Mississippi Freedom Trail, created in 2011 to commemorate the people and places in the state that played a pivotal role in the American Civil Rights Movement.
No matter your preferences, there are many ways to experience nature on the Secret Coast. Consider putting your toes in the sand and listening to the waves on a quiet local beach. Take shorter breaks from work by strolling through the natural parts of your city as well. Camping and trying out new hiking trails to view the wonderful wildlife in the area are other great ways to get back to nature in Coastal Mississippi.
Sarah Miller is a writer, self-claimed nutritionist, and crossfit junkie. She spends most of her time meal prepping and actively trying to beat personal records in the gym, but always enjoys a meditative walk through a nearby woodland area or near a lake.
