If you’re looking for the opportunity to rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul, then look no further! With world-class spas, healing yoga centers, and 26 miles of white sandy beaches to explore at your own pace, our tri-county region will meet your every wellness need.
We’ve put together a list of dining options, outdoor activities, events, and other ways to relax during your visit to Coastal Mississippi. If you’re committed to becoming a better you, then keep on reading to find new ways to stay healthy and well.
Dining | Outdoor | Relaxation | Events
Dining
The Secret Coast features a handful of health-conscious restaurants that will keep you feeling great and ready to take on your next adventure.
Makin' Groceries (Biloxi)
This plant-based café is the perfect stop for a nutritious breakfast or lunch. (Saturday & Sunday brunch is coming soon!) On the menu are farm-to-table, seasonal options that change weekly, so be sure to check their Facebook for updates.
Some examples of dishes include an Avocado & Smoked Tofu Toast, an Adobo Roasted Cauliflower Wrap, BBQ Jackfruit Tacos, and pressed juices. There is even a grab-n-go section for those that need a quick bite.
The Reef (Biloxi)
The Reef is known for its award-winning seafood and beachside views, but did you know that they also have a menu dedicated to healthy dishes? The Healthy Options menu consists of twelve delectable wraps and salads featuring tuna, grilled chicken, shrimp, and even alligator!
Eat Drink Love (Ocean Springs)
Located in the beautiful boutique hotel known as The Roost, Eat Drink Love offers great indoor and outdoor seating for breakfast and lunch. Enjoy hand-selected dishes with fresh ingredients like the Turnip & Artichoke Dip, Huevos Rancheros Bowl, or the vegetarian Power Burger.
Fahrenheit Café (Ocean Springs)
Create your own poké bowl with fresh and exotic ingredients at the Fahrenheit Café. Choose from ahi tuna, shrimp, or salmon among other proteins, then top it all off with healthy options like bean sprouts, bok choy, and seaweed salad. They also have ramen bowls that are veggie-ful.
Starfish Café (Bay St. Louis)
Choose from a variety of appetizing vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes that feature steroid- and antibiotic-free, organically-grown ingredients. The Starfish Café offers everything from soups to salads, wraps, sandwiches, Wonder Bowls, and more!
The Local Bowls (Food Truck)
Another excellent option for smoothie bowls, The Local Bowls n Bites also offers drinkable smoothies, and toasts loaded with toppings such as the Loaded ‘Apala - an organic bagel or toast topped with an avocado spread, feta, tomatoes, everything bagel seasoning, and balsamic dressing.
Outdoor
Coastal Mississippi offers an outdoor experience unlike any other. With an abundance of waterways, wetlands, and terrain, there is an adventure waiting around every corner.
Running
The 26 miles of white sandy beaches along the Secret Coast are a paradise for the avid runner (or power walker). With flat terrain and gorgeous views, the tri-county region is growing in popularity for its running routes. Choose from beach boardwalks, the Biloxi Bay Bridge, or the Bay St. Louis Bridge, among many other locations, for the perfect running route to jump start your wellness journey.
Hiking
Explore the beautiful scenery of our forests and wetlands on foot as you get your cardio in. The 12 landscape journeys at the Crosby Arboretum – the Southeast’s premiere native plant conservatory – offers unobstructed views of the Pearl River Drainage Basin. Meanwhile, the Tuxachanie Hiking Trail features 12 miles of trails through the De Soto National Forest. For a quick stroll, check out the Fontainebleau Trail at the Mississippi Sandhill Crane Wildlife Refuge, which will guide you through pine forest and savannas alongside Davis Bayou.
For even more hiking trails and parks to explore, visit this page.
Biking
There are a handful of great biking trails dotted along the Secret Coast, all of which provide excellent opportunities for sightseeing. You can take a tour of Pascagoula via the Pascagoula Historic Bike Trail, or get your adrenaline going on the 19 miles of mountain bike trails known as South Bethel Trails. There is also some excellent off-road biking at the 21-acre Brickyard Bayou Bike Park.
Kayaking
With access to both saltwater and freshwater kayaking, you’ll never run out of waterways to explore in Coastal Mississippi. Kayak rentals are available at the Pascagoula River Audubon Center, and the Estuarine Education Center, but if you’d like to explore another waterway, Everything Kayak & Bicycles will deliver a kayak rental to you. Furthermore, Eco-Tours of South Mississippi offers guided kayaking trips through the swamp or marsh.
Pickleball
Embrace the competitive spirit while also getting your daily exercise in with a game of pickleball. Pickleball is a low-impact, paddleball sport that is comparable to badminton and table tennis. It is easy to learn, and believe it or not, there are a multitude of pickleball courts across the Secret Coast – all free to the public! Just bring your equipment and you’re set. For more information about facilities, click here.
If you are interested in more ideas to get out and explore our unique coastal habitats, check out this page.
Relaxation
Spas
Head to any of our world-class casino spas for the ultimate relaxation experience.
Enjoy the delicate rush of a waterfall, aromatherapy, and an aerobics complex overlooking Back Bay Biloxi at Senses Spa & Salon at the IP Casino Resort & Spa. Immerse yourself in the 16,000-square-foot oasis at Bellissimo Spa & Salon at Harrah’s Gulf Coast including a steam room scented with eucalyptus, hydrating body wraps, and water therapy treatments. Receive personalized indulgent service at the Beau Rivage Spa & Salon including a caviar facial, microdermabrasion, and eyelash extensions.
You deserve to de-stress, unplug, and unwind, so why not customize your own pampering session.
Yoga
Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned yogi, the Secret Coast has a class suited for your wellness journey.
Loft Yoga offers a variety of classes that specifically focus on flexibility, breath, and meditation, while Selah Yoga Studio provides intimate yoga and Pilates classes that will help improve your movement and mindfulness. Practice Vinyasa yoga at Downtown Yoga Ocean Springs, where the staff provides a diverse approach – ranging from aerobic to gentle.
The intimate and welcoming class setting will leave you feeling invigorated.
Boat Charters
There is nothing more relaxing than drifting through the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Mexico, and in Coastal Mississippi you have a variety of options to do just that. A ride with Ship Island Excursions or Betsy Ann Riverboat will provide the perfect opportunity for sunset views and dolphin watching. You can even take the ferry to the private beaches of Ship Island for some alone time. Island Hopper Charters also offers the opportunity to explore the barrier islands of the Mississippi Sound.
If you’re interested in finding even more ways to get on the water, check out these boat cruises.
Mississippi Candle Co.
Create a relaxing atmosphere in your own home with scents of the South from Mississippi Candle Co. Some of their bestselling scents include OMG! Coffee, Red Currant, Mississippi Christmas, and Pumpkin Pie.
This relatively new business has grown from its humble beginnings in 2020 to now being sold in over 200 stores nationwide. With such a strong following, we know you’ll find just the scent to soothe the soul.
Be sure to pick one up at any of the following stores on the Secret Coast: Boozer’s Brew, Antonian Salon, Heritage House Gifts, Fleurty Girl, Islander Outfitters, Biloxi Visitors Center, Island View Casino, Treasure Bay Casino, Silver Slipper Casino.
Sunset Views
With uncountable ways to watch the sunset on the Secret Coast, you’ll find it’s an excellent way to relax and reflect. Pick a spot on the beach, head out to a harbor, or take a stroll through the Popps Ferry Causeway Park - regardless, you’ll experience natural views surrounded by stunning colors. Another great way to watch the sunset is from the deck of any of our beachside restaurants such as Shaggy’s, The Reef, Bacchus on the Beach, The Blind Tiger, McElroy’s Harbor House, and more.
Events
One of the benefits of having tons of room to roam and an amazing community spirit on the coast is the multitude of events that happen year-round. Below, we’ve listed some fun, health-centric events that you can take part in this year, but be sure to also peruse the events page for even more!
Fin and Zen Yoga (Gulfport)
Experience the Mississippi Aquarium’s newest fitness event – Vinyasa yoga in the serene sights of sharks, stingrays, and reef fish. Rejuvenate your mind and body with a series of breathing and yoga poses at this event, which takes place before the facility opens. What could be more relaxing?
7th Annaual Casino Bridge Run & Harley Half Marathon (Ocean Springs)
A beautiful course with spectacular views of Ocean Springs, the Casino Bridge Run is made for everyone. Choose from the 10K, 5K Run/Walk, or the Harley Half Marathon through Biloxi. Regardless, you will receive a custom finishers medal, and earn a free beer and refreshments at the Golden Nugget’s H2O Pool & Bar.
Annual Arbor Day Run/Walk/Roll (Biloxi)
The Arbor Day Run/Walk/Roll is an opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to participate in embracing a healthy lifestyle. You have the option to run, walk, or roll in the 5K race or ½ mile race. Due to any restrictions participants may have due to the pandemic, you can even walk, run, or roll a minimum of ¼ mile at your preferred time and location. All registrants will receive a t-shirt.
