Scenic Drives

From luscious greenery to beachfront scenery, Coastal Mississippi is the perfect backdrop for an adventure out on the open road. Our 62 miles of scenic shoreline means a multitude of coastal communities to explore, sure - but in Coastal Mississippi, you’ll have as much fun with your hands on the wheel as you would your feet in the sand. Home to several Mississippi Scenic Byways, The Secret Coast offers the road less traveled, but it’s a road worth taking. 

Byways to Space + Beach Boulevard Scenic Byways

Serving as the front door to Coastal Mississippi from our neighbors to the west, Hancock County offers a number of beautiful byways that range from the scenic to the historic. Venture out to beautiful parks and historic settlements along the Byways to Space, then make your way to the Beach Boulevard Scenic Byway for an unforgettable visit to Waveland and Bay St. Louis.

Start your journey with the excitement of discovery at INFINITY Science Center. 

After returning from your mission, blast off to “The Hospitality City” for lunch at The Rum Kitchen or Tony’s Family Seafood Restaurant.

Stretch your legs at Buccaneer State Park, offering a 1.8-mile nature trail, an 18-hole disc golf course and more. 

Let your windows down and enjoy the sights and sounds of Beach Boulevard as you make your way to Bay St. Louis.

Dinner time! Located right in the heart of Old Town, 200 North Beach, The Blind Tiger and Trapani’s Eatery all serve authentic coastal cuisine just steps away from the Bay St. Louis Municipal Harbor. 

Wind down with a sunset stroll along the beach - feel free to bring your pup, as long as they stay on a leash!

Staying overnight? Get up and go with a delicious breakfast from Mockingbird Cafe. 

Gulf Coast Scenic Byway

Stretching from Henderson Point to Biloxi, Coastal Mississippi is home to the largest and longest man-made beach in the nation! Come for the beautiful beachfront drive, but stay for the charming coastal communities along the way.

Drive along the nation's longest man-made beach from Coastal Mississippi on Vimeo.

Grab breakfast at Fill-Up with Billups Pass Christian, or a quick cup of jo at Cat Island Coffeehouse.

Start your day by trying your luck on a near shore fishing charter trip, lasting no more than 4 hours.

Once you’re back on shore, keep heading down beautiful Beach Boulevard for a delicious lunch at Parrish’s Lounge & Restaurant high above the Mississippi Sound and Long Beach Harbor. 

Ready to get back on the water? Hop aboard Ship Island Excursions in Gulfport for a Dolphin Watching Cruise. Looking for a slower pace? Enjoy a leisurely stroll around nearby Jones Park.

Hop back in the car and head toward Biloxi for endless entertainment options. Feeling adventurous? Experience the high-octane thrill of racing at Finishline Performance Karting. Ready to test your luck? Try your hand at any one of our world-class casino properties. Wanting to learn more about our region? Visit the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum. Just be sure to check with each business individually for any changes in their availability and hours. 

Dinner is served! Dine on delicious farm-to-table cuisine at White Pillars, carefully crafted by James Beard award semi-finalist Chef Austin Sumrall.

Enjoy one last sunset spin along the beach to cap off an unforgettable adventure on The Secret Coast. 

Staying overnight? Get up and go with breakfast from Fill-Up with Billups or coffee from Jacked Up Coffee Bar. 

Ocean Springs

Known as the City of Discovery by locals and visitors alike, this historic coastal town is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a whole host of experiences. Just 30 minutes inland from our neighbors to the east, Ocean Springs offers breathtaking views at every turn.

Journey into Ocean Springs with a joyride over the Biloxi Bay Bridge. Watch in awe as the Ocean Springs Yacht Club and Front Beach Drive all come into focus. 

Take a quick detour for biscuits galore at The Greenhouse on Porter.

Skirt the shoreline along Front Beach Drive. You can even walk your furry four-legged friend along the beach if they’re on a leash!

Getting hungry? Head into historic downtown Ocean Springs for a quick bite. From BBQ to Mediterranean and everything in between, there’s a dish for every palette. 

Satisfy your sweet tooth with a tasty treat from Pop Brothers. 

Hop back in the car and head to the Davis Bayou Area of Gulf Islands National Seashore, just a few miles outside of the downtown area. Enjoy an afternoon of fishing, hiking, biking, bird watching - or even just soaking in the sights of a drive surrounded by luscious greenery. 

End your day with a delicious dinner at Vestige, carefully crafted by James Beard award semi-finalist Chef Alex Perry!

Staying overnight? Start your day the Ocean Springs way with “the only real donut” at Tatonut! 

Other Unforgettable Drives

• I-110 - Watch in awe as Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort and IP Casino Resort & Spa stand tall over Back Bay. Marvel at the home of the Biloxi Shuckers as you drive just beyond the concourse level of MGM Park. Loop past the Beau Rivage, over the Mississippi Sound and right into downtown Biloxi for an experience you won’t soon forget. 

• Jackson County Veterans Memorial Bridge over the Pascagoula River

• Jack G. Hanson Memorial Bridge over the Escatawpa River

• Popps Ferry Bridge over the Back Bay

• Washington Avenue Bridge just north of downtown Ocean Springs