Ocean Springs Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & Itinerary

Ocean Springs is often described as the artistic heartbeat of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, a title it earns with effortless grace. Unlike the casino-driven energy of its neighbor Biloxi, this town offers a slower, more soulful rhythm. Here, the streets are shaded by ancient live oaks that form natural cathedral-like tunnels, and the air is thick with the salty scent of the Mississippi Sound mixed with the sweet fragrance of jasmine and tea olives. It is a place where creativity flourishes, visible in everything from the pottery studios to the colorful murals adorning downtown walls.

Visiting Ocean Springs feels like stumbling upon a well-kept secret. The downtown district is a walkable grid of galleries, boutiques, and restaurants that rival those in much larger cities. The community’s deep connection to nature is palpable, bordered by the protected marshlands of the Gulf Islands National Seashore and the gentle waves of Front Beach. whether you are here to explore the legacy of the Anderson brothers or simply to sip a cocktail on a porch while the sun sets, the town welcomes you with genuine Southern warmth.

The Legacy of an Art Colony

What truly sets Ocean Springs apart is its history as an enclave for artists and dreamers. In the early 20th century, the Anderson family established Shearwater Pottery, and the town quickly became a magnet for creatives drawn to the natural beauty of the bayou. This legacy is enshrined today in the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, a space that feels more like a spiritual center than a gallery, celebrating the deep connection between art and the natural world.

This artistic spirit isn’t confined to museums; it spills out onto the streets. The annual Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival attracts over 150,000 visitors, turning the entire downtown into an open-air gallery. Even on a quiet Tuesday, you can find local potters turning clay, painters capturing the light on the harbor, and musicians playing on restaurant patios. It is this pervasive culture of creation that gives Ocean Springs its unique, bohemian character.

The Icons You’ll Want to See

Walter Anderson Museum of Art - Located on Washington Avenue, this museum is the cultural anchor of the city. It houses the extensive collection of Walter Anderson, including his breathtaking ‘Little Room’ cottage murals. Admission is approx. $10 USD.

Front Beach - A stretch of man-made white sand running along the shoreline, offering a concrete walking path, fishing piers, and fire pits. It is free to access and located just 0.5 mi south of downtown, offering perfect views of the shrimp boats.

Shearwater Pottery - Tucked away on a wooded property near the harbor, this historic workshop (est. 1928) still produces ceramics. The showroom is open to the public, and it is located about 1.5 mi from the downtown core. Prices for pottery vary widely.

The Crooked Feather - A giant, thirty-foot sculpture located near the Ocean Springs entrance of the Biloxi Bay Bridge. It is a modern replacement of a historic wooden Indian sculpture and serves as an iconic welcome landmark for photo ops. Free to view.

Planning Your Visit

Getting to Ocean Springs is straightforward, as it is located just off Interstate 10. The nearest major airport is Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT), about a 25-minute drive away. Once you arrive in town, the downtown area is extremely walkable, but having a car or renting a golf cart, a popular local mode of transport, is recommended for reaching the harbor, Shearwater Pottery, and the National Park areas.

When packing, prioritize comfort and breathability. The climate is subtropical, so lightweight clothing is essential, especially in summer. If you are visiting between May and September, bug spray is a must for any activities near the bayou or water at dusk. Don’t forget comfortable walking shoes, as the best way to experience the local architecture and oak-lined streets is on foot.

Ocean Springs is more than just a stopover; it is a destination that invites you to slow down and look a little closer. Whether you are eating a sugar-dusted donut from Tatonut, kayaking through the stillness of the bayou, or admiring a watercolor that captures the soul of the coast, you will leave with a piece of this town’s magic in your heart.