Mississippi may have the smallest coastline of any of the Gulf Coast states—at only 44 miles of shoreline—but the state has made the most of its beaches. The warm, sea air, dazzling sand, Spanish moss, and balmy Gulf of Mexico waters beckon the locals and visitors alike to the beaches of Mississippi. Since you will want your four-legged best friend to accompany you on your Gulf Coast adventures, you will want to try these Top 4 Dog Beaches in Mississippi.
4. Ocean Springs Beach In Ocean Springs
In Ocean Springs, Mississippi, a stretch of privately-owned beach has been opened to the public so residents, as well as visitors to the area, can enjoy the pristine beach. You can watch the sail boats, look for dolphins, hunt for shells, and build sandcastles, all with your pup by your side. Out of consideration for others on the beach, you should keep your pooch on a leash and pick up any messes he makes.
3. Bay St. Louis Beaches In Bay St. Louis
Along the Gulf of Mexico, the Mississippi town of Bay St. Louis is a quaint coastal community with charming restaurants and cafes, shops and boutiques, and several miles of sandy beaches. The town itself is dog-friendly and many of the businesses welcome dogs. Pups can join their owners for strolls along the beach or a swim in the waves. Since the beaches of Bay St. Louis are divided into a few different parks, be sure to follow the dog rules listed for the particular beach you are visiting.
2. Buccaneer State Park Beach In Waveland
Jean Lafitte and his band of pirates were among the first Europeans to make their homes in the area that is now Waveland, Mississippi. Later, during the Battle of New Orleans, Andrew Jackson headquartered in the area. Aside from the rich history, Buccaneer State Park Beach is a scenic setting with iconic live oaks, moss-draped forests, hiking trails through marshlands, and, of course, the shining, natural beachfront. Dogs are required to be on leashes on the beach area, but are welcome to spend a day of Gulf Coast fun in the sun.
1. Pascagoula Beach Park In Pascagoula
In addition to the beach—which is the park’s biggest attraction—Pascagoula Beach Park’s 14-acres includes picnic and barbecue areas, a splash pad, bird watching trails, playgrounds, pavilions, and a thousand-foot-long fishing pier. Hurricane Katrina destroyed much of gulf frontage in Pascagoula in 2005, but the town has restored the natural areas in the years since. Dogs area welcome to enjoy the amenities of the park along with their owners. Leash rules are enforced in the park, however the you and your four-legged bestie can take in the view of the Gulf of Mexico as you wade in the surf and hike the trails.
Mississippi may not have a lot of beachfront land, but the state focuses on quality over quantity. The coastal regions of the southern state has become a Mecca for millennial dog lovers who enjoy the dog days of Summer with their favorite pups with beach adventures along the Gulf of Mexico.