Top 15 Things To Do in Ocean Springs, Mississippi
Tucked along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Ocean Springs is a salt-scented town where artsy streets meet marinas and marshes. This guide stitches together coastal water activities, shoreline wildlife spotting, and a surprisingly rich cultural scene—think boat rentals and dolphin watches at dawn, easy bike rides through oak-lined neighborhoods, and seafood that reads like a love letter to the Gulf. Use this list to plan short excursions or stack half-day outings into a relaxed coastal itinerary.
Top 15 Things To Do in Ocean Springs
Ranked by number of available trips • Each activity type links to all experiences
Why Ocean Springs Belongs on Your Coastal Adventure Shortlist
Ocean Springs is the kind of coastal town that makes you slow down to notice details: the way pelicans silhouette against an August dawn, how the harbor reflects a row of shrimp boats like a still life, the coppery tang of chargrilled oysters. It’s compact and walkable—Old Town’s galleries and cafés sit a stone’s throw from boat ramps and marinas—so you can weave cultural stops into a day that also includes water activities. That proximity is the city’s secret advantage. Start with a kayak tour through quiet backwaters to nose-level mangrove forests, follow an eco tour out to the shallows for dolphin sightings and shorebird study, then return to town for a sunset boat tour or to rent a jet ski for a sharper, wind-in-your-hair kind of freedom.
The peninsula’s geography sets up an easy menu of options: shallow bays and estuaries make for beginner-friendly kayak and paddle sessions, while deeper channels off Biloxi Bay open up opportunities for fishing charters and boat rental excursions. Fishing is part sport, part ritual here—light-tackle inshore trips yield speckled trout and redfish, while local captains can point you toward seasonal runs and structure. If you prefer to stay dry, guided sightseeing tours and city tours map the town’s artful history (Walter Anderson’s influence is everywhere) and the environmental attractions that shaped it: salt marshes, barrier islands, and migratory corridors for birds.
Practicality sits beside romance in Ocean Springs. Outfitters offer everything from bike rental for pedaling the quiet beachfront lanes to jet ski rental for high-adrenaline runs. Marinas handle boat rental logistics and launch points for dolphin watches and ferry trips to nearby islands. For the eco-minded traveler, environmental attractions and wildlife tours educate as they entertain—expect interpreters who can make the marsh’s ecological tangle feel refreshingly comprehensible. And because the Gulf Coast’s weather turns on a dime, planning matters: book charters and popular boat tours early in peak months, prefer shoulder-season weekdays for quieter wildlife viewing, and always check tide and wind reports before committing to a kayak or jet-ski outing. In short: Ocean Springs rewards small investments of time with outsized coastal experiences—perfect for a long weekend or a slower, exploratory trip.
Access and variety are the town’s strengths: within minutes you can be on a guided dolphin watch, exploring an environmental attraction like a barrier-island ferry landing, or sampling seafood on a waterfront patio. Outfitters handle rentals and launches, making water activities approachable for beginners and convenient for seasoned boaters.
Cultural contrast amplifies the appeal. Between eco tours and fishing charters, take a city tour through Old Town’s galleries and studios, and you’ll find that the area’s creative life adds a satisfying after-activity rhythm to days spent on the water.
Best Time to Visit
Best Months
Weather Notes
Spring and fall bring mild temperatures, calmer seas, and excellent bird and dolphin activity. Summer is warm and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms; hurricane season peaks late summer into fall. Winter is mild but can be blustery—some water activities are still pleasant on fair days.
Peak Season
Late spring through early summer sees the highest number of visitors for beaches and water rentals; book charters and rentals in advance.
Off-Season Opportunities
Shoulder seasons (spring and fall) reward travelers with fewer crowds, lower rates, and excellent wildlife viewing; winter weekdays can be quiet and cheaper, though some services may reduce hours.
Choose Your Adventure Level
Beginner
Gentle, low-risk outings suitable for families and first-timers: sheltered bays, guided wildlife tours, and short boat tours.
- Guided dolphin tour leaving from a marina
- Short kayak trip through a protected estuary
- Leisurely bike ride around Old Town and waterfront
Intermediate
Longer half-day outings, independent boat rental, and light offshore fishing—some skill and basic planning required.
- Half-day boat rental for sightseeing and shallow-water exploration
- Inshore fishing charter for redfish and speckled trout
- Self-guided kayak excursion with tide planning
Advanced
Full-day ventures and higher-adrenaline pursuits that require experience, conditions awareness, and often a skipper or guide.
- Open-water fishing trips that head into deeper channels
- Jet ski runs on choppy open water
- Extended eco-tour or photography mission timed for tides and migration windows
What to Bring
Essential
- Light breathable layers and quick-dry clothing for water activities
- Waterproof sunscreen (reef-safe if possible) and a hat
- Reusable water bottle and snacks for half-day outings
- Secure footwear for boat ramps and slippery docks
- Phone in a waterproof case or a dry bag
Recommended
- Light wind shell for breezy mornings on the water
- Polarized sunglasses for glare reduction when boating or fishing
- Compact binoculars for dolphin and bird spotting
- Small first-aid kit and blister care for active days
Optional
- Underwater or action camera with float leash
- Fishing license (if you plan to fish from shore or rent gear independently)
- Comfortable pannier or small pack for a bike-and-beach combo day
Insider Tips & Local Knowledge
Check tide, wind, and weather reports before any water-based outing. Confirm launch access and parking with your outfitter.
Book popular boat tours and fishing charters early in the season; aim for morning launches to avoid afternoon winds. For wildlife, focus on crepuscular hours—dawn and dusk—when dolphins and many shorebirds are most active. Support local guides and galleries in Old Town to get the best route recommendations and current conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need reservations for boat tours and rentals?
Yes—especially in spring and summer. Local outfitters often have limited fleet sizes; book at least a few days ahead for guided dolphin watches, fishing charters, and jet-ski rentals.
Are dolphin sightings guaranteed?
No—dolphins are wild animals and sightings depend on conditions and season. Guided eco tours and dolphin-focused boat tours maximize your chances with experienced captains who know local feeding grounds.
Can I bike around Old Town and the shoreline?
Yes. Bike rental is available and Old Town is compact and bike-friendly. Stick to designated lanes and avoid busy roads during peak traffic times.