7 Beautiful Hidden Beaches in Mississippi

Mississippi boasts more than 60 miles of beautiful coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, making it one of the best Southern destinations for beachgoers. While top destinations like Biloxi Beach and Bay St. Louis draw the most crowds, several underexplored beaches present the perfect setting to relax and rejuvenate without the noise. Nestled between coastal dunes and maritime forests below quiet towns, these secluded spots boast unspoiled coastlines for swimming, fishing, or simply admiring panoramic vistas of teal waters meeting the horizon. 

However, the long list of Mississippi beaches does not start and end along the Gulf Coast. Numerous hidden gems, from lakeside beaches to artificial beaches, present ideal summer getaways for endless water-fuelled recreation. Whether you are sticking to the coast or venturing further inland, here are some of the prettiest hidden beaches in Mississippi. 

Henderson Point Beach

This hidden gem in Pass Christian, also known as Pass Christian Beach, has long been recognized as a top yachting destination in the South. But there is much more fun in Henderson Point Beach that tourists can look forward to. The soft white sands covering the shores offer a cozy platform for lazy walks while admiring the water views. You can also spread a towel on the sand to lounge or build sand castles with children. Henderson Point Beach has amenities like volleyball nets, a beach bar, and an eatery to amuse the public. 

The area remains buzzing even after the sun sets over the horizon, as bonfires take over and beachgoers gather around the fire. Overall, the beach is perfect for get-togethers with friends and family in a more secluded location. 

Horn Island

Designated the Gulf Islands Wilderness alongside neighboring Petit Bois, this Mississippi barrier island offers an exciting off-the-beaten-path adventure. It has a unique, thin shape, stretching several miles long but barely a mile long at its widest point. You can only get to the island via a private boat from the mainland, allowing visitors to escape the rowdy crowds and enjoy a more secluded getaway. Those who manage to get to Horn Island indulge in various fun activities, including sunbathing, swimming, fishing, and camping. 

As a designated wilderness area, the island has a thriving wildlife population. It promises an immersive watching experience, with various species of shorebirds, land animals, and marine life calling it home. However, visitors should prepare with enough supplies, as the island has no facilities. 

Ship Island

One of the most popular hidden beaches in Mississippi, this barrier island, is about 12 miles from the Mississippi mainland. It is an exciting break from the normal. With its captivating history, tranquil waters, and native wildlife, Ship Island hosts diverse experiences for first-timers and those returning. The boat journey from the mainland rewards tourists with sightings of spy dolphins playing in the water. Once on the island, you can explore local history with a tour of Fort Massachusetts, whose legacy dates back to 1859, when its construction by the US Army began. 

The Ship Island Swim Beach has sandy shores for sunbathers and provides access to fun recreation like swimming, fishing, wading, and more. There is also a concession stand, restrooms, and pavilion areas to make your experience more comfortable. The only thing about Ship Island is that cellphone reception is quite limited, so prepare to be off the grid while there. 

Cat Island

This secluded barrier island is situated off the Gulf Coast. It is only accessible by kayak or boat, which helps to keep the crowds thin, providing the ideal getaway from the hustle and bustle. It gets its name from the bustling raccoon population on the island, which French explorers mistook for cats. Surrounded by dense forests of pine and oak trees, the beach boasts a secluded and serene setting that allows you to relax, unwind, and decompress. 

Besides being the ultimate chill spot, Cat Island has a rich history that is sure to intrigue even unassuming visitors. During the 19th century, it was a sought-after hideout for bootleggers, pirates, and smugglers believed to have stashed some of the loot on the island. It even hosts Smugglers Cove on the southern end. Whether basking on the sandy shores, taking a dip, or wandering the beach to explore exciting historical lore, Cat Island promises a remarkable experience. 

Old Bridge Beach

You do not have to be on the Gulf Coast to experience Mississippi's beachside splendor, and this hidden gem on the south end of Bay Springs Lake, New Site, is proof of the treasures awaiting travelers inland. Old Bridge Beach boasts some of the state's clearest water and whitest sand, making it a go-to summer escape. Locals and visitors like to go here for a cool dip in its pristine waters. However, the beach is surrounded with countless other activities worth exploring. 

Old Bridge Beach complements the rich natural scenery surrounding it with a playground, picnic shelters, outdoor showers, grills, volleyball courts, a fishing pier, and other amenities. This invites all kinds of family-friendly pursuits that save you the crowding and commotion synonymous with famous Gulf Coast beaches. 

Deer Island

For a tranquil retreat away from Biloxi's bustling atmosphere, Deer Island offers a serene escape for those seeking seclusion. It spans about 400 acres and presents fun adventures like paddleboarding, canoeing, and kayaking. The island also harbors several endangered species, adding to the many reasons you should discover it. A few minutes on a boat is what you need to access Deer Island, where tranquil beaches invite you for a refreshing dip in the water and an uninterrupted sunbathing session. 

Besides the sandy shore, Deer Island impresses with well-marked nature trails that cut through lush salt marshes and majestic pine trees, culminating in a scenic landscape. The region is also home to a thriving mix of native wildlife that nature photographers might want to document, such as diamond terrapin, great blue heron, osprey, loggerhead turtles, and mottled ducks. If lucky, you will spot a few dolphins in the water and American alligators when you venture into the marshes. 

Ross Barnett Reservoir

Ross Barnett Reservoir is an excellent destination for those seeking an inland beach getaway to relax and let loose. This central Mississippi recreational hub delights tourists with a host of fun water adventures. Located in the charming community of Ridgeland, visitors come from across the region to take advantage of fishing, hunting, boating, and camping opportunities. The reservoir spreads across 33,000 acres, encircled by lush nature preserves that allow immersion in the wilderness. 

If not playing on the water, you can get your hiking gear and explore the quiet nature trails in the bordering wilderness. The area also hosts fun events that unite people, notably the Sunset Concert Series, Pepsi Pops, and Independence Day celebrations. 

Final Thought

Exploring these hidden beaches in Mississippi provides a true gateway to the natural splendor lining its coast without the bustle of larger tourism hubs. From the historic sites of Ship Island to Henderson Point's miles of serenity, these tranquil locales stun with scenery and the chance to catch lively seascapes in solitude. Their laidback settings cultivate an appreciation for the diverse landscapes and welcoming culture pervasive across the Magnolia State. Most importantly, visitors gain a newfound respect for this Gulf region of the United States by discovering its lesser-known coastal escapes.