Things to Do in Ocean Springs, MS: Relax, Explore, and Sail the Mississippi Gulf Coast

If you are searching for the best things to do in Ocean Springs, MS, you will quickly find that this Mississippi Gulf Coast town offers much more than a typical beach stop. Ocean Springs is known for its walkable downtown, local art scene, shopping, dining, outdoor recreation, and coastal charm. The Ocean Springs Chamber highlights attractions such as Fort Maurepas Park, Shearwater Pottery, the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, Gulf Islands National Seashore, downtown shopping, and year-round festivals as key parts of the local visitor experience.

For visitors and locals alike, one of the most memorable ways to experience the area is from the water. South Coast Sailing Charters offers private, fully crewed day sails and sunset sails aboard The Red Wing, departing from Ocean Springs Harbor for groups of up to six guests. According to the company’s official site, each charter lasts about 2.5 hours and includes a licensed captain and first mate, with daytime and sunset options available.

Why Ocean Springs Is a Favorite Mississippi Gulf Coast Destination

Ocean Springs has built a reputation as one of the most enjoyable towns on the Mississippi Gulf Coast thanks to its mix of coastal scenery, culture, and walkability. The Ocean Springs Chamber describes the town as a historic cottage community with shopping, dining, entertainment, bayous, and a walkable downtown district, while Visit Mississippi highlights its small-town charm, white sand beaches, and strong mix of independent shops, galleries, restaurants, and nightlife.

That combination makes Ocean Springs appealing to couples, families, weekend visitors, and locals looking for a change of pace. Whether you want to explore downtown, visit museums, enjoy the waterfront, or book a private sailing experience, there are plenty of ways to spend a day here.

Explore Downtown Ocean Springs

One of the first things many visitors notice is how easy Ocean Springs is to enjoy on foot. The Chamber points visitors toward the downtown district for shopping, dining, local art, and entertainment, and notes that the town regularly hosts festivals and a Saturday morning Fresh Market.

Downtown Ocean Springs is a great place to start your day. You can stroll Government Street, browse boutiques, stop into galleries, and enjoy the town’s arts-focused atmosphere. Visit Mississippi recently highlighted the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, the Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Arts Center, and downtown galleries and artisan boutiques as part of an “artsy escape” in Ocean Springs.

For people searching online for:

things to do in downtown Ocean Springs

Ocean Springs shopping and dining

Ocean Springs art galleries

Ocean Springs attractions

this part of town is usually at the top of the list.

Visit Local Attractions and Cultural Spots

Ocean Springs is well known for its creative identity and coastal character. The Chamber’s tourism page lists attractions such as Fort Maurepas Park, Shearwater Pottery, Walter Anderson Museum of Art, Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center, Gulf Islands National Seashore, and the Live Oaks Bicycle Route among the town’s featured experiences.

These attractions make it easy to build a full day around culture and outdoor exploration. You can spend part of the afternoon at the museum, browse local pottery and art, visit the beach or park, and then transition into an evening on the water.

Enjoy Outdoor Recreation in Ocean Springs

If you prefer time outside, Ocean Springs offers several ways to enjoy the Mississippi Sound and surrounding coastal environment. The Chamber’s recreation information encourages visitors to walk or bike the Biloxi Bay Bridge pedestrian path, paddle local bayous and blueways, ride the Live Oaks Bicycle Route, and explore the harbor and park areas.

Outdoor recreation is one of the biggest reasons people visit this part of the Gulf Coast. But while biking, beach walks, and kayaking are popular, sailing offers something a little different. Instead of rushing from stop to stop, a private charter allows you to slow down, relax, and take in the coastline at a calmer pace.

One of the Best Things to Do in Ocean Springs, MS: Book a Private Sail

For travelers searching for a unique and memorable activity, a private sailing charter stands out as one of the best things to do in Ocean Springs. South Coast Sailing Charters is based at 1310 Harbor Rd, Ocean Springs, MS 39564, Slip #36, and offers private day trips and sunset sails aboard The Red Wing. The company describes its charters as intimate coastal experiences focused on comfort, safety, and hospitality for small groups of up to six guests.

This is not a crowded tourist boat or a rushed attraction. It is a private sailing experience designed to feel welcoming, effortless, and memorable. Guests can enjoy a 2.5-hour charter with coastal views, a licensed captain and first mate, and a relaxed pace that fits the overall feel of Ocean Springs.

A private sail is especially appealing for:

couples looking for a date idea in Ocean Springs

families wanting a small-group coastal activity

visitors searching for unique things to do on the Mississippi Gulf Coast

locals planning a special outing close to home

travelers looking for a sunset sail in Ocean Springs

Day Sails and Sunset Sails Aboard The Red Wing

South Coast Sailing Charters offers both daytime sails and sunset sails, each priced at $600 for up to six guests, according to the official website. Both options depart from Ocean Springs Harbor and are hosted aboard The Red Wing. The site also notes onboard touches such as chilled water, charcuterie, and a welcoming glass of wine at the dock.

A daytime sail is ideal for sightseeing, conversation, and enjoying the open water under the sun. A sunset sail creates a more romantic and scenic atmosphere, making it a strong choice for anniversaries, birthdays, or simply ending the day with a coastal view.

Build the Perfect Ocean Springs Itinerary

If you are planning a visit and wondering how to spend the day, Ocean Springs makes it easy to put together a well-rounded itinerary. Start downtown with coffee, shopping, or a museum visit. Spend time at the waterfront, the harbor, or one of the town’s parks. Then close out the day with a private sailing charter aboard The Red Wing. The Chamber specifically promotes Ocean Springs for shopping, recreation, art, dining, and events, which pairs naturally with a relaxing harbor departure for a sailing trip.

This kind of schedule works well for both tourists and locals because it blends the town’s culture and walkability with one of its most unique on-the-water experiences.

Book Your Sailing Charter in Ocean Springs

If you are researching things to do in Ocean Springs, MS and want an experience that feels personal, scenic, and memorable, South Coast Sailing Charters is a strong choice.

You can book by phone at (850) 699-7454 or reserve online at SouthCoastSailingCharters.com. Charters depart from:

South Coast Sailing Charters

1310 Harbor Rd, Ocean Springs, MS 39564

Slip #36

Whether you are visiting the Mississippi Gulf Coast for a weekend or looking for something new to do close to home, a sail aboard The Red Wing is a beautiful way to experience Ocean Springs from the water.