Sixty-two miles of shoreline draw winter-weary visitors to Mississippi’s Gulf Coast region every year with sun, sand and the gentle lapping of waves on the shore. Along with the Gulf of Mexico, the area also offers bayous, swamps and rivers to explore, giving attendees plenty of reasons to stay outside and play. From the excitement of dolphin-spotting on open water to the thrill of seeing a wild alligator up close and personal in the bayou, there’s an outdoor adventure for everyone along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Gulfport/Biloxi
From historic tours to sunset cruises, the cities of Gulfport and Biloxi offer a variety of off-shore activities, according to Crystal Johnson, director of sales for the Mississippi Gulf Coast CVB.
“The Biloxi Schooners are a great place to have an off-site reception,” she says.
These multi-sailed ships echo a part of the coast’s rich 300-year heritage, and are available for day trips, brief cruises and events. The large pier where the two ships are moored also make an unusual spot for a reception or event as well, she adds.
The schooners are part of the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum organization. For years, the museum itself was an essential stop for anyone wanting to learn more about coastal culture. The facility was damaged beyond repair during Hurricane Katrina. While the ships have stayed in business during the last seven years, the museum was finally able to break ground this February on a new site. Starting next spring, groups will be able to charter the schooners and learn about their fascinating place in local history at the new Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum.
For a different look at how the Gulf Coast’s famed seafood makes it to the table, Johnson suggests the Biloxi Shrimping Trip.
“It’s a 70-minute cruise, and they throw out the shrimping nets,” she says. “Along the way they tell you about the different kinds of shrimp, and occasionally you’ll see dolphins swimming near the boat.”
The cruise runs in the calm waters between the shoreline and Deer Island, and passengers are allowed to see all the shrimp and other creatures the nets bring back up, making it an excellent educational opportunity. For attendees who want to take home some of that bounty, there are numerous fishing charter services in Gulfport and Biloxi.
Groups can also utilize Ship Island Excursions for a visit to Ship Island, home of historic Fort Massachusetts, and most charter services also offer sunset cruises to perfectly end a day on the water.
When it comes to waterfront venues, the area has some choice options. The Biloxi Visitors Center is located across from the beach, and their second-floor, multiuse space can accommodate up to 200 guests. Located on the Mississippi Sound, the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art is a top spot for group events. This Smithsonian affiliate features a stunning array of Mississippi-themed exhibits and collections, including work by the “Mad Potter of Biloxi,” George Ohr. The museum has several spaces available for rental, including outdoor options under the oak trees, just a stone’s throw away from the water.PageBreak
Bay St. Louis/Hancock County
“It’s hard to resist a leisurely bike ride along Beach Boulevard with gentle Gulf breezes blowing,” says Jane Byrne, tour guide for Mississippi’s West Coast/Hancock County Tourism Development Bureau.
If attendees can overcome the lure of the beach, however, the Bay St. Louis area has much more to offer, including kayak rentals.
“The kayak is ideal for use in the Gulf of Mexico,” she says.
Several companies offer group rentals, including Bay Breeze and Wolf River Canoe and Kayak. The latter also arranges fishing, tubing and custom group charters, while Shore Thing Fishing Charters help attendees land redfish, shark and speckled trout during saltwater fishing excursions.
Groups head in from the gulf to the bayou in Hancock County, where attendees can catch a glimpse of the wild side with Pearl River Eco-Tours. The tours take attendees into Honey Island Swamp, an area largely untouched by the effects of civilization, where they can view alligators and other animals native to the river swamp. Tours can accommodate up to 25 people, and nighttime programs can also be arranged.
The tourism bureau can also assist planners with beachfront events, according to Byrne.
“We have helped arrange bonfires and cookouts on the beach with groups,” she says. “Waveland Beach has several volleyball nets and this is the perfect chance for interactive team play between conference delegates.”
Byrne also suggests finishing off the day with a local catered shrimp boil, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Planners seeking off-site venues on the water can check out the Silver Slipper Casino and its in-house eatery, the Blue Bayou Bar & Grill, which overlooks the Gulf on Beach Boulevard, and the Bay Waveland Yacht Club, located off North Beach Boulevard.
Ocean Springs/Jackson County
Across the bay from Biloxi is Ocean Springs, a charming town known for art, food and outdoor fun. The 120-foot-long Bridge Murals, the largest mosaic in the state, greets newcomers at the foot of the Biloxi Bay Bridge, and the murals are a popular starting point for downtime activities.
“The murals consist of four artists’ artwork: Pat Odom, Chris Stebly, Ching Walters and Susie Ranager,” says Cynthia Dobbs Sutton, events coordinator for the Ocean Springs Chamber-Main Street-Tourism Bureau. “Its wave design carries you to the beachfront, where a walking path with an intricate wave design along the pathway is a popular spot for walkers and bikers.”
Surrounded by bayous and the Gulf of Mexico, the area is well-suited for outdoor adventure. The South Coast Paddling Company can assist with kayak rentals, and planners can arrange tours of the bayous or a paddle trip from the beach to Deer Island.
After a bayou tour, groups can meet up at Anthony’s Seafood Restaurant, located directly on Fort Bayou. The restaurant offers stunning views of the water from any seat in the house, and can arrange private lunches and other events for attendees.
At Front Beach is Fort Maurepas Park, the site of the original 1699 French settlement that eventually grew and became Ocean Springs. The park is often used for picnics, events and other outdoor activities, and boasts a small amphitheatre for concerts. Groups can also arrange some fishing time from one of the piers along Front Beach.
All frequent contributor Beth Bartlett can think of is sipping a frosty drink aboard one of the Biloxi Schooners.
