Blame the California exodus or Florida’s endless crowds, however one unsuspecting southern state is on the rise with surprisingly various locations for vacationers to select from.
Whether or not it’s riverside thrills, gleaming white-sand islands, or serene coastal hideaways, there isn’t any denying Mississippi’s surge in reputation.
Few locations exude quintessential Southern attraction and spacious seashores just like the state I’ve to sing a track to assist me spell.
As such, extra folks have taken discover, leading to 2 of the South’s fastest-growing seaside cities nestled alongside what’s grow to be one among America’s trendiest coastlines.
With Biloxi changing into not solely a vacation spot unto itself, however a well-liked springboard to connecting seaside getaways, corresponding to Gulfport, Ship Island, and Ocean Springs, which simply opened the highly-anticipated OS 1515 Downtown boutique resort, the Mississippi Coast is lastly getting its due.
But it isn’t Ocean Springs, Biloxi, or any metropolis Johnny Cash’s baritone belted out that is quickly rising — it is a pair of bridge buddies set alongside the scenic Gulf and break up by the bay of the identical identify.
Pass Christian: Small Town Charm Meets Calm, Vibrant Shores
Pass Christian. Ever heard of it?
Normally that reply can be a tough “no” throughout the board, however the reality is that this lesser-known seaside city has seen vital progress over the previous 5 years, the place Census Takers have needed to to double takes when seeing the numbers.
While Pass Christian stays low-key to vacationers, there is a purpose so many individuals are transferring right here, and that is as a result of it is a unicorn in a sea of few hidden gems remaining with vibrant white sand, a welcoming neighborhood, and affordability this present day of data overload.
Don’t fear, although — similar to Ocean Springs down the coast is embracing extra vacationers, Pass Christian is well-equipped to grow to be a brand new trip hotspot.
No, there aren’t any flashy resorts like Biloxi, however there are quite a few trip leases, together with beachfront cottages and downtown’s Hotel Whiskey.
I do not find out about you, however that they had me at Hotel Whiskey, which different folks appear to resonate with too since there’s such rave critiques, like one latest visitor claimed to ‘Love the self check-in’, including, ‘the room is so low cost for the area’.
That should be why it is a 2024 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award Winner.
What’s much more interesting is how pleasant locals are. It’s the kind of place you possibly can seize a barstool at a neighborhood seafood shack like Shaggy’s and stroll out with a brand new buddy — and should you’re fortunate, stated buddy will personal a yacht.
Odds are in your favor since Pass Christian has the second oldest yacht membership within the U.S.
Bay St. Louis: Bayside Bliss & Southern Soul
Bay St. Louis hugs each the Gulf coast and Bay St. Louis, the precise bay, with the Bay St. Louis bridge connecting little-known Henderson Point and aforementioned Pass Christian.
And that is sufficient typing “Bay St. Louis” for now…
This serene slice of paradise is a small white-sand hideaway oozing rustic attraction downtown and wide-open shores good for a summer season escape, corresponding to local-favorite Bay St. Louis Beach.
While you should not count on vivid blue waters like Florida’s Caribbean-esque setting, there isn’t any denying the tender, illuminous sand is simply what the physician ordered for a soothing seaside day.
In truth, this can be a key purpose why we had been forward of the curve, unveiling Bay St. Louis because the South’s most underrated coastal getaway this 12 months.
While Pass Christian remains to be up-and-coming from a tourism perspective, guests will discover a wider vary of lodging, starting from Hollywood Casino & Resort Gulf Coast to nostalgic mattress and breakfasts like Carroll House Bed & Breakfast, positioned within the coronary heart of charming Old Town.
How (And When) To Visit
Being so small and simply now getting their due, neither Bay St. Louis nor Pass Christian has their very own airports, however close by Gulfport does with restricted flight service from 5 airways.
As one other different, you would additionally verify flights to Mobile, which is simply an hour and half away.
Gulf Shores’ new business airport might be a bit too far out of attain to justify making your base in both of those cities.
Point being, there isn’t any scarcity of choices with the best planning. Other than potential hurricanes, which might all the time be a risk alongside the Gulf for half the 12 months, climate throughout the Mississippi Coast is nice year-round for sunny seaside days.
This summer season, count on toasty afternoons with highs of 89, however hardly ever dipping under the mid-70s.
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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed below are the creator’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, authorized or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the submit.