Gulf Coast
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Local parks & Nature
PASCAGOULA RIVER AUDUBON CENTER - MOSS POINT
Located in downtown Moss Point, Mississippi, the Pascagoula River Audubon Center offers nature-based experiences on scenic bayou walkways & observation decks, a nature play garden, interactive exhibits, aquaria, excellent birding, meeting/event rental spaces, and programming for all ages. Kayak rentals are available with access to Rhodes Bayou, which drains into the Escatawpa and Pascagoula Rivers. The ten-acre center is located on property that was once part of a trolley line that carried lumber, mail, and even passengers from Moss Point to the coastline of Pascagoula, almost 10 miles away.
Admission: FREE Admission through June 2021
Hours: Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday: 9 AM–3 PM
Address: 5107 Arthur St, Moss Point, MS 39563
Phone: (228) 475-0825
photo courtesy of Pascagoula River Audubon Center
JONES PARK - GULFPORT
319 Slip Marina and Promenade Walk, Marina Services Building, Barksdale Pavilion (23,000 square feet), Leo Seal Educational Plaza (8,000 square feet), Splash pad and Playground Area, Replica Lighthouse, Amphitheater Stage Area with Flanking Pavilions, Harbor Market Pavilion (5,000 sq. feet), 20th Avenue Circle Anchor Installation (40,000 lb Seabee Donation), .86 mile walking track, Fuel Dock & Bait Shop
Hours: Open everyday from dawn to dusk
Address: US-90, Gulfport, MS 39501
Phone: (228) 868-5881
photos by Kid-Friendly Mississippi
Fort Maurepas Park & Splash Pad - Ocean Springs
Address: 499 Front Beach Drive, Ocean Springs, MS 39564
Phone: (228) 875-4236
photo courtesy of Tim Burkitt/FEMA
GULF ISLANDS NATIONAL SEASHORE: DAVIS BAYOU AREA - OCEAN SPRINGS
Gulf Islands National Seashore stretches 160 miles along the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico from Cat Island in Mississippi to the Okaloosa Area in Florida, and includes maritime forests, bayous, and marine habitat.
The Mississippi areas are home of a historic fort and the most beautiful barrier islands in the United States. Relax, enjoy the scenery, hike a trail, or explore the fort. Whether you visiting for a day or a week there are many places to explore.
There are a variety of activities while visiting the seashore’s Mississippi areas including swimming, bicycling, snorkeling, fishing, hiking, beach combing, bird watching, boating, and camping.
Davis Bayou offers many recreational opportunities for visitors year-round such as fishing, boating, biking, bird watching, picnicking and attending ranger-led programs. Visitors may also enjoy hiking along the Davis Bayou Trail, which takes visitors through a coastal forest and over two local bayous, with an opportunity to see alligators and other reptiles. The campground offers easy access, a 1/2 mile, to the park's boat launch, as well as the scenic Davis Bayou Trail. The fishing pier, located near the Visitor Center, may be used by visitors who possess a Mississippi State Saltwater Fishing License.
Amenities:
William M. Colmer Visitor Center: Explore indoor exhibits about the shore and the islands.
Visitor Center Fishing Pier: An excellent site to cast a line. (The pier is currently closed due to hurricane damage.)
Hiking Trails: There are several short hiking trails throughout the area.
Campground: Visit our Developed Campgrounds page to learn more about camping in the area.
Boat Launch: For a small fee, launch your boat and park your vehicle for a day on the water.
Picnic Area: There is a large area for picnicing including five picnic shelters.
Admission: No Entrance Fee
Hours: Year-round 8:00 a.m. to sunset
Visitor Center, Fishing Pier, and Bookstore: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Robert McGhee Road (Davis Bayou Boat Launch & Picnic Area): 6:00 a.m. to sunset.
Address: 3500 Park Rd, Ocean Springs, MS 39564
Phone: 228-230-4100
photo courtesy of Carol T.
LIGHTHOUSE PARK - BILOXI
This 5-acre park features a nature trail, a playground, a pavilion, a visitor center & more.
Hours: Open everyday from dawn to dusk
Address: 1050 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, MS 39530
Phone: (228) 374-3105
photo courtesy of Lourdes Gonzalez
HILLER PARK — BILOXI
Benches, Batting cages, Basketball courts, Concessions, Disc golf course, Dog park, Kayak launch, Pavilion, Picnic tables, Playground, Restrooms, Soccer fields, Softball fields, Splash pad (Open daily in warmer months from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.), Tennis courts, Volleyball courts, Walking track, Water fountain
Hours: Open everyday from dawn to dusk
Address: 380 Hiller Dr. Biloxi, MS 39531
Phone: 228-388-7170
photo courtesy of Heritage Trails Partnership of the Mississippi Gulf Coast