Counting the waves…
Counting the waves…
Pull off Highway 90 in Bay St. Louis and you'll discover Lakeshore Beach tucked between modest houses and the kind of oak trees that have watched over this coast for generations. The sand here is fine and pale, compacted just enough for easy walking, and the Mississippi Sound spreads before you in shades of green and gray that shift with the light. On weekday mornings, you might share the beach with a handful of retirees collecting shells and the occasional heron stalking the shallows. The water stays shallow for what feels like forever—you can walk out until the shoreline becomes a watercolor smudge and still touch bottom. That gradual shelf makes this a forgiving place to learn paddleboarding or simply float on your back watching pelicans cruise overhead. The breeze carries salt and the faint sweetness of magnolia from nearby yards, and when the sun climbs high, you'll understand why locals have claimed their favorite oak for decades of shade. This isn't a beach that demands your attention with surf or snorkeling. Instead, it offers the quieter pleasures of the northern Gulf: warm water that requires no wetsuit, gentle waves that lap rather than crash, and a horizon punctuated by the dark silhouettes of Cat Island and Ship Island. Come here when you've had enough of crowds and want to remember what the coast felt like before it became a destination.
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Lakeshore Beach.
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Lakeshore Beach offers generally calm swimming conditions along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The beach faces the protected waters of the Bay of St. Louis rather than open ocean, resulting in gentler waves suitable for families. However, always check local advisories before swimming, as water quality can be affected by rainfall and runoff. There are no lifeguards on duty, so swim at your own risk. The sandy bottom slopes gradually, making it relatively safe for wading. Jellyfish can occasionally be present during warmer months.
Lakeshore Beach can be enjoyed year-round, but May through October offers the warmest weather for swimming, with temperatures ranging from 75-90°F. Summer months (June-August) are peak season with warmest water temperatures but can be humid and crowded. Spring and fall provide pleasant weather with fewer visitors, ideal for beachcombing and scenic walks. Winter months are mild compared to northern climates, perfect for peaceful strolls and dolphin watching, though water is too cool for most swimmers. Avoid visiting immediately after heavy rains when water clarity decreases.
Lakeshore Beach is located along Beach Boulevard (Highway 90) in Bay St. Louis, easily accessible by car. Free public parking is available along the beachfront road and in designated areas near the beach. The beach stretches for several blocks, so you can typically find parking close to your desired spot. From New Orleans, it's approximately a 60-minute drive east via I-10. The beach is within walking distance of downtown Bay St. Louis. Street parking is first-come, first-served, and spaces fill quickly on summer weekends and holidays.
Bay St. Louis's charming downtown district is just blocks from Lakeshore Beach, offering numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops along Main Street and Beach Boulevard. You'll find seafood restaurants, casual eateries, coffee shops, and ice cream parlors within walking distance. The beach itself has limited facilities—public restrooms are available at certain access points, but there are no concession stands or equipment rentals directly on the beach. Several hotels, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals are available in Bay St. Louis for overnight stays. Bring your own beach chairs, umbrellas, and supplies.
Lakeshore Beach stands out for its scenic, less-developed character and its location along the protected bay rather than the open Gulf. This hidden gem offers a more laid-back, small-town atmosphere compared to busier beaches in Biloxi or Gulfport. The beach provides stunning views of the Bay of St. Louis and beautiful sunsets. Bay St. Louis itself is known for its thriving arts community and historic downtown. The area has rebuilt beautifully since Hurricane Katrina while maintaining its authentic coastal charm, attracting visitors seeking a quieter, more authentic Gulf Coast experience.
