Counting the waves…
Counting the waves…
Fort Bayou Beach unfurls along the back bay shoreline of Ocean Springs, where the gulf-fed sound spreads out in silvery sheets beneath a sky twice as big as the land. You'll walk barefoot on compact sand studded with oyster shells, past boat slips and century-old cottages with screened porches that smell of salt and sunbaked wood. The tide pulls out so far in the afternoon you can wade to sandbars that weren't there at breakfast, watching mullet flicker in the shallows. This isn't the kind of beach where you spread a towel and stay put. You'll drift east toward the bayou mouth where Fort Maurepas once stood, or west beneath the canopy of wind-sculpted oaks that separate sand from roadway. Great blue herons hunt in the spartina grass. Brown pelicans dive-bomb just beyond the breakers. Local families arrive at dusk with coolers and folding chairs, settling in to watch the sun melt into the treeline across the sound. The water stays gentle year-round—no undertow, no big surf—just the steady rhythm of small waves rolling in from Horn Island, fifteen miles south. You'll find your own stretch of shore most days, especially midweek, when the only footprints are yours and whatever the gulls have left behind.
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Fort Bayou Beach.
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Fort Bayou Beach is primarily a calm bayou beach rather than an open Gulf beach, which generally means gentler waters suitable for wading and shallow swimming. However, water quality can vary, especially after heavy rains, so check local advisories before swimming. The beach lacks lifeguards, so swim at your own risk and supervise children closely. The bottom can be soft and muddy in places. Jellyfish and stingrays are occasionally present in Mississippi coastal waters, so shuffle your feet when entering the water.
Fort Bayou Beach is accessible year-round, but the most pleasant conditions are typically in spring (March-May) and fall (September-November), when temperatures are comfortable and humidity is lower. Summer (June-August) brings hot, humid weather but warm water temperatures ideal for swimming. Winter months are mild compared to northern states, though water is too cold for most swimmers. Weekdays and early mornings offer the most peaceful experience at this relatively hidden spot. Hurricane season runs June through November.
Fort Bayou Beach is located off Fort Bayou Road in Ocean Springs. There's a small parking area near the beach access point, but spaces are limited since this is a lesser-known local spot. The beach is easily accessible from downtown Ocean Springs, about a 5-minute drive north. From Highway 90, take Washington Avenue north, which becomes Fort Bayou Road. Parking is free. The beach area is relatively undeveloped, so don't expect large parking lots like at major Gulf beaches.
Fort Bayou Beach has minimal on-site amenities—it's a natural, undeveloped beach area. You won't find restrooms, showers, or concessions at the beach itself, so plan accordingly. However, downtown Ocean Springs is just minutes away and offers numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops along Government Street and Washington Avenue. For lodging, Ocean Springs has several hotels, B&Bs, and vacation rentals within a short drive. Bring your own food, drinks, and beach supplies, and pack out all trash.
Unlike the developed Gulf-front beaches along Highway 90, Fort Bayou Beach sits on the protected bayou side, offering a quieter, more natural experience with calmer waters and scenic marsh views. It's a hidden gem favored by locals who appreciate its peaceful atmosphere and lack of crowds. The beach provides a different perspective of Ocean Springs' coastal landscape, with opportunities to spot wading birds and marine life in the shallow bayou waters. It's ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, and relaxed beach days away from tourist areas.
