Counting the waves…
Counting the waves…
Front Beach runs parallel to Beach Drive, separated from Ocean Springs' art galleries and seafood shacks by a ribbon of asphalt and a canopy of live oaks older than the town itself. The sand here is blonde and firm underfoot, packed tight by tides that nudge gently against the Mississippi Sound rather than crash. You'll wade out fifty, seventy, even a hundred feet before the brackish water reaches your waist, the Gulf floor sloping so gradually that toddlers splash fearlessly while their parents stand watch from lawn chairs planted at the waterline. The smell of salt mixes with fried shrimp drifting from nearby restaurants, and by late afternoon, the oak shadows stretch long across the beach. Shrimp boats chug past on the horizon, their nets raised like arms. Pelicans dive-bomb the shallows. You won't find boardwalks or tiki bars here—just picnic tables, a pavilion, and that endless shallow wade that turns the Sound into the Gulf Coast's gentlest swimming pool. Come sunrise, the water glows pink and gold. Come sunset, families gather on blankets with takeout po'boys, watching the light sink behind the barrier islands offshore. The beach empties after dark, leaving only the sound of small waves lapping sand and the occasional night fisherman casting into the blackness.
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Front Beach.
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Front Beach is generally calm and family-friendly, making it suitable for children. The beach sits along the Mississippi Sound rather than the open Gulf, so waves are typically gentle. However, water quality can vary, especially after heavy rains, so check local advisories before swimming. The beach has a gradual slope and shallow waters extending quite far from shore. Lifeguards are not always on duty, so supervise children closely. Jellyfish can be present seasonally, usually in summer months.
Front Beach is accessible year-round, but May through October offers the warmest weather for swimming and sunbathing. Summer (June-August) brings temperatures in the upper 80s-90s°F with high humidity, ideal for water activities but potentially crowded. Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) provide milder temperatures and fewer visitors. Winter months are quiet with cooler temperatures, though you can still enjoy beach walks. Hurricane season runs June through November, so monitor forecasts if visiting during these months.
Front Beach offers free public parking in a designated lot directly adjacent to the beach on East Beach Drive. The lot can fill quickly during summer weekends and holidays, so arrive early for best availability. Additional street parking is available along nearby residential streets, but observe posted restrictions. The beach is also accessible by bike via the coastal pathway. Ocean Springs' downtown district is within walking distance, making it easy to combine beach time with exploring local shops and restaurants.
Front Beach has basic amenities including restrooms, outdoor showers, and picnic pavilions. The beach is less than a mile from downtown Ocean Springs, where you'll find numerous restaurants ranging from casual seafood spots to upscale dining. Popular nearby options include waterfront eateries and local cafes along Government Street. For lodging, Ocean Springs offers bed and breakfasts, small hotels, and vacation rentals within a short drive. Grocery stores and convenience shops are available in town for beach supplies and picnic items.
Yes, Front Beach is partially shaded by beautiful Southern live oak trees, which are iconic to Ocean Springs and the Gulf Coast. These majestic trees provide natural shade along portions of the beach, making it comfortable even during hot summer days. The combination of white sand beach and ancient live oaks draped with Spanish moss creates a uniquely picturesque setting different from typical Gulf beaches. This makes Front Beach excellent for photography and leisurely picnics under the shade.
