The South’s Secret Paradise Only Open In The Summer: White-Sand Beaches & No Crowds

Travelers have a couple of months left to enjoy the remote oasis not many people seem to know about, which is quite a surprise considering Mississippi’s rise to stardom that we at Travel Off Path have covered every nook and cranny of the “Magnolia State”.

Taking vacationers away from Florida’s Caribbean-esque beach towns, the Gulf Coast is seeing an unexpected surge in tourism due to new hotel openings, unexplored shores, and affordability not found it the most popular of resort destinations.

Though Mississippi has seen a spike in tourism, it’s not just Biloxi, Gulfport, and neighboring hideaways receiving an uptick in visitors — the newfound growth for what’s been dubbed the “Fiji of the Gulf” expands offshore to an island escape anchored by captivating historic sites nestled along wide stretches of crowd-free white-sand coastline.

By simply hopping aboard a ferry, you can reach the South’s secret paradise of Ship Island in no time, though it’s only open to visitors until October.

Mississippi Is Surging — This White-Sand Island Is Crowd-Free

While Mississippi doesn’t see the level of crowds of Florida this time of year, there’s no denying the state has seemingly become an overnight success story.

Biloxi and Gulfport may be a couple of names you recognize, but Pass Christian, Ocean Springs, and Bay St. Louis are a few up-and-comers worth noting, too.

What you likely haven’t heard of before is Ship Island, Mississippi’s most beautiful beach, boasting blueish-emerald waters unlike what you’ll find along much of the brackish Gulf Coast, spreading from Texas to Alabama.

This includes the beach towns just mentioned. Though having white-sand shores, water conditions don’t pass the eye test — walk into knee-deep waters and chances are you can’t see your own feet.

Ship Island is the antithesis to the Gulf’s notorious lackluster waters, a key reason why more travelers are visiting this stunning hideaway 12 miles offshore.

Recent visitors have noted common dolphin sightings, crystal-clear waters perfect for wading in the summer sun, snorkeling to see an array of aquatic life, and a dedicated swimming beach, rightfully named Swim Beach.

Depart Gulfport To Reach Ship Island

While Biloxi may be Mississippi’s sole household name outside of Jackson, it’s Gulfport that should be your focal point.

Biloxi may have flashy casinos, resorts, superb seafood, and vibrant beaches, but there’s actually no airport here — that would be located in Gulfport, a handful of towns westward.

Reaching Ship Island is easy, but your only option is to depart from Gulfport on the Ship Island Ferry.

Just know that once you’re dropped off from the ferry, you’re almost on your own, with the exception of a popular historic site well worth a visit too.

The point being, you should pack sunscreen, water, and any other necessities, as there are no hotels or restaurants on Ship Island.

The price for the hour-long ride is $44 for adults and $38 for kiddos (closed Monday and Tuesday) and well worth long-lasting memories of some of the South’s most stunning scenery away from the masses.

Go Back In Time At Fort Massachusetts

Fort Massachusetts is frankly unmissable. On an island with no inhabitants or cars or any other type of establishment, sheer beauty is the main attraction followed by this Civil War masonry fort dating back to the 1850s.

The National Park Service (NPS) operates this abandoned fort, offering insightful tours during “tourist season”, which ends in October as previously mentioned.

As it stands, it makes for great photo-ops along bright white sand and sparkling waters, but it’s far more than a landmark — the site served as numerous military defense installations during the Civil War and beyond, which is why you’ll see cannons still displayed.

Even if you’re not a history buff, you’ll still want to pay a visit as the NPS rents out beach loungers to make your day trip far more enjoyable — perhaps the most logical exception for the government taking our money, right?

Ship Island’s solitude, more or less, is the main draw with Fort Massachusetts being the only tangible attractions besides spacious beaches.

Keep in mind, you can also book a Dolphin Watching Cruise or Gulfport Sunset Music Cruise through the same operator as the Ship Island Ferry excursion.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.