Oceanside vacations in charming Bay Saint Louis
Bay Saint Louis attracts travelers in search of a quieter alternative to the popular Mississippi Gulf Coast beach towns of Biloxi and Gulfport, just a few miles down the road. You'll have access to all the nearby attractions of these vacation hubs, including casinos, golf courses and waterparks, with the added benefit of the city's peaceful beaches and quaint shopping streets. Whether you plan to spend all day out on the water, boating in the bay, or prefer to stay on shore exploring the local cafes, there's a perfect adventure and a Bay Saint Louis vacation rental waiting.
Family-friendly fun in Bay Saint Louis
Buccaneer State Park is a popular spot to enjoy the coastal scenery of the area and is just a few miles down the road from Bay Saint Louis. The seasonal waterpark is a big draw and kids will love the slides, wave pool and wet playground for little ones, while adults will enjoy the lounging areas and views of the Gulf of Mexico. Elsewhere in the park, a nature trail winds through magnolia and oak trees to a pier over a bayou, where coastal birds like pelicans, osprey and egrets can be seen. There are also playgrounds and lawns that are perfect for family picnics.
Perfect beach days in Bay Saint Louis
Bay Saint Louis' southern location on the Gulf of Mexico means it rarely gets very cold, with highs in the 60s, even in the middle of winter, and average lows several notches above freezing. If you plan to visit the beaches in your swim gear, though, you might want to come in the warmer months of spring, summer and fall. June through September can be steamy, heating up into the 90s, so plan to cool off with swims in the ocean or look for a Bay Saint Louis vacation rental with a pool to splash around in for visits during this time.
Explore the islands around Bay Saint Louis
There's so much nature to discover around your Bay Saint Louis vacation rental, with the Gulf of Mexico for a neighbor and the lakes, bayous and wildlife refuges of the New Orleans area just a few miles away. One nearby treasure is the Gulf Islands National Seashore, which includes several barrier islands and marine habitats off the coast of Mississippi. You'll need to take a boat, but seasonal ferries leave from Gulfport for West Ship Island, where you'll find an old fort, sandy swimming beaches, boardwalks and an abundance of sea life, including bottlenose dolphins and seals.
Traveling to and around Bay St Louis
The nearest airport is in Gulfport - Biloxi Intl. Airport (GPT), located 17 mi (27.3 km) from the city center.