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Looking for a scenic hideaway to avoid Florida’s year-round crowds? The experts at Southern Living just unveiled the South’s most underrated coastal getaway for 2025.
Everyone’s go-to vacation spot seems to be Florida nowadays, and why shouldn’t it be?
With numerous Caribbean-esque beaches and 12 months of sun-kissed shores, plus that one place that considers itself to be the ‘happiest place on Earth’, there’s something for everyone in the “Sunshine State”.
But don’t sleep on the neighboring states of the South, whether it be South Carolina’s under-hyped islands or the white-sand coastline of Mississippi.
The ladder is teeming with vibrant, lesser-known beach towns where the only recognizable name may be Biloxi.
Just East of Biloxi’s towering beachfront casinos and savory seafood eateries lies an eclectic coastal town oozing nostalgic vibes and quintessential Southern charm perfect for a relaxing beach getaway.
Bay St. Louis: Welcome To Mississippi’s Secret Shores
Let’s be honest. Mississippi is often portrayed as redneck-laden rebel flag-bearing snoozefest as far as vacations go, but whether it be Jackson’s return to glory or Gulfport’s new flights, the “Magnolia State” is full of surprises, I promise you.
While you may want to skip Elvis’s hometown of Tupelo, at least according to the wild Netflix documentary The Kings of Tupelo: A Southern Crime Saga, there are ample spots that will delight you, especially Bay St. Louis.
Lined with tranquil white-sand beaches overlooking the Gulf of Mexi – well, that’s to be determined, Bay St. Louis fits the bill for beachgoers simply looking to relax, fishermen looking for their next brag, or kayakers up for an adventure.
Bay St. Louis is on the flip side of the spectrum compared to Biloxi. In other words, don’t expect name-brand waterfront hotels with the exception of Hollywood Casino & Resort Gulf Coast.
But, if cozy boutique stays and old-fashioned inns are more your vibe, then Bay St. Louis probably stands out even more to you with top-rated accommodations such as Bay Town Inn and Carroll House Bed & Breakfast, located in the heart of Old Town.
Bay St. Louis’ Timeless Charm
Old Town is the place to dabble in this nostalgic town’s delights, whether it be vibrant beach boutiques, local artist galleries, antique thrifting, or scrumptious Southern eats.
Like any coastal getaway, seafood is king (no offense, Elvis). Southern Living hyped up The Blind Tiger and Cuz’s Old Town Oyster Bar & Grill for the best local “catch of the day” dishes, but if there’s one must-visit, it’s gotta be a Mockingbird Cafe, a town staple since 1868.
Here, you can grab a delicious breakfast and the town’s best coffee. They even sell Pup-Puccinos if you bring Fido along.
If you time your trip right, you can enjoy a nice stroll through the always buzzing art walk held every second Saturday, but if that doesn’t fit your schedule, there are other attractions surely to pique your interest.
For example, if you thought New Orleans was the only Mardi Gras destination, think again.
The caveat beinbg if you show off your goodies expecting beads to be thrown your way, you’re in the wrong place!
Bay St. Louis boasts the insightful Bay St. Louis Mardi Gras Museum showcasing decades of history with fun Mardi Gras costumes and memorabilia on display.
Better yet, it’s housed in one the most photogenic buildings in Bay St. Louis, the L&N Train Depot.
Enjoy Springtime Bliss In The Outdoors
I’m not going to tell you Bay St. Louis is the “Venice of the South”, but this scenic canal-laden town could certainly pass the low bar of being titled “Venice of Mississippi”.
While local favorite and rightfully named Bay St. Louis Beach holds a near-perfect 4.8 Google rating for epic views and calm shores, more adventurous travelers will surely want to go ‘exploring the town’s expansive water trails.
There’s no better way than kayaking, which you can rent at Bodega Adventure Rentals, along with paddle boards if that’s more your jam.
Ideally, you could spend all day on the water if you’d like. You can start your day with a Mimosa Mid-Morning Sail, followed by kayaking or paddleboarding, then cap off the day with a fun tiki-themed sunset cruise with Cruisin’ Tikis Bay St Louis, who proudly boast a perfect 5.0 Google rating.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.