World Atlas calls MS city ‘friendliest small town on the Gulf Coast’

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Ocean Springs, Mississippi, has been recognized by World Atlas as the friendliest small town on the Gulf Coast.

The city has received numerous accolades from USA TODAY’s 10Best lists, including Best Coastal Small Town and Best Small Town for Shopping.

Ocean Springs boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene, along with diverse dining and entertainment options.

Visitors can explore art galleries, enjoy fresh seafood, play golf, and visit nearby beaches.

The Gulf Coast prides itself on Southern hospitality, welcoming newcomers and visitors to local communities with charm and flair. While they’re surely too graceful to use them, the residents of one Mississippi city have earned bragging rights.

World Atlas recently named Ocean Springs the friendliest small town on the Gulf. It’s just the latest in a long list of national recognitions.

The town has a thriving arts scene, flavorful food options and entertainment options that can be fun for the whole family. Here’s what to know before you visit.

City keeps topping USA TODAY ‘best of’ lists

The city was made the USA TODAY 10 Best list for Small Town Cultural Scene this year. It also made the list in 2021, 2022 and 2023.

“Situated on the Gulf Coast, Ocean Springs, Mississippi, is known for its arts and culture as much as its fresh seafood. The Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Arts Center and the Walter Anderson Museum of Art showcase traveling exhibits and local works, and visitors can find many public art installations throughout the downtown area, including a mosaic depicting ‘a day on the water’ at the end of the Biloxi Bay Bridge,” USA TODAY wrote.

Ocean Springs was the No. 1 Best Coastal Small Town in 2022. It made the list in 2015 and 2021.

In 2023, it took the top spot for Best Small Town for Shopping.

More: See a Mississippi hotel that Southern Living names one of 10 best new hotels in the South

What should I do in Ocean Springs, MS?

The town has a thriving, walkable downtown, art galleries and many shopping options.

World Atlas highlighted The Walter Anderson Shop, which sells his prints and works to make art accessible.

The Mississippi Gulf Coast is among the best places in the U.S. for golf vacations, according to USA Today.

Or check out local fishing tours.

And Biloxi, about 9 minutes away, has some of the most beautiful white sand beaches to walk along. There are also casinos for more entertainment options.

Where should I eat in Ocean Springs?

There are lots of great local options in the area.

Southern Living named The Shed the best barbecue restaurant in Mississippi. And it recently added an oyster bar.

Caboose Cones has cool treats for summer. It serves sno cones and ice cream out of a train car.

Maison de Lu has one of the best TripAdvisor ratings in the city. The French-American restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. It offers soups, salads, sandwiches and seafood baskets.

Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with Gannett/USA Today. Email her at bbolden@gannett.com.

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