Southern Living has released its list of the Top 20 Beach Getaways in the South, and one Mississippi Gulf Coast city earned a spot among the region’s most popular destinations.
Ocean Springs ranked No. 19 in the reader-powered survey, which drew more than 17,000 responses. The city was recognized for its accessible beaches – such as Front and East Beaches – along with its dining and retail options, unique lodging, and bustling arts community.
“Built around a natural mineral spring, tourists have been flocking to this charming retreat for years,” Southern Living’s Tara Massouleh McCay wrote. “Outside of its quaint downtown filled with locally owned shops and restaurants, Ocean Springs far outkicks its coverage when it comes to the arts. The Walter Anderson Museum of Art, Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Arts Center, and numerous galleries are just a few of the places to get a taste. Floating cabins, boutique hotels, and laidback fine dining round out the offerings.”
The recognition adds to a growing list of accolades for Ocean Springs, which was recently named the friendliest small town in Mississippi by World Atlas. It also earned USA Today 10Best honors in 2015, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. In 2023, it was named by the publication as the best small town for shopping in the entire country.
As for the other sandy spots that cracked the Southern Living list, South Carolina led with seven selections, followed by Florida’s six. Georgia had two spots, while Mississippi, North Carolina, Virginia, Texas, and Alabama each placed one city on the ranking.
The top five beach getaways in the South were Tybee Island, Ga. (5); Hilton Head, S.C. (4); Destin, Fla. (3); Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Ala. (2), and the Golden Isles, Ga. (1).