Mississippi - all beaches

Visited in July and was greeted with a pleasant view. Unfortunately, the beach lacked any waves for surfing enthusiasts. The water was not crystal clear and had a brownish hue, but it was not visibly dirty. The water temperature was warm and the depth was shallow, allowing for yards of walking without encountering a deep end. The beach was well-maintained and had minimal homeless individuals. However, it was noticed that all piers appeared to be closed, with some lacking even the wooden planks of a boardwalk.

While vacationing in Biloxi, we had the pleasure of exploring several stunning beaches. The locals we encountered were friendly and helpful, providing us with valuable information about the area. One of the highlights of our beach visits was observing the magnificent jellyfish in their natural habitat. The fire pit was a particular favorite of ours, offering a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Overall, we found the location to be pristine and ideal for unwinding and enjoying the beauty of the ocean.

We spent two weeks in the Gulfport, Long Beach, Bilouxi MS, Beach area, just before the official start of Summer 2023 and the Memorial Holiday Day weekend. During this time, the beach was quite empty, with only a few visitors each day. The coastline here is a long stretch, where the waters from the Gulf of Mexico and the Mississippi Sound meet. We were able to spot horseshoe crabs, small stingrays, and plenty of crabs. To access the sand, there is a convenient concrete and pebble stone stairway from the street parking area that runs along the coastline. The sand itself is deep and really white. There are designated areas roped off for nesting birds, which are off-limits. The ground crew does an excellent job of using heavy equipment to keep the beach clean from debris and trash on a daily basis. However, despite their efforts, I was still amazed at the amount of trash and debris left behind by beach-goers each day as I walked along the shoreline. The water is also filled with a significant amount of trash that washes up from unknown sources. Each day, I discovered something new, ranging from a curtain rod, intact air freshener, dead marine life, to what seemed to be a rotisserie chicken carcass. It's not a joke! As I continued my walk, I easily collected at least two grocery bags full of trash. There was a lot of glass, cigarette butts, cigar filters, needles, syringes, various plastic items, styrofoam pieces, and other unidentified remnants. It's disheartening to see that the commercials on TV about our polluted and unhealthy waters are true. We all need to make a greater effort to leave nothing but footprints behind. Let's each do our part while still enjoying our time at the beach.

Waveland Pier is a great spot that is well-maintained and clean. You can drive right up to the pier and then take a stroll or go fishing if you're feeling adventurous (swimming is not recommended due to unpredictable water conditions, but it's still a 4-star experience). There are stairs as well as an elevator that can take you to the upper level of the Waveland facilities. Additionally, there is a park and memorial dedicated to armed forces and veterans. You can go for a jog or a leisurely walk along the concrete path that stretches for miles, offering a beautiful and peaceful experience. During my visit, I saw a family enjoying the day, with the dad teaching his little girl how to rollerblade. There were also others walking their dogs, enjoying the view with friends, or simply taking in the surroundings. Police were present to ensure safety and security. Overall, Waveland Pier is a hidden gem worth checking out.

The restrooms along the beach were clean and well-maintained. It was quite poignant to witness the high water markers from previous storms. Although the area was peaceful, it was scorching hot during our visit.