Coastal Mississippi Invites You to Embrace Great Outdoors Month With Endless Outdoor Thrills and a Heartfelt Southern Welcome

Published on May 29, 2025

As the days grow longer and temperatures steadily rise, Coastal Mississippi beckons outdoor enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and nature lovers alike to celebrate Great Outdoors Month this June. This nationwide initiative encourages everyone to embrace the outdoors by exploring America’s abundant public lands, parks, and natural wonders. With 62 miles of unspoiled coastline, scenic trails, and a vast array of open-air activities, the Mississippi Gulf Coast is a premier destination to fully immerse yourself in the spirit of outdoor exploration and create unforgettable memories.

Experience the Best of Coastal Mississippi Outdoors

Discover Ship Island’s Natural Beauty
One of the crown jewels of Coastal Mississippi is Ship Island, located approximately 10 miles offshore from Gulfport and Biloxi. Accessible by daily passenger ferry, Ship Island offers visitors pristine beaches renowned for their powdery white sand and clear turquoise waters. It’s the perfect spot to relax, shell hunt, or observe an array of bird species including pelicans and herons. Visitors might spot playful dolphins gliding nearby, bringing an enchanting charm to every outdoor adventure.

Adventure Locators: Your Gateway to Water Sports
Situated in D’Iberville, Adventure Locators is a hub for aquatic fun and adventure. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced water enthusiast, this facility offers scuba diving lessons, paddleboard rentals, and other watercraft options, allowing travelers to dive headfirst into the coastal lifestyle and connect intimately with the Gulf’s waters.

Explore Wildlife at Gulf Coast Gator Ranch
For a unique outdoor experience, the Gulf Coast Gator Ranch in Moss Point invites visitors to get up close and personal with Mississippi’s famous alligators. As the state’s oldest and largest alligator ranch, it features protected boardwalks where guests can safely feed these fascinating reptiles by hand. Thrill-seekers can also hop aboard an airboat for a swamp tour, offering a thrilling perspective on the region’s rich wetland ecosystem.

Set Sail with Biloxi Boat Tours
Biloxi Boat Tours provides a fantastic way to explore the coastal waters with sunset cruises and trips to Deer Island and Biloxi Bay. Guests can engage in swimming, fishing, picnicking, or simply relax while soaking in breathtaking views of the Gulf Coast’s serene beauty.

Family Fun at Buccaneer Bay Waterpark
When the sun is high and the temperature calls for a refreshing dip, Buccaneer Bay Waterpark is the place to be. This open-air waterpark features thrilling rides such as the Pirate’s Plank, a fully enclosed slide stretching 340 feet, and Pirate’s Plunge, a winding 400-foot body slide full of twists and turns. Younger visitors will delight in the Lil’ Smuggler’s Cove, a water playground with bubbling fountains and tipping buckets. For those craving waves, the 17,450-square-foot surf pool provides endless fun and a cool retreat during warm June days.

Explore the Gulf Islands National Seashore
The Gulf Islands National Seashore spans more than 160 miles and encompasses six distinct coastal environments, making it one of America’s most spectacular national seashores. Visitors can hike, kayak, birdwatch, or simply enjoy the natural beauty along the pristine shores. The Gulf Islands National Seashore Visitor Center is a great starting point for learning about the area’s unique landscapes and planning an adventurous day outdoors.

Horseback Riding at Horse Ride for Fun
For a more leisurely outdoor experience, Horse Ride for Fun in Saucier offers guided horseback rides through over 40 acres of beautiful trails. Perfect for families and nature lovers alike, these professionally led rides provide a tranquil way to explore Mississippi’s lush scenery during the summer months.

Thrills on the Water with Jet Blast Beach Rentals
Located in Gulfport, Jet Blast Beach Rentals caters to those seeking fast-paced excitement on the water. Offering jet skis, kayaks, pontoon boats, and water trikes, it’s the ideal place for visitors to get their adrenaline pumping and enjoy the Gulf Coast from a thrilling new perspective.

Relax and Unwind at Edward Khayat Memorial Park
Covering almost 14 acres, Edward Khayat Memorial Park offers a flexible environment perfect for both leisure and outdoor activities. With five pavilions, an amphitheater for events, a splash pad for cooling off, and plenty of green space, it’s perfect for families and groups wanting to spend a day outdoors in comfort and style.

Connect with Nature at Pascagoula River Audubon Center
Nestled along the largest free-flowing river in the lower 48 states, the Pascagoula River Audubon Center offers a gateway to diverse ecosystems and wildlife. Birdwatchers will find unique opportunities here, while kayakers can explore winding waterways. Educational exhibits and interpretive programs make it a rich destination for visitors eager to learn about Coastal Mississippi’s natural heritage.

Tee Off at World-Class Golf Courses
Great Outdoors Month wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Coastal Mississippi’s outstanding golf scene. Recently named a USA Today Top Ten golf destination, the region boasts several championship-caliber courses. From the Jack Nicklaus-designed Grand Bear Golf Course and Tom Fazio’s Fallen Oak resort to the Arnold Palmer Signature Bridges Golf Club and The Preserve Golf Club, designed by a U.S. Open champion, golfers of all skill levels can enjoy world-class fairways surrounded by stunning coastal scenery.

“Great Outdoors Month is more than a celebration – it’s a reminder of how lucky we are to be surrounded by such stunning natural beauty,” said Judy Young, CEO of Coastal Mississippi Tourism. “We invite travelers and locals alike to soak in the Mississippi Gulf Coast sunshine, breathe in the fresh air, stroll along our beautiful white sand beaches, and make more memories outdoors this June.”

Whether you’re seeking thrilling adventures, peaceful nature escapes, or quality family time in the sun, Coastal Mississippi offers endless ways to celebrate Great Outdoors Month this June. With its diverse outdoor offerings, warm hospitality, and breathtaking landscapes, it’s a destination that promises fresh air, fun, and lasting memories.