Here on the Coast, we are lucky to have warm weather and beautiful scenery year round! This means outdoor adventure is always an option for fellow explorers. Boasting a variety of ecosystems, there is always something to see and discover outside on the Mississippi Gulf Coast!
Photo by Daphne Eagle
Davis Bayou
A quick drive from The Roost is Davis Bayou, which is a part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore and is home to a large variety of fun, outdoor activities. Featuring several walking trails, a public fishing pier, boat launch, and picnic areas! Stop by the Visitor Center to check out the indoor exhibits highlight the local floral and fauna. Another amazing stop is the University of Southern Mississippi’s Marine Education Center which strives to teach visitors about our coastal ecosystems. It is also home to the longest steel cable extension bridge in the state!
Bike Rides
Spend the day cruising through downtown and along the beach. Enjoy the sunshine on your face and wind in your hair as you experience the Ocean Springs in a new way! There is something so special about exploring this coastal town from a bike. It allows you to see things you normally wouldn’t while driving. Located a few blocks down from The Roost, TriHard Sports offers everything for local running, swimming, and biking enthusiasts. Head that way to rent one of their cruisers and get to riding- you’ll be surprised at all that you will discover.
Beach Time
Nothing beats a day at the beach. Toes in the sand, listening to the soft sound of the waves, and relaxing with a good book. There really is nothing quite like it. A quick walk from our lobby is Front Beach, complete with a small children’s park and beautiful views of Deer Island. Walk from your room to gorgeous sunsets scenes and strolls along the water. We also have a partnership with a local company, and can get a full day of beach chairs set up for you! All you have to do is ask our friendly front desk staff, and we will get it scheduled!
photo by David Salters
Ruskin Oak
Known for their sweeping canopies, large size and draping Spanish moss, live oaks dot the entirety of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Tucked along a quiet street, one of these live oaks stands tall. Estimated at around 400 years old, the Ruskin Oak has withstood storms, developments, and has watched Ocean Springs develop into the community it is today. You can see another one of these massive oaks in Long Beach. The Friendship Oak is thought to be over 500 years old and stands proudly on the local college campus.
Birding
Coastal Mississippi has some of the best "birding hotspots" in the state! The Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge is known for their amazing conservation efforts for one of the rarest bird subspecies in the world - the sandhill crane. The Davis Bayou area of the Gulf Islands National Seashore has some great bird watching opportunities during all seasons. Trek along the Fontainebleu Trail and spend the day spotting ospreys, admiring blue herons and brown pelicans, and catching glimpses of the sandhill cranes!
Photo by Coastal MS
Hiking Trails
Coastal Mississippi features some incredible hiking trails, or “greenways” tucked along the back bays, beaches, and bayous. Bring your camera and capture moments hiking among massive live oaks and along tidal marsh habitats. Some of our favorite local trails include the Twelve Oaks Walking Trail, the Weeks Bayou Nature Trail, and the shorter hikes in Davis Bayou. A short drive north will take you to the longer Tuxachanie Trail which is a flat, 12 mile trail. Hikers follow along an old, abandoned railroad for the first few miles and will see a large variety of local vegetation.