Long Beach, Mississippi: 10 Easy Coastal Road Trips Nearby

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10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips Near Long Beach, Mississippi

Living in or visiting Long Beach, Mississippi and itching to explore a little farther than your own backyard? You’re in a sweet spot. Within about an hour or so, you can hit quiet bayous, white-sand islands, small-town diners, and even a bit of Louisiana flavor—without needing a full tank of gas or a week off work. Below are 10 short road trips outside Harrison County, all in nearby Mississippi counties (and one parish in Louisiana), that make perfect day trips or relaxed weekend escapes.

1. Waveland & Bay St. Louis – Beach Town Charm With a Creative Twist (Hancock County, MS)

If you love the beachy vibe of Long Beach but want a change of scenery, head west into Hancock County toward Waveland and Bay St. Louis. It’s an easy drive along Highway 90, usually under 30–40 minutes depending on traffic.
  • Stroll the Bay St. Louis Historic District with its colorful shops, art galleries, and cafés.
  • Walk or bike along the Bay St. Louis Beachfront, where the views of the Bay are wide open and peaceful.
  • Check out the quirky local art around town—there’s often something fun tucked into a side street or alley.
I like to park near the marina, grab an iced coffee, and just wander. It’s the kind of place where you can easily spend a few hours without really planning anything. Road trip tip: Go around late afternoon and stay for sunset—the sky over the bay can be stunning.

2. Buccaneer State Park & Waveland Beach – A Laid-Back Gulf Day (Hancock County, MS)

Still in Hancock County, but worth its own mention, Buccaneer State Park in Waveland is a family favorite and an easy pick for a quick road trip from Long Beach.
  • Relax on the quiet public beach just outside the park.
  • Walk the nature trails and look for coastal birds and live oaks.
  • In warmer months, cool off at the waterpark-style pool (check seasonal hours).
If you’re the kind of person who likes to keep things simple, this is your place. Bring a beach chair, a cooler, and a good book, and you’re set for the day. Road trip tip: Pack bug spray if you’re planning to hang out near the marshy areas or stay into the evening.

3. Honey Island Swamp Tours – Wild Louisiana Just Across the Line (St. Bernard Parish / Nearby LA Areas)

Craving something a little more adventurous? Hop west toward Louisiana for a swamp tour on the famous Honey Island Swamp, just beyond the Mississippi–Louisiana border. While some tours depart from St. Tammany Parish, many operators serve the same area from the general region that neighbors St. Bernard Parish and the Northshore. On a typical tour, you might:
  • Glide through quiet bayous lined with cypress trees and hanging Spanish moss.
  • Spot alligators, turtles, herons, and wild hogs.
  • Hear stories about local folklore and life along the swamp.
The first time I went, I thought it might feel “touristy,” but once the boat eased down those narrow channels, it got surprisingly peaceful. You feel like you’re a world away from Highway 90—even though you’re only about an hour or so from Long Beach. Road trip tip: Book ahead, especially on weekends and holidays, and ask if your tour is covered or open-air so you can dress accordingly.

4. Picayune – Small-Town Stroll & Local Eats (Pearl River County, MS)

Head north into Pearl River County and you’ll find Picayune, a friendly small town with just enough going on to fill a relaxed day trip. Things to do:
  • Wander the historic downtown and browse antique shops and little boutiques.
  • Try a local café or diner—many serve classic Southern comfort food.
  • Check for local events or farmers markets; Picayune often has community gatherings, especially on weekends.
If you like the slower pace of a Mississippi small town, Picayune feels familiar yet different from the coast—less salty air, more pine trees. Road trip tip: This pairs nicely with a stop at the Crosby Arboretum (below) if you want nature + small-town charm in one day.

5. Crosby Arboretum – Peaceful Nature Escape (Pearl River County, MS)

Also in Pearl River County, near Picayune, the Crosby Arboretum is a calm, beautiful place to stretch your legs and unplug for a while. What you’ll find:
  • Easy walking paths through native Mississippi plants.
  • A lovely pond area with a striking architectural pavilion.
  • Seasonal blooms, butterflies, and plenty of photo spots.
It’s the kind of place where you can walk slowly, talk quietly, and actually hear the wind move through the trees. If your brain’s been busy all week, this is a great reset. Road trip tip: Wear comfortable shoes and bring water, especially if you’re visiting in the summer heat.

6. Dunn’s Falls – A Hidden Waterfall Adventure (Jones County / Easy From Stone & Pearl River)

While not in one of the immediate neighboring counties listed, Dunn’s Falls in nearby Jones County is a popular day trip for folks coming from Stone and Pearl River Counties—and it’s still very doable from Long Beach for a day on the road. Highlights:
  • A 65-foot man-made waterfall on the Chunky River with a historic mill.
  • Grassy picnic areas perfect for a cooler lunch or snacks.
  • River access spots where people often wade or launch small boats (check local rules).
It does take more drive time than some of the other spots on this list, but the waterfall feels like a reward at the end. Road trip tip: This makes a great “long day trip” or an overnight if you combine it with other central Mississippi stops.

7. Pascagoula River Audubon Center – Coastal Wildlife & Quiet Trails (Jackson County, MS)

Now, let’s head east into Jackson County. In Moss Point, right by Pascagoula, you’ll find the Pascagoula River Audubon Center, a perfect stop if you like birdwatching, photography, or just being near the water. You can:
  • Walk the boardwalks and short trails along the Pascagoula River.
  • Learn about coastal Mississippi wildlife inside the small but informative visitor center.
  • Join a guided kayak or boat tour if they’re available that day.
The Pascagoula River is one of the largest free-flowing rivers in the lower 48, and you really feel that wild, open character when you’re out on the water or standing on the observation deck. Road trip tip: Bring binoculars if you have them—this is a bird lover’s dream.

8. Downtown Pascagoula & Beachfront – Industrial History Meets Coastal Views (Jackson County, MS)

While you’re already in Jackson County, spend some time in Pascagoula itself. It’s not as touristy as some Gulf Coast towns, but that’s part of its charm. Ideas for your visit:
  • Walk along the beachfront and enjoy the view of the Sound.
  • Check out the Round Island Lighthouse (relocated to the shore) for a great photo op.
  • Grab lunch at a local seafood spot—fresh Gulf shrimp is hard to beat.
There’s a nice mix of coastal scenery and local working-town energy here. It feels real, not polished—and that can be a refreshing change. Road trip tip: Combine this with the Pascagoula River Audubon Center for a full, easy day east of Long Beach.

9. De Soto National Forest – Pine Woods, Trails, and Campfires (Stone County, MS)

Just north of Long Beach, beyond Harrison County, lies Stone County, home to part of the De Soto National Forest. If you want to trade salt air for pine needles under your boots, this is your spot. What you can do:
  • Hike trails ranging from short strolls to longer routes through pine forest and sandhills.
  • Set up a picnic under shady trees.
  • Try camping for a night if you’re up for a simple, outdoorsy getaway.
On a cool fall day, walking through the pines here is nearly perfect. The world feels quieter, and the smell of the forest is a nice break from the coast. Road trip tip: Check the USDA Forest Service site or local ranger station for current trail conditions and any fire restrictions before you go.

10. Wiggins – Small-Town Stop Plus National Forest Access (Stone County, MS)

In Stone County, the town of Wiggins makes a handy launch point for exploring De Soto National Forest, but it’s also worth a stop on its own. Things to enjoy:
  • Grab a bite at a local café or barbecue joint—portions tend to be generous.
  • Walk or drive around town to get a feel for life a bit inland from the coast.
  • Use Wiggins as your “base camp” if you’re planning a full day—or weekend—of hiking, biking, or camping in the forest.
If you feel like you know every corner of Long Beach already, a few hours in Wiggins plus some forest time can feel like a mini vacation. Road trip tip: Stock up on snacks, drinks, and gas here before heading deeper into the national forest.

Making the Most of Your Long Beach Road Trips

To keep your Long Beach, MS road trips easy and fun, here are a few quick suggestions:
  • Keep a “go bag” in the car: Sunscreen, bug spray, a hat, a light jacket, and a small first-aid kit go a long way.
  • Check hours before you go: Parks, visitor centers, and tours can have seasonal or weather-related changes.
  • Mix it up: Try one nature-heavy day (like De Soto or the Arboretum), then a small-town or coastal day (like Bay St. Louis or Pascagoula) next time.
You don’t have to drive far from Long Beach to feel like you’ve gone somewhere completely different. Within an hour or two, you can step into quiet forests, coastal art towns, wild swamps, and laid-back beaches—all without leaving the region.

Share Your Favorite Day Trips From Long Beach

Have you tried any of these out-of-county road trips from Long Beach, Mississippi?
  • Which spot surprised you the most?
  • Do you have a favorite small-town café or hidden beach nearby?
Drop your stories, tips, and questions in the comments—I’d love to hear where you’re heading next. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends or family who are planning their own Gulf Coast adventures. The more ideas we swap, the better our road trips get.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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