beaches in MS (Gulfport, Biloxi, Long Beach: live, beach, swimming)

[mom4two]

I was wondering if anyone has been to the beaches in Bay St. Louis, Long Beach, or Gulf Port recently. We will be in New Orleans and are trying to plan a day trip to a beach. Someone mentioned to me though that there may still be damage from Katrina. We would be willing to go as far as Biloxi. So, any suggestions?

[cia191630]

Been to the beach in Long Beach & Gulfport...the sand is still soft...the water is still a dingy color...that will never change lol...there is no debris in the water

[ahnraleigh]

Do people swim at the Mississippi coast line? Every time I've talked to a local about the beach, they all tell me to head to Florida. I'm not super picky about water clarity, but are there any nice beaches on the shores of Ms?

[cia191630]

you will find SOME that will swim in it...usually it's tourists though...the water stays shallow really far...I equate swimming there to swimming in a river

[jacksonian]

The MS beaches are more to look at rather than use, in regards to the water at least. You will find some using the beach for things such as volleyball, picnics, and other outdoor activities.

[gulfcoastbands]

I live here on the coast. If you want nice beaches, it is well worth the hour and a half drive to Orange Beach, AL or go further into Florida. The water here is brown and very shallow. I wouldn't swim in it.

[redbean]

There was a large fish kill around Long Beach today, courtesy of Omega Protein. They are supposed to be cleaning it up. I'd go as far east as possible, at least to Biloxi.

[blueridgemama]

We live on the coast. We take our child down to the Pass Christian beaches at least once a week. It depends on the tide, but during high tide you can do some splashing around. The water isn't very clear, but the white sand beaches are clean. We haven't lived here long (a year) but I've been told that the clean-up efforts in and out of the water have been massive. We like to go and sit in the water. The waves are minimal, so you can really relax. We also go to Long Beach and Waveland.

Another consideration is taking the Ship Island Ferry out of Gulfport. There is a website, if you search for it. That is a really nice daytrip and the beaches out there are as nice as any Gulf beach in Alabama or Florida. The water is deeper and the waves are similar to Alabama. The boat ride is nice, too, and you often see dolphins. This is usually where we take guests because the boatride is a fun thing to do.