Location
Region: Gulf Intracoastal Waterway
Latitude: 30.4089° N
Longitude: -88.8185° W
Waterway Guide: Ocean Springs
Destination: Ocean Springs
Ocean Springs is a quaint little town on the Gulf Shore of Mississippi. It is just east of Biloxi. Downtown Ocean Springs has many very good restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries. It’s a wonderfully walkable town with lots to see and do. The streets are lined with old oak trees and easy to walk or ride.
We stayed in the Ocean Springs Harbor. The Harbor Master leases empty slips when they are available. Contact the Harbor Master for reservations. You won’t find the Ocean Springs Harbor on Waterway Guide. It’s a secret.
If you can’t get into Ocean Springs Harbor, There are several marinas in Biloxi just across the bay. Ocean Springs is just 2.5 miles across the bridge from downtown Biloxi and is an easy Uber or Lyft ride.
If you stay in Ocean Springs, a nice day trip is to visit Biloxi. Again, it is just across the bay and loaded with Casinos and history.
Where To Eat
There are lots of options in Ocean Springs. One that you’ve got to schedule, especially on the weekend is the Blue Dog Bistro. Their brunch is famous in the area, but be prepared to wait a bit to get in. Speaking of breakfast, the Lil Market Deli & Bagelry is a great stop in the morning for coffee and a bagel. If you are looking for a light meal and some great beer, the Lost Spring Brewing Company is an excellent stop. For regular restaurants we can recommend Mosaic Restaurant & Bar which is a bit more upscale, and one of the best meals we had was at The Government Street Grocery. Oh, I almost forgot! French Kiss Pastries, amazing pastry. Bring a carry bag to haul back your boxes!
Shopping Therapy
There are many cute little boutiques and galleries all around town. Our two favorite were The Pink Rooster and Hillyer House, but all are worth a browse. Also on Saturdays they have a pretty good Fresh Market by the old railroad station.
The closest grocery is a Winn-Dixie about a mile from the marina.
Getting Around On Shore
We used our bikes from the marina to downtown Ocean Springs and to the Winn-Dixie. It’s about 1/2 mile and very walkable as well. If you want to get to Biloxi Uber/Lyft are very available in the area and it’s only about a 10 minute ride.
Keeping Entertained
Many of the restaurants and bars in Ocean Springs have live music in the evening. There is a small museum at the Ocean Springs Visitor Center in the old railroad station. Neon Moon is a live music and dance venue just off of downtown. The Ocean Springs Beach is just down the street from the Harbor Masters office.
Getting There
Getting to Ocean Spring is fairly easy. From Mobile, AL follow the channel to the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, and turn west toward Dauphin Island. You’ll go under the Dauphin Island Bridge, and follow the GICW for 38 miles past Pascagoula, then you will turn North, into the Biloxi channel. The Ocean Springs Harbor entrance channel is at the junction where you would turn to go to the Point Cadet Marina in Biloxi.
From Dog River and Turner Marinas in Mobile, AL it’s about a 75 mile run to either Ocean Springs or Biloxi. Heading in from the west, Biloxi and Ocean Springs are 25 miles from Gulfport, MS. (another recommended stop!)
Marinas and Anchorages
- Ocean Springs Harbor—There is a fuel dock just north of the Bait Shop, with Gas, Diesel, and pumpout available. (Thanks to Jason for the information!) Contact the Harbormaster Office. One note: If you are on the south side of the harbor, near the Harbor Office, you have access to bathrooms. If you are on the North Side, it’s a mile-and-a-half trek to the Harbor Master’s office, so if you got-a-go, plan ahead!
- Point Cadet Marina – Is just across the bay in Biloxi. It offers gas, Diesel, and Pumpout services. The marina is at the Golden Nugget Casino, which has many restaurant options on-site.
Where To Find Out More
Have you been to Ocean Springs? What is your favorite spot?
Share it in the comments below! 
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Just a note that Ocean Springs Harbour does have a fuel dock located next to the bait shop, just North of the boat ramp. I’ve fueled up my boats there for many years.
Thanks for the information! We will update the post with your input.