This Remote Coastal Mississippi County Is A Paradise For Nature Lovers

When it comes to Gulf of Mexico vacation destinations, most tourists tend to gravitate towards the Florida Panhandle, but for those in search of an idyllic nature-focused getaway, it’s tough to beat the Mississippi coast. Dubbed the “Secret Coast,” this underrated stretch of shoreline is home to gorgeous beaches, a wealth of charming restaurants and bars, and a wide variety of fascinating flora and fauna, all of which can be discovered firsthand during a trip across Jackson County.

Just east of the Biloxi Bay Bridge, the city of Ocean Springs serves as the perfect jumping-off point for discovering the Magnolia State’s most iconic native wildlife, with no shortage of incredible birdwatching destinations open for exploration. Just south of the center of town, the Weeks Bayou Nature Trail offers a glimpse into the serene beauty of the Magnolia State shore, with ruddy turnstones, killdeer, and a wealth of other shorebirds gracing the water’s edge.

Further east, destinations like GCRL Marine Education Center provide ample opportunity to discover the inner workings of coastal Mississippi’s waterways, but for a deep dive into the many passerines that flock further inland, a trip to the Pascagoula River Audubon Center is an absolute necessity. Perched on the banks of the Escatawpa River Marsh Coastal Preserve, this prestigious institution showcases the many native species that thrive across the surrounding watershed, offering an opportunity to stroll along property grounds and even rent a kayak in search of waders and raptors.

In addition to pristine beaches and charming cities, the Secret Coast is home to one of the South’s most fascinating ecosystems—wet pine savanna, to be precise. Once stretching from Louisiana to Virginia, this iconic biome has seen major fragmentation over the decades, with vast swathes of forest cleared out to make way for agriculture and real estate development.

Fortunately, a haven for native Magnolia State flora still exists in the form of Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge, a sprawling preserve that was established in 1975. While gopher frogs, black racers, and raccoons are just a few of the creatures that might make an appearance during a trek through the area, visitors should be sure to keep an eye out for a few of the state’s iconic sandhill cranes, a subspecies that was nearly driven to extinction in the mid-20th century.

For any seasoned outdoor adventure aficionados, a lengthy kayaking journey is the perfect way to spend the day, with Eco-Tours of South Mississippi offering ample insight into the splendor of the Pascagoula River. During a voyage, visitors can discover the rich biodiversity of this 80-mile-long waterway, with a massive array of turtles, wading birds, and marsh insects all calling the area home. For any amateur ichthyologists, the Pascagoula is a veritable paradise for aquatic wildlife, teeming with sunfish, largemouth bass, gar, and a cornucopia of other creatures mingling below the surface of the water.

After basking in the beauty of Mississippi’s native birds, fish, and mammals, it’s time to get up close and personal with one of North America’s most iconic reptile species. While American alligators can be spotted lounging along the water all along Magnolia State rivers, Gulf Coast Gator Ranch provides guaranteed sightings of the creatures, equipped with pint-sized juveniles and fearsome adults housed across the property. Guests are welcome to swing by the venue for a walking tour, while the swamp boat expedition combines natural beauty with high-speed thrills, showcasing the wildlife of the Mississippi bayou from the comfort of an airboat.

While Jackson County isn’t quite as populous as some of Mississippi’s other subdivisions, this coastal county more than makes up for it with sprawling nature preserves and abundant flora and fauna. From the sparkling shores of Ocean Springs to the Alabama border, this remote region is a surprisingly enticing destination for an immersion into the tranquil beauty of the Magnolia State. As you plan your next vacation along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, don’t miss out on an opportunity to unlock the hidden wonders of the Secret Coast.