Above all other things, Harrison County Sand Beach is a calm and beautiful spot on the Gulf coast with fine white sand (which is imported from Arizona) and a vast expanse of clear blue water. Since this quiet place features a remarkably small amount of visitors even on holidays, the beach is just perfect for meditative sunbathing or swimming on your own, or unhurried walks, either alone or together with a spouse or date, enjoying the ocean views and the sea breeze. As a bonus, there is also a little pier to stand or sit over the water. Simple but nice!
There is some wildlife to look for, including various bird species, crabs, jellyfish, and oysters. Unfortunately, overnight camping is prohibited, but the good news is that having applied in advance, you’ll be provided a county permit to make bonfires or use fireworks for your special event.
Tranquil And Safe
This beach isn’t a very popular place and has relatively few visitors even on holidays and summer weekends. A lovely place to enjoy yourself in a picturesque natural surrounding or spend time with your nearest and dearest.
At the same time, the beach is well-maintained and you’ll find the sand and water to be very clean most of the time. The beach authorities test the water condition several times a week and, if any dangerous organisms are found, place warning signs throughout the beach territory.
Wildlife
There are hermit crabs in the sand and small glowing jellyfish in the water – your kids will definitely have a lot of fun trying to catch them! Apart from that, you can find plenty of oysters on the shore and there is also a variety of seabirds, including such species as the great blue heron.
Beach Rules
At the beach, you’ll find signs providing some beach ordinance information. Abiding by the county regulations makes it possible to keep this beach as pleasant, and lovely, and safe place as it is, so please pay due attention to these rules.
If you travel by car or motor bike, note that you can’t drive to the beach, so you must park your vehicle outside the area. No animals, including dogs or horses, are allowed. Overnight camping is not allowed either.
If you want to make a bonfire at the beach territory, you must reserve a bonfire pit and buy a $25 permit in advance (for that, you can contact the Sand Beach Office in their working hours from Monday to Friday). Finally, you can’t use glass bottles in the area and, of course, you should put all your trash in the beach trash cans before you leave. Let us just be mindful visitors!
For more information, you can call (228) 896-0055 or (228) 863-7060.
Driving Time
-
10 minutes from Gulfport, MS
-
20 minutes from Biloxi, MS
-
1 hour 20 minutes from New Orleans, LA
Hotels and rentals
If you're considering staying for one or even a few nights, there are plenty of options available near the beach. Chose your preferred accomodation type and your favourite room provider:
- Nearby rentals from VRBO.
- Nearby rooms and properties from Booking.com.
Beaches nearby
Additionally, there's a number of beaches near Harrison County Sand Beach which you can visit:
- Gulfport Beach (2 miles)
- Long Beach (5 miles)
- Mississippi Gulf Coast Beach (8 miles)
- Biloxi Beach (10 miles)
- Ship Island Beach (13 miles)