Not ready to trade warm weather for heavy coats? Visit Coastal Mississippi, where mild temperatures, Southern charm and picturesque waterfront towns make for an ideal off-season escape. The region’s boutique hotels provide cozy bases for exploring art-filled streets, seafood restaurants and scenic shorelines. Below are a few standout properties to consider for your next getaway.
© Coastal Mississippi
Bay Town Inn
Housed in a restored Southern mansion in Bay St. Louis, Bay Town Inn offers a charming Old Town location steps from galleries, boutiques, antique shops and restaurants. The property is set among mature oak trees and blends historic character with modern comforts. For larger groups, The Residence is a two-bedroom, two-bath cottage with a broad front porch overlooking the street—ideal for lingering evenings. Room options also include ten king suites and a queen suite with balcony. On-site amenities include a saltwater pool, easy beach access, daily fresh-baked muffins and pet-friendly rooms. Weekend guests can enjoy a complimentary hot breakfast served next door at The Oyster Bar, making mornings relaxed and convenient.
Gulf Hills Hotel & Resort © Coastal Mississippi
Gulf Hills Hotel & Resort
Gulf Hills Hotel & Resort in Ocean Springs blends history and recreation on an expansive waterfront property. Once rumored to serve as a Prohibition-era hideaway, the resort later became a working dude ranch and a favored retreat for entertainers. Today it operates as a full-service destination with 66 guest rooms and 13 waterfront villas, plus a marina, ballroom and an 18-hole golf course. The property’s restored pool and clubhouse add a nostalgic touch, and on warmer days guests can take advantage of boating and waterfront views. The resort’s mix of recreational amenities and historic charm makes it well suited for families, couples and small groups seeking an active yet relaxed stay.
The Springs Hotel © Coastal Mississippi
The Springs Hotel
The Springs Hotel, located in downtown Ocean Springs, offers an intimate boutique experience inspired by the town’s history as an artists’ colony and its restorative mineral springs. Each of the hotel’s 15 rooms carries a unique name tied to flowers and healing botanicals—rooms such as Lemon Balm Haven, Rose Hip Hideaway and Rosemary Retreat—reflecting a focus on comfort and thoughtful design. Accommodations feature luxurious textiles, custom furnishings and creative décor; select rooms include balconies or kitchenettes. The hotel’s aesthetic honors local creative traditions and the legacy of artists who lived and worked in the area.
When staying in Ocean Springs, take time to explore its cultural attractions. Visit the local art museums, historic galleries and public sculptures that helped build the town’s reputation as a creative hub. These boutique hotels provide inviting bases for discovering Coastal Mississippi’s food scene, waterfront parks and scenic drives—perfect for travelers seeking a mild-weather retreat with Southern hospitality and genuine local character.