Are you considering a trip to Dauphin Island, Alabama? Be sure to take a day trip over to Ocean Springs, Mississippi! Perhaps you want to know about the beautiful things you can do and see in Ocean Springs and what to know while traveling to the area! If so, you’re in the right place. There are a few places that you can take a day trip to visit while on Dauphin Island. We’ve put together this handy guide with info about Ocean Springs and Dauphin Island rentals for your stay.
About Ocean Springs
Ocean Springs is found right at the heart of Jackson County, Mississippi, and it’s a small town of around 18,000 people with a very family-like structure and vibe. It’s quintessentially modern yet still retaining a semblance of Old Town, and it’s ideal for anyone who wishes to get away and find some quiet for a change. Consequently, city folks and downtown bustlers especially love to come out here during the less-busy seasons to unwind.
Things to Do in Ocean Springs
The city of Ocean Springs holds the Ocean Springs Art Association within it, an organization that boasts of a few of the state’s best 300+ artists. It’s also responsible for hosting the best galleries, public shows, and auctions in the entire state; it also heavily partners with the famous brand Blue Moon.
Ocean Springs holds more than 200 independent shops, clubs, and eateries combined; it’s one of the best nightlife areas in MS.
There is plenty to find to do during either day or night, so planning various fun activities should not be a problem. The activity here is year-round, as is the Southern hospitality and charm, something the little town stands out for.
One of the top shops here is the Ocean Springs Mercantile, a locally owned venue open weekdays from 10 to 5 (and Saturdays from 9 to 5). They have some of the oldest antiques for sale for you to browse and enjoy. They’ve also got quite an array of catchy garden décor items, fresh raw honey, and even a few gift-shop-style products unique to Mississippi. They often contribute some of their funds to local causes, making their best charitable contributions annually.
You could also visit the Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Arts Center. That’s always an excellent spot for many who visit, especially those who want to get in touch with their creative side! Here, people love to explore the two art galleries, see unique exhibits within the History of Ocean Springs Museum, or catch an incredible show at the Senator Trent Lott Performing Arts Theatre. You’ll also find fun classes throughout the year if you want to get your hands dirty and create something incredible!
When you want to get out on the water, we’d recommend contacting the folks at Reel Southern Charters. Their experienced captains will take you out into the bays and the Gulf so you can catch redfish, black drum, cobia, King mackerel, bluefish, and so many others. Kids and adults alike are welcome on these trips, and you’ll be given all the bait and tackle you need during your trip. When you get back to shore, your captain will even prep your fish so you can cook it back in your rental!
Why not check out Craft Advisory Brewing, where you relax and sip on a hearty house brew like the Ocean Springs-Ling? It’s got only a 5% ABV with a 14 IBU. This beer is perhaps the number one choice of Yuengling drinks around, and you can get it in a 5 oz, a 10 oz, or whole pint serving. Try the Hefeweizen wheat beer, the second choice; they prep it with fresh banana.
Directions
From Dauphin Island to Ocean Springs, plan for approximately 61 miles or 69 minutes by car. Get northbound to Cadillac Ave (facing Lemoyne Dr); stay your course until it turns into AL-193 N/Alabama’s Coastal Connection/Dauphin Island Bridge (of which you’ll see the overhead road sign listing it as such) after about a mile. Then, keep going for 8 miles until you see the sign for AL-188 W/Alabama’s Coastal Connection start to pop up; once you do, go left on it and stay on it for 18 miles. You should see Saeger Road appear.
Continue on it for about 1.3 miles, after which you’ll see the US-90 W/Government Blvd/Spanish Trail sign begin to appear. Go left on it and stay on it for 4 miles, then take a quick right on Franklin Creek Rd. You’ll see it at the first cross street that pops up. Then when you see the I-10 W/New Orleans sign show up in about 26 miles, turn left to merge straight on.
In 0.3 miles, exit the Ocean Springs exit (Exit 50). You can then make a left toward MS-609 S/Washington Ave, exiting the ramp by either available lane. Keep following Washington Ave, and at a point just about 3.1 miles afterward, you’ll see Hancock Whitney Bank up on your right, a milestone telling you that you’re now officially in the Ocean Springs area. You made it!
There’s also a 2nd route option that people can typically take to get there, which involves directly jumping straight on I-10 W. But that path takes longer (approximately 67.7 miles or 1 hour and 15 minutes). Yet it’s ideal for those in no rush, wish to avoid a bit extra heavy traffic, and would like to see a bit more scenery along the way. You may see both routes on Google and take your pick.
Plan Your Dauphin Island Visit
There’s no time to waste! The beautiful towns of Dauphin Island and Ocean Springs are calling your name! Now’s the time to answer the call and book your next trip down to see us. Ask our ACP vacation rental team for help with the booking details!
Dauphin Island Vacation Rentals
With the activity planning and direction & navigation portion now out of the way, it’s time to plan on the rental. Where are you going to stay, and for how long? More importantly, which agency are you going to book through? That’s the critical question that should burn in your mind next!
If you were wondering where to find Dauphin Island West End beach rentals, the best place is ACP. We have selections on the Gulf-front, some a bit further (known as our Gulf view units), and even offer insight into the area. We’d love to share what we know about making your Ocean Springs vacation the best one you can!
Each of our Dauphin Island condo rentals appears precisely how you see it on our site, so there are never any surprises, and you know what you’re getting. We’ve adopted thorough cleaning practices and work daily to make sure our rentals are as safe and comfortable as they could be. You’ll enjoy a convenient location, great rates, and amenities like flat-screen TVs, spacious living areas, fully stocked kitchens, and so much more.