Biloxi Active Pursuits

The Mississippi Gulf Coast has miles of beaches that lie along Highway 90, where visitors can grab a free beach chair and enjoy the white sand and calm waters of the Mississippi Sound. Surf waves are kept at bay by barrier islands just off the coast, but a trip on the Ship Island Ferry (out of Gulfport) allows enthusiasts the chance to enjoy bigger waves out on the Gulf of Mexico. Sailboat, kayak, Jet Ski and other watercraft rentals are also available.

Before the casinos, Biloxi had long enjoyed the reputation as a seafood and fishing center. The Biloxi Shrimping Tour departs from Point Cadet Marina on a 70-minute shrimping expedition. Visitors on board will learn the proper way to spread out shrimp nets in the waters and then examine the sea life hauled in at the end of the tour. Tours run at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. For more information, call 800.289.7908.

Fishing aficionados can charter one of the many boats in the Biloxi area for the day and come home with dinner for the evening. Contact the Mississippi Gulf Coast Charter Association at www.mscharterboats.org for more information on the fishing tours available. Some fishing boats also run nature tours.

Golf can be played year-round in this southern stretch of Mississippi, and there is no shortage of courses to enjoy in the Biloxi area. Four courses are found in Biloxi alone, including the Beau Rivage Casino’s exclusive Fallen Oak course. With nearly 20 courses in the small coastal area, the Gulf Coast Golf Association can help visitors select the right course and set up tee times or golf packages. For more information, contact Gulf Coast Golf at 866.383.4653 or www.golfcoast.com.