Bay St. Louis

The small seaside town of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, was caught in the path of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The recovery process was long and slow, but the coastal Mississippi community worked hard to rebuild and resurrect the spirit of this small town. Bay St. Louis is now one of the Gulf Coast's most underrated destinations, thanks to its laid-back attitude, stunning waterfront, and funky, eclectic local culture. Bay St. Louis is only 51 miles from the unique hub that is New Orleans, but it feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle. The town's prime location on the Mississippi Sound, an embayment of the Gulf of Mexico, provides a glorious stretch of white-sanded beach with few people. This stretch of coastline is known as Mississippi's "Secret Coast."

At this hidden retreat, there are numerous opportunities to explore the outdoors. Rent a kayak and explore the blueways, also known as water trails, or stroll along the beachside paths. Alternatively, you can simply spend the day relaxing at the beach with your dog: The beaches of Bay St. Louis are dog friendly. There are several piers in Bay St. Louis, but Jimmy Rutherford Fishing Pier is a local favorite. Year-round speckled trout fishing is excellent, while the summer months produce prized red snapper catches.

Old Town Bay St. Louis is a walkable area full of local shops and eateries just off Beach Boulevard. Spend the afternoon strolling through Old Town, checking out the beach boutiques and art galleries. Don't miss the French Potager, a flower shop and antique store. Plan your visit for the second Saturday of each month, when Old Town hosts a massive art walk complete with live music, local merchants, and other special events.