An insider’s guide to the Mississippi Gulf Coast
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Visit Long Beach Community Guide

Long Beach City Guide - Visit This Charming Gulf Coast Town

Situated in the middle of Mississippi's coastal cities, the quaint community of Long Beach eagerly awaits your visit. Nicknamed The Friendly City, Long Beach provides endless opportunities for play or plenty of time for relaxation.

Small businesses abound in Long Beach. It is easy to get lost, perusing the locally-owned shops that line the streets near the beach. Shopping locally is a serious business in Long Beach, and there are plenty of boutiques, candy stores, and unique gift shops.

If delicious cuisine is at the top of your list, look no further than Long Beach. Long Beach has everything from fresh seafood to soul food and local coffee shops (and everything in between).  Visitors should also consider catching a local food festival, like the seasonal Trucks & Tacos celebration.

This beautiful community is THE place for charter fishing trips and outdoor activities. If you want to spend all day on the water, chasing the next big catch, Long Beach has you covered.  The city also has a vibrant nightlife, including monthly block parties in the downtown area.

Lodging options are slightly limited compared to other communities nearby, yet anyone can find a comfortable choice suited to their needs.

Charter Fishing Long Beach

The Best of Long Beach, From Fishing to Shopping and Everything In Between

Long Beach is a beautiful, popular destination for families.  Action seekers (and those looking for some relaxation) will find an excellent variety of activities.  Watersports and niche shopping are frequent items on visitors' itineraries.

Spend a full day chasing “the big one”

Fishing is part of life in Long Beach.  Every day you'll find visitors and locals plundering Gulf waters for trout, largemouth bass, and red drum.  Numerous local outfitters can provide you with a full day of fishing excitement.

Try Impulsive Charters for a day on the water. Available to charter for 4, 5, or 6 hours at a time, Capt. Scott Simpson and his crew can provide you with everything necessary to enjoy your day deep sea fishing. The Impulsive is a 25 ft. open fishing boat best suited for groups of three.

Still Water Fishing Charters can provide memories you'll never forget, offering half-day and full-day trips. If you want to take a tarpon trip, Still Water has various options.  They can accommodate a maximum of four on full-day tarpon trips. Capt. Jeremy is ready to take you on the deep-sea fishing trip of your dreams!

Relax and take in nature on the Wolf River

Wolf River Canoe & Kayak is a wonderful alternative if you're into passive watersports. Offering canoe and kayak rentals for the entire family, this local favorite will ensure you have some fun in the sun. Decompress as you paddle or float down the Wolf River, or catch some rays on the sandbar while you sip on your favorite drink. Reservations are required, and they provide both rentals and transportation.

Explore Long Beach’s rich history

Visiting Friendship Oak is a must if you enjoy historical stops and tours. Located on the University of Southern Mississippi campus in Long Beach, this gorgeous oak tree has grown in the same spot for over 500 years. The tree dates back to 1487 and has weathered tremendous storms and natural disasters. The majestic oak towers fifty-nine feet into the air and has a diameter of five foot nine inches.

Shop til you drop or catch a 3-D film

Do you love to shop or have a shopaholic in your family? If so, perfect! Long Beach has various uncommon and distinctive shops to suit their needs.  The Long Beach Towne Center is an open-air complex with multiple restaurants and stores, and organizers scatter fun and memorable events throughout the monthly calendar.

Need a break from shopping and the hot temperatures outside?  Catch a show at the famous Regal Theatre.

Shops for boutique enthusiasts and antiquarians

Past Perfect provides a treasure hunt like no other for you antique aficionados.  Estate items, antiques, furniture, and jewelry are abundant at this second-hand store. Found is another excellent find for treasure hunters. This antique store is full of second-hand and repurposed items.

Looking to do some clothes shopping? Sister Swank Boutique is full of women’s boutique-style clothing and accessories.  You'll find them conveniently located next to Coastal Daiquiri.

Long Beach Bed and Breakfast

From Rugged to Luxury Travel Accommodations in Long Beach

Long Beach has lodging options for both traditional and recreational travelers. Outdoorsy visitors will enjoy the selection of camping and RV-style accommodations. And if you are looking for more amenities, there are traditional selections for every taste and budget.

Hotel and condo options for traditional travelers

If you're looking for traditional accommodations, The Inn at Long Beach provides a relaxing stay for families and loners alike. This beautiful hotel is located directly across from the beach.  Your visit will be filled with luxurious touches like triple-sheeted beds, black-out curtains, and a complimentary full breakfast.  They feature queen and king-size beds in every room. No full-size beds here!

Long Beach can also handle visitors who need a bit more room. The Beau Clair Condominiums offer larger spaces, separate bedrooms, and full kitchens. Each townhome is unique and decorated to its owners' specifications.

Full-featured campgrounds with outdoor activities

If you prefer to camp or travel with an RV, Magic River Resort is the place for you. This full-service campground is perfect for the outdoorsman in all of us and features fifteen RV sites with full and partial hook-ups.  The comfort stations have both hot showers and restrooms.

This campground is family-friendly and has furnishings to keep the kids busy. Amenities include a playground, swimming pool, horseshoes, and tetherball. And remember to bring your fishing poles for an afternoon of peaceful fishing (no license required).

Nature lovers will also enjoy the numerous walking trails. Just be sure to bring your tennis shoes!

Long Beach Baked Fish

Diners and Fresh Markets Highlight Local Cuisine

Restaurants are plentiful in Long Beach, so driving to a neighboring town to seek tasty Gulf Coast grub isn't necessary. Prepare to have your tastebuds tickled.

The freshest seafood directly from the Gulf

It should be no surprise that fresh seafood is plentiful in Long Beach. Steve’s Marina Restaurant is a local staple and offers premium, waterfront dining.   Enjoy a beautiful sunset while dining on fresh shrimp scampi, tasty gumbo, blackened fish, or seafood nachos. If you want a local recommendation, start with the red snapper and finish with bread pudding.

Cajun Crawfish Hut is another local favorite.  They prepare every dish to order, and they specialize in Mississippi farm-raised catfish, tasty oysters, and fresh Gulf shrimp. Fried, blackened, and charbroiled items abound on the menu. The hamburgers and several chicken dishes are also worth trying.

Indulgent treats for those with a sweet

If you need a tasty treat for a special occasion, Long Beach is home to several delightful and locally-owned bakeries. Dolce Bakeshop offers both traditional and unique baked goods. They’re renowned for beautiful wedding cakes, Italian Macarons, homemade marshmallows, and edible cookie dough. They even host all-inclusive children’s birthday parties with cupcake decorating (they supply pizza, punch, and cake).

Early birds and brunchers rejoice

Breakfast and brunch are always taken seriously in Long Beach. And everyone needs some fuel to start their day, right?

Double D’s Diner provides a menu full of old-school breakfast favorites. If omelets are your preference, Double D’s has you covered. They offer delicious western and veggie options, and their Big Breakfast (including steak, two eggs, grits, and toast) is a local favorite.

A Southern Bagel Company delivers yummy, sweet, and savory takes on America’s favorite donut-shaped roll, serving breakfast and lunch. Their specialty, the All-American Breakfast Bagel, includes your choice of bagel, egg, American cheese, and meat. I also suggest trying The Elvis, featuring your choice of bagel, peanut butter, bananas, and honey. A bagel fit for a King!

Diners and markets featuring local dishes & goods

If you need a quick and delicious meal, pay a visit to Long Beach Market & Deli. This quaint little spot features po-boys, wraps, and an extensive vegetarian menu. Their menu specials always include fried rice and a crab rangoon. You won’t be disappointed with their selection of locally-sourced goods and hot meals.

For another fast option, stop by Darwell’s Cafe. Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, this Darwell’s features tasty daily specials handwritten on a dry-erase board. The Redfish Nawlins and Crawfish Etouffee are two dishes you can’t pass up.

On Saturdays, Long Beach hosts a local Farmer’s Market. There you’ll find locally-sourced meats, cheeses, produce, and other delicious wares.

Long Beach Festival

Discover the Exciting Events and Festivals in Long Beach

Long Beach plays host to numerous parties, festivals, and concerts throughout the year.  These events include regular expos sponsored by the city, seasonal festivals like Mardi Gras, and one-off concerts featuring local bands and artists.

Monthly events highlight local bands and goods

Long Beach Live is held the first Friday of each month between April and October. The festival features talented local musicians in a monthly concert series at the Harper McCaughan Town Green Amphitheater. This concert is free, open to all ages, and popular among locals and visitors alike.

Fun seasonal events and holiday-themed festivals

The yearly Blessing of the Jeeps is held at St. Thomas Catholic Church on the beach in Long Beach. This event kicks off the Jeepin season and blesses all drivers with a season of safety.  And in December, the Christmas on the Avenue festival features local choirs, arts and crafts, music, and food.

The Long Beach Chamber of Commerce hosts a Touch a Truck event each year (among other events) that is geared toward kids and families alike.  Keep an eye on the Chamber of Commerce’s website for updated event information. Events are added frequently and can change depending on weather and other factors.

Long Beach Bars

The Best Long Beach Bars for Food, Drinks, and Fun!

Looking for the ideal place to anchor your great night out in Long Beach? Look no further than these top-rated bars that offer delicious food, refreshing drinks, and a fun atmosphere. In addition, we'll also explore a couple of dance club options to get your groove on.

The best Long Beach bars for food, drinks, and fun!

If you're looking for a great night out with tasty food and drinks, these local bars have you covered. From happy hour specials to frozen cocktails and loaded fries, they offer something for everyone. So, grab your friends and head out to explore the best bars in Long Beach!

QuarterDeck Bar is a local favorite, serving cocktails and several food options. This sports bar is open seven days a week and offers beer, cocktails, and specialty drinks. This bar offers frequent happy hours and specials on bar food like wings and tacos.

Coastal Daiquiri Bar & Grill is stocked with frozen cocktail machines, offering every popular flavor (and then some).  Some of the more frequent requests include Hurricane, King Cake, Bushwacker, and Victoria’s Secret.  They also serve a full food menu that ranges from pizza to burgers and tacos.  Locals know to order their Loaded Fries which they top with your choice of pulled pork, buffalo, or chili and cheese.

Few but noteworthy dance club options

For a night out dancing, try nearby Club Thirty IV.  There, the DJ spins hot jams while you hit the dancefloor (or take a break while chilling in one of the VIP areas). This club features two fully-stocked bars and several pool tables.  Club Thirty IV is only open on Friday and Saturday nights.

Long Beach City Hall

Experience Small-Town Charm and Big-City Amenities in Long Beach

With a population of 16,310, Long Beach has a small-town feel with all the amenities of a larger city.  The median income in Long Beach is $54,535, which is 75% higher than the national average.  Homes are plentiful in Long Beach, and as of 2023, the median value of a home is $158,285. Owners selling property in Long Beach are commanding historic prices, and trends don't appear to be slowing.

Affordable homes to meet most budgets

If you're interested in moving to Long Beach, both older homes and newer construction in secluded subdivisions are options. There are housing options in various price ranges and styles., with beach-style homes and condos being quite common.

Land sales in Long Beach have also exploded since covid, with the number of houses on the market dropping dramatically year over year.

Long Beach emphasizes accommodations for families

If you have a child or anyone who enjoys an epic playground, Long Beach is full of outdoor play options. The parks in Long Beach are open seven days a week, from sunrise to sundown.  The following parks and activity centers are available:

  • Harper McCaughan Town Green and Splash Pad
  • Long Beach Wheel Way
  • Magnolia Park
  • War Magnolia Park
  • South Forest Park
  • West Railroad Park
  • Senior Activity Center
  • FETCH Dog Park - Right by the Long Beach Senior Activity Center
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