5 Outdoor Activities on the MS Gulf Coast

Located in Foxworth, MS, it is over 150ft deep, ½ mile wide and nearly a mile long. Although not quite on the Gulf Coast, it's still worth seeing! This canyon is one of the most amazing natural structures in Mississippi, and it only grows with each rain storm. From Keesler AFB, it will take you about 2 hours to get there.Plan to spend a few hours exploring everything the canyon has to offer – from the breathtaking view at the top to the awe-inspiring sights at the bottom with a de-railed train, lake and creek to hike along. This hike is moderately difficult with several slippery spots and areas of climbing. To get there, input this address: 1935 MS-587, Foxworth, MS 39483. Once you see a "Road Closed" sign, continue around the corner a quarter of a mile to another barricade and a "no trespassing" sign.

Are you looking for a day to swim, relax and enjoy the most beautiful beaches in Mississippi?Then head to Ship Island!You'll experience crystal blue water, white sand beaches, and possibly even dolphins swimming along the Coast.The ferry from the Gulfport Harbor takes you on an open air boat to one of six barrier islands, Ship Island. There, you can swim, snorkel, hike, and explore. History buffs can visit Fort Massachusetts and take a free guided tour from a park ranger.Ship Island, along with all the barrier islands, is a protected national seashore operated by the National Park Service and will be preserved for generations to come.Tickets for the ferry to Ship Island can be purchased at Information, Tickets, and Travel (ITT) located in The Exchange on base. For our ITT price list, click HERE.

If you enjoy fishing, then you will love this fishing charter Keesler Outdoor Recreation (ODR) offers.You, and 3 of your friends, can book a trip to learn how to crossbow fish from a boat in Bay St. Louis, MS. Typically occurring at dusk, the ODR team will transport you and provide everything you need to have a great evening of camaraderie. As an added perk, even non-fishers will enjoy watching the sunset from a private boat tour! Call 228-377-3160 to register.

The Biloxi Back Bay tapers into Bernard Bayou and then empties into the Gulf of Mexico to the East.Stretching almost 10 miles long, the Back Bay is a great, diverse area to kayak or paddleboard. This stretch is perfect for bird watching with pelicans, cormorants, and herons diving for the plentiful fish.Further up the Bay is Bernard Bayou, a winding waterway that is even more protected than the rest of Back Bay.There, you'll see residents along the shore fishing and tending boats.You can rent a kayak or paddleboard from ODR or bring your own and launch from our dock at the marina. For the OD price list, visit https://www.discoverkeesler.com/outdoor-recreation

If you're not from Mississippi, don't miss out on all the great things the Gulf Coast has to offer.Get out and explore the area; you will be pleasantly surprised!