Bay St. Louis

Bay St. Louis sits on the western edge of Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, close to the Louisiana state line, and offers a quieter, more considered alternative to the region’s larger resort towns. It’s compact and easy to navigate, with most of what draws travellers here sitting within easy reach of the water.

Old Town Bay St. Louis is the natural focal point. Set close to the bay, this walkable district is lined with restored historic buildings now home to independent galleries, shops, cafés and relaxed, locally owned restaurants. There’s a strong creative presence here, but it feels authentic rather than curated, making it well suited to unplanned wandering and slow afternoons.

Life in Bay St. Louis revolves around the water. The bay itself is sheltered and shallow, ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding, while a long, flat stretch of beachfront runs alongside the town. It’s a place for early morning walks, gentle cycling and watching the light soften at sunset. Even in busier months, the beach remains notably open and uncrowded.

Shaded residential streets and traditional southern homes hint at the town’s past as a coastal hotspot, while regular art walks and small festivals add interest without disturbing its relaxed rhythm