Bay St. Louis Beach runs along Beach Boulevard in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, about 55 miles (89 km) east of New Orleans and roughly one hour by car. The town sits on the western end of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, where the St. Louis Bay meets the Mississippi Sound. The public beach is a long strip of man-made sand fronting calm, shallow, brownish-green water. The waves are gentle and the shoreline is open to the south, so breezes are frequent but surf is small, making it suitable for wading, children and relaxed swimming rather than for surfing or snorkelling.
The beach is a straight stretch beside Beach Boulevard rather than a sheltered cove, separated from the road by a seawall and grass. Its atmosphere is easygoing and small-town, popular with day-trippers from New Orleans and with residents who walk the shoreline in the evening. A fishing pier extends into the water and draws anglers and sunset watchers. The Historic Old Town district, a short distance away, has restaurants, galleries, shops and live music venues, which gives the visit more character than a beach-only trip and is a major reason many visitors choose Bay St. Louis over the more casino-heavy beaches farther east.
Amenities include the public sand beach, the fishing pier, and the dining and gallery options in Old Town. Roadside parking is available along Beach Boulevard. Lifeguards, restrooms and equipment rentals vary by season, so visitors should confirm current services with the city before travelling and should bring their own towels, shade and water. There are no major beach clubs.
Access is by car, driving east from New Orleans on I-10 and then following US-90 toward the bay. Public transit is not a practical option. The best months for swimming are May through September, with the summer heat intense by midday. Hurricane season runs June to November, and the coast was heavily affected by Hurricane Katrina, with much of the seafront since rebuilt. Visitors can easily pair the beach with Pass Christian, which lies a short drive east along the coast.
| Distance | About 55 miles (89 km) east of New Orleans, 1 hour by car |
|---|---|
| Getting there | Drive east on I-10 then US-90 |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Best season | May-September for swimming |
| Address | Beach Blvd, Bay St. Louis, MS 39520 |
Amenities
- Public sand beach
- Fishing pier
- Historic Old Town restaurants and galleries nearby
Good to know
- Best for
- families, fishing, couples, sunbathers
Location
Beach Blvd, Bay St. Louis, MS 39520
30.3050, -89.3340 View on map
Highlights
- Calm Mississippi Sound water and a long public sand beach
- Fishing pier popular with anglers and sunset watchers
- Historic Old Town restaurants and galleries nearby
- Easy day trip of about one hour from New Orleans
Tips for visiting
- Arrive in the morning on summer weekends for easier roadside parking.
- Bring shade, towels and water, as beach services are limited.
- Plan lunch or dinner in Old Town after the beach.
- Check for water quality advisories before swimming.
- Pair the visit with Pass Christian, a short drive east.
When to visit
May to September is best for swimming, with mornings and early evenings the most comfortable. Midday summer heat is intense.
Accessibility
The beach is beside a roadside seawall with level frontage, though sand access is uneven. Visitors who use a wheelchair should check with the city for current options.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How far is Bay St. Louis from New Orleans?
About 55 miles (89 km), roughly one hour by car via I-10 and US-90.
Is there a fishing pier?
Yes, a fishing pier extends from the beach and is popular with anglers and visitors watching the sunset.
What else is nearby?
Historic Old Town has restaurants, galleries and shops within a short distance of the beach.
Is the beach good for swimming?
The water is calm and shallow, which suits wading and casual swimming, though it is not clear.