Ocean Springs is a city in Jackson County, Mississippi, United States, approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) east of Biloxi and west of Gautier. It is part of the Pascagoula, Mississippi Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 17,225 at the 2000 U.S. Census. As of the 2010 U.S. Census, the city of Ocean Springs had a population of 17,442.
The town has a reputation as an arts community. The town was voted as a top 10 Happiest Seaside Town by Coastal Living in 2015. Its historic and secluded down town area, with streets lined by live oak trees, is home to several art galleries and shops. It is also home to a number of ethnic restaurants relatively uncommon in surrounding communities.
Ocean Springs was the home town of the late Walter Inglis Anderson, a nationally renowned painter and muralist who died in 1965 from lung cancer. The town plays host to several festivals, including its Peter Anderson Festival and The Herb Festival.
Ocean Springs was severely damaged on August 29, 2005, by Hurricane Katrina, which destroyed many buildings along the shoreline, including the Ocean Springs Yacht Club, and the wooden replica of Fort Maurepas, and gutted or flooded other buildings. Katrina's 28 ft (8.5 m) storm surge also destroyed the Biloxi Bay Bridge, which connected Biloxi to Ocean Springs.
*Beaches: There are two public beaches in Ocean Springs. Front Beach, with sugary white sand and shallow depths, is more popular for sunbathing and water activities. Anchored at one end by the Ocean Springs-Biloxi Bay Bridge (US90) and at the other by Ocean Springs Harbor, there are two public piers for fishing and crabbing. There are spectacular, scenic views of the Mississippi Sound, Deer Island, the Ocean Springs-Biloxi Bay Bridge and Biloxi's casino skyline as well as of the local pelicans, fishing fleet, and sunsets. East Beach is a more residential beach dotted with piers. Beware, while the water is safe for swimming, it is brown and murky with occasional clusters of oysters a hazard for swimmers. *Washington Avenue: Full of unique little shops and restaurants, regarded as the most beautiful downtown on the Mississippi Coast. *Mississippi Vietnam Veterans Memorial: This memorial lists all the names of Mississippians that died in Vietnam as well as a helicopter used in the war. *Crooked Feather: Famous sculpture by Peter Toth carved from a 5 by 11 foot cypress log. It can be seen on the south side of highway 90 near the Biloxi-Ocean Springs bridge. *TatoNut: A small, charming donut shop at the heart of downtown Ocean Springs. One-of-a-kind and with a warm atmosphere, TatoNut offers an interesting take on the traditional donut - potatoes! 1114 Government Street.
Ocean Springs is host to a good number of attractions available throughout the year.
Local favorites include:
*Phonecia... Mediterranean meets Gulf Coast. *'''Aunt Jenny's Fried catfish, served family style. *The Shed BBQ. *Tato Nut quite possibly the best do-nut in the World. *Kenny Wards''' Prime Steaks and Seafood
*Government St Grocery Drinks and live music.
Local art and pottery. Shearwater Pottery is the most famous (and expensive) pottery shop, and Local Color is a great place to pick up some local art.
If you're shopping for a unique souvenir or gift, the shops along Washington Avenue are your best bet.
Four major airports are within reasonable driving distance of Ocean Springs: Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (), Jackson International Airport (), Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (), and Mobile Regional Airport (). Additionally, Ocean Springs Airport (5R2) can accommodate small private planes.
While the best way to get around Ocean Springs is to drive, or walk if you are in the downtown area, other options are available.
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