Ocean Springs

Ocean Springs is a coastal city in Jackson County, Mississippi, situated along Biloxi Bay and marked by extensive oak-lined avenues. Along the streets stand aged leafy trees, and numerous art galleries and restaurants shape the cityscape that visitors can explore.

French colonists established Fort Maurepas in 1699 as the first permanent French outpost in the region under King Louis XIV. This early settlement laid the foundation for the later development of this coastal community.

The annual Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival draws artists and visitors who gather to display and exchange handmade works and local creations. The arts community shapes daily life through galleries and studios scattered throughout different neighborhoods of the city.

The city sits directly on the bay and offers good access to water and outdoor activities year-round. Proximity to Biloxi Bay makes it easy to reach beaches and parks, with most areas comfortably walkable.

Dr. William Glover Austin named the city Ocean Springs in 1854 after believing in the healing properties of the local spring waters. This belief led to a period when visitors from across the region came seeking the supposed therapeutic benefits of these waters.

Location: Jackson County

Inception: 1699

Elevation above the sea: 7 m

Website: http://oceansprings-ms.gov

GPS coordinates: 30.40972,-88.79722

Latest update: December 6, 2025 21:28