Long Beach, MS

Long Beach is a small coastal city in Harrison County, Mississippi, sitting along the Gulf of Mexico just west of Gulfport and east of Bay St. Louis. With a population of approximately 15,000 to 16,000 residents, it has the feel of a relaxed beach town rather than a busy resort destination, with quiet residential streets giving way to public beachfront and a long working harbor. It is best known as a family-friendly base on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and as a gateway to the chain of barrier islands and national seashore areas that line this stretch of the Gulf. Long Beach lies roughly 90 miles east of New Orleans, a drive of about an hour and a half down the coastal highway, and just a few minutes west of the larger city of Gulfport.

A major draw for visitors is the Gulf Islands National Seashore, whose Mississippi district preserves stretches of natural beach, historic fortifications, and offshore barrier islands. From Long Beach, the mainland portions of the seashore are just a short drive east toward Ocean Springs, while passenger ferries to Ship Island depart from nearby Gulfport, typically about 15 to 20 minutes from the city. The white-sand beaches, calm Gulf waters, and wildlife viewing opportunities make this one of the signature outdoor experiences of the region.

The city itself is anchored by its public beach and the Long Beach Harbor, a working fishing port that doubles as a scenic spot for watching boats and, in season, charter trips into the Gulf. The harbor area is only minutes from the residential core and most short-term rentals, making it easy for guests to combine a beach day with an afternoon stroll along the marina and fishing pier. The town also has a walkable, low-key downtown strip of locally owned restaurants, coffee shops, and small galleries that gives the place an unhurried, community feel distinct from the casino-driven energy further east.

A short drive east brings guests to the wider Gulf Coast attractions of Biloxi, with its casino resorts, the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum, and the beachfront promenade, all within about 20 to 30 minutes. To the west, Bay St. Louis and the artist-oriented Old Town area offer another pleasant half-day outing along the same scenic coastal route. New Orleans, with its full slate of dining, music, and historic neighborhoods, is comfortably close enough for a day trip or an overnight excursion.

For short-term-rental owners, Long Beach offers a compelling combination of small-town character, walkable beach access, and proximity to the broader Mississippi Gulf Coast. Guests get the quiet of a residential coastal community without giving up easy reach to the national seashore, the harbor, and the larger entertainment hubs of Gulfport and Biloxi, all while remaining within a couple of hours of one of the South's most iconic cities.