When summer arrives, it’s hard not to dream about escaping to a tropical wonderland. Luckily, you don’t have to dream about an escape, and that’s because you can find your very own slice of paradise in Mississippi. It’s true. The Magnolia State is full of locales that are like Caribbean paradises in the summer. From Mississippi islands to beaches in Mississippi, the nine locales below offer all the fun of a tropical getaway, minus the expense or effort.

1. Sardis Lake (Sardis)
29049 MS-315, Sardis, MS 38666, USA
Tina H/Flickr
When searching for beaches in Mississippi, Sardis Lake doesn't disappoint - it's got three of them! And that's partially why each year, thousands of visitors flock to Sardis Lake and its recreation area. Aside from swimming, the pristine blue water is perfect for boating, water sports, and fishing.
2. Pep’s Point (Hattiesburg)
382 Peps Point Rd, Hattiesburg, MS 39402, USA
Pep’s Point Water Park and Adventures/Facebook
After an extended closure, this "laid back country waterpark," which first opened in 1939, has re-opened. The perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day, the lakeside park has a white sand beach, canoes and paddle boats, a pavilion, picnic tables, volleyball nets, miniature golf, and water slides that flow directly into lake. And since the lake is spring-fed, the water is nice and cold - no matter how hot it is outside. With everything it has to offer, it's easy to see why this slice of paradise in Mississippi has long been a local favorite.
3. Starkville KOA (Starkville)
2661 County Lake Rd, Starkville, MS 39759, USA
starkvillewetnwild.com/
A hidden oasis in Mississippi, Starkville KOA is situated on the sandy shores of Oktibbeha County Lake. A great summertime visit, the incredible campground includes charming cabins, a private beach, and its own water park. Day passes for the waterpark and beach are available, so you don’t have to actually stay at the campground to take advantage of its incredible amenities.
4. Presley’s Outing (Moss Point)
10501 Presleys Outing Rd, Moss Point, MS 39562, USA
presleysouting.com
This "little slice of paradise" has been attracting locals for well over 40 years – and for good reason. Centered around Goode’s Mill Lake, it’s the perfect place to spend a hot summer day. Aside from one of the best beaches in Mississippi, the lakeside retreat features boat rentals, grills, an on-site restaurant, and more.

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5. Flint Creek Waterpark (Wiggins)
1216 Parkway Dr, Wiggins, MS 39577, USA
Splash of Fun/Facebook
Promising "water fun for the whole family," this hidden waterpark in Mississippi features a lake, beach, water slides, and more. With so much to offer, a visit to the park is sure to make your summer complete.
6. Ship Island (Harrison County)
1133 20th Ave, Gulfport, MS 39501, USA
Ship Island Excursions/Facebook
Featuring white sandy beaches, beautiful water, and the possibility of a dolphin-sighting, a trip to this barrier island should be on everyone’s summer to-do list. Among the most easily accessible of all Mississippi islands, Ship Island Excursions offers transportation to and from the island, so accessing it is a breeze. The tropical adventure begins at the Gulfport Small Craft Harbor.
7. Paradise Ranch and Resort (Tylertown)
660 MS-48, Tylertown, MS 39667, USA
Paradise Ranch and Resort/Facebook
Paradise Ranch and Resort is a 105-acre campground with a lot to offer. In addition to several other amenities, this hidden oasis in Mississippi includes a stocked lake and a fantastic pool. Known as the Blue Lagoon, the pool is fed by an artesian well and surrounded by a white sand beach, creating one of the best swimming spots in the state.
8. Geyser Falls Waterpark (Philadelphia)
209 Black Jack Rd, Philadelphia, MS 39350, USA
Geyser Falls Water Theme Park/Facebook
A waterpark is probably the last place you'd look when searching for beaches in Mississippi; however, Geyser Falls Waterpark is where you'll find one of the state's best swim spots - Clearwater Key, which boasts 8 acres of white sand beaches and a pool filled with crystal clear water. The Caribbean-themed attraction even includes poolside cabanas, a hot tub, and an onsite café, making it ideal for a quick tropical getaway.
9. Old Bridge Beach (New Site)
County Road 3501, Co Rd 3501, Mississippi, USA
Michael McGuire/Facebook
This secluded beach is tucked away in the unincorporated community New Site. But with pristine white sand and crystal clear water, this hidden oasis in Mississippi is definitely worth the effort it takes to get to.

So, have you ever been to any of these beaches in Mississippi? Know of another spot that’s like paradise in Mississippi? Where do you cool off durind the dog days of summer? Tell us!

Looking for another hidden oasis in Mississippi to add to your bucket list? Check out Bay St. Louis. The small coastal town is consistently revered as one of the best small towns in Mississippi.

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More to Explore

Paradise In Mississippi

Daniella DiRienzo | June 27, 2022

What are the most well known waterparks in Mississippi?

There are several waterparks in Mississippi, including Gulf Islands Waterpark. Located in Gulfport, it boasts a fun island theme. It’s also got miles of slides, making it the largest waterpark on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Of course, adrenaline-pumping water slides aren’t all you’ll find at the park. There’s also a lazy river, wave pool, and cabanas for park-goers to enjoy. The grounds are also home to Zip ‘N Fun, an adventure park, which features a ropes course with dozens of treetop games and obstacles.

What are the best little known lakes in Mississippi?

There are lots of popular swim spots in Mississippi. And then there are also lots of hidden swim spots, like Aberdeen Lake. The 4,100-acre lake is nestled within the Blue Bluff Recreation Area, which is in the small town of Aberdeen. Perfect for a wealth of recreational opportunities, the lake’s clear waters attract water enthusiasts of all sorts. Swimmers can enjoy some fun in the sun AND water thanks to a lakeside beach, while anglers can cast a reel from the fishing dock or hop in a boat and head off shore in search of a brag-worthy catch. The grounds also include a volleyball court, picnic area with a pavilion, and a playground.

What's the most beautiful swimming hole in Mississippi?

Hands down, the most beautiful swimming hole in Mississippi can be found at Merit Water Park in Mendenhall. The park is nestled on Rials Creek, which boasts crystal clear water, a small waterfall and old-fashioned swimming hole. Not only is it the most stunning swim spot in the state, but it’s also one of the most refreshing – and that’s because the creek is spring fed, so it runs cold even in summer. Other park perks include a sand-and-rock creekside beach and picnic tables.

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