2 MS Coast beaches voted among best in the US for etiquette, report says. See where & why
A good beach day isn’t just about the perfect weather, it’s also about making sure your destination is clean, restful and relaxed.
Two beaches on the Mississippi Coast — Ship Island and Bay St. Louis Beach — were recently recognized by Exoticca, an online travel agency, for being some of the best beaches for etiquette in the United States.
“A beautiful beach can quickly lose its charm if it is overcrowded, noisy, dirty, or feels unsafe, while a more modest stretch of sand can feel unforgettable if the atmosphere is calm and respectful,” Juanjo Duran, CEO of Exoticca, said in a July news release.
The report surveyed 3,011 beach-goers across the country in June to find out which beaches were the best when it comes to cleanliness, crowding, noise, respect for personal space and overall atmosphere.
Here’s how the Mississippi beaches ranked.
How did top MS beaches rank?
Ship Island (Gulf Islands National Seashore), Gulfport
Ship Island, located about 12 miles off the coast of Mississippi, is only accessible by boat or ferry. The beach ranked 55th on Exoticca’s list of best beaches for etiquette. Here’s what analysts said about it:
“The little hurdle of the boat ride keeps the crowds thin and the rowdy element away, leaving a respectful, nature-minded crowd. About as clean and peaceful as the Mississippi coast gets.”
Bay St. Louis Beach
Bay St. Louis beach, located in Hancock County, ranked 65th on Exoticca’s list of best beaches for etiquette. Here’s what analysts said about it:
“A charming, artsy little Gulf town with a laid-back, walkable beachfront and a friendly local crowd that keeps things mellow. It’s tidy, low-key, and welcoming, with none of the bustle of the busier mainland stretches. A relaxed, easygoing spot to spend an unhurried afternoon.”
What annoys Mississippians the most about beach vacations?
The Exoticca report also asked Mississippians what factors could ruin a beach vacation. Dirty water, crowded beaches and poor hotel location, were the top three factors that could turn a coastal getaway sour, the survey found.
Which are the best beaches for etiquette in the U.S.?
These are the top 10 beaches for etiquette across the country, according to the Exoticca study:
1. Poipu Beach Park (Kauai), Poipu, Hawaii
2. South Beach, Bald Head Island, North Carolina
3. Lanikai Beach (Oahu), Kailua, Hawaii
4. Kapalua Bay (Maui), Kapalua, Hawaii
5. Hanalei Bay (Kauai), Hanalei, Hawaii
6. Kiawah Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island, South Carolina
7. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
8. Naples Beach, Naples, Florida
9. Coquina Beach (Cape Hatteras National Seashore), Nags Head, North Carolina
10. Sullivan’s Island (near Charleston), Charleston, South Carolina
