Things to do in
Pass Christian, Mississippi.
Calm Gulf beaches, a working harbor, centuries-old Live Oaks, and some of the best seafood on the Mississippi coast — all in a town you can cross on foot.
A quieter slice of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Tucked between Bay St. Louis and Gulfport, Pass Christian (the locals say "Pass Chris-tee-AHN") is a historic harbor town stretched along Scenic Drive. It's quieter than its neighbors, with no casinos and no high-rises — just antebellum homes, the largest small-craft harbor on the coast, and miles of public beach. Here's how to spend your time.
Sand, harbor, and sunset views.
Pass Christian Beach & Scenic Drive
Miles of soft white sand running along Scenic Drive, with calm Gulf water that's ideal for families. Park anywhere along the bluff and walk down.
Pass Christian Harbor
The largest small-craft harbor on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Watch shrimp boats come in at sunset or grab fresh-off-the-boat seafood from the dockside markets.
Henderson Point
A quiet residential point on the west end of town with some of the prettiest sunset water views in Mississippi.
Where the locals eat.
Shaggy's Pass Harbor
Casual harborside seafood and frozen drinks right on the water. The go-to for a long lunch with a view.
The Blind Tiger
Cajun-Creole classics, po'boys, and a wraparound deck overlooking the harbor.
Pirate's Cove Marina & Grill
Locals' spot for fried shrimp, oysters, and a cold beer between boat trips.
Bacchus on the Beach
Upscale Gulf cuisine and a thoughtful wine list — book ahead on weekends.
Cat Island Coffeehouse
Independent coffee, pastries, and a friendly porch for slow mornings before the beach.
Live Oaks, parks, and fishing.
War Memorial Park
Live oaks, a fishing pier, playground, and shaded picnic tables — the town's central green space.
Live Oak Heritage Trail
Drive or bike a route of centuries-old Live Oaks, several of which survived Hurricane Katrina and are named landmarks.
Charter fishing & sailing
Half- and full-day inshore charters launch from Pass Christian Harbor for redfish, speckled trout, and flounder.
Beyond the Pass.
Bay St. Louis (10 min west)
Galleries, antique shops, and Old Town's Second Saturday art walk. One of the South's most charming small towns.
Gulfport & Ship Island ferry (25 min east)
Take the seasonal ferry from Gulfport Harbor to Ship Island for protected barrier-island beaches and Fort Massachusetts.
Biloxi (35 min east)
Casinos, the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum, and Beauvoir — Jefferson Davis's historic home.
New Orleans (75 min west)
An easy day trip down I-10 for the French Quarter, Garden District, or a Saints game.
Plan your visit around these.
Mardi Gras in the Pass (Jan–Feb)
Family-friendly parades roll right down Scenic Drive — easier and more relaxed than New Orleans.
Cruisin' the Coast (October)
America's largest block-party-style classic car event takes over the entire Gulf Coast for a week each fall.
Christmas in the Pass (December)
Tree lighting, historic home tours, and a holiday boat parade through the harbor.
Wake up in the Pass.
Pass Christian has very limited hotel inventory — most visitors stay in a whole-home rental. Our boutique collection puts you a short walk from the harbor, restaurants, and beach.
Browse our rentalsOur waterfront beach homes.
Beach Front · Pet Friendly
Quiet Harbor Condo - Private Balcony - Relaxing Stay
Pool Home
Pass Christian 3BR | Pool | Walk to the Beach
Pool Home
The Magnolia Shore #5
Inside the collection.
A glimpse of the stays
Pass Christian, answered.
- What is Pass Christian, MS known for?
- Pass Christian is a historic Mississippi Gulf Coast town known for its protected harbor, centuries-old Live Oaks, miles of public beach along Scenic Drive, and a quieter, more residential pace than nearby Biloxi or Gulfport.
- What's the best time to visit Pass Christian?
- April through early June and September through October bring the best weather — warm Gulf water, low humidity, and fewer crowds than peak summer. Mardi Gras season (late winter) is another standout time to visit.
- Is Pass Christian walkable?
- The downtown core, harbor, and beachfront are very walkable. Most Nest Collection stays are within a short walk of restaurants, the harbor, and the beach. A car helps for day trips to Bay St. Louis or Gulfport.
- What's the closest airport to Pass Christian?
- Gulfport-Biloxi International (GPT) is about 25 minutes away. New Orleans Louis Armstrong (MSY) is about 75 minutes west and usually has the widest flight selection.
- Are the beaches in Pass Christian swimmable?
- Yes — the Gulf is calm and shallow along Pass Christian, which makes it especially good for families with young kids. The town also has a long beachfront with easy parking off Scenic Drive.
- Where should I stay in Pass Christian?
- Most visitors choose a whole-home vacation rental — Pass Christian has very limited hotel inventory. Nest Collection's boutique homes are all walkable to the harbor, restaurants, and beach.