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There's nothing better than eating a tasty meal while enjoying the great outdoors. Long Beach, MS, offers a variety of beautiful places to have an outdoor picnic.
Whether you want to picnic in a park, by the bay, by a lake, or on the beach, Long Beach has it all. Our favorite picnic areas are in parks with other amenities such as playgrounds, walking trails, disc golf, and splash pads.
Buccaneer State Park is an excellent place for a picnic. The park maintains a natural setting on the beach and has a fascinating history. In the late 1700s, the French Buccaneer Lafitte lived in this area. Andrew Jackson used the site as a military operation base during the Battle of New Orleans and later built a house here.
Buccaneer State Park features grassy areas that overlook the Gulf of Mexico. The park is home to a waterpark, pool, playground, and disc golf area, so there's endless entertainment.
In addition, the park has a 1.8-mile walking trail. The trail leads to a pier overlooking Mud Bayou's canal, where visitors can see various birds and wildlife.
Jones Park is Gulfport's signature park. The 60-acre park is next to the marina and offers a beautiful picnic area right on Gulfport's harbor.
Visitors can enjoy a walking track, playground or cool off on the Splash Pad.
The replica lighthouse at the entrance towers over the road and guides you to this fabulous park. Another attraction is the impressive 40,000-pound ship anchor. In addition, you'll find a fishing pier and several beach access points as you explore the park.
Bring your beach chairs or a picnic blanket and picnic in the grassy area or the beach.
After lunch, you might want to enjoy the Splash Pad. This interactive water fountain has water jets with different spray patterns and speeds. The park is next to the marina, so you can walk around, watch the boats, or sign up for a sightseeing trip, sunset cruise, or fishing charter.
Shepard State Park offers a variety of activities and landscapes spread over 395 acres. Visitors will find fascinating history, nature trails, a golf course, and great picnic sites.
Shepard State Park is in Pascagoula River country. Legend tells that Pascagoula Indian nation members walked into the river rather than be captured by a warring tribe.
Visitors can explore about eight miles of park trails. The picnic area is located in the shade of massive oak and pine trees. In addition to the picnic tables, visitors will find a playground and grassy areas for outdoor sports.
The park also features an 18-hole disc golf course. Your four-legged family members will love the fenced Bark Park.
Paul B. Johnson State Park has many picnicking options. Visitors can set up a picnic blanket under the trees, take advantage of a shaded picnic shelter, or use a picnic table. Some of the picnic areas are right on Geiger Lake's shore, making it one of the best places to have picnics in Long Beach, MS.
Geiger Lake is a 225-acre freshwater lake. Visitors can enjoy swimming in the lake from a sandy beach.
Paul B. Johnson State Park has playgrounds, a splash pad, nature trails, and disc golf. The Trail of the Southern Pines provides visitors insight into the area's animal, bird, and plant life.
Long Beach and Gulfport offer a variety of ways to enjoy the great outdoors. Whether it's hiking, enjoying a picnic, or swimming at the beach, the Gulf Coast has it all. Immerse yourself in the coastal area and enjoy a dolphin cruise in Gulfport, MS.
