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Serena Brown, Demand Media

Biloxi has man-made, white-sand beaches. (Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images News/Getty Images )

Known for its Southern charm and hospitality, Mississippi also offers great outdoor recreation on land and water. The state's southern borders are situated on the Mississippi Sound and Gulf of Mexico, which means plenty of water and beaches for boating, fishing and swimming. In many communities, Highway 90 runs parallel to the coast and offers easy access to beaches. Other beaches are on state islands but also easy to get to by private or charter boat.

Ocean Springs, Long Beach, Bay St. Louis, Waveland and other coast cities have beaches overlooking the Mississippi Sound. The longest stretch of sand and surf is in Biloxi and Gulfport, which have 26 miles of man-made, white-sand beaches. Waves along the beaches are small and mild, blocked by a string of barrier islands 10 to 12 miles from shore. Horn, Cat, Petit Bois, East Ship and West Ship islands are part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. They are bordered by the Mississippi Sound and Gulf of Mexico and have some amazing beaches and potentially big surf. Visitors can only get to the islands by boat, but seasonal ferry service is available to West Ship Island, the most popular of the chain. Dolphins are a common site around the barrier islands.

Waters of the Mississippi Sound are clean but brownish in color. This is because the waters are diluted by other water from the Pascagoula and Pearl rivers, which drain into the sound. Clear blue-green waters can be found in the Gulf of Mexico bordering the barrier islands located off the coast.

Of course, sunbathing and swimming are popular, but when visiting Mississippi beaches the to-do list might include getting in or on kayaks, Jet Skis, sailboats and hydrocycles. The islands are great for shelling, and both coast and island beaches are great for fishing. Part of the mainland beaches are reserved for endangered Least Tern birds. Although people aren't allowed in these areas, they can get close enough for birdwatching and to take pictures. Because of its higher surf, the islands are great for surfing and boogie boarding.

South Mississippi can be extremely hot and humid, especially in summer, so sunburn, heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are real possibilities. Anyone going to beaches should consume plenty of water and use sunscreen. When not swimming, it is best to wear sunshades and clothes to protect your skin and consider spending time in shaded areas. Some places have vendors renting beach umbrellas. Life guards are on duty in summer on Ship Island, but most beaches are unguarded.

Serena Brown graduated from the University of South Alabama with a bachelor's degree in communication. She has more than 15 years of experience in newspaper, radio and television reporting. Brown has also authored educational, medical and fitness material.

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Beaches in Mississippi | USA Today