Coastal Mississippi Announces a Wave of Exciting New Restaurants, Attractions, and Developments for 2025

10+ new places, spaces, and recent James Beard nominations bring fresh opportunities for adventure, culinary delights, and experiences along the coast.

BILOXI, Miss., Feb. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Coastal Mississippi, known for its stunning 62-miles of shorelines, vibrant culture, and pristine natural beauty, is thrilled to unveil a lineup of new developments set to elevate its status as a one-of-a-kind destination. From fresh eateries to new public parks and boutique hotels, these developments aim to enhance the region's visitor experience while preserving its famous Southern charm and hospitality.

Alongside the new developments across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the destination is proud to celebrate the nomination of two James Beard 2025 Restaurant and Chef Award semifinalists for the James Beard Awards^® presented by Capital One.

The 2025 James Beard nominees further propel the destination's culinary offerings to new heights. Highlights include:

• Local chefs Austin Sumrall and Tresse Sumrall at the ever-favorite farm-to-table local restaurant, White Pillars in Biloxi, have received a nomination for Best Chef: South.
• Vestige, locally owned restaurant of Chefs Alex Perry and Kumi Omori in beautiful and historic downtown Ocean Springs has received a nomination for Outstanding Hospitality presented by American Airlines.

New Developments for 2025:

• Barracuda Taco Stand: Recently opened, the Barracuda Taco Stand features tacos served with a fresh flour tortilla with cilantro, onion, & lime and a margarita garden that offers outdoor dining and takeout. Bay St. Louis, MS.
• The District Coffee Company: A new local favorite, the District Coffee Co. features an extensive beverage menu with savory grub, local charm, and hospitality. Travelers can also find delicious seasonal specials and a dog-friendly patio. Downtown Pascagoula, MS.
• The Garage at Cash Alley: The garage-themed restaurant steps travelers back to the '70s. From street eats like loaded totchos to sandwiches and handmade desserts, bold flavors are the name of the game at The Garage at Cash Alley. Downtown Ocean Springs, MS.
• Inclusion Playground at Town Commons: This 10,800 sq. ft. playground is the first of its kind in Mississippi. With a full playground designed to be a fun and inclusive environment for children of all abilities, the Inclusion Playground is ready to welcome families. Gautier, MS.
• The Picklr: To keep up with the rising wave of pickleball stars sweeping the world, this new 14-court indoor pickleball facility opened in the fall of 2024. Travelers and locals alike can practice their skills, connect with others, and compete in tournaments at The Picklr. Biloxi, MS.
• Oak & Vine: A new, locally owned whiskey & wine bar for the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Oak & Vine features wine flights, mimosa towers, craft whiskeys, and charcuteries. Ocean Springs, MS.
• The Hotel Vela: Recently opened Hotel Vela, a concept crafted by 2025 James Beard Foundation semi-finalists for "Best Chef South," Austin Sumrall and Tresse Sumrall, offers a boutique hotel experience with the perfect blend of comfort and elegance. The hotel's onsite Siren Social Club features European flavors in a speakeasy-style restaurant and bar curated by Chef Austin and his team. Gulfport, MS.
• Catch 110: Travelers can find a picture-perfect setting with an impressive wine list, hand-crafted cocktails, and a healthy mix of Gulf Coast flavors at Catch 110. With locally sourced seafood, modern coastal dining, and two patios, this culinary haven awaits. Biloxi, MS.
• Magnolia Room: A brand-new chic and modern cocktail lounge, Magnolia Room, brings global flavors to the heart of Coastal Mississippi. Travelers can step inside to find classic cocktails, scratch-made shareable tapas, and unmatched vibes. Gulfport, MS.
• Butcher Baker: A one-stop shop, this local butcher shop, bakery, and full-service restaurant from the local owners of Food, Booze & Hiccups, opens to the public on February 4, 2025. Travelers can expect small, intimate dining, craft cocktails, and locally sourced ingredients at Butcher Baker. Ocean Springs, MS.
• Depot District: The exciting home to restaurants, shops, and clubs centered around the historic 1927 L&N Railroad Depot continues to offer new attractions for travelers and locals alike. Most recently, the depot added a Back Yard Beer Garden, a laid-back escape with golf cart parking. Bay St. Louis, MS
• Harrison County Sand Beach: The Harrison County Sand Beach has introduced brand-new handicap-accessible Mobi-mats, providing a seamless path from the parking lot to the water. These updates enhance accessibility, allowing more people to enjoy the pristine white sand beaches of Coastal Mississippi with ease and comfort. Harrison County, MS.
• New Breeze Service from Orlando: Recently launched at the beginning of 2025, Breeze Airways is now offering affordable nonstop from Gulfport-Biloxi, Mississippi, to Orlando, Florida, a previously unserved city pair. This service brings a new wave of growth and allows for easier than ever access to popular tourism amenities in both destinations. Mississippi Gulf Coast
• os1515: Coming this spring to the beautiful downtown area of Ocean Springs, os1515 promises a lifestyle community featuring an elevated Mississippi Coast experience. Travelers will find an elegant boutique hotel, named in honor of the town's namesake, a high-end restaurant, an art-centric event space, upscale condominiums, an innovative food hall featuring eight creative, chef-driven concepts and exclusive retail shopping. Ocean Springs, MS.

"We're excited to kickoff 2025 with an exciting array of fun and delicious new offerings from our incredible partners across the coast," said Judy Young, CEO of Coastal Mississippi Tourism. "Whether travelers are seeking relaxation, adventure, mouthwatering cuisine from James Beard nominees, or anything in-between, we're proud to offer a unique experience for everyone."

To plan your trip to Coastal Mississippi, find additional new developments from the destination, and unique Mississippi Gulf Coast experiences, visit CoastalMississippi.com.

About Coastal Mississippi: Coastal Mississippi is the organization charged with promoting South Mississippi as a tourism and convention destination worldwide. Its mission centers on attracting ever-increasing numbers of leisure, convention, sports, and business visitors to the area. It is dedicated to maximizing the travel and tourism industry for South Mississippi. Visit CoastalMississippi.com to learn more.

SOURCE Coastal Mississippi