TravelTravel
article and photographs by Jim Davis
Many people refer to the Mississippi Gulf Coast as if it were a single community. Although U.S. 90 connects all of Mississippi's coastal communities and makes them readily accessible to each other, each community has a character of its own.
If you enjoy a relaxing, quiet place to spend a day, Pass Christian may
already be at the top of your list of favorite destinations. While much
of the Mississippi Gulf Coast is now lined with commercial enterprises of
one sort or another, Pass 
Christian has remained relatively
free of distracting developments. A drive along Highway 90 through "the
Pass" offers pristine, white sand beaches and the blue-gray waters
of the Mississippi Sound on one side, and beautiful oaks and stately antebellum
homes on the other. The people of Pass Christian are proud that they have
struck a balance between preserving the beauty and charm of the area and
the pressure to develop commercial interests.
The "pass" in Pass Christian's name comes from a deep water
marine pass running from the barrier islands to the coast line. This channel
was discovered in 
1699 and became an important path for ships
traveling the coast. Christian L'Adnier was a Frenchman who first settled
on Cat Island and later on the mainland in the early 17th century.
Pass Christian is a little over one hour from the East Bank by automobile. The quickest route is to take Interstate 10 eastbound. As you approach Pass Christian you will want to take the Stennis or Waveland exits south to Highway 90. Highway 90 runs along the beach through Pass Christian, Long Beach, Gulf Port, Biloxi and Gulfport.
The beaches are well maintained throughout the year. A sunny day during
the cooler months can be a particularly good time to go for a walk along
Pass Christian's sandy shores. Tourists are few and far between. The air
is filled with the sound of the surf and the occasional call of a hungry
gull. If you are lucky, 
you may see a flock of brown
pelicans winging their way along the shoreline. Friendly residents are often
out walking their dogs or taking a relaxing walk or jog.
Beaches are more densely populated in spring and summer, but generally are not crowded except on certain occasions, such as during spring break time. Rental enterprises are not allowed on the beaches of the the Pass and there is generally an absence of noisy jet skis and other water craft near the shore. If you are looking for a place to enjoy sea, sand and sky, Pass Christian is a good choice.
You will find many waders and occassional swimmers taking to the water during warmer months. The waters of the Mississippi Sound generally have a blue-gray color, so if you're looking for crystal clear water, you may have to travel farther down the coast to the beaches of Alabama or Florida. If blue-gray is okay, then feel free to get wet. You can walk out quite a distance before the water gets deep, but be aware that there are deep spots and drop offs.
Scenic DriveAs you drive through Pass Christian, consider veering off the main highway and taking Scenic Drive. Scenic Drive lies parallel to and just north of U.S. 90. This famous oak shaded roadway offers a closer view of historic coastal homes as well as a great view of the beach. Traffic is minimal compared with the highway and you can take time to appreciate the view. Signs denote homes of particular historic significance, some pre-dating the Civil War.
Located on U.S. 90, the Pass Christian Historical Society offers information on some of the historic homes and other structures in the city. For more information and hours of operation, call (601) 452-0063.
The Pass Christian Chamber of Commerce is located at Harbor and Hwy. 90. It offers a variety of tourist information on Pass Christian and other areas along the Gulf Coast. The Chamber can be contacted at (601) 452-2252.
Pass Christian HarborPass Christian Harbor is a worthwhile stop. Besides visiting the Chamber of Commerce, you can refuel at the British Petroleum gas station while taking in a view of the harbor. The harbor is home to a large shrimp fleet as well as an impressive assortment of recreational vessels. You may enjoy pausing awhile to watch the shrimp boats come and go, or perhaps strike up a conversation with the shrimpers as they unload their catch. The shrimp boats are individually owned and each has a unique history. You can sometimes buy shrimp fresh from the boats as they come in from a successful trawl.
Pass Christian offers a number of excellent places to eat including the following.
Located on Hwy. 90 and West Beach Blvd., this family operated cafe serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Offerings include homemade soups, seafood gumbo, salads, sandwiches, specialty desserts and gourmet coffee for dine-in and carry-out.
Cafe du Soleil offers outstanding food, friendly service, good music and interesting art. The cafe serves gourmet coffees, espresso, cappuccino, iced coffees, pastries, pies, New York style cheese cakes, ice cream, sandwiches, organic salads and soups. Cafe du Soleil is located a block off the beach at 138 Davis Avenue.
Located at 102 West Scenic Drive, The Blue Rose offers fine dining overlooking the Pass Christian Yacht Harbor. The Blue Rose is located in a recently remodeled 1848 West Indies style home and serves lunch and dinner.
Pepper's Discovery Bay Marina and Resort is located at 24616 Yacht Club Drive off of Arcadia road north of the city of Pass Christian. The Marina Lounge and Grill serves seafood, burgers and sandwiches.
For those who need overnight accommodations, Pass Christian offers unique options including the following.
Inn At The Pass is an 1880's Eastlake Victorian style inn overlooking the Sound. The inn is decorated with antiques from the late 1800's and original artwork in every room. A cottage is available which sleeps four to six. A Southern style breakfast is served every morning in the dining room.
Overlooking the Pass Christian Harbor, Harbour Oaks Inn is the only nineteenth century hotel remaining in the Pass. Formerly the Crescent Hotel, the Harbour Oaks offers a unique opportunity to experience accommodations from a bygone era.
The Communities Online travel staff gives Pass Christian a rating of outstanding. Friendly locals and exceptional land and seascapes make this a great place to spend a day (or longer). Easy access to other Mississippi Gulf Coast locations is an added attraction.
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