Hailed by USA Today as one of the nation's top ten beaches, the barrier island of West Ship was only created in 1969, when the 200mph winds and 30ft tide of Hurricane Camille ripped Ship Island in half. It's basically a giant sandbank, dotted with inland ponds (home to a family of alligators), marshlands, sand dunes and warm tidal pools. Everywhere you come across delicate sea oats; even touching them incurs a heavy fine, as their elaborate root structure is all that holds the island together.

The small, idyllic beach boasts fine white sand, free showers and a reasonable café, though umbrella and deckchair rental is expensive. D-shaped Fort Massachusetts alongside was built in 1859 and captured by the Union navy early in the Civil War. Free tours give a wonderful panoramic view from its grass-topped roof.

West Ship is the only barrier island served by regular ferry , at Gulfport Yacht Harbor , at the intersection of US-90 and US-49 (summer daily 9am & noon; March to mid-May, Sept & Oct Mon-Fri 9am, Sat & Sun 9am & noon; $18; tel 228/864-1014 or 1-800/388-3290).

West Ship Island

• West Ship Island

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