Diamondhead: Golf, Waterways and Nature Experiences

Diamondhead is a destination for anyone who wants to combine golf, nature experiences and activities on the water. Two 18-hole golf courses, walking paths along Twin Lakes, paddling opportunities and cultural events add different accents to a trip. If you are looking for a vacation apartment or vacation home, you can choose your vacation destination based on the experiences that are particularly important to your travel group.

Golf and Trails through the Landscape

Diamondhead has two 18-hole golf courses. The Cardinal Course is set in wooded, gently rolling terrain. Its fairways do not run parallel, and particularly long sand bunkers are also part of its distinctive layout. On the Pine Course, bunkers and water come into play. This gives the two courses different qualities for a golf vacation, without both facilities conveying the same landscape.

There are also various ways to enjoy the outdoors away from golf. A walking path runs along Twin Lakes, where disc golf is also available. Anyone interested in freshwater fishing can fish from the shore at the lakes. Maluhia Garden is designed for walking and enjoying nature and includes 11 flower beds. For a longer outing, Diamondhead Drive forms a loop of more than 6 miles around the city. A 6-foot-wide shoulder is provided there for running or cycling.

Waterways and Paddling Experiences

Marina at Diamondhead provides access via Paradise Bayou to the Jordan River and Bay of St. Louis and has a boat ramp. Another starting point is the Bayou Drive Kayak Launch. From there, the route leads into the Rotten Bayou Blueway and is available to residents and visitors. The route from the launch is 9 miles long and ends at Diamondhead Marina.

Paddle Paradise also adds a four-mile paddling event. It is organized by the City of Diamondhead and takes place at Diamondhead Marina. Anyone who also wants to plan for water and a paved route along the beach should allow for a short drive of about 10 miles from Diamondhead. A paved multimodal path runs along the beach there. Another longer route is the Grassy Point Trail: The route runs 10.2 miles one way from Pass Christian to Diamondhead through open water in St. Louis Bay, surrounded by salt marshes.

Culture, History and Travel Planning

Recurring traditions include the Krewe of Diamondhead's Mardi Gras parade. It takes place every year on the Saturday before Mardi Gras Day, begins at City Hall and ends at Diamondhead Country Club. The Diamondhead BBQ and Brews Festival is also scheduled for November 14, 2026, on the City Hall Town Green. The program includes live music, food vendors and a beer garden celebrating veterans.

Diamondhead's present-day character began to develop in 1969: Significant investment transformed the rural area into a city for retirees and a vacation destination. By 1980, the Pines Golf Course, a country club, a yacht club, a marina and a runway had been built. Diamondhead has a private airport for private aircraft.

When looking for accommodation, you can therefore first decide whether golf courses, walking paths, lakes, paddling routes or events should be the focus. For your further search, you can also visit Stennis Ctr.

For the overarching travel overview: Hancock County.