Diamondhead

Discover Diamondhead: A Coastal Haven Close to the Interstate

Diamondhead is Mississippi’s newest City! Incorporated in February of 2012, Diamondhead has long been an established and vibrant area but is now poised to chart its future. Founded originally as a retirement community in the 1970s, Diamondhead sports two well-manicured golf courses, tennis courts, multiple pools, and playgrounds–all the amenities one could want–plus easy access to larger cities like Gulfport, Biloxi, Slidell, and New Orleans or the beautiful beaches along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Located at Exit 16 on I-10, Diamondhead is just 20 minutes from Gulfport and Slidell, 15 minutes from the Coast, and only an hour from the French Quarter!

There are three churches within the City limits. Diamondhead has numerous businesses and facilities:

• restaurants
• marina
• bowling alley
• drug stores
• medical facilities
• airport
• banks
• hardware store
• clothing stores
• grocery store

This list shows only some of the offerings of Diamondhead.

On the fun side, Diamondhead is home to four Mardi Gras Krewes. The krewes are open to community members and offer various parties and balls. There are numerous opportunities to dress up according to the chosen party theme. Country Western, Toga, Halloween, Derby, Mardi Gras, and Jazz are just some themes. There are also more traditional formal balls, replete with beautiful gowns and tuxedos and just a little of the pomp and circumstance associated with the large Mardi Gras Krewes in New Orleans! Who doesn’t like Second Line?!!!! On the plus side, attendees are just minutes from home!

The best family-oriented Mardi Gras parade on the Coast is held in Diamondhead on the Saturday before Fat Tuesday. Cars and pickups line on the sides of the road and the medians of Diamondhead Drive. The typical parade route begins at the Community Center, makes its way to the Business District, and ends at the Country Club, where celebration for all ensues in the Emerald Ballroom. Children of all ages join residents in lawn chairs to eagerly anticipate the beads and throws and enjoy the floats, decorated golf carts, and convertibles carrying Queens and Kings of all the Krewes in their royal finery. Many pets accompany their humans and sport costumes or wear beads around their necks, the same as everyone else.

Cruisin’ the Coast stops in Diamondhead on Wednesday afternoon of Crusin’ Week for the popular “Blessing of the Classics” event and city-wide celebration.

And who can miss the Duck Pond at the entrance to Diamondhead with all its feathered residents–ducks and geese alike and sometimes a heron or two–who call Diamondhead either home or at least a stopover on their way North or South each year. Traffic often comes to a standstill as the flock meanders across the road. Across to the median for a tasty treat or just to the other side of the road, these birds simply enjoy a moving in the warm sunshine.

Thursday night is always Karaoke Night at the 19th Hole at Diamondhead Country Club. There is dancing for all and many good local singers to enjoy. Bands often play at the 19th Hole on Friday nights, and there is music of one kind or another on most Saturdays. Check out The Club at Diamondhead for more information.

Though small and young compared to other, more well-established cities on the Coast, Diamondhead is a growing, warm and vibrant community, a real jewel in the sun of South Mississippi with a lot to offer.