Friendship Oak Long Beach
A 500-year-old Southern live oak, the Friendship Oak is a majestic natural wonder on the Mississippi coast, symbolizing resilience and history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Friendship Oak Long Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 500-year-old Southern live oak, the Friendship Oak is a majestic natural wonder on the Mississippi coast, symbolizing resilience and history.
"This has got to be one of, if not the largest, oak tree we have seen in our travels."
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Capture the tree's grandeur from different angles. The sprawling limbs offer unique framing opportunities.
🚶♀️ Beach Cleanup
Consider picking up any litter you see on the beach to help preserve this beautiful spot.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.8 · 220 reviews
Type
Historical Landmark
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Majestic Friendship Oak
Gulf Park Campus, University of Southern Mississippi
A 500-year-old Southern live oak with awe-inspiring, sprawling limbs that ascend back into the ground.
Beachside Serenity
Adjacent to the Friendship Oak
Enjoy the calming atmosphere of the beach, a perfect spot for reflection or a peaceful stroll.
Historical Marker
Near the Friendship Oak
Learn about the tree's rich history and its significance to Gulf Park College for Women.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to the Friendship Oak
Respecting a Living Legend
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Capture the tree's grandeur from different angles. The sprawling limbs offer unique framing opportunities.
🚶♀️ Beach Cleanup
Consider picking up any litter you see on the beach to help preserve this beautiful spot.
Happy New year! Need your advice/ideas for marriage proposal. Staying the weekend in Gulfport and looking for a place for my future son-in-law to propose to my daughter. Non-casino (my wife doesn’t like the idea of casino proposal).
Update and Thanks to you all! It was awesome! He proposed under a giant Christmas ball of lights at the light show.
🚗 Parking Availability
Parking can be limited, especially during local events. Arrive early for the best chance.
🌳 Respect the Tree
Avoid climbing or damaging the ancient oak. It's a living monument to history.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Capture the tree's grandeur from different angles. The sprawling limbs offer unique framing opportunities.
🚶♀️ Beach Cleanup
Consider picking up any litter you see on the beach to help preserve this beautiful spot.
🚗 Parking Availability
Parking can be limited, especially during local events. Arrive early for the best chance.
🌳 Respect the Tree
Avoid climbing or damaging the ancient oak. It's a living monument to history.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently awestruck by the sheer size and age of the Friendship Oak, often calling it one of the largest they've ever seen. Its resilience through numerous hurricanes is a major point of admiration. While the tree is the main draw, some visitors note that the adjacent beach can sometimes have litter, though many are inspired to help clean it up.
"This has got to be one of, if not the largest, oak tree we have seen in our travels. There is one in Georgia that rivals its' size but is not as old.
It has to be incredibly tough to have survived all of the hurricanes that have come ashore here in just modern times much less in the prior centuries.
As old as the European presence in the Western Hemisphere and still thriving today. It must have been amazing to have seen this area once covered in trees such as this.
The historical marker was erected in 2003 and speaks to the age of the tree and its significance to the students of Gulf Park College."
Jeff Schmidt
"It's a beach on the side of the road. It's ok, picked up some trash on our walk but not too bad until we came to a side of a boat about 14' long that washed up on the beach. We were unknowingly here during the Cruisin' the Coast event October 5-12, 2025. Lots of traffic on the main drag but we were able to get around a little better on the back roads."
Jeff Mattingly
"Great history, 500 yr old tree! Easy in and out, friendly staff that come by and talked."
Leonard Smith
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Friendship Oak is located on the Gulf Park campus of the University of Southern Mississippi in Long Beach, MS. It's easily accessible from Highway 90. Parking is available nearby, though it can fill up quickly during peak times or local events.
Public transportation options directly to the campus might be limited. It's generally recommended to drive or use ride-sharing services for convenient access. Check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information.
Arrive early, especially on weekends or during events like 'Cruisin' the Coast,' as parking can become scarce. Look for designated parking areas on the university campus.
The Friendship Oak is an outdoor landmark and generally accessible during daylight hours. However, campus access might have specific hours, so it's best to visit when the campus is open to the public.
The area around the Friendship Oak is relatively flat, and paths are generally accessible. However, the beach itself may present challenges. Visitors should assess the terrain based on their individual needs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no admission fees to visit and admire the Friendship Oak. It's a public landmark on the university campus.
As an outdoor natural attraction, the Friendship Oak is accessible during daylight hours. The surrounding campus may have specific hours of operation.
There is typically no entrance fee for the beach adjacent to the Friendship Oak. It's a public access beach.
Official guided tours specifically for the Friendship Oak might not be readily available. However, local historical societies or the university might offer related tours of the campus or area.
Visitors are asked to respect the tree and its surroundings. Avoid climbing on the branches, littering, or causing any damage to this historic natural monument.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon, especially during the 'golden hour,' offers beautiful lighting for capturing the tree's majestic presence.
Drone usage is typically restricted on university campuses and near public areas. It's advisable to check with the University of Southern Mississippi or local regulations before flying a drone.
You can capture wide shots of the entire tree, close-ups of its unique bark and branches, and scenic shots of the tree against the beach backdrop.
Yes, the Friendship Oak is a popular and picturesque location for engagement and wedding photos due to its natural beauty and historical significance.
The base of the tree, the beach area, and spots that capture the full spread of its branches are all excellent for photography. Experiment with different perspectives!
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy the adjacent beach for a stroll, relax by the water, and read the historical marker detailing the tree's past. It's a peaceful spot for reflection.
Restroom facilities might be available on the university campus. Dedicated picnic areas are less common directly at the tree site, but the beach offers a natural setting for a break.
Most visitors spend about 30 minutes to an hour admiring the tree and enjoying the beach. If you plan to sketch or spend more time relaxing, allow longer.
The coastal environment and the large tree can attract various bird species, making it a potentially interesting spot for casual birdwatching.
Besides birds, you might see small beach creatures. The ocean itself can offer glimpses of marine life depending on the season and conditions.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit