When you think of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, images of white-sand beaches, oak-lined streets, and small-town charm come to mind. But in the roaring 1920s and early 1930s, Ocean Springs had another claim to fame: whispers of connections to infamous gangster Al Capone.
The Gulf Hills Hotel, built in 1927, quickly became a luxurious retreat for travelers seeking the beauty of the Gulf Coast. Rumor has it that Capone himself visited the resort, drawn to its strategic location and discreet atmosphere. With easy access to waterways and roads, the hotel became a hub of both leisure and intrigue.
Nearby, Capone’s rumored hideaway, Del Castle (also known as Casa Flores), was said to be the site of bootlegging operations, where rum was brought ashore from Cuban ships. Tales of secret passages, fast getaways, and smoky jazz-filled nights lingered long after Prohibition ended. Though the house was demolished in 2007, its legend still colors local history.
Today, the Gulf Hills Hotel stands as a symbol of Ocean Springs’ golden era of tourism, beautifully remodeled and still welcoming guests to this storied coastal retreat. Want to experience a piece of that history yourself? Book a stay at the Gulf Hills Hotel.
Or, if you’d rather put down roots and stay awhile, explore homes for sale in Gulf Hills and discover why this historic community continues to capture hearts nearly a century later.
