If you've been avoiding the Mississippi Gulf Coast since Hurricane Katrina, well, it's ready for visitors, and it's time you went back. Mississippi doesn't have a long coastline, but that coast is 26 miles of soft white sand, and the communities and beaches have bounced back from Katrina just like they did from Hurricane Camille in 1969.

The entire 26 miles along U.S. Highway 90, also called "Beach Boulevard," offers breath-takingly lovely (and photogenic) views of the Gulf and barrier islands, and any spot you choose has wonderful sand. This week's beach is the section along the towns of Long Beach and Pass Christian (that's pronounced "kris-tee-AN" by the locals), just west of Biloxi. It's been a restful vacation spot to six U.S. Presidents, including Teddy Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson, and a resort destination since before the Civil War.

The town of Pass Christian (aka the Pass) is definitely a southern town, filled with southern charm and hospitality, as well as an eclectic and historic downtown with a selection of shops, restaurants, and grocers providing anything you need. The beach offers restrooms and acres of powdered sugar sand. If you drive through town and see the antebellum West-Indies style mansions and Georgian revival homes, and the tranquil beaches that are some of the most romantic and quiet in Mississippi, you'll understand some of the area's history. Sailing buffs should know that Pass Christian is home to the first yacht club (founded in 1849) in the south, and the second in the entire U.S. If you'd rather surf, take the ferry out to Ship Island.

Fill this bright and beachy O'Neill tote with everything you may need for your day at the beach. Be sure to include this Tommy Bahama Island Princess beach towel, an ample 70 inches by 40 inches, this flirty FP Beach Pele ruffled cover-up for day's end, and a good supply of sunscreen, because the sun gets pretty intense on that white sand. Bring flip-flops and shades, and a good book, because all you'll want to do is lie there and soak up the sun.