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Friendship Oak: A Living Landmark

Discover the majestic Friendship Oak in Long Beach, MS: a 500+ year-old symbol of history, friendship, and resilience on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

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The Friendship Oak, a majestic 500+ year-old Southern live oak, stands on the University of Southern Mississippi's Gulf Park campus in Long Beach. It's a symbol of resilience, friendship, and coastal history, offering shade and beauty to all who visit.

A brief summary to Friendship Oak

  • 730 Beach Blvd E, Long Beach, Mississippi, 39560, US

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best lighting for photography.
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy in the shade of the oak.
  • Check for local events or gatherings that may be happening near the oak.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the area.
  • Take precautions to help preserve the Friendship Oak.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From downtown Long Beach, head east on Beach Boulevard. The Friendship Oak is located on the University of Southern Mississippi's Gulf Park campus at 730 Beach Blvd E, a short walk along the beach. Sidewalks are available for pedestrian access.

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Gulfport, take the Coast Transit Authority (CTA) bus Route 34 towards Long Beach. Get off at the stop closest to the University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Park campus on Beach Boulevard. Walk east along Beach Boulevard for a short distance to reach the Friendship Oak at 730 Beach Blvd E. A single ride fare on CTA is typically around $1.25.

  • Taxi

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Gulfport and Long Beach. A taxi from downtown Gulfport to the Friendship Oak in Long Beach will cost approximately $13-$17. From Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT) to USM Long Beach, a taxi will cost about $27. Call Bryan military veteran with Airport Cab for professional, reliable airport transfers. Local or long distance trips. Flat rates / military discounts. Book today. Call Bryan @ 228-424-4219.

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Discover more about Friendship Oak

Located on the Gulf Park campus of the University of Southern Mississippi in Long Beach, the Friendship Oak is more than just a tree; it's a living monument. Estimated to be over 500 years old, this magnificent Southern live oak (Quercus virginiana) has stood as a silent witness to centuries of history, surviving countless storms and serving as a gathering place for generations. Legend has it that those who gather in the shade of its sprawling branches will remain friends for life, giving the tree its evocative name. The Friendship Oak has witnessed the history of the Mississippi Gulf Coast unfold, from the time when it was a sapling when Christopher Columbus sailed the Caribbean. The tree's immense size is truly awe-inspiring. It stands 59 feet tall, with a trunk diameter of nearly six feet and a circumference of almost 20 feet. Its canopy spreads an impressive 155 feet, providing nearly 16,000 square feet of shelter. The average length of the main limbs reach out 60-66 feet from the trunk. Throughout its long life, the Friendship Oak has become a beloved symbol of the Gulf Coast. It has been featured in Life magazine and registered with the Live Oak Society. The tree has also served as a classroom, with poet Vachel Lindsay teaching beneath its branches in the 1920s. Today, it continues to host weddings and other special events, creating lasting memories for countless visitors.

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