Gulf Islands National Seashore

Gulf Islands National Seashore is a national seashore run by the National Park Service in Florida and Mississippi.

In the park service’s words

Millions of visitors are drawn to the Gulf of America for Gulf Islands National Seashore's emerald coast waters, magnificent white beaches, fertile marshes and historical landscapes. Come explore with us today!

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

• Watch the Sunrise/Sunset at Gulf Islands (15 to 60 Minutes): Forts, beaches, bayous, and batteries provide amazing views of both sunrise and sunset over the Gulf of Mexico.
• Paddling in Gulf Islands (1 to 8 Hours): Canoe, kayak, or paddleboard in the beautiful blue-green waters and calm bayous of Gulf Islands National Seashore.
• Visit the Gulf Islands Park Store (5 to 60 Minutes): Purchase souvenirs and more pages for your passport at this bookstore located within historic Fort Pickens.
• Get Your Passport Stamped at Gulf Islands (5 to 15 Minutes): Collecting stamps, also known as cancellations, is a fun way to commemorate your visit to a new place. Learn where to get your passport stamped at Gulf Islands.
• Ride your Bike at Gulf Islands (30 to 180 Minutes): Ride your bicycle for miles up and down the scenic coastal roads of Gulf Islands.
• Florida National Scenic Trail (2 to 5 Days): This 36-mile contiguous section of the Florida National Scenic Trail is the southernmost portion of trail. This moderately strenuous hike can be difficult to traverse at certain times of year. The trail can be under up to 3 to 4 feet of water in the rainy season. During the dry season, there can be little to no water a
• View the Night Sky at Gulf Islands (30 to 90 Minutes): Come explore the dark side of Gulf Islands National Seashore!
• Birdwatching at Gulf Islands (30 to 120 Minutes): More than 280 species of birds have been sighted in Gulf Islands National Seashore, which is featured on Florida and Mississippi birding trails. Whether you are a beginning birder or an avid ornithologist, you'll enjoy the abundant wildlife found at Gulf Islands.

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: $25 per vehicle. The America the Beautiful pass covers it.

Hours: Daily, 8:00AM - 6:00PM. The Davis Bayou Area is located south of U. S. Hwy. 90 east of downtown Ocean Springs, Mississippi and offers many recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy fishing, hiking, biking, birdwatching, picnicking, kayaking and ranger-led programs. There are no swimming beaches in the Davis Bayou Area. Visitor Center hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday - Sunday.

Camping

Getting there

Gulf Islands National Seashore is a place of myriad riches - blue-green, sparkling waters, magnificent white beaches, and fertile coastal marshes. Its 13 areas include historic forts, shaded picnic areas, trails, and campgrounds. From Cat Island, Mississippi, it stretches eastward 160 miles tot he Okaloosa Area east of For Walton Beach, Florida.

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

• William M. Colmer Visitor Center: Daily, 9:00AM - 4:00PM. Visitors can find the park's passport stamp there, view a park orientation film and exhibits, and purchase items at the book store. Free park and trail maps, local orientation and other information is available. Please call (228) 230-4100 to contact visitor center staff.
• Fort Barrancas Visitor Center: Mon Closed; Tue Closed; Wed 9:00AM - 4:00PM; Thu 9:00AM - 4:00PM; Fri 9:00AM - 4:00PM; Sat 9:00AM - 4:00PM; Sun 9:00AM - 4:00PM. The Fort Barrancas Visitor Center is open 9 am to 4 pm Wednesday through Sunday. Last entry to the fort is at 3:30 pm. Entrance through west gate on Naval Air Station Pensacola. Visit the base website for entrance instructions.
• [Fort Pickens Visitor Center](): Closed. Ranger and volunteers staff the Discovery Center. Hours dependent upon weather, holidays, and park events. Consistent with CDC recommendations, people who are not fully vaccinated must continue to wear masks indoors and in crowded outdoor spaces. All people, regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear a mask on all forms of enclosed public transportation. Additional details are available at www.nps.gov/coronavirus.

Weather

Weather along the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico can change quickly. During the winter temperatures range from 30-60 degrees fahrenheit, rain is less common than other seasons. Snow and freezing temperatures are not common. During the summer temperatures range from 70-100+ degrees fahrenheit. Rain is common during the summer with many thunderstorms. Hurricanes impact the area during the tropical storm season between June and November. Tornadoes can impact the area during the Spring and Fall.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Great Smoky Mountains, about 428 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

• National Park Service Data API: Gulf Islands National Seashore (public domain)
• Official website

Last checked 1 November 2026.