Gulf Islands National Seashore (U.S. National Park Service)

QUICKLINKS:

Emergency Closures

In the Mississippi District, some areas west of the West Ship Island pier are closed where construction activities are on-going.

The Changing Landscape at Gulf Islands

Beautiful beaches, historic forts and recreational opportunities are plentiful. Open year-round, the Seashore is in Mississippi and Florida.

Read more about Fee Free Weekends.

FIREWORKS ARE PROHIBITED IN THE NATIONAL PARKS

Fort Pickens Road and the J. Earle Bowden Way

The Fort Pickens Road opened at 7:00 a.m. on Friday, May 22, 2009. There is still much work to be accomplished within Fort Pickens Area and full visitor services will not be available. Initially, utilities (electric, water and dump stations) will not be available in the Fort Pickens Campground.

J. Earle Bowden Way on Santa Rosa Island is open to the public. Please observe the 35-mph speed limit and enjoy the scenic beauty. The Santa Rosa unit is a "pack-in pack-out" area. Completion of two Opal Beach Day Use facilities are now open to the public.

		Historic Places Gulf Islands protects a number of historic fortifications that represent the nation's coastal defense. Take a tour when you visit the Seashore. New, universally-designed exhibits are at the Fort Barrancas Visitor Center and the Naval Live Oaks Visitor Center. For information call 850-934-2600.

Seashore Activities

Attending a guided program in Mississippi or Florida, camping, cast netting, fishing, picnicking, boating, birding, swimming, hiking, exploring the historic forts and walking on the beach are popular activities. Your safety is important while visiting the Seashore.

A white sandy dunes crowned with golden sea oats provide scenic beauty on Horn Island.

Camping

Fort Pickens Campground is open for primitive camping and Davis Bayou Campground is located in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Visitors can enjoy primitive island camping in Mississippi and Florida. The Mississippi barrier islands are accessible only by boat and there are changes in the use of personal watercraft (PWC).

Write to

1801 Gulf Breeze Parkway
Gulf Breeze, FL 32563

E-mail Us

Phone

Park Headquarters, Florida
(850) 934-2600

Mississippi District
(228) 875-9057 ext. 100

Fax

(850) 932-9654

Climate

The Seashore is sunny and warm most of the year. June through September are the most humid months and afternoon thunderstorms are common. Visitors should be prepared with rain gear and appropriate clothing.
more...