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

QUICKLINKS:

The Changing Landscape at Gulf Islands

Island beaches, sparkling waters, bayous, historic forts and recreational opportunities are plentiful in Gulf Islands National Seashore, the nation’s largest. Open year-round, the Seashore is in Mississippi and Florida. Gentle breezes, tides and hurricanes constantly reshape this dynamic landscape.

Florida Island Roads

The 3-mile eastern section of the J. Earle Bowden Way (State Road 399) on Santa Rosa Island to Opal Beach is opened. Road work on the Opal Beach section of the J. Earle Bowden Way to Pensacola Beach will resume the end of summer. The Fort Pickens Road on Santa Rosa Island in the Florida District is closed. Road design work is scheduled to begin 2008 and reopened to the public in 2009.

		Coastal Fortifications 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 opened at the Fort Barrancas Visitor Center. For information call 850-455-5167.

Visitors learn to throw a cast net at the Davis Bayou Pier in Ocean Springs, Mississippi.

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.

Island Camping

Fort Pickens Campground's "Loop A" is open for tent camping only. Access to this campground is by foot, bike, or boat. Please contact Chulamar Charters, Captain "Bubba" Thorsen, 850-492-1099, Kirk Newkirk, Key Sailing, 850-932-5520 or Blue Marlin Water Taxi, 850-723-4907 for information and reservations. 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.
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