Whether you visit the Seashore for a day or a week there are many activities and places to explore. Activities include swimming, bicycling, snorkeling, fishing, hiking, beach combing, wildlife watching, boating, and primitive camping.

Mississippi District

Headquarters for the Mississippi District is located at the Davis Bayou Area which has a temporary visitor contact center, boat launch, playground, nature trails, and boardwalks. Private boaters can visit all the barrier islands. At West Ship Island visitors can swim at the designated swim beach.

Florida District

Naval Live Oaks has nine hiking trails including the historic Andrew Jackson Trail and sections of the 40-mile bike loop. There is a picnic table area, covered picnic pavilion, restrooms, and outdoor showers. The Santa Rosa Sound shoreline is popular for people with small children who want to avoid the rough surf at the beach. Visitors may also enjoy fishing from the shore (license required).

Camping at Fort Pickens is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Loop A has water and electricity to the sites and a dump station available. There is no electricity or water in Loop's B, C, D or E in the campground. Electricity is installed and completed by October 18th. There will be camping reservations in 2010. Fort Pickens Area is open daily 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The fort has Ranger guided tours at 2:00 p.m. daily. Self guided tours are from 8:00 a.m. until sunset. The Fort Pickens also has beautiful hiking trails.

Perdido Key Area has picnic tables, restrooms, a lifeguarded beach, boardwalk trails and access to the Gulf Beach. The Okaloosa Day Use Area near Fort Walton, known for the quiet water and sandy beaches, has picnic tables, restrooms, boat launch, and plenty of parking. 

On board Pensacola Naval Air Station visitors can tour Fort Barrancas, the Advanced Redoubt, and hike trails.