• Beach walkway to white sandy beach and bluegreen waters

    Gulf Islands

    National Seashore FL,MS

There are park alerts in effect.
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  • Partial Closure on Horn Island

    Small portion of Horn Island, Mississippi, closed to entry due to discovery of asbestos and possible other bio hazards. Click on more for map and press release. More »

  • Park Closures

    Restrooms, and Visitor Center closures due to the impact of Seqestration. More »

Things To Know Before You Come

A view of the white-washed Spanish Water Battery at Fort Pickens with blue sky and white puffy clouds in the background.
Spanish Water Battery at Fort Barrancas.
nps photo
 

Although Gulf Islands National Seashore is 80% submerged lands, the islands and mainland sites attract millions of visitors each year.

In Florida all areas are accessible by car, located on Santa Rosa Island. Fort Pickens road is subject to flooding see details or call 850-934-2656.

In Mississippi, only the Davis Bayou Area located in Ocean Springs is accessible by car. Visitors may use the passenger ferry to reach West Ship Island, use their own vessels, or hire a National Park Service licensed boat operator for transportation to the islands. National Park Service licensed boat operators can take visitors to the barrier islands. Island camping groups need to request a free permit 7 days in advance.

 

Did You Know?

Live oak trees are strong and durable.

In 1828, John Q. Adams designated the Naval Live Oaks Area of Gulf Islands National Seashore as the first United States tree farm.  Live oak trees are known for their incredible density and resistance to disease. They provided durable wood for the construction of early naval vessels.