Plan Your Visit

Welcome to Gulf Islands National Seashore, a place of myriad riches - blue-green, sparkling waters, magnificent white beaches, and fertile coastal marshes.

Its 12 areas include historic forts, shaded picnic areas, trails, and campgrounds. From Cat Island, Mississippi, it stretches eastward 160 miles to the Okaloosa Area east of Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

Select a destination below to learn about operating hours, facilities, and more of each to prepare for your visit.

 

 
 

Visit Florida Areas

  • A large masonry fort sits on a hill above a white painted fort.
    Fort Barrancas Area

    Features 60 miles of land, three historic structures, and a visitor center on Naval Air Station Pensacola overlooking Pensacola Bay.

  • A historic cannon sits atop an historic fortification on a barrier island.
    Fort Pickens Area

    Many recreational opportunities, wildlife viewing, and historic sites.

  • A sandy path winds to beach with pavilion.
    Naval Live Oaks Area

    Over seven miles of hiking trails and access to the calm waters of the Santa Rosa Sound and Pensacola Bay.

  • A green tree branch frames a white sand path that leads to blue water in the background.
    Okaloosa Area

    Anchoring the national seashore's eastern end on Santa Rosa Island overlooking the Choctawhatchee Bay.

  • The sun sets of the Gulf of Mexico with a sandy beach and a bird in the foreground.
    Perdido Key Area

    One of the most beautiful beaches on the Gulf of America.

  • The sun peaks over white sand dunes.
    Santa Rosa Area

    Excellent recreational opportunities on beautiful white sand beaches.

 

Visit Mississippi Areas

  • Aerial image of Cat Island
    Cat Island

    The western most island of the national seashore off the coast of Mississippi.

  • Wispy clouds and a blue sky reflect in the still waters of a bayou in the morning.
    Davis Bayou Area

    Explore the marshes and woodland areas of the Mississippi gulf shore.

  • White sands and sparse vegetation with tent
    Horn Island

    Horn island is located off the Mississippi coast and popular for backcountry camping.

  • Sand and water
    Petit Bois Island

    Petito Bois island is small but a wilderness island worth protecting.

  • A pier on the beach leads up to a historic fort on a remote island.
    Ship Island

    Located 12 miles off the Mississippi coast featuring a swim beach and historic fort.

  • A digital graphic of islands part of the national seashore.
    West Petit Bois Island

    A small sand island near the Horn Island Pass off the Mississippi coast.

 

Last updated: September 5, 2025

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

1801 Gulf Breeze Parkway
Gulf Breeze, FL 32563

Phone:

850-934-2600

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