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 13 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 an area or island below to learn about operating hours, facilities, and more of each to prepare for your visit.

 

Pick A State Navigation

 

Visit Florida Areas

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  Fort Barrancas Area

  Featuring three historic fortifications spanning centuries.

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  Fort Pickens Area

  Many recreational opportunities, wildlife viewing, and historic sites.

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  Naval Live Oaks Area

  Over seven miles of hiking trails and access to the calm waters of the sound and bay.

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  Okaloosa Area

  Anchoring the national seashore's eastern end on the Santa Rosa Sound.

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  Perdido Key Area

  One of the most beautiful beaches in the United States.

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  Santa Rosa Area

  Excellent recreational opportunities on beautiful white sand beaches.

 

Visit Mississippi Areas

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  Cat Island

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

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  Davis Bayou Area

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

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  East Ship Island

  The eastern end of historic Ship Island cut from the western end by Hurricane Camille.

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  Horn Island

  Located off the Mississippi coast, one of the best wilderness islands in the country.

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  Petit Bois Island

  A wilderness island in the Gulf of Mexico just off the coast of Mississippi.

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  West Petit Bois Island

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

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  West Ship Island

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