View the Night Sky at Gulf Islands

Milky Way over Opal Beach

NPS Photo/Waschenko

A day in the park doesn't have to end when the sun goes down! A whole new world comes alive at night and is waiting to be explored by campers and visitors who choose to stay in the park after dark. 

Tips for Exploring After Dark: 

• Never travel alone at night - bring a friend or family member along on your adventure.
• Temperatures can drop significantly at night, and winds on the beach or in the forts make it even cooler. Be prepared to bundle up, bring a blanket!
• Let your eyes adjust to the darkness for about 15-30 minutes, and use a red headlamp. This will help you to navigate and see in the dark without compromising your vision. If you do need to use your phone, put it in "dark mode" or turn down the brightness.
• Print a star chart for the night you plan to be out, or utilize a night sky mobile app to help you explore the sky. 
• Bring a camera and shoot some stars. A photograph can capture light that isn't visible with just our eyes. If you're new to astrophotography it helps to do a little research beforehand, but experiment with turning your ISO up and slowing down your shutter speed.

Full Moons and Stars

• If you're hoping to see the park under the bright light of a full moon, then be sure to plan a visit that will coincide with the lunar forecast. But if you're hoping to see lots of stars, you're better off coming closer to a new moon when the moon will have set with the sun and won't compete with the stars for brightness.
• While you can see some part of the Milky Way year-round at this latitude, the most iconic and vibrant views are when the galactic center is visible in the sky. June through August will provide the best views in this regard if you're hoping to see the night sky not too long after sunset. If you're willing to be up extremely late or early, websites like Stellarium can help you predict what you might be seeing on the date and various times of your visit. 

Recommended Viewpoints

• The top of Batteries Langdon and Worth
• The top of Fort Pickens
• Opal Beach
• Davis Bayou Fishing Pier
• Mississippi barrier islands

Details

Duration

30-90 Minutes

Activity

Stargazing

Come explore the dark side of Gulf Islands National Seashore!

Pets Allowed

Yes

Keep in mind that pets are not allowed on the beach or within the forts as you choose your night sky viewing location.

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see park Fees and Passes page for more information.

Location

Florida and Mississippi

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Time of Day

Night, Dusk

Accessibility Information

Many locations within Gulf Islands are accessible and provide excellent spots from which to view the night sky, including Langdon Beach and the Davis Bayou Fishing Pier. Check the description of specific locations you wish to visit for more information.