About Gulf Islands National Seashore
Millions of visitors are drawn to the Gulf of America for Gulf Islands National Seashore's emerald coast waters, magnificent white beaches, fertile marshes and historical landscapes. Come explore with us today!
Quick Facts
Entrance Fees
Cost for up to six people in one vehicle. Good for seven days into any fee area in Florida, (Opal Beach, Johnson Beach, Fort Pickens).
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. Fees are required at Fort Pickens Area, Opal Beach Complex Area, and Johnson Beach Area in Florida. Additional fees to ride the ferry.
Fees are required at Fort Pickens Area, Opal Beach Complex Area, and Johnson Beach Area in Florida. Additional fees to ride the ferry.
Operating Hours
The Davis Bayou Area is located south of U. S. Hwy. 90 east of downtown Ocean Springs, Mississippi and offers many recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy fishing, hiking, biking, birdwatching, picnicking, kayaking and ranger-led programs. There are no swimming beaches in the Davis Bayou Area. Visitor Center hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday - Sunday.
Activities
Getting There
Gulf Islands National Seashore is 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 tot he Okaloosa Area east of For Walton Beach, Florida.
View Official DirectionsContact & Address
Entrance Passes
Good for 365 days from purchase. Non-replaceable if lost. Keep receipt as second proof of purchase. Design specific to the park and changes annually.
Topics & Themes
Things To Do
Watch the Sunrise/Sunset at Gulf Islands
Forts, beaches, bayous, and batteries provide amazing views of both sunrise and sunset over the Gulf of Mexico.
Forts, beaches, bayous, and batteries provide amazing views of both sunrise and sunset over the Gulf of Mexico.
Paddling in Gulf Islands
Canoe, kayak, or paddleboard in the beautiful blue-green waters and calm bayous of Gulf Islands National Seashore.
Visitors may wish to canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard in the waters of Gulf Islands National Seashore.
Visit the Gulf Islands Park Store
Purchase souvenirs and more pages for your passport at this bookstore located within historic Fort Pickens.
Purchase souvenirs and more pages for your passport at this bookstore located within historic Fort Pickens.
Get Your Passport Stamped at Gulf Islands
Collecting stamps, also known as cancellations, is a fun way to commemorate your visit to a new place. Learn where…
Collecting stamps, also known as cancellations, is a fun way to commemorate your visit to a new place. Learn where…
Ride your Bike at Gulf Islands
Ride your bicycle for miles up and down the scenic coastal roads of Gulf Islands.
Ride your bicycle for miles up and down the scenic coastal roads of Gulf Islands.
Florida National Scenic Trail
This 36-mile contiguous section of the Florida National Scenic Trail is the southernmost portion of trail. This moderately strenuous hike…
Visitor Centers
Fort Barrancas Visitor Center
The Fort Barrancas Visitor Center tells the long history of European settlers attempts to secure the vital Pensacola Bay beginning in the late 1700s and…
Hours: The Fort Barrancas Visitor Center is open 9 am to 4 pm Saturday and Sunday. Last entry to the fort is at 3:30 pm. Entrance through west gate on Naval Air Station Pensacola. Visit the base website for entrance instructions.
Fort Pickens Visitor Center
Explore indoor exhibits on the natural environment, wildlife, and history of the Fort Pickens Area inside the Visitor Center.
Hours: Ranger and volunteers staff the Discovery Center. Hours dependent upon weather, holidays, and park events. Consistent with CDC recommendations, people who are not fully vaccinated must continue to wear masks indoors and in crowded outdoor spaces. All people, regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear a mask on all forms of enclosed public transportation. Additional details are available at www.nps.gov/coronavirus.
William M. Colmer Visitor Center
Located in the Davis Bayou area of Gulf Islands National Seashore this is the main visitor center for the park resources in Mississippi.
Hours: Visitors can find the park's passport stamp there, view a park orientation film and exhibits, and purchase items at the book store. Free park and trail maps, local orientation and other information is available. Please call (228) 230-4100 to contact visitor center staff.
Campgrounds
Davis Bayou Campground
Gulf Islands National Seashore's Davis Bayou Campground offers tent and recreational vehicle camping experiences in a wooded area next to Davis Bayou in Mississippi. Campground…
Davis Bayou Group Campground
The area is available with a permit for a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 40 occupants. Persons camping in the group area are…
Fort Pickens Campground
The Fort Pickens Campground is one of the top ten busiest campgrounds in all of the 430+ national parks and sites. Available all year round…
Fort Pickens Group Campground
Group site is available with a permit for a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 40 occupants. Campground limited to soft-side on-the-ground tents only.…
Naval Live Oaks Youth Group Camping
This area is available reservation throughout the year with a permit for organized youth groups comprised primarily of young people under the age of 18.…
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