Gulf Islands National Seashore

Gulf Islands National Seashore, situated along the Gulf of Mexico, is a stunning national park that spans two states, Florida and Mississippi, comprising 12 barrier islands. This seashore ranks among the most visited national park units in the United States, attracting millions of visitors each year.

The history of Gulf Islands National Seashore is deeply rooted in the rich cultural heritage of the region. Throughout the years, these islands have witnessed significant events, including the Spanish exploration, European colonization, and the Civil War. In fact, the Davis Bayou Area, located in Mississippi, features the remains of a fortification built during the Civil War.

As a visitor, there are countless activities to enjoy at Gulf Islands National Seashore. One popular pastime is exploring the pristine white sandy beaches, such as Johnson Beach in Florida and Ship Island in Mississippi, which provide ample opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. Additionally, water enthusiasts can indulge in fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and birdwatching along the Gulf Coast.

For those interested in history, Gulf Islands National Seashore offers insightful glimpses into the past through its historic sites. Fort Pickens, located on Santa Rosa Island, is a well-preserved fort that played a crucial role during the Civil War and offers guided tours and exhibits. Additionally, the Fort Barrancas Area showcases various military structures, including a water battery and underground tunnels, which offer visitors an intriguing look into the area's military history.

Nestled nearby the national seashore are exciting attractions and opportunities for further exploration. In Pensacola, Florida, visitors can visit the National Naval Aviation Museum, home to a vast collection of historic aircraft, and the Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum, which offers stunning views from its observation deck. Gulf Breeze, Florida, also offers the Gulf Breeze Zoo, where visitors can marvel at a wide array of exotic animals.

In conclusion, Gulf Islands National Seashore, located on the Gulf of Mexico and spanning Florida and Mississippi, provides an exceptional natural and historical experience. With its pristine beaches, abundant recreational activities, and fascinating historic sites, it is a destination that offers something for every visitor. Whether enjoying the sun and sand or exploring the historical landmarks, Gulf Islands National Seashore promises a memorable and enriching experience.

Gulf Islands National Seashore is located in the southernmost region of the United States, spanning across the beautiful states of Florida and Mississippi. Situated along the Gulf of Mexico, this national seashore encompasses a stunning stretch of coastline, islands, and sand bars along these states. The Florida district of the park consists of barrier islands, including Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Perdido Key, offering pristine white sandy beaches, clear turquoise waters, and diverse coastal habitats. In contrast, the Mississippi district showcases barrier islands such as Horn Island and Petit Bois Island, boasting stunning nature trails, marshes, and abundant wildlife. With its picturesque location along the Gulf Coast, Gulf Islands National Seashore offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the sublime beauty of this region's natural wonders.

Address & Contact

1801 Gulf Breeze Parkway
Gulf Breeze, FL 32563
Driving Directions
Phone: 850-934-2600
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Gulf Islands National Seashore is in March or May when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities and the crowds are not as large. In March, the average maximum temperature is 74°F, the average minimum temperature is 51°F, and the average monthly precipitation is 4 in. In May, the average maximum temperature is 85°F, the average minimum temperature is 64°F, and the average monthly precipitation is 3.4 in. These months offer enjoyable weather conditions and fewer visitors compared to the peak summer months.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Gulf Islands National Seashore are: Food Picnicking Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Hands-On Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Gift Shop and Souvenirs Biking Road Biking Camping Backcountry Camping Car or Front Country Camping Hiking Front-Country Hiking Boating Motorized Boating Canoe or Kayak Camping Fishing Hunting and Gathering Hunting Paddling Canoeing Kayaking Horse Trekking Horseback Riding Living History Swimming Self-Guided Tours - Auto Mountain Biking Boat Tour Group Camping RV Camping Freshwater Fishing Citizen Science Saltwater Fishing SCUBA Diving Snorkeling Saltwater Swimming Jet Skiing

Topics

Learn about these topics at Gulf Islands National Seashore: Animals Birds Arts Fish Tortoises and Turtles Trails Wilderness Military US Army African American Heritage Forests and Woodlands Wetlands Forts Infantry and Militia Artillery Battlefields Wars and Conflicts Civil War Marshes Indian and Frontier Wars World War I Incarceration World War II Coasts, Islands and Atolls Engineering Alligators or Crocodiles Spanish-American War Maritime Maritime - Military Oceans US Navy US Marines US Coast Guard US Air Force (Army Air Corps) Colonial/European Contact Conflicts Armories Coastal Defenses Lighthouses

Visitor Centers

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.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: William M. Colmer Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near Gulf Islands National Seashore

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 office hours are 9 am to 4 pm.
Fees (US$): 22.00 (Davis Bayou Campground Site), 20.00 (Davis Bayou Campground Group Camping (10-25 campers)), 30.00 (Davis Bayou Campground Group Camping (26-40 campers))
Total Campsites: 52
Toilets: Flush Toilets - year round
Showers: Hot - Year Round
Potable Water: Yes - year round

Fort Pickens Campground

The Fort Pickens Campground is one of the top ten busiest campgrounds in all of the 420+ national parks and sites. Available all year round it provides access to white sandy beaches and trails, including the Florida National Scenic Trail. The campground office is located in a historic white building located halfway down Fort Pickens Areas on Fort Pickens Road. Office hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Checkout by 11 a.m. Check-in begins at 2 p.m.
Fees (US$): 25.00 (Entrance Fee)
Total Campsites: 200
Toilets: Flush Toilets - year round
Showers: Hot - Year Round
Potable Water: Yes - year round

Naval Live Oaks Youth Group Camping

This area is available reservation throughout the year for organized youth groups comprised primarily of young people under the age of 18. This group camping area is located near Gulf Breeze, Florida and has direct access to Pensacola Bay for water recreation. The campsite features restrooms, outdoor showers, a picnic shelter, and campfire ring. The Naval Live Oaks Area has over 7.5 miles of trails for campers to explore.
Fees (US$): 20.00 (Naval Live Oaks Youth Group Camping (10-25 campers)), 30.00 (Naval Live Oaks Youth Group Camping (26-40 campers))
Total Campsites: 1
Toilets: Flush Toilets - year round
Showers: Hot - Seasonal
Potable Water: Yes - year round

Davis Bayou Group Campground

The area is available for groups with a minimum of ten and a maximum of forty people, and allows tent camping only, For groups between 10-25 people fee is $20 per night; 26 - 40 people is $30 per night. Persons camping in the group area are limited to the restroom facilities located at pavilion #5. Parking is limited. Access to trails and small boat launch.
Fees (US$): NULL
Toilets: NULL
Showers: NULL
Potable Water: NULL

Fort Pickens Group Campground

Group site is for a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 40 occupants. Campground limited to soft-side on-the-ground tents only. FP Group area does not allow generators, trailers, pickup campers, RVs or any type of camping equipment. Persons camping in the group area are limited to the facilities (showers and restrooms) in the group area and may not use the facilitFor groups between 10-25 people, the camping fee is $20 per night. For groups of 26-40 people, the fee is $30 per night. Entrance fee still applies.
Fees (US$): NULL
Toilets: NULL
Showers: NULL
Potable Water: NULL

Hotels within or near Gulf Islands National Seashore

Portofino Island Resort

With a stay at Portofino Island Resort in Pensacola Beach, you'll be 7.4 mi (11.9 km) from Woodland Park and 11.3 mi (18.2 km) from Veterans Memorial Park. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Planning an event in Pensacola Beach? This aparthotel has facilities measuring 17000 square feet (1530 square meters), including conference space. Guests may use a roundtrip airport shuttle for a surcharge, and free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 10 Portofino Drive, Pensacola Beach, Florida 32561
Web: Link

Villas on the Gulf by Surfside VR

Located in Pensacola Beach, this condo is by the ocean, within a 5-minute drive of Opal Beach and Park East On-Leash Dog Beach. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1625 Bulevar Mayor, L4, Pensacola Beach, Florida 32561
Web: Link

Sunset Harbor Paradise

With a stay at this condo in Navarre, you'll be 10.8 mi (17.3 km) from Hidden Creek Golf Club and 11.9 mi (19.2 km) from Gulf Breeze Zoo. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 7453 Sunset Harbor Dr., Navarre, Florida 32566
Web: Link

3 Portofino 1908

Located in Pensacola Beach, this vacation home is within a 10-minute drive of Portofino Boardwalk and Pensacola Beach Pier. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 3 Portofino Dr. Suite 1908, Pensacola Beach, Florida 32561
Web: Link

54 CALLE MARBELLA - Four Bedroom Condo

Located in Pensacola Beach, 54 CALLE MARBELLA - Four Bedroom Condo is by the ocean, within a 5-minute drive of Opal Beach and Park East On-Leash Dog Beach. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 54 CALLE MARBELLA, Pensacola Beach, Florida 32561
Web: Link

1692 Calle Bonita - Five Bedroom Townhouse

With a stay at this condo in Pensacola Beach, you'll be on the beach, just steps from Opal Beach and a 4-minute drive from Park East On-Leash Dog Beach. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1692 Calle Bonita Drive, Unit 1692, Pensacola Beach, Florida 32561
Web: Link

PORTOFINO ISLAND RESORT

With a stay at this aparthotel in Pensacola Beach, you'll be on the waterfront, just a 4-minute walk from Opal Beach and 14 minutes by foot from Park East On-Leash Dog Beach. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk and an elevator.
Address: 10 Portofino Dr, Pensacola Beach, Florida 32561
Web: Link

Spacious Condo at 3 Portofino

With a stay at this aparthotel in Pensacola Beach, you'll be by the ocean, just a 3-minute walk from Opal Beach and 14 minutes by foot from Park East On-Leash Dog Beach. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk and an elevator. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 3 Portofino Drive, unit 1406, Pensacola Beach, Florida 32561
Web: Link

1 Portofino 1005

Located in Pensacola Beach, this condo is within a 10-minute drive of Portofino Boardwalk and Pensacola Beach Pier. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1 Portofino Drive, Unit 1005, Pensacola Beach, Florida 32561
Web: Link

Portofino by Pensacola Beach Getaways

With a stay at Portofino by Pensacola Beach Getaways in Pensacola Beach, you'll be on the beach, just a 4-minute walk from Opal Beach and 14 minutes by foot from Park East On-Leash Dog Beach. Featured amenities include a computer station, ATM/banking services, and an elevator. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 10 Portofino Dr, Pensacola Beach, Florida 32561
Web: Link