National Seashore

Gulf Islands National Seashore

Gulf Islands National Seashore is a National Seashore in Florida, Mississippi. The NPS currently lists 5 active alerts (1 closure), 5 campgrounds and 3 visitor centers; entrance fees start at $15.

FloridaMississippi National Seashore America the Beautiful pass accepted

Updated · NPS Data API

A fort with water on an island
Fort Massachusetts · Photo: NPS/Bernstiel (via nps.gov)

About the park

“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!”

Active alerts

5

Closures

1

Campgrounds

5

Visitor centers

3

Current alerts and closures

5 active NPS alerts as of Oct 28, 2026: 1 closure, 0 danger, 2 caution and 2 information.

Closure

Battery 234 Loop Road Closure

The Battery 234 Loop Road and Battery Cooper within the GUIS, Fort Pickens Management Area will be closed to all for vehicle, bicyclists, and foot (pedestrian) traffic until further notice for safety purposes until the park can correct the leaning and structurally unstable historic Tower 234 that poses danger to visitors and staff. The beach access points for pedestrians from the Gulf (south) side will also be closed. The pipe gates at the entrance and exit points will be locked with accompanied signage.

Posted or updated Jun 14, 2026 ·Details on nps.gov

Caution

Road workers on Park Road in Davis Bayou

Phase II of the Davis Bayou Bicycle and Pedestrian Path is in process. Visitors may encounter minor traffic delays and flaggers on Eagle Point and Park Road.

Posted or updated Jun 3, 2026 ·Details on nps.gov

Caution

Rip Current Status

Review rip current status prior to visiting the park.

Posted or updated Feb 28, 2022 ·Details on nps.gov

Information

Accessing Fort Barrancas

Fort Barrancas is open 9 am–4 pm Wednesday through Sunday. To access Fort Barrancas, visitors will need to enter the Naval Air station Pensacola through the west gate.

Posted or updated May 28, 2026 ·Details on nps.gov

Information

No Dogs on Beach

Dogs and pets are not allowed on any of the beaches in Gulf Islands National Seashore. Visit the pet rules page for information.

Posted or updated Mar 23, 2022 ·Details on nps.gov

Entrance fees and passes

Fees are required at Fort Pickens Area, Opal Beach Complex Area, and Johnson Beach Area in Florida. Additional fees to ride the ferry.

Entrance fees
FeeCostDetails
Entrance - Private Vehicle$25Cost for up to six people in one vehicle. Good for seven days into any fee area in Florida, (Opal Beach, Johnson Beach, Fort Pickens). Buy online
Entrance - Motorcycle$20Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. Buy online
Entrance - Per Person$15Fees are required at Fort Pickens Area, Opal Beach Complex Area, and Johnson Beach Area in Florida. Additional fees to ride the ferry. Buy online
Park passes
PassCostBuy
Annual Entrance - Park$45Recreation.gov

The interagency America the Beautiful pass is accepted here. This park is cashless — bring a card or buy your pass online. Fee details on nps.gov

Things to do

A least tern shelters her chicks on the sand.
Photo: NPS Photo/Willis

Birdwatching at Gulf Islands

More than 280 species of birds have been sighted in Gulf Islands National Seashore, which is featured on Florida and Mississippi birding trails.

30-120 Minutes Pets allowed

Birdwatching

A fisherman stands with his line in the Gulf.
Photo: NPS Photo/Doggrell

Fishing at Gulf Islands

Fishing is a great way to enjoy the waters of Gulf Islands National Seashore. Anglers may enjoy casting from shore, a pier, or off a boat. Learn more about what's in season, size and take limits, and what to catch.

1-6 Hours Year-round Pets allowed

Fishing

A backpacker crosses over a bridge with poles in hand.
Photo: NPS Photo/Kiss

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 can be difficult to traverse at certain times of year.

2-5 Days Year-round

Front-Country Hiking

See all 12 things to do in Gulf Islands →

Activities the NPS lists for Gulf Islands.

BikingMountain BikingRoad BikingBoatingMotorized BoatingJet SkiingBoat TourCampingBackcountry CampingCanoe or Kayak CampingCar or Front Country CampingGroup CampingRV CampingFishingFreshwater FishingSaltwater FishingFoodPicnickingGuided ToursSelf-Guided Tours - WalkingSelf-Guided Tours - AutoHands-OnCitizen ScienceHikingFront-Country HikingHorse TrekkingHorseback RidingHunting and GatheringHuntingLiving HistoryPaddlingCanoeingKayakingSCUBA DivingSnorkelingSwimmingSaltwater SwimmingWildlife WatchingBirdwatchingMuseum ExhibitsShoppingBookstore and Park StoreGift Shop and Souvenirs

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.

Davis Bayou Area
DayHours
Monday8:00AM - 6:00PM
Tuesday8:00AM - 6:00PM
Wednesday8:00AM - 6:00PM
Thursday8:00AM - 6:00PM
Friday8:00AM - 6:00PM
Saturday8:00AM - 6:00PM
Sunday8:00AM - 6:00PM

Weather: Weather along the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico can change quickly. During the winter temperatures range from 30-60 degrees fahrenheit, rain is less common than other seasons.

Contact and directions

Phone
850-934-2600
Email
[email protected]
Address
1801 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze, FL 32563
Coordinates
30.3211, -87.2304· View on OpenStreetMap

Official park page on nps.gov Directions

Visitor centers

Visitor centerStandard hoursPhonePassport stamp
Fort Barrancas Visitor CenterMon Closed · Tue Closed · Wed 9:00AM - 4:00PM · Thu 9:00AM - 4:00PM · Fri 9:00AM - 4:00PM · Sat 9:00AM - 4:00PM · Sun 9:00AM - 4:00PM850-934-2600Yes
Fort Pickens Visitor CenterDaily: Closed—Yes
William M. Colmer Visitor CenterDaily: 9:00AM - 4:00PM2282304100Yes

Campgrounds

CampgroundTotal sitesReservableFirst-comeRVsFeeReserve
Davis Bayou Campground52520Yes$22Recreation.gov
Davis Bayou Group Campground000No——
Fort Pickens Campground2001880Yes, up to 42 ft$25Recreation.gov
Fort Pickens Group Campground000No——
Naval Live Oaks Youth Group Camping110No$20—

Site counts and fees are from the NPS campground data. Fees show the first listed rate; availability is not shown here — check the reservation site.

On Amazon

Popular trail picks

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

More parks in Florida

Big Cypress National PreserveBiscayne National ParkCanaveral National SeashoreCastillo de San Marcos National MonumentDe Soto National MemorialDry Tortugas National ParkEverglades National ParkFort Matanzas National MonumentTimucuan Ecological & Historic PreserveAll in Florida

Nearest other NPS sites

Sources

  • Park details, alerts, fees and passes, visitor centers and campgrounds: National Park Service Data API, snapshot of Oct 28, 2026.
  • Official park page: https://www.nps.gov/guis/index.htm
  • Data: National Park Service (NPS) Data API, U.S. Department of the Interior (developer.nps.gov). This product uses the NPS Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the National Park Service. The National Park Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior do not endorse OpenParks. Photos are NPS images shown with their original credits; park descriptions are short excerpts credited to the NPS. Always confirm current conditions on nps.gov before you travel.