National Seashore

Gulf Islands National Seashore

Southeast

About Gulf Islands

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!

From the National Park Service.

Region: Southeast
States: Florida and Mississippi
Designation: National Seashore
Entrance fee: $25, private vehicle

Trail data for this park is still being added.
Places for this park are still being added.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, weather and getting to Gulf Islands.

Entrance fees

$25 Private Vehicle 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).
$20 Motorcycle
$15 Per Person

Passes

$45 Annual Entrance - Park

Hours

Davis Bayou Area

Mon: 8:00AM - 6:00PM
Tue: 8:00AM - 6:00PM
Wed: 8:00AM - 6:00PM
Thu: 8:00AM - 6:00PM
Fri: 8:00AM - 6:00PM
Sat: 8:00AM - 6:00PM
Sun: 8:00AM - 6:00PM

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.

Weather and when to go

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. Snow and freezing temperatures are not common. During the summer temperatures range from 70-100+ degrees fahrenheit. Rain is common during the summer with many thunderstorms. Hurricanes impact the area during the tropical storm season between June and November. Tornadoes can impact the area during the Spring and Fall.

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.

Directions from the National Park Service

Contact the park

Address: 1801 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze, FL 32563
Phone: (850) 934-2600
Email: guis_information@nps.gov
Official site: nps.gov/guis

From the National Park Service, checked weekly. Fees, hours and road conditions change: confirm with the park before you go.

Trip planner

A day-by-day plan for Gulf Islands

Tell us your dates and what you are into. We group the stops by where they are, so each day is one part of the park, not a zigzag.

Plan your park trip Free. No account needed.

Things to do in Gulf Islands

The park service's own list, with how long each takes.

Watch the Sunrise/Sunset at Gulf Islands

Front-Country Hiking · about 30 min

Forts, beaches, bayous, and batteries provide amazing views of both sunrise and sunset over the Gulf of Mexico.
Paddling in Gulf Islands

Paddling · about 3.3 hours

Canoe, kayak, or paddleboard in the beautiful blue-green waters and calm bayous of Gulf Islands National Seashore.
Visit the Gulf Islands Park Store

Bookstore and Park Store · about 25 min

Purchase souvenirs and more pages for your passport at this bookstore located within historic Fort Pickens.
Get Your Passport Stamped at Gulf Islands

Hands-On · about 15 min

Collecting stamps, also known as cancellations, is a fun way to commemorate your visit to a new place. Learn where to get your passport stamped at Gulf Islands.
Ride your Bike at Gulf Islands

Biking · about 1.3 hours

Ride your bicycle for miles up and down the scenic coastal roads of Gulf Islands.
View the Night Sky at Gulf Islands

Stargazing · about 50 min

Come explore the dark side of Gulf Islands National Seashore!
Birdwatching at Gulf Islands

Birdwatching · about 1 hour

More than 280 species of birds have been sighted in Gulf Islands National Seashore, which is featured on Florida and Mississippi birding trails. Whether you are a beginning birder…
Go Waterfowl Hunting

Hunting · about 2 hours

Learn about how and where to hunt for waterfowl at Gulf Islands.
Go for a Hike at Gulf Islands

Front-Country Hiking · about 1 hour

Find trails in all sections of the park to explore.

Campgrounds in Gulf Islands

Run by the park service. Reservable sites book on Recreation.gov; first-come sites do not.

Davis Bayou Campground

52 reservable sites

Gulf Islands National Seashore's Davis Bayou Campground offers tent and recreational vehicle camping experiences in a wooded area next to Davis Bayou in Missis…

Reserve on Recreation.gov
Fort Pickens Campground

188 reservable sites

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 it provides access…

Reserve on Recreation.gov
Naval Live Oaks Youth Group Camping

1 reservable site

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. This g…
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. Group area d…
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 limited to the restroom facilities…