National Seashore

What is it that entices people to the sea? Poet John Masefield wrote, “I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied.” Millions of visitors are drawn to the islands in the northern Gulf of Mexico for the white sandy beaches, the aquamarine waters, a boat ride, a camping spot, a tour of an old fort, or a place to fish.

Gulf Islands National Seashore is a place of myriad riches - blue-green, sparkling waters, magnificent white beaches, and fertile coastal marshes. Its 12 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.

Weather along the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico can change quickly. During the winter temperatures range from 40-70 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.

Entrance Fees

• Gulf Islands National Seashore - Per Person : $7. This pass is good for seven days from the date of purchase and covers the entrance fee at Perdido Key, Fort Pickens, and Santa Rosa (Opal Beach).
• Gulf Islands National Seashore - Per Motorcycle : $10. This pass is good for seven days from the date of purchase and covers the entrance fee at Perdido Key, Fort Pickens, and Santa Rosa (Opal Beach).
• Gulf Islands National Seashore - Private Vehicle (<15 passenger capacity) : $15. This pass is good for seven days from the date of purchase and covers the entrance fee at Perdido Key, Fort Pickens, and Santa Rosa (Opal Beach).
• Gulf Islands National Seashore - Per Person in Private Vehicle with more that 15 passenger capacity. : $7. This pass is good for seven days from the date of purchase and covers the entrance fee at Perdido Key, Fort Pickens, and Santa Rosa (Opal Beach). (limited to a total cost of $25.00)

Entrance Passes

• Gulf Islands National Seashore Annual Pass : $30. Covers all areas in Gulf Islands National Seashore charging an entrance fee until the end of the month one year after purchase. This pass can be purchased at the Fort Pickens Entrance Station, Perdido Key Entrance Station, and Davis Bayou Campground.
• Gulf Islands National Seashore Davis Bayou Annual Boat Launch Pass : $20. This specialized annual pass admits one boat per day until the end of the month one year after purchase at the Davis Bayou Boat Launch.

Opening Hour Details

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, and ranger-led programs. There are no swimming beaches in the Davis Bayou Area.

Located on the western end of Santa Rosa Island, the Fort Pickens Area of the park offers a variety of visitor experiences including fishing, hiking, swimming, camping, and touring historic coastal defense structures. There is a small entrance fee to visit the Fort Pickens Area.

Naval Live Oaks is located on U.S. 98 east of Gulf Breeze, Florida. The area features many hiking trails. Additionally, there is a youth group camping and picnic area available by reservation only. There are exhibits located inside the park headquarters building at Naval Live Oaks, these exhibits are only open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays.

Located on U.S. 98 on the far eastern end of Santa Rosa Island, the Okaloosa Area of the park offers visitors the opportunity to swim, picnic, as well as a boat launch.

Santa Rosa Area (Opal Beach) is a fragile barrier island made up largely of fine quartz sand held together by plants adapted to this harsh environment. It provides habitat for many shore birds, small animals and nesting sea turtles. An entrance fee is charged at this area. Santa Rosa is a pack-in and pack-out park so please keep our beaches clean. Glass containers and pets are not allowed on the beaches.

Perdido Key is located off Florida Route 292 southwest of Pensacola. There is an entrance fee to visit the Perdido Key Area of Gulf Islands National Seashore. Swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, and primitive camping are available year-round.

This barrier island is located roughly 10 miles off the Mississippi coast and offers dramatic scenery, but limited facilities. The island is accessible year round by private boat. Primitive camping is allowed on the island. (Groups of 10 or more are required to get a permit).

This barrier island is located roughly 10 miles off the Mississippi coast and offers dramatic scenery, but limited facilities. The island is accessible year round by private boat. Primitive camping is allowed on the island. (Groups of 10 or more are required to get a permit).

This barrier island is located roughly 10 miles off the Mississippi coast and offers dramatic scenery, but limited facilities. The island is accessible year round by private boat. Primitive camping is allowed on the island. (Groups of 10 or more are required to get a permit).

This barrier island is located roughly 10 miles off the Mississippi coast and offers dramatic scenery, but limited facilities. The island is accessible year round by private boat. Primitive camping is allowed on the island. (Groups of 10 or more are required to get a permit).

This barrier island is located roughly 10 miles off the Mississippi coast. Free tours and exhibits at Fort Massachusetts, a swim beach, pavilions, restrooms, showers, and snack bar are available seasonally. A passenger ferry is available March through October, and the island is accessible year round by private boat. Camping is not permitted on West Ship Island.

This barrier island is located roughly 10 miles off the Mississippi coast and offers dramatic scenery, but limited facilities. The island is accessible year round by private boat. Primitive camping is allowed on the National Park Service owned portion of the island. (Groups of 10 or more are required to get a permit).

The Fort Barrancas Area is on Taylor Road approximately a half mile east from the Museum of Naval Aviation. The area includes the historic Water Battery, Fort Barrancas, trails, visitor center, picnic areas, and the Advanced Redoubt. Visitors may access the Fort Barrancas via the main gate entrance to the Pensacola Naval Air Station.