{"id":"nps-guis","slug":"gulf-islands-national-seashore","name":"Gulf Islands National Seashore","designation":"National Seashore","category":"national-seashore-lakeshore","categoryLabel":"National Seashore and Lakeshore","agency":{"code":"NPS","name":"National Park Service","department":"U.S. Department of the Interior","url":"https://www.nps.gov"},"managedBy":[{"code":"NPS","name":"National Park Service","department":"U.S. Department of the Interior","url":"https://www.nps.gov","unitCode":"GUIS","designation":"National Seashore","sourceId":"nps-guis"}],"states":["FL","MS"],"stateNames":["Florida","Mississippi"],"location":{"lat":30.3211,"lon":-87.2304},"bbox":[-89.154,30.1807,-86.5133,30.4121],"acres":{"value":130433,"kind":"gis-estimate","source":"Computed from the simplified boundary","note":"Approximate. The managing agency publishes official acreage."},"firstProtected":null,"established":null,"administrations":[],"designationHistory":[],"summary":"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!","summarySource":"National Park Service","guide":{},"trConnection":null,"trConnections":[],"trTypes":[],"links":{"official":"https://www.nps.gov/guis/index.htm","social":{},"recreationGov":null,"alltrails":null,"alltrailsExplore":"https://www.alltrails.com/explore?b_tl_lat=30.4121&b_tl_lng=-89.154&b_br_lat=30.1807&b_br_lng=-86.5133","recreationGovSearch":"https://www.recreation.gov/search?q=Gulf%20Islands%20National%20Seashore","directions":"http://www.nps.gov/guis/planyourvisit/directions.htm"},"images":[{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/CE2187A2-F3AF-54FA-06EFF4660752902F.jpg","title":"Fort Massachusetts","alt":"A fort with water on an island","caption":"Fort Massachusetts sits on Ship Island in the Gulf off Mississippi.","credit":"NPS/Bernstiel","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/068F6B3A-BD56-DBF9-E89EBA0A788D0B70.jpg","title":"Santa Rosa Area","alt":"White sand and green water","caption":"The Santa Rosa Area is the stech of beach between Navarre and Pensacola Beach. There is a fee area called Opal Beach.","credit":"NPS/Doggrell","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/242ED14D-95F8-A1B3-4BEA8B8817B57B2B.jpg","title":"Pensacola Bay City Ferry in Florida","alt":"Ferry in the Pensacola Bay","caption":"A National Park Service ferry navigates the Pensacola Bay to Fort Pickens.","credit":"NPS/Doggrell","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/CF8AA22D-A3C2-8DBE-98F1255BBA16CE3C.jpg","title":"Fort Barrancas and Spanish Water Battery","alt":"A white building and a fort","caption":"Fort Barrancas and Spanish Water Battery sit on Naval Air Station Pensacola.","credit":"NPS/Doggrell","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/CF532898-AD17-5265-F3C3891182FEE203.jpg","title":"Davis Bayou","alt":"Water","caption":"Davis Bayou is a fee free area in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Home to beautiful nature area.","credit":"NPS/Breault","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/07FB44DE-0F1D-FE26-18DC099FFC2D28E0.jpg","title":"Perdido Key Area","alt":"Wood boardwalk to a sound water.","caption":"Perdido Key Area is a fee area featuring 7 crossovers, 2 pavilions, and 4 parking lots on the Gulf and Sound.","credit":"NPS/Wade","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/47EECE5F-9B81-0727-1AF1564B9D2C86FA.jpg","title":"Fort Pickens","alt":"A fort","caption":"Fort Pickens is the most visited site in the Florida District.","credit":"NPS","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/08734DA7-D9C8-B5A6-5D22FA182D0CEB97.jpg","title":"Horn Island","alt":"White sand and greenery","caption":"Horn Island is a wilderness island in Mississippi.","credit":"NPS/Kiss","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/CECB6504-E46D-110F-AC4A39D32488193B.jpg","title":"Naval Live Oaks Area","alt":"Green trees with water","caption":"The maritime forest sits on the Santa Rosa Sound in the Naval Live Oaks Area, fee free area in Gulf Breeze, Florida.","credit":"NPS/Doggrell","source":"NPS"}],"activities":["Biking","Mountain Biking","Road Biking","Boating","Motorized Boating","Jet Skiing","Boat Tour","Camping","Backcountry Camping","Canoe or Kayak Camping","Car or Front Country Camping","Group Camping","RV Camping","Fishing","Freshwater Fishing","Saltwater Fishing","Food","Picnicking","Guided Tours","Self-Guided Tours - Walking","Self-Guided Tours - Auto","Boat Tour","Hands-On","Citizen Science","Hiking","Front-Country Hiking","Horse Trekking","Horseback Riding","Hunting and Gathering","Hunting","Living History","Paddling","Canoeing","Kayaking","SCUBA Diving","Snorkeling","Swimming","Saltwater Swimming","Wildlife Watching","Birdwatching","Museum Exhibits","Shopping","Bookstore and Park Store","Gift Shop and Souvenirs"],"topics":["African American Heritage","Arts","Engineering","Forts","Incarceration","Maritime","Coastal Defenses","Maritime - Military","Lighthouses","Military","Infantry and Militia","Artillery","US Army","US Navy","US Marines","US Coast Guard","US Air Force (Army Air Corps)","Armories","Battlefields","Wars and Conflicts","Colonial/European Contact Conflicts","Indian and Frontier Wars","Civil War","Spanish-American War","World War I","World War II","Animals","Alligators or Crocodiles","Birds","Fish","Tortoises and Turtles","Coasts, Islands and Atolls","Forests and Woodlands","Oceans","Trails","Wetlands","Marshes","Wilderness"],"fees":[{"title":"Entrance - Private Vehicle","cost":"25.00","description":"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)."},{"title":"Entrance - Motorcycle","cost":"20.00","description":"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."},{"title":"Entrance - Per Person","cost":"15.00","description":"Fees are required at Fort Pickens Area, Opal Beach Complex Area, and Johnson Beach Area in Florida. Additional fees to ride the ferry."}],"passes":[{"title":"Annual Entrance - Park","cost":"45.00","description":"Good for 365 days from purchase. Non-replaceable if lost. Keep receipt as second proof of purchase.\nDesign specific to the park and changes annually."}],"hours":[{"name":"Davis Bayou Area","description":"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.","standardHours":{"wednesday":"8:00AM - 6:00PM","monday":"8:00AM - 6:00PM","thursday":"8:00AM - 6:00PM","sunday":"8:00AM - 6:00PM","tuesday":"8:00AM - 6:00PM","friday":"8:00AM - 6:00PM","saturday":"8:00AM - 6:00PM"},"exceptions":[]},{"name":"Fort Pickens Area","description":"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 an entrance fee to visit the Fort Pickens Area. To contact a park ranger, get a stamp, or program information visit the historic Fort Pickens. Park store hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.","standardHours":{"wednesday":"5:00AM - 8:00PM","monday":"5:00AM - 8:00PM","thursday":"5:00AM - 8:00PM","sunday":"5:00AM - 8:00PM","tuesday":"5:00AM - 8:00PM","friday":"5:00AM - 8:00PM","saturday":"5:00AM - 8:00PM"},"exceptions":[{"name":"Winter Season","start":"2026-11-01","end":"2027-03-31","hours":{"wednesday":"5:00AM - 6:00PM","monday":"5:00AM - 6:00PM","thursday":"5:00AM - 6:00PM","sunday":"5:00AM - 6:00PM","tuesday":"5:00AM - 6:00PM","friday":"5:00AM - 6:00PM","saturday":"5:00AM - 6:00PM"}}]},{"name":"Naval Live Oaks Area","description":"Naval Live Oaks is located on U.S. 98 east of Gulf Breeze, Florida.  The fee-free area features many hiking trails and an overlook. Also great for fishing or launching a kayak.  Additionally, there is a youth group camping and picnic area available by reservation only.  Day use area only open form 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Report to Fort Pickens to purchase park passes and stamps.","standardHours":{"wednesday":"8:00AM - Sunset","monday":"8:00AM - Sunset","thursday":"8:00AM - Sunset","sunday":"8:00AM - Sunset","tuesday":"8:00AM - Sunset","friday":"8:00AM - Sunset","saturday":"8:00AM - Sunset"},"exceptions":[]},{"name":"Okaloosa Area","description":"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.","standardHours":{"wednesday":"8:00AM - Sunset","monday":"8:00AM - Sunset","thursday":"8:00AM - Sunset","sunday":"8:00AM - Sunset","tuesday":"8:00AM - Sunset","friday":"8:00AM - Sunset","saturday":"8:00AM - Sunset"},"exceptions":[{"name":"Winter Season","start":"2026-11-01","end":"2027-03-31","hours":{"wednesday":"5:00AM - 6:00PM","monday":"5:00AM - 6:00PM","thursday":"5:00AM - 6:00PM","sunday":"5:00AM - 6:00PM","tuesday":"5:00AM - 6:00PM","friday":"5:00AM - 6:00PM","saturday":"5:00AM - 6:00PM"}},{"name":"Winter Season","start":"2026-11-01","end":"2027-03-31","hours":{"wednesday":"5:00AM - 6:00PM","monday":"5:00AM - 6:00PM","thursday":"5:00AM - 6:00PM","sunday":"5:00AM - 6:00PM","tuesday":"5:00AM - 6:00PM","friday":"5:00AM - 6:00PM","saturday":"5:00AM - 6:00PM"}}]},{"name":"Santa Rosa Area","description":"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 day-use area. No overnight parking or camping allowed. 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.","standardHours":{"wednesday":"8:00AM - 8:00PM","monday":"8:00AM - 8:00PM","thursday":"8:00AM - 8:00PM","sunday":"8:00AM - 8:00PM","tuesday":"8:00AM - 8:00PM","friday":"8:00AM - 8:00PM","saturday":"8:00AM - 8:00PM"},"exceptions":[]},{"name":"Perdido Key Area","description":"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. No overnight parking allowed.","standardHours":{"wednesday":"5:00AM - 8:00PM","monday":"5:00AM - 8:00PM","thursday":"5:00AM - 8:00PM","sunday":"5:00AM - 8:00PM","tuesday":"5:00AM - 8:00PM","friday":"5:00AM - 8:00PM","saturday":"5:00AM - 8:00PM"},"exceptions":[]},{"name":"Petit Bois Island","description":"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).","standardHours":{"wednesday":"All Day","monday":"All Day","thursday":"All Day","sunday":"All Day","tuesday":"All Day","friday":"All Day","saturday":"All Day"},"exceptions":[]},{"name":"West Petit Bois Island","description":"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. This island is protected by the wilderness act and all activities with groups of 10 or more are required to get a permit to include camping.","standardHours":{"wednesday":"All Day","monday":"All Day","thursday":"All Day","sunday":"All Day","tuesday":"All Day","friday":"All Day","saturday":"All Day"},"exceptions":[]},{"name":"Horn Island","description":"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. This island is protected by the wilderness act and all activities with groups of 10 or more are required to get a permit to include camping.","standardHours":{"wednesday":"All Day","monday":"All Day","thursday":"All Day","sunday":"All Day","tuesday":"All Day","friday":"All Day","saturday":"All Day"},"exceptions":[]},{"name":"Ship Island","description":"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 Ship Island. For Massachusetts is open 10:15 am - 2:15 pm Wednesday - Sunday during the operating season.","standardHours":{"wednesday":"10:00AM - Sunset","monday":"Closed","thursday":"10:00AM - Sunset","sunday":"10:00AM - Sunset","tuesday":"Closed","friday":"10:00AM - Sunset","saturday":"10:00AM - Sunset"},"exceptions":[]},{"name":"Cat Island","description":"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).","standardHours":{"wednesday":"All Day","monday":"All Day","thursday":"All Day","sunday":"All Day","tuesday":"All Day","friday":"All Day","saturday":"All Day"},"exceptions":[]},{"name":"Fort Barrancas Area","description":"The Fort Barrancas Visitor Center, Fort Barrancas, and Spanish Water Battery are open on select days from 9 am–4 pm, with last entry to Fort Barrancas and the Spanish Water Battery at 3:30 pm. Advanced Redoubt (exterior only) is open daily 9 am–4 pm.\n\nThe Fort Barrancas Visitor Center, Fort Barrancas, and Spanish Water Battery are open on Saturday and Sunday.","standardHours":{"wednesday":"9:00AM - 4:00PM","monday":"Closed","thursday":"9:00AM - 4:00PM","sunday":"9:00AM - 4:00PM","tuesday":"Closed","friday":"9:00AM - 4:00PM","saturday":"9:00AM - 4:00PM"},"exceptions":[]},{"name":"Gulf Islands National Seashore park store at Fort Pickens","description":"Currently the only park store in Gulf Islands National Seashore is located in the entrance to Fort Pickens. This is seven miles from the Fort Pickens Entrance Station. From the parking lot of the fort look for the arch in the fort and the store is on the right. \n\nItems can only be purchased instore. This is a primary location for park stamps. \n\nPark store is subject to closures due to weather and/or holidays.","standardHours":{"wednesday":"9:00AM - 4:30PM","monday":"9:00AM - 4:30PM","thursday":"9:00AM - 4:30PM","sunday":"9:00AM - 4:30PM","tuesday":"9:00AM - 4:30PM","friday":"9:00AM - 4:30PM","saturday":"9:00AM - 4:30PM"},"exceptions":[{"name":"Closed","start":"2026-12-25","end":"2026-12-25","hours":{}},{"name":"Closed","start":"2026-12-25","end":"2026-12-25","hours":{}}]}],"directions":"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.","weatherInfo":"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.","contacts":{"phone":"850-934-2600","email":"guis_information@nps.gov"},"visitorCenters":[{"name":"William M. Colmer Visitor Center","description":"Located in the Davis Bayou area of Gulf Islands National Seashore this is the main visitor center for the park resources in Mississippi.","url":"http://www.nps.gov/guis/planyourvisit/davis-bayou-area.htm","lat":30.391964049,"lon":-88.790993477},{"name":"Fort Barrancas Visitor Center","description":"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 through its deactivation in the mid-1900s.","url":"http://www.nps.gov/guis/planyourvisit/fort-barrancas.htm","lat":30.349035448,"lon":-87.298030176},{"name":"Fort Pickens Visitor Center","description":"Explore indoor exhibits on the natural environment, wildlife, and history of the Fort Pickens Area inside the Visitor Center.","url":"","lat":30.329433,"lon":-87.292428}],"campgrounds":[{"name":"Davis Bayou Campground","description":"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 8 am to 4 pm daily.","url":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/250796","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/250796","sites":52},{"name":"Fort Pickens Campground","description":"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 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.","url":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234704","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234704","sites":200},{"name":"Naval Live Oaks Youth Group Camping","description":"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 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 a campfire ring. The Naval Live Oaks Area has over 7.5 miles of trails for campers to explore. To make a reservation email guis_special_use_permits@nps.gov.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/guis/planyourvisit/nlo-group.htm","reservationUrl":null,"sites":1},{"name":"Fort Pickens Group Campground","description":"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 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 only. Entrance fee still applies.","url":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campsites/91444","reservationUrl":null,"sites":0},{"name":"Davis Bayou Group Campground","description":"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 located at pavilion #5. Parking is limited.","url":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campsites/102929","reservationUrl":null,"sites":0}],"thingsToDo":[],"nearby":[{"slug":"bon-secour-national-wildlife-refuge","km":54},{"slug":"conecuh-national-forest","km":103},{"slug":"grand-bay-national-wildlife-refuge","km":114},{"slug":"mississippi-sandhill-crane-national-wildlife-refuge","km":145},{"slug":"breton-national-wildlife-refuge","km":162},{"slug":"de-soto-national-forest","km":185}],"hasBoundary":true,"boundarySource":{"name":"NPS Land Resources Division","url":"https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2224545"},"sources":[{"name":"NPS Data API","url":"https://developer.nps.gov/api/v1/parks?parkCode=guis"},{"name":"NPS Land Resources Division boundaries","url":"https://services1.arcgis.com/fBc8EJBxQRMcHlei/arcgis/rest/services/NPS_Land_Resources_Division_Boundary_and_Tract_Data_Service/FeatureServer/2"}],"editorialStatus":"draft","synced":"2026-11-09T02:12:45.614Z","alerts":[{"source":"NPS","kind":"Park Closure","title":"Battery 234 Loop Road Closure","text":"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.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/guis/planyourvisit/conditions.htm","updated":"2026-06-15 00:00:00.0","id":"nps-D9579078-040B-4933-8A1A-D005244C2795"},{"source":"NPS","kind":"Caution","title":"Road workers on Park Road in Davis Bayou","text":"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.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/guis/learn/news/gulf-islands-begins-construction-on-davis-bayou-bike-pedestrian-path-phase-2.htm","updated":"2026-06-04 00:00:00.0","id":"nps-9CEBB013-E065-4991-9B4F-8999791EBD1B"},{"source":"NPS","kind":"Information","title":"No Dogs on Beach","text":"Dogs and pets are not allowed on any of the beaches in Gulf Islands National Seashore. Visit the pet rules page for information.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/guis/planyourvisit/pets.htm","updated":"2022-03-23 13:43:17.0","id":"nps-E8D8E37F-F51C-4078-95B5-58BAA26BE0C2"},{"source":"NPS","kind":"Caution","title":"Rip Current Status","text":"Review rip current status prior to visiting the park.","url":"https://www.weather.gov/beach/mob","updated":"2022-02-28 16:28:38.0","id":"nps-507C6859-F2CC-4410-A28C-1CD4A42F9046"}],"url":"https://directory.labs.trlibrary.com/sites/gulf-islands-national-seashore/","boundaryUrl":"https://directory.labs.trlibrary.com/boundaries/gulf-islands-national-seashore.geojson"}