Contact Info
Gulf Breeze, FL 32563
- Phone:
- 850-934-2600
Basics
- Type:
- National Park,
Other
Description
Island beaches, sparkling waters, bayous, historic forts and recreational opportunities are plentiful in Gulf Islands National Seashore, the nation’s largest. Open year-round, the Seashore is just off the coast of Biloxi, Mississippi and Pensacola, Florida. Gentle breezes, tides and hurricanes constantly reshape this dynamic landscape.
Hours + Fees
Hours:
All of the Mississippi islands in the Seashore are open to park visitation unless posted.
Davis Bayou Area 6:00 am - 10:00 pm.
Visitor Center 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.
Visitor Center Grounds 8:00 am - sunset.
West Ship Island 7:00 am - sunset.
Fort Massachusetts 10:00 am - 4:30 pm (Summer) or 10:00 am - 2:00 pm (Spring and Fall).
All areas of the Florida District are open year-round unless posted. Operating hours vary seasonally and from unit to unit. Because of hurricane damage all areas are closed at dark. However, visitors with back country camping or Night Owl permits on Perdido Key or campers at the Naval Live Oaks group campground may access the areas after dark.
Naval Live Oaks 8:00 am - sunset.
Naval Live Oaks Visitor Center 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.
Fort Pickens Open for self guided tours 8:00 am - sunset.
Fort Barrancas Visitor Center (Seasonal Hours):
March-October 9:30 am - 4:45 pm.
November-February 8:30 am - 3:45 pm.
Tours given daily at 2:00 pm.
Advanced Redoubt Tours given Saturdays at 11:00 am.
Okaloosa Area (Day Use Only) 7:00 am - sunset.
Santa Rosa Area (Day Use Only) 8:00 am - sunset.
Perdido Key Area (Day Use Only) 8:00 am - sunset (Extended hours for primitive camping and Night Owl permits).
Map + Directions
Basic Directions
Gulf Islands National Seashore is in Florida and Mississippi and both districts are south of Interstate 10. In Mississippi, use Exit 57 or 50 to US Highway 90 to Ocean Springs. In Florida, use Exit 12 to I-110 or Exit 22 to the Garcon Point Bridge to US Highway 98.
Directions to Florida District
The Perdido Key Area is off Florida Route 292, southwest from Pensacola; turn east on Johnson Beach Road.
Naval Live Oaks is on U. S. 98 east of Gulf Breeze, Florida.
The Okaloosa Day Use Area is on U. S. 98 east of Fort Walton Beach, Florida.
To reach Fort Barrancas and the Advanced Redoubt on board Pensacola Naval Air Station in Florida, use the Blue Angel Parkway (Florida Route 173).
The Fort Pickens Area is west of Pensacola Beach on Santa Rosa Island. The damaged Fort Pickens Road is closed to vehicles but visitors may currently use it for biking or hiking.
The Santa Rosa Area is located east of Pensacola Beach. The J. Earle Bowden Way (State Road 399) is closed to vehicles but visitors may walk or boat into the area.
