Plan Your Visit

Welcome to Gulf Islands National Seashore, 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 to the Okaloosa Area east of Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

Select a destination below to learn about operating hours, facilities, and more of each to prepare for your visit.

Explore by Activity

Things To Do

Visit Florida Areas

Fort Barrancas Area

Features 60 square miles of land inducted into the Network of Freedom in 2021.
Fort Pickens Area

Many recreational opportunities, wildlife viewing, and historic sites.
Naval Live Oaks Trails

Over seven miles of hiking trails and access to the calm waters of the sound and bay.
Okaloosa Area

Anchoring the national seashore's eastern end on the Santa Rosa Sound.
Perdido Key Area

One of the most beautiful beaches in the United States.
Santa Rosa Area

Excellent recreational opportunities on beautiful white sand beaches.

Visit Mississippi Areas

Cat Island

The western most island of the national seashore off the coast of Mississippi.
Davis Bayou Area

Explore the marshes and woodland areas of the Mississippi gulf shore.
Horn Island

Horn island is located off the Mississippi coast and popular for backcountry camping.
Petit Bois Island

Petito Bois island is small but a wilderness island worth protecting.
Ship Island

Located 12 miles off the Mississippi coast featuring a swim beach and historic fort.
West Petit Bois Island

A small sand island near the Horn Island Pass off the Mississippi coast.