Operating Hours:

Davis Bayou Area

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.

Fort Pickens 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 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.

Exceptions:

• Winter Season (November 1, 2024 - March 31, 2025)

Naval Live Oaks Area

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.

Okaloosa Area

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.

Exceptions:

• Winter Season (November 1, 2024 - March 31, 2025)
• Winter Season (November 1, 2024 - March 31, 2025)

Santa Rosa Area

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.

Perdido Key Area

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.

Petit Bois 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 island. (Groups of 10 or more are required to get a permit).

West Petit Bois 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. 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.

Horn 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. 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.

Ship Island

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.

Cat 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).

Fort Barrancas Area

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.

Weather Information:

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.