Entrance - Private Vehicle
$25.00Cost for up to six people in one vehicle. Good for seven days into any fee area in Florida, (Opal Beach, Johnson Beach, Fort Pickens).
FL,MS
Gulf Islands National Seashore
Hours
Open daily · 8:00AM - 6:00PM
Entrance Fee
$25.00
Entrance - Private Vehicle
Trailie
Build your Gulf Islands itinerary
Tell Trailie your dates, pace, and interests — get a day-by-day Gulf Islands National Seashore plan with hikes, drives, and must-see stops.
Gulf Islands National Seashore at a glance
- Best time
- March–May, October–November
- Trip length
- 2–3 days
- Don't miss
- Florida National Scenic Trail
- Nearby city
- Gateway towns in FL
Explore this park
About Gulf Islands National Seashore
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!
Weather Information
Weather along the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico can change quickly. During the
- Summer
temperatures range from 70-100+ degrees fahrenheit.
- Winter
30°F – 60°F
Snow and freezing temperatures are not common. During the 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
Entrance - Motorcycle
$20.00Valid 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.
Entrance - Per Person
$15.00Fees are required at Fort Pickens Area, Opal Beach Complex Area, and Johnson Beach Area in Florida. Additional fees to ride the ferry.
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. Wednesday - Sunday.
- Monday8:00AM - 6:00PM
- Tuesday8:00AM - 6:00PM
- Wednesday8:00AM - 6:00PM
- Thursday8:00AM - 6:00PM
- Friday8:00AM - 6:00PM
- Saturday8:00AM - 6:00PM
- Sunday8:00AM - 6:00PM
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.
- Monday5:00AM - 8:00PM
- Tuesday5:00AM - 8:00PM
- Wednesday5:00AM - 8:00PM
- Thursday5:00AM - 8:00PM
- Friday5:00AM - 8:00PM
- Saturday5:00AM - 8:00PM
- Sunday5:00AM - 8:00PM
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.
- Monday8:00AM - Sunset
- Tuesday8:00AM - Sunset
- Wednesday8:00AM - Sunset
- Thursday8:00AM - Sunset
- Friday8:00AM - Sunset
- Saturday8:00AM - Sunset
- Sunday8:00AM - Sunset
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.
- Monday8:00AM - Sunset
- Tuesday8:00AM - Sunset
- Wednesday8:00AM - Sunset
- Thursday8:00AM - Sunset
- Friday8:00AM - Sunset
- Saturday8:00AM - Sunset
- Sunday8:00AM - Sunset
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.
- Monday8:00AM - 8:00PM
- Tuesday8:00AM - 8:00PM
- Wednesday8:00AM - 8:00PM
- Thursday8:00AM - 8:00PM
- Friday8:00AM - 8:00PM
- Saturday8:00AM - 8:00PM
- Sunday8:00AM - 8:00PM
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.
- Monday5:00AM - 8:00PM
- Tuesday5:00AM - 8:00PM
- Wednesday5:00AM - 8:00PM
- Thursday5:00AM - 8:00PM
- Friday5:00AM - 8:00PM
- Saturday5:00AM - 8:00PM
- Sunday5:00AM - 8:00PM
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).
- MondayAll Day
- TuesdayAll Day
- WednesdayAll Day
- ThursdayAll Day
- FridayAll Day
- SaturdayAll Day
- SundayAll Day
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.
- MondayAll Day
- TuesdayAll Day
- WednesdayAll Day
- ThursdayAll Day
- FridayAll Day
- SaturdayAll Day
- SundayAll Day
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.
- MondayAll Day
- TuesdayAll Day
- WednesdayAll Day
- ThursdayAll Day
- FridayAll Day
- SaturdayAll Day
- SundayAll Day
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. For Massachusetts is open 10:15 am - 2:15 pm Wednesday - Sunday during the operating season.
- MondayClosed
- TuesdayClosed
- Wednesday10:00AM - Sunset
- Thursday10:00AM - Sunset
- Friday10:00AM - Sunset
- Saturday10:00AM - Sunset
- Sunday10:00AM - Sunset
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).
- MondayAll Day
- TuesdayAll Day
- WednesdayAll Day
- ThursdayAll Day
- FridayAll Day
- SaturdayAll Day
- SundayAll Day
Fort Barrancas Area
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. The Fort Barrancas Visitor Center, Fort Barrancas, and Spanish Water Battery are open on Saturday and Sunday.
- MondayClosed
- TuesdayClosed
- Wednesday9:00AM - 4:00PM
- Thursday9:00AM - 4:00PM
- Friday9:00AM - 4:00PM
- Saturday9:00AM - 4:00PM
- Sunday9:00AM - 4:00PM
Gulf Islands National Seashore park store at Fort Pickens
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. Items can only be purchased instore. This is a primary location for park stamps. Park store is subject to closures due to weather and/or holidays.
- Monday9:00AM - 4:30PM
- Tuesday9:00AM - 4:30PM
- Wednesday9:00AM - 4:30PM
- Thursday9:00AM - 4:30PM
- Friday9:00AM - 4:30PM
- Saturday9:00AM - 4:30PM
- Sunday9:00AM - 4:30PM
Entrance Passes
Annual Entrance - Park
$45.00Good for 365 days from purchase. Non-replaceable if lost. Keep receipt as second proof of purchase. Design specific to the park and changes annually.
Common questions
Planning Gulf Islands National Seashore
The summary above covers timing and highlights. These go deeper on reservations, crowds, and logistics — check Alerts for live updates.
Reservation rules vary by season and activity for Gulf Islands National Seashore. See Overview on this page for fees, timed entry, and campground details before you travel.
