Gulf Islands National Seashore

Understand

This 12-unit National Park protects barrier islands along the Gulf Coast of the states of Mississippi and Florida; islands in Alabama are not included, and are part of state parks instead. The two state units are about a two hour drive apart. Gulf Islands National Seashore offers historical exploration, camping, recreational options and some of the finest white sand beaches. Many areas are closed with storm damage - the list changes frequently, so check right before you plan to visit.

• Park Headquarters +1 850-934-2600

History

The Gulf Islands National Seashore includes many areas of historical interest. In Florida, Don Tristan de Luna founded the first attempt at a Spanish settlement in the mainland U.S. on Santa Rosa Island; this later became the city of Pensacola. Fort Pickens, Fort Barrancas, and the ruins of Fort McRee are all part of the National Seashore, and all were important during the Civil War. The Naval Live Oaks Reservation on the mainland is a relic of the era of wooden ships. This forest of curvy live oaks was purchased in 1828 by the U.S. government during the Adams administration, in order to ensure a continuous supply of the wood for the navy who preferred the hard, curved wood for ship hulls. In the 1970s, the U.S. government reasserted its right to the forest in court after Florida attempted to sell the land to private citizens. This led to the authorization of the Gulf Islands National Seashore on January 8, 1971, in order to protect the forest and all the government-owned islands nearby for future generations. The Mississippi islands were added to the park later, in 1978, in order to protect the pristine natural habitats there from development.

Landscape

With the exception of the Naval Live Oaks Preservation in Florida and Davis Bayou in Mississippi, which are on the mainland, the Gulf Islands National Seashore is located on barrier islands. These islands are famous for their natural, bright white sand, which is composed of quartz and washes down from the Appalachian Mountains. Sand dunes form naturally near the coast, and further inland, scraggly pine tree forests make a living among the sandy soil.

Flora and fauna

Of the seven species of sea turtles, four nest at Gulf Islands National Seashore. Human development on the islands scared away many of the sea turtles, but conservation efforts have increased the number of nests in the park almost tenfold. There are twenty endangered species that live in the park. The most well-known is the Perdido Key beach mouse, a tiny mouse that lives in the sand dunes, and which was the cause of arguments and lawsuits between developers, residents, environmentalists, and the park service. Today, the lack of condominiums on Perdido Key can be attributed to the beach mouse.

The islands host a unique dune habitat; wind and waves blow sand into large piles, which are held in place by the root systems of beach grass and sea oats. Before this relationship between grass and dunes was understood, the plants were treated as a weed and were removed, leaving the dunes vulnerable to hurricanes. Hurricanes Erin and Opal in 1995 destroyed most of the dune habitat on the islands in Florida, but replanting efforts of sea oats and grass have slowly started to bring the dunes back. It's now illegal to remove plant life from the sand dunes.

Climate

The Seashore is sunny and warm most of the year. June through September are the most humid months and afternoon thunderstorms are common. The Seashore has been hit by numerous hurricanes throughout the years. Hurricane season is June through November.

Visitor information

• Park website

Get in

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.

Florida District

• The Perdido Key Area is off Florida Route 292, southwest from Pensacola on Perdido Key; turn east on Johnson Beach Road.
• Naval Live Oaks is on US 98 east of Gulf Breeze, Florida.
• The Okaloosa Day Use Area is on US 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 Fort Pickens Road extends all the way to the west end of the island for accessibility to the Fort, and to the re-built fishing pier. The speed limit varies from 15 mph in places (to protect endangered birds nesting by the roadside) to 35 mph.
• The Santa Rosa Area is east of Pensacola Beach. The J. Earle Bowden Way (State Road 399) provides access. Opal Beach is in this area, and contains a lifeguarded beach, restrooms, a ranger station, and clusters of picnic pavilions on the Gulf side and the Sound side. Two pavilion clusters are available for rental.

Mississippi District

• The Davis Bayou Area is on U.S. 90, east of downtown Ocean Springs, MS. Use Exit 50 or 57 south from I-10.
• Islands. The islands are not accessible by automobile. Visitors to the Seashore's barrier islands can enjoy island camping on all the islands but West Ship Island. Other activities include beachcombing, birdwatching, swimming, and fishing. NPS list of boat operators.
• Horn Island, Petit Bois Island, and East Ship Island are open year-round to private boaters.
• West Ship Island is open to private boaters from sunrise to sunset.
• The two miles of the western tip of Cat Island are within the Seashore boundary and are open to private boaters.
• A Pan Isles passenger ferry, Gulfport Yacht Harbor, Phone: +1-866-466-7386, . Takes visitors out to West Ship Island March through October.

Fees and permits

Entrance fees: Per Pedestrian/cyclist (7 days) $3; Per Vehicle (7 days) $8; GUIS Annual Pass $25. Fees also apply for camping. See Sleep section below.

Stay safe

• Sharks are present in the Gulf of Mexico. Do not swim at dawn, dusk or night when sharks are active or feeding. Do not swim in murky waters. Beware of jellyfish and stingrays. If stung by a jellyfish apply vinegar and meat tenderizer. Do not touch irritated skin or wash with fresh water. Shuffle feet lightly while wading to scare stingrays away.
• It is not safe to climb on fortifications.
• Beware of fire ants and be sure to bring insect repellent, especially during the warmer months (May-Sept).