GULF ISLAND NATIONAL SEASHORE Gulf Breeze, Florida and Ocean Springs, Mississippi , FL,MS
Description
More than 80 percent of Gulf Islands National Seashore is under water, but the barrier islands are the most outstanding features to those who visit. The Seashore stretches 160 miles from Cat Island in Mississippi to the eastern tip of Santa Rosa Island in Florida. There are snowy-white beaches, sparkling blue waters, fertile coastal marshes, and dense maritime forests. Visitors can explore 19th century forts, enjoy shaded picnic areas, hike on winding nature trails, and camp in comfortable campgrounds. In addition, Horn and Petit Bois Islands located in Mississippi are federally designated wilderness areas. Nature, history, and recreational opportunities abound in this national treasure.
Park Headquarters
1801 Gulf Breeze Parkway
Gulf Breeze, FL 32563-5000
- or -
Mississippi Headquarters
3500 Park Road
Ocean Springs, MS 39564-9709
By Phone
Visitor Information- Florida: 228-875-9057,#2
Visitor Information- Mississippi: 228-875-9057,#2
By Fax: 228-872-2954
Operating Hours & Seasons
Notice: The Florida District of National Seashore is currently closed to all visitation because of the sustained damage from Hurricane Ivan on September 15, 2004. All Mississippi District islands, except West Ship ISland, are open to the public.
The park is open year-round, although operating hours vary seasonally and from unit to unit.
Getting There
Plane
The nearest airports are in Gulfport, Mississippi, Mobile, Alabama, and Pensacola, Florida.
Car
Notice: Many of the bridges are closed around the Pensacola, Florida area because of Hurricane Ivan. The Gulf Islands National Seashore is currently closed.
To get to Naval Live Oaks, Fort Pickens and Santa Rosa areas take U.S. 98 east from Pensacola, Florida. The Naval Live Oaks area is just east of Gulf Breeze on U.S. 98. To reach Fort Pickens and Santa Rosa, take Florida Route 399 from Gulf Breeze across the toll bridge to Pensacola Beach. From there, Fort Pickens is nine miles west, and the Santa Rosa area is 10 miles east. The Oakaloosa Area is on U.S. 98 east of Fort Walton Beach. To reach the mainland forts on board Pensacola Naval Air Station use Blue Angle Parkway (Florida Route 173). Florida Route 292 leads southwest from Pensacola to Perdido Key Area. On the island turn left onto Johnson Beach Road. Mississippi District. Use exits 50 or 57 south from I-10. The Davis Bayou area is on US-90, east of downtown Ocean Springs. Seasonal passenger ferry to West Ship Island leaves from the Gulfport Yacht Harbor near the intersection of US-90 and US-49 in Gulfport, MS.
Bus
Greyhound buses stop in Biloxi and Gulfport, MS. The terminal in downton Gulfport is on 13th Street, about .5 mile from Ship Island Ferry.
Public Transportation
No public transportation is available in the Florida District.
Coast Transit Authority (CTA) buses stop outside the entrance to Davis Bayou at the Sav-A-Center on US-90 and Ocean Springs, MS Road. In Gulfport, MS CTA buses will, upon request, driver through the Yacht Harbor and drop off persons taking the Ship Island Ferry.
Getting Around
Visitors get around the park by private vehicle, private boat, bicycle, or by foot.
Golden Access Pass
Details
This free, lifetime Federal fee area permit is available to all citizens of the United States or persons domiciled (permanent residents) in the United States, regardless of age, who have been medically determined to have a permanent physical, mental or sensory impairement that substantially limits one or more life activities, including the caring of one's self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning or working. It is not necessary for an individual to be receiving benefits, only to qualify for benefits.
Golden Age Passport
Details
Golden Age Passport is a life-time permit for United States citizens who are 62 years of age or older. The passport allows free entrance to all National Park areas and a 50% discount on user fees such as camping.
Golden Age Passport
Details
Golden Age Passport is a life-time permit for United States citizens who are 62 years of age or older. The passport allows free entrance to all National Park areas and a 50% discount on user fees such as camping.
Golden Eagle Upgrade
Details
This upgrade to the National Park Pass allows free entrance to all federal facilities that charge an entrance fee.
Individual, hiker, bicycler,etc.
Details
Entrance fees are charges at Fort Pickens, Perdido Key and Santa Rosa Area.
National Park Pass
Details
Provides entrance to all National Park areas.
Private, non-commercial vehicle
Details
Entrance fees are charges for Fort Pickens, Perdido Key and Santa Rosa Area.
LOCAL PASSPORT
Annual Park Pass
Details
Provides entrance to fee areas including Fort Pickens, Opal Beach at Santa Rosa, and Perdido Key.
FL Night Owl Permit , requires Annual Park Pass
Details
Night Owl Permit extends hour-of-access for single private vehicle. Requires an annual pass bearing a matching signature to the permit (limit 2 signatures).
