The Battery 234 Loop Road and Battery Cooper within the GUIS, Fort Pickens Management Area will be closed to all for vehicle, bicyclists, and foot (pedestrian) traffic until further notice for safety purposes until the park can correct the leaning and structurally unstable historic Tower 234 that poses danger to visitors and staff. The beach access points for pedestrians from the Gulf (south) side will also be closed. The pipe gates at the entrance and exit points will be locked with accompanied signage.
All of the areas are closed until further notice. The Fort Pickens Area is open for day-use only. Fort Pickens Campground Battery Worth Pavilion Naval Live Oaks Area
Caution
Rip Current Status
Review rip current status prior to visiting the park.
Phase II of the Davis Bayou Bicycle and Pedestrian Path is in process. Visitors may encounter minor traffic delays and flaggers on Eagle Point and Park Road.
Fort Barrancas is open 9 am–4 pm Wednesday through Sunday. To access Fort Barrancas, visitors will need to enter the Naval Air station Pensacola through the west gate.
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.
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.
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.
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. For Massachusetts is open 10:15 am - 2:15 pm Wednesday - Sunday during the operating season.
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 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.
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.