How much does it cost to enter Gulf Islands National Seashore?

Entrance to Gulf Islands National Seashore starts at $15. See the fees section above for each pass and vehicle type.

What is there to do at Gulf Islands National Seashore?

Popular activities include Backcountry Camping, Biking, Birdwatching, Boat Tour, Boat Tour, Boating.

Which national parks are within a day's drive of Gulf Islands National Seashore?

Within about a day's drive you can reach Selma To Montgomery National Historic Trail (3 h 8 min), New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park (3 h 23 min), Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site (3 h 35 min), Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site (3 h 37 min), Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve (3 h 52 min), Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument (4 h 15 min).

NATIONAL SEASHORE

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.

Photo: NPS/Doggrell / NPS

FL · MS

states

things to do

$15

to enter

parks within a day

OVERVIEW

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!

WITHIN A DAY'S DRIVE

Pair it with another park

6 in range

50th Anniversary Walking Classroom Participants.

Gulf Islands National Seashore◆◆this park

National Historic Trail · Alabama

Selma To Montgomery National Historic Trail

Gulf Islands National Seashore◆◆this park

National Historical Park · Louisiana

New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park

Gulf Islands National Seashore◆◆this park

National Historic Site · Alabama

Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site

Gulf Islands National Seashore◆◆this park

National Historic Site · Alabama

Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site

Gulf Islands National Seashore◆◆this park

National Historical Park and Preserve · Louisiana

Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve

Gulf Islands National Seashore◆◆this park

National Monument · Alabama

Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument

Driving times from Gulf Islands National Seashore, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.

BEFORE YOU GO

Entrance fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle

$25.00

Cost for up to six people in one vehicle. Good for seven days into any fee area in Florida, (Opal Beach, Johnson Beach, Fort Pickens).

Entrance - Motorcycle

$20.00

Valid 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

$15.00

Fees are required at Fort Pickens Area, Opal Beach Complex Area, and Johnson Beach Area in Florida. Additional fees to ride the ferry.

WHEN TO GO

Hours

Davis Bayou Area

Mon: 8:00AM - 6:00PM
Tue: 8:00AM - 6:00PM
Wed: 8:00AM - 6:00PM
Thu: 8:00AM - 6:00PM
Fri: 8:00AM - 6:00PM
Sat: 8:00AM - 6:00PM
Sun: 8:00AM - 6:00PM

Fort Pickens Area

Mon: 5:00AM - 8:00PM
Tue: 5:00AM - 8:00PM
Wed: 5:00AM - 8:00PM
Thu: 5:00AM - 8:00PM
Fri: 5:00AM - 8:00PM
Sat: 5:00AM - 8:00PM
Sun: 5:00AM - 8:00PM

Naval Live Oaks Area

Mon: 8:00AM - Sunset
Tue: 8:00AM - Sunset
Wed: 8:00AM - Sunset
Thu: 8:00AM - Sunset
Fri: 8:00AM - Sunset
Sat: 8:00AM - Sunset
Sun: 8:00AM - Sunset

Okaloosa Area

Mon: 8:00AM - Sunset
Tue: 8:00AM - Sunset
Wed: 8:00AM - Sunset
Thu: 8:00AM - Sunset
Fri: 8:00AM - Sunset
Sat: 8:00AM - Sunset
Sun: 8:00AM - Sunset

Santa Rosa Area

Mon: 8:00AM - 8:00PM
Tue: 8:00AM - 8:00PM
Wed: 8:00AM - 8:00PM
Thu: 8:00AM - 8:00PM
Fri: 8:00AM - 8:00PM
Sat: 8:00AM - 8:00PM
Sun: 8:00AM - 8:00PM

Perdido Key Area

Mon: 5:00AM - 8:00PM
Tue: 5:00AM - 8:00PM
Wed: 5:00AM - 8:00PM
Thu: 5:00AM - 8:00PM
Fri: 5:00AM - 8:00PM
Sat: 5:00AM - 8:00PM
Sun: 5:00AM - 8:00PM

Petit Bois Island

Mon: All Day
Tue: All Day
Wed: All Day
Thu: All Day
Fri: All Day
Sat: All Day
Sun: All Day

West Petit Bois Island

Mon: All Day
Tue: All Day
Wed: All Day
Thu: All Day
Fri: All Day
Sat: All Day
Sun: All Day

Horn Island

Mon: All Day
Tue: All Day
Wed: All Day
Thu: All Day
Fri: All Day
Sat: All Day
Sun: All Day

Ship Island

Mon: Closed
Tue: Closed
Wed: 10:00AM - Sunset
Thu: 10:00AM - Sunset
Fri: 10:00AM - Sunset
Sat: 10:00AM - Sunset
Sun: 10:00AM - Sunset

Cat Island

Mon: All Day
Tue: All Day
Wed: All Day
Thu: All Day
Fri: All Day
Sat: All Day
Sun: All Day

Fort Barrancas Area

Mon: Closed
Tue: Closed
Wed: 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Thu: 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Fri: 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Sat: 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Sun: 9:00AM - 4:00PM

Gulf Islands National Seashore park store at Fort Pickens

Mon: 9:00AM - 4:30PM
Tue: 9:00AM - 4:30PM
Wed: 9:00AM - 4:30PM
Thu: 9:00AM - 4:30PM
Fri: 9:00AM - 4:30PM
Sat: 9:00AM - 4:30PM
Sun: 9:00AM - 4:30PM

THINGS TO DO

Activities

Backcountry CampingBikingBirdwatchingBoat TourBoat TourBoatingBookstore and Park StoreCampingCanoe or Kayak CampingCanoeingCar or Front Country CampingCitizen ScienceFishingFoodFreshwater FishingFront-Country HikingGift Shop and SouvenirsGroup CampingGuided ToursHands-OnHikingHorse TrekkingHorseback RidingHuntingHunting and GatheringJet SkiingKayakingLiving HistoryMotorized BoatingMountain BikingMuseum ExhibitsPaddlingPicnickingRV CampingRoad BikingSCUBA DivingSaltwater FishingSaltwater SwimmingSelf-Guided Tours - AutoSelf-Guided Tours - WalkingShoppingSnorkelingSwimmingWildlife Watching

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Getting there

Weather along the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico can change quickly. During the winter temperatures range from 30-60 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.

Directions →Official NPS page →

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to enter Gulf Islands National Seashore?: Entrance to Gulf Islands National Seashore starts at $15. See the fees section above for each pass and vehicle type.
What is there to do at Gulf Islands National Seashore?: Popular activities include Backcountry Camping, Biking, Birdwatching, Boat Tour, Boat Tour, Boating.
Which national parks are within a day's drive of Gulf Islands National Seashore?: Within about a day's drive you can reach Selma To Montgomery National Historic Trail (3 h 8 min), New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park (3 h 23 min), Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site (3 h 35 min), Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site (3 h 37 min), Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve (3 h 52 min), Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument (4 h 15 min).