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.

 Directions 

Plane - The nearest airports are in Gulfport, Mississippi, Mobile, Alabama, and Pensacola, Florida.

Car - 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