Gulf Islands National Seashore - Plan Your Visit

Gulf Islands National Seashore by National Parks Service

Operating Hours Seasons

All of the Mississippi islands in the Seashore are open to park visitation unless posted.

All areas of the Florida District are open year-round unless posted. Operating hours vary seasonally and from unit to unit. Because of hurricane damage all areas are closed at dark. However, visitors with back country camping or Night Owl permits on Perdido Key or campers at the Naval Live Oaks group campground may access the areas after dark.

Getting There

Plane

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

Car

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.

Bus

Bus service in the Mississippi Gulf Coast may be interupted because of hurricane damage.

Public Transportation

Florida District - The Escambia County Area Transit (ECAT) operates 7 days a week in the community. It does not stop inside the Seashore. For more information please call 850-595-3228 or visit their website at http://www.goecat.com.

Mississippi District - Coast Transit Authority (CTA) buses stop at the Ocean Springs Wal-Mart, approximately 2 1/2 miles from the entrance to Davis Bayou and 4 1/2 miles from the visitor center and campground areas. Visit www.coasttransit.com or call (228) 896-8080 for schedule information

Transportation to West Ship Island, Mississippi - Passenger ferry service, "Pan Isles," located in Gulfport, MS south of the intersection of U. S. Highways 90 and 49, runs to West Ship Island from March to October. Although facilities on West Ship Island were destroyed by Hurricane Katrina, restrooms and a snack bar are on the ferry. For information about the ferry service call 228-864-1014 or visit www.msshipisland.com.