Where is Gulf Islands National Seashore,Pensacola, florida-&-mississippi & Mississippi?

Written by | Updated On: December 03, 2025, 14:30 ET

Gulf Islands National Seashore is located in Florida and Mississippi, USA. It lies between the Gulf of Mexico and the barrier islands, situated along the Gulf Coast, and is famous for its white sandy beaches, historic forts, and coastal wildlife.

Gulf Islands National Seashore Location Map,Pensacola, florida-&-mississippi & Mississippi

Where is Gulf Islands National Seashore Located inPensacola, florida-&-mississippi & Mississippi
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Top Attractions Inside Gulf Islands National Seashore

  • Fort Pickens – Historic coastal fort with military history exhibits and scenic views.
  • Beaches & Swimming Areas – Pristine white-sand beaches ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking.
  • Hiking & Nature Trails – Trails through dunes, maritime forests, and coastal habitats.
  • Wildlife Observation – Opportunities to see birds, dolphins, and other coastal wildlife.
  • Boating & Kayaking – Access to calm waters for paddling and exploring the seashore’s islands.
  • Visitor Centers – Exhibits and information on natural and cultural history of the seashore.
  • Camping Facilities – Beachfront and forested campsites for overnight stays and recreation.

Gulf Islands National Seashore Facts

Official NameGulf Islands National Seashore
LocationFlorida Panhandle (near Pensacola) & Gulf Coast Mississippi, USA
Latitude & Longitude (approx.)~29.75° N, 88.50° W (central area near Pensacola) — seashore spans ~160 miles (260 km) from Cat Island, MS to Santa Rosa Island, FL
Total Area~139,175 acres (~56,322 hectares / ~215 square miles) :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Established / AuthorizedJanuary 8, 1971 :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Managed ByU.S. National Park Service :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Region / SettingBarrier islands, coastal mainland, marshes, dunes and gulf‑coast ecosystems along the Gulf of Mexico — Florida Panhandle & Mississippi Gulf Coast :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Mailing Address / Main Headquarters1801 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze, FL 32563, USA (Florida district) :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Time ZoneCentral Time / Gulf Coast Time (UTC−6 Standard / UTC−5 Daylight Saving) — same as Florida Panhandle/Mississippi Gulf Coast
Park Type / ConceptNational Seashore — protection of barrier‑island beaches, coastal ecosystems, marine waters, historic forts & cultural sites, recreation & wilderness preservation :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Main Sections / FeaturesBarrier Islands (e.g. Santa Rosa Island, Perdido Key, Petit Bois, Horn, East & West Ship, Cat Island) — Coastal mainland marshes & bayous (e.g. Naval Live Oaks, Davis Bayou) — Historic forts (e.g. Fort Pickens, Fort Barrancas, Fort Massachusetts) — Beaches, dunes, maritime forests, marine waters :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Famous Attractions / HighlightsWhite‑sand beaches & emerald‑coast waters — Historic forts (Fort Pickens, Fort Barrancas, Fort Massachusetts) — Hiking, camping, bird‑watching, snorkeling, kayaking — Rich wildlife & marine life (sea turtles, dolphins, 300+ bird species) :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Typical Activities / RecreationSwimming, snorkeling, fishing, boating, kayaking, bird‑watching, hiking, camping, fort tours, wildlife viewing, picnicking, nature trails :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Annual Visitors (recent)≈ 8.3 million (2023) :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
Entry Fee TypePaid Admission / Site Pass required for many areas (including beaches, camping, some facilities) :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
Best Time to VisitSpring & Fall (milder weather, lower humidity, good for wildlife viewing and outdoor activities) :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
Nearest Major Access Points / CitiesPensacola, FL (Florida side) — Gulf Breeze, FL — Ocean Springs / Biloxi, MS (Mississippi side) :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
Official Websitehttps://www.nps.gov/guis/

Distances from Gulf Islands National Seashore to Nearby Landmarks

  • Fort Pickens – 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • Pensacola Beach – 15 km (9.3 mi)
  • Naval Air Station Pensacola – 18 km (11.2 mi)
  • Fort Barrancas – 13 km (8.1 mi)
  • Perdido Key State Park – 25 km (15.5 mi)
  • Santa Rosa Island – 10 km (6.2 mi)
  • Navarre Beach – 50 km (31 mi)
  • Okaloosa Island – 70 km (43.5 mi)
  • Destin, FL – 90 km (55.9 mi)
  • Gulf Breeze, FL – 20 km (12.4 mi)
  • Topsail Hill Preserve State Park – 60 km (37.3 mi)
  • Fort Walton Beach – 80 km (49.7 mi)
  • Mobile Bay – 130 km (80.8 mi)
  • Ship Island – 90 km (55.9 mi)
  • Biloxi, MS – 100 km (62.1 mi)
  • Pascagoula, MS – 150 km (93.2 mi)
  • Naval Live Oaks – 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • Gulf Islands Visitor Center – 0 km (0 mi)
  • Fort Massachusetts – 90 km (55.9 mi)
  • Santa Rosa Sound – 15 km (9.3 mi)
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