Gulf Islands National Seashore
Gulf Islands National Seashore
Gulf Islands National Seashore
5
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This 150-mile stretch of seashore, which runs from Cat Island in Mississippi to Santa Rosa Island in Florida, offers sparkling blue water and many beautiful beaches along the way.
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- Jerri LJohnston, Iowa5,073 contributionsThis is a very scenic and peaceful stretch of seashore with white sand beaches and beautiful blue waters. We spent a day on Opal Beach walking and just enjoying the solitude and the beauty. There is a fee charged for admission - we used our America the Beautiful National Park Pass and there is a Gulf Islands Seashore pass available as well. There are restrooms, picnic pavilions and beach showers and during peak season there may be life guards available as this is a perfect beach area for fishing, swimming, wading… be safe and aware of the signs and the weather.Visited January 2025Traveled as a coupleWritten January 14, 2025
- 2TravelersMnStillwater, Minnesota578 contributionsThis 12-unit National Park protects barrier Islands along the Gulf Coast of Florida and Mississippi. Gulf Islands National Seashore offers historical exploration, recreational options and some of the finest white sand beaches and dunes. The Gulf Island National Seashore is also teeming with native wildlife.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten January 4, 2025
- jwdontenEnglewood, Florida347 contributionsWe drove through the Santa Rosa Area of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. The weather was not really a beach day but it was nice to get to see the pristine beaches of national park. When you enter the park, you leave civilization behind and encounter white sands, dunes and water as far as you can see. Nice to leave the commercialization behind and experience a natural Gulf Coast.Visited June 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 23, 2024
- Kate Illinois1Illinois5,249 contributionsThe blue-green waters is a magnificent contrast to the white beaches. Beaches are clean. Parking can be a challenge on busy days. We avoided the fee with our senior America the Beautiful pass. Be sure to drive to Fort Pickens; it's a beautiful drive. Speed limit is 25mph.Visited February 2025Traveled as a coupleWritten February 26, 2025
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.8
1,298 reviews
Excellent
1,131
Very good
137
Average
26
Poor
1
Terrible
3
james h
Picayune, MS197 contributions
Apr 2023
We visit this area frequently and always experience the stretch of some of the most beautiful and pristine Florida beaches. I ride my bike from Pensacola Beach out to Navarre (east) and to Fort Pickens (west) and still never tire of the experience. Yesterday, I asked a ranger whey the Fort Pickens area was extremely busy and learned the Blue Angels were practicing their routine - Pensacola NAS, home to the Blue Angels, is just across from Fort Pickens and offers a great view. Just an added feature to my bike ride was a front row seat for the performance. One thing that helps make this place special are the rangers that manage the area. Great group of folks who love their jobs and do what they can to help us visitors have a special experience. (for the Fort Pickens road, a National Park pass is required and can be purchased at the entry gate) The eastbound drive towards Navarre is free.
Written April 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steven D
Spring Hill, TN2,783 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
While staying in Perdido Key (Pensacola) Florida we researched good places to access the beach for ourselves and extended family members including younger grandchildren.
We discovered Johnson’s Beach / Gulf Islands National Seashore managed by the National Park Service. Modest $25 entry fee per vehicle that can be reused for seven days — perfect for our four day weekend.
The managed section of the park includes a large covered picnic area, restrooms, outdoor showers, lifeguard station with rescue vehicles and surf condition flag alerts. The beach itself is very nice and well groomed and clean. Adequate parking for hundreds of vehicles.
We discovered Johnson’s Beach / Gulf Islands National Seashore managed by the National Park Service. Modest $25 entry fee per vehicle that can be reused for seven days — perfect for our four day weekend.
The managed section of the park includes a large covered picnic area, restrooms, outdoor showers, lifeguard station with rescue vehicles and surf condition flag alerts. The beach itself is very nice and well groomed and clean. Adequate parking for hundreds of vehicles.
Written July 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DIane
WIsconsin216 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
We had no idea what a beautiful drive we were in store for, stunning views, beautiful roads, otherworldly area really! The white wind swept dunes are on either side of you as you drive down to Ft. Perkins. W we got out and walked to the water, many pull outs, large expanses of sand and everywhere you look it is beautiful! Encountered quite a few bicyclist in the bicycle lanes, the speed limit is like 35 and winding, so plan for a good several hours, not a place to pass through quickly, oh, one way in and one way out! Worth your time. We were in the Santa Rosa section. Ft. Perkins at the end is definitely worth it, we used our national Park pass otherwise it is $25.
Written February 8, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lifetraveler1
Atlanta, GA1,386 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
The great thing I like about this beach, is it is isolated from the more popular beaches. You don't get large crowds here, because it's part of a national park. It's a little bit further from population centers. And there's a fee. Because of the lack of density of people, the beach itself is normally very pristine. The sand is blinding white when there's a sun out, and the water is pretty clear. Only one thing, the times I have been there there were no guards, I mean lifeguards, and the water currents was strong.
Written May 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
F4981JCmichaels
Vancouver, WA2,924 contributions
Jun 2021
Unique beach. Long, long strip of blinding white sand. Bring your sunglasses. The sand is a fine powder.
Many Florida beaches we saw in Florida on our road trip were filled with people, but because this is a national seashore, there is a fee, so there are fewer people present. Plus it is away from populated areas along highway 399 east of Pensacola Beach.
The place has restrooms too and picnic areas, more than one location.
If you are over 62, you can get a free lifetime pass for national parks, monuments, etc. Pays off if you go to a lot of national parks.
Many Florida beaches we saw in Florida on our road trip were filled with people, but because this is a national seashore, there is a fee, so there are fewer people present. Plus it is away from populated areas along highway 399 east of Pensacola Beach.
The place has restrooms too and picnic areas, more than one location.
If you are over 62, you can get a free lifetime pass for national parks, monuments, etc. Pays off if you go to a lot of national parks.
Written August 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deb C
Lewes, DE254 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
The seashore itself was absolutely stunning with the pure white sand. At times it was so white that it looked like snow. And it went on for miles and miles We stopped at the visitor center at Gulf Breeze called Gulf Island National Seashore Headquarters. It looked nice with a replica sea turtle out front. However … it was closed and there were no restrooms that we could find. Upon walking around back there was a water fountain up against the building with the metal cover ripped off. The center actually looked abandoned. Now, I may be wrong but aren’t these National Parks ours ? How disgraceful the neglect we saw. There was a very small boardwalk that also could use a little attention
Written February 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Olli Copperwolf
Crestview, FL91 contributions
Apr 2019
To start with, the portion of the long stretch I usually visited, was in Gulf Breeze. I used to go through the trails all the time and on both sides of Highway 98. Most of the time, I would never ever run in to anyone else and it was always incredibly quiet. There are some set walkways in some parts, a few camping areas that can be reserved by groups also, such as Scout camping trips. If you just need to de-stress a while, going to some of the various areas of the Gulf Islands National Seashore will help incredibly for short term relief.
For any amenities, including restrooms, there are a few spots spread out along the way, but if not camping or such, either go before you come to one of the Seashore's areas, or just step off the path briefly at any point and do your business if absolutely necessary. If you think you may end up going, it's a good idea to take along some toilet paper and remember to did a hole of sorts if your insides suddenly have a great desire to explode!
Also, I never ran across any animals really ever when going through where I did and I walked the trails alot. There were birds of course and the occasional squirrel, as well as anole lizards, but really nothing else really. You do need to be careful of various species of snakes though since they are out in the wooded areas, but I still never had this issue all the times I've been walking on the paths either. So, ... yeah...
For any amenities, including restrooms, there are a few spots spread out along the way, but if not camping or such, either go before you come to one of the Seashore's areas, or just step off the path briefly at any point and do your business if absolutely necessary. If you think you may end up going, it's a good idea to take along some toilet paper and remember to did a hole of sorts if your insides suddenly have a great desire to explode!
Also, I never ran across any animals really ever when going through where I did and I walked the trails alot. There were birds of course and the occasional squirrel, as well as anole lizards, but really nothing else really. You do need to be careful of various species of snakes though since they are out in the wooded areas, but I still never had this issue all the times I've been walking on the paths either. So, ... yeah...
Written February 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
smokymtngirl
smoky mtns41 contributions
Apr 2023
Lived in the area 4 years and Opal was my go-to beach location. Lower crowds, easy walk across the sand from the parking lot. If people crowd you, you can pick up and find a spot to yourself. Because Opal and Ft. Pickens require parking permits, you encounter less riff-raff and a better-behaved group of people, for the most part. There are some fishermen who try to take up large sections of the beach, but rowdiness seems to be at a minimum. Your best spot for a peaceful beach experience can be found on the Gulf Islands Seashore.
Written May 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shannon K
Knoxville, TN193 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
I really don’t want to write a review because I want this seashore to remain a hidden gem. We stayed in Destin and drove down twice to these beaches. Next time I will be staying in Pensacola Beach, as these beaches are pristine, calmer waters, and less crowded.
Written May 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
maldenmusic
Malden, MO2,472 contributions
Jun 2020 • Friends
Gulf Islands includes several locations in FL and MS. This visit took us to some of the Florida sections. The beaches are pristine and most have lifeguards and bathrooms. There's an entrance fee but it lets you explore any of the locations for 7 days. Bring everything you need to the beach with you as there are no vendors allowed. If you're lucky, you might get to see a few protected sea turtles or dolphins and stingrays
Written June 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eadgyth_the_Swan
Louisiana
Regarding the Florida islands in the GINS:
1. Are pop-up canopies or sun tents (for day use only) allowed? If so, is there a size limitation?
2. Are alcoholic beverages allowed or prohibited? (Naturally would be used responsibility by adults and with no glass containers.)
3. Is the use of a wagon or beach cart allowed to transport gear from the parking lots to the beach area?
Thanks.
Written July 6, 2021
Are there any Ranger programs happening since COVID started? We are coming in July and it looks like there is nothing on the calendar. I can’t get a hold of anyone on the phone and they aren’t responding to my phone message.
Written June 17, 2021
They were closed when we got there a few weeks ago with no ranger programs available. We were able to tour the park on our own but the only ranger we saw was the one letting people into the park itself at the gate.
Written June 18, 2021
Daydream52919
Largo, Florida
I'm planning a vacation in the panhandle and destin beach area wheres the best place to stay? Looking for beautiful beach, restaurants, entertainment? Hotels
Written April 8, 2021
I would like to have a small informal wedding among the dunes & sea grass. Is this allowed?
Written November 24, 2019
Probably not. There are STRICT laws/rules on Gulf Islands Seashore but......less so in the residential areas. I suggest you contact the Santa Rosa Island Authority for clarification. Money talks here, just like everywhere else.
Written November 25, 2019
We would like to come in March. What’s the best time to avoid spring break?
Written September 24, 2019
I love early May,its usually beautiful weather,have never been in March but Im sure it would be nice,the water will be cold then
Written September 24, 2019
Lisa
Cologne, Germany
Can we enter with the annual pass 'America the beautiful'?
Written March 30, 2019
If you mean the U.S. park pass, yes, you can use it! There are several areas to park. The ones that actually have restroom facilities and gazebos and such are the ones, where you either pay admission (a small fee) or use your park pass. Should a ranger not be on duty, I just hang my pass off of the mirror. in my car.
Written April 3, 2019
How do i acess the road for this seashore in perdito key?
Written October 21, 2018
One more thing...you can also access Johnson Beach which is part of the seashore easily from Perdido Key. The entrance to that portion is going back towards the Alabama line from Pensacola. Depending on where you are staying it could be east or west from you.
Written October 21, 2018
mhstockton
Tallahassee, Florida
Can I use the National Parks and Recreational land pass for entrance fee?
Written September 25, 2018
There is no entrance fee and there are multiple places to enter the beach.
Written September 26, 2018
Where is a good parking location?
What are some ways to protect a infant from sun if tent isn’t allowed and umbrella always seem to be blown away haha
Written July 29, 2018
I would choose the Langdon Beach Access Road Parking Area with a covered location and bath rooms.
Written July 29, 2018
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