Gulf Islands National Seashore

Things To Do Near Gulf Islands National Seashore

With 160 miles of shoreline to discover, RVers will love the Gulf Islands National Seashore. While in Mississippi, be sure to visit the many nature trails and bayous. In nearby Florida, check out the National Naval Aviation Museum to learn more about the rich history of aviation and flight. In both places, you'll find a plethora of shops and restaurants to check out. 

Hiking Trails

• Fontainebleau Nature Trail

  The Fontainebleau Trail is excellent for all hikers or runners. As you're going along, make sure to check out the beautiful river at your side and keep an eye out for various species of birds. On some days, you can see alligators lounging in the water.

  Location

  7200 Crane Ln, Gautier, MS 39553

  Length

  1.6 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

• Twelve Oaks Nature Trail

  This short trail can be found right in the middle of town, hidden away from the outside world. You can make your way through a forest of oak and pine, swamps, and a tidal marsh. The trail circles around to Old Fort Bayou, which is complete with an observation deck.

  Location

  1112 Hanley Rd, Ocean Springs, MS 39564, USA

  Length

  0.5 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

• Fort Pickens Trail

  This island trail makes you feel like you're in the middle of the ocean. With water on either side, you might just see dolphins or snapping turtles. The trail's name comes from Fort Pickens, which was built in 1816 to protect Florida's trade routes. 

  Location

  Pensacola Beach, FL 32561

  Length

  5.2 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

Sightseeing

• Davis Bayou Area

  The Davis Bayou Area offers different activities for different interests. Those looking to learn about the bayou's ecosystem would do well to visit the William M. Colmer Visitor Center. Anyone wanting to fish can do so at the Visitor Center Fishing Pier. Picnic areas are available.

  Location

  3500 Park Rd, Ocean Springs, MS 39564

• Shepard State Park

  This 395-acre park has plenty to do, whether you're hiking or picnicking. You can learn about the legendary Pascagoula Indians or go golfing. Archery is also available for those wanting to hone their skills. 

  Location

  1034 Graveline Rd, Gautier, MS 39553-7727

• Naval Live Oaks Nature Preserve

  At the Naval Live Oaks Nature Preserve, you will find an amazing mixture of biomes: thick forests against a windy shoreline. In 1828, President John Quincy Adams signed an executive order to have it remain under federal protection. It is one of the nation's oldest federally protected forests.

  Location

  1801 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze, FL 32563

Museums

• Walter Anderson Museum of Art

  The Walter Anderson Museum of Art is a great way to get a taste of Mississippian culture. The museum collaborates with educators, so there is always something to new to learn. Artists from near and far donate to the museum, and it offers art workshops for children and adults. 

  Location

  510 Washington Ave, Ocean Springs, MS 39564

• The GI Museum

  The GI Museum preserves items used in all armed conflicts in American history. This museum occasionally has people dressed in period attire, explaining the average soldier's role, along with historical reenactments. Local war veterans are honored here. 

  Location

• National Naval Aviation Museum

  At the National Naval Aviation Museum, you can learn about the men and women who served to operate and advance aircraft and spacecraft. It preserves and details aircraft used for both war and commercial purposes, and it has over 150 aircraft and spacecraft on display.

  Location

  1750 Radford Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32508

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Coastal Magpie

  You can find a little of everything at Coastal Magpie. There is antique furniture, along with fine art and regionally made products. Artisan crafts include pottery and handmade jewelry.

  Location

  918 Washington Ave, Ocean Springs, MS 39564

• Charisma

  You can find clothing for any occasion at Charisma. You can find shirts, pants, dresses, and shoes in every style and color. They also have athletic wear, graphic tees, and jewelry.

  Location

  1000-B Government St, Ocean Springs, MS 39564

• Buff City Soap

  If you're RVing in this area and run out of soap, why not check this place out? Buff City Soap only makes soap and cleansers out of ingredients you can pronounce, like flower petals, tea tree oil, and shea butter. This popular shop has been around since 2013.

  Location

  705-A Washington Ave, Ocean Springs, MS 39564

• The Shed Barbeque & Blues Joint

  At The Shed Barbeque, you'll never go hungry with their fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs. Aside from ribs, they have the Pound of Pork, smoked over pecan wood, or the Pound of Brisket, rubbed with salt and pepper spices. Sides include coleslaw, mac and cheese, baked beans, and much more.

  Location

  7501 Highway 57, Ocean Springs, MS 39565-8405

• The Crawfish House & Grill

  Eating at The Crawfish will give you a taste of Mississippi's history. You can order their crawfish platter, complete with 3 pounds of hot and spicy crawfish, or try their shrimp and crab cakes. Chicken entrees are available, along with sides like corn and fries.

  Location

  1801 Government St Suite D, Ocean Springs, MS 39564-3942

• Taste of Thai

  For those food aficionados looking for something a little different, be sure to visit Taste of Thai. Try the Red Curry Seafood plate with bamboo chutes, leaves, and vegetables, or get the Salmon Paradise with Thai chili sauce. Appetizers include crab rangoon and fried tofu while main meals also include soups and salads. 

  Location

  Thai

How To Get To Gulf Islands National Seashore

The Gulf Island National Seashore stretches from southern Mississippi to southwestern Florida. Head northwest on I-10 W, and take Exit 50 toward Ocean Springs. Use the left lane to turn left onto MS-609 S/Tucker Rd/Washington Ave. Turn left to merge onto I-10 E toward Mobile and follow for about 7.5 miles. Take Exit 57 to merge onto MS-57 S. Turn right onto Ocean Springs Rd and continue straight onto Gulf Island National Seashore Pkwy. Continue onto Park Rd and follow that for a little over two miles. Turn right and then left. The destination will be on the right. 

Gulf Islands National Seashore is open unless otherwise specified. Certain areas are open year-round except for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Address

3500 Park Rd, Ocean Springs, MS 39564

Fee: Entry fee (per person) $10.0

Fee: Entry fee (per motorcycle) $15.0

Fee: Entry fee (per private vehicle with less than 15 passengers) $25.0

Fee: Entry fee (per person if vehicle capacity is less than 15 (up to $25)) $7.0

At the Gulf Islands National Seashore, you'll have the opportunity to learn about the histories and cultures of both Mississippi and Florida, along with enjoying the beautiful scenery. Immerse yourself in the restaurants, museums, and shops, and you'll carry a piece of it with you forever. Traveling by RV makes this easier as the comforts of home are never too far away.