Gulf Islands National Seashore stretches for 160 miles along the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico in Mississippi and Florida. The forts of Gulf Islands National Seashore span almost 150 years, from the Spanish colonial Bateria De San Antonio (1797) to the World War Two-era Battery 234. This reflects the historic value of the anchorages at Pensacola Bay, Florida and Ship Island, Mississippi. Most striking among these are the American Third System forts: Fort Pickens, Fort Massachusetts, Fort Barrancas, and the Advanced Redoubt, all of which saw action during the Civil War. You can drive to some park areas and take a boat to others. Both districts offer developed campgrounds and primitive island camping. The park operates four visitor centers in both states for you to stop at and plan your visit
(1) Fort Pickens Visitor Center   (map of Fort Pickens area)
(2) Fort Barrancas Visitor Center
(3) William Colmer Visitor Center
(4) Park Headquarters at Naval Live Oaks   (map of Naval Live Oaks area)
This is the official Park Map by the National Park Service.

Gulf Islands National Seashore stretches for 160 miles along the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico in Mississippi and Florida. The forts of Gulf Islands National Seashore span almost 150 years, from the Spanish colonial Bateria De San Antonio (1797) to the World War Two-era Battery 234. This reflects the historic value of the anchorages at Pensacola Bay, Florida and Ship Island, Mississippi. Most striking among these are the American Third System forts: Fort Pickens, Fort Massachusetts, Fort Barrancas, and the Advanced Redoubt, all of which saw acti...