Native Americans plumbed the rich natural resources long before Europeans cast eyes upon the coast. At various times in early settlement history, Spain, France, Britain, and the United States laid claim to this area, recognizing its strategic importance in defending Gulf Coast settlements. Both village site and fortification ruins illustrate this history of human use. Visitors to the seashore participate in the ongoing interaction of people and nature by touring historical sites and taking advantage of miles of beaches, trails, and waterways open to recreation.

What to see and do. You'll find the 11 sections of this park divided into two basic areas separated by Alabama. Depending on which direction you're coming from, you could start your trip with Mississippi's bayou country or the historic site on Florida's barrier island of Santa Rosa. Both sections offer extensive water recreation opportunities. Exploring both could take at least two days. If bayous fascinate you, head to the Davis Bayou section in Mississippi. At the William M. Colmer Visitor Center, watch a video describing the unique ecosystem of underwater grasses, shallow waters, and shoreline hardwood trees such as magnolia, live oak, and pine. Keep your eyes peeled for alligators or herons. In fact, alligators are so numerous that swimming in bayou waters is strongly discouraged. Fish for blue crab at the fishing pier, bike the Live Oak Bicycle Trail, or walk the half-mile self-guided nature trail, which has a resident alligator just across the street from the trailhead. Sites at the campground are first-come, first-served for those wishing to stay overnight. Check at the visitor center for ranger programs and other activities. Across the Mississippi Sound from the bayou lie four barrier islands. A second day may see an excursion to West Ship Island, which is reachable only by private boat or ferries leaving from Gulfport. On West Ship, tour Fort Massachusetts, which was built between 1859 and 1866. Though never much used, it's still a good example of 19th-century coastal fort masonry. Spend the rest of the day picnicking, swimming, or hiking the beach area. Horn Island and Petit Bois Island, designated wilderness areas, are more isolated because only private boats travel to them.

In the Florida section, you can take a quick tour of Fort Barrancas and the Water Battery, located on board the Pensacola Naval Air Station. The U.S. restored the Water Battery on the site of a Spanish fortification in the 1840s. Perdido Key, across the water and a short drive southwest, offers swimming, surf-fishing, and a long nature trail exploring marsh vegetation such as sea oats and palmettoes. But most activity is found on Santa Rosa Island. After you cross the Pensacola Bay Bridge, stop by the Naval Live Oaks Visitor Center. Watch a slide show, then explore the nature trails, being sure not to miss the beaver lodge along the northern boundary. This section holds the greatest concentration of Native American middens. Ask a ranger for details about the archaeological story of the area. Turning east along the island brings you to two day-use areas, Okaloosa and Santa Rosa. You may find the Fort Pickens section more interesting. At Fort Pickens, you can either take a self-guided tour or wait for the scheduled ranger tour. Watch for birds along the two-mile bike trail. Take time for the nature trails. Along the Dune trail boardwalk, you'll learn much about the complex interaction between blowing sand, pounding waves, and sea oats that forms these barrier islands. These dunes protect vegetation that can't readily stand high salinity; you'll learn about these plants along the Blackbird Marsh trail. A large campground invites overnight stays. Fish from the shore or jetties for your dinner. Check at the visitor center for ranger talks and programs. For information on the Florida section write: Superintendent, 1801 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze, Florida, 32561.

Several activities aren't confined to a particular section. Bird-watching is available everywhere because the entire park is located along the Atlantic Flyway. During the spring and fall migratory season, you'll see numerous species, including brown pelican. Check with a ranger at any visitor center for the most recent sightings. At the Naval Live Oaks center, inquire about the best areas throughout the park for scuba diving and snorkeling. The surrounding waters teem with fish, including mackerel and red snapper. Fishing is best in spring and summer. Feel free to windsurf, sail and waterski in the warm waters. Most facilities and areas are mobility-impaired accessible.

Pets: Leashed pets are permitted but not on beaches.

Reservations and fees: Reservations can be made through the free National Park Reservation Service at 800-365-2267. A nominal entrance fee is charged for day-use of the area.

Activities and Services

•	Archeological Sites
•	Beach
•	Bicycle Trails
•	Bird Watching
•	Fishing
•	Food Service
•	Gift Shop
•	Guided Tours
•	Hiking/Nature Trails
•	Historic Sites
•	Motor Boating
•	Museum/Exhibits
•	Non-motor Boating
•	Picnic Sites
•	Programs/Talks
•	Self-guided Tours
•	Swimming
•	Visitor Center
•	Water Skiing
•	Wildflower Viewing
•	Wildlife Viewing

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