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American seashore along the Gulf of Mexico
Photo: National Park Service, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Gulf Islands National Seashore is a national seashore along the Gulf of Mexico in the United States of America.
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Built to defend Pensacola Bay in the 1830s. Self-guided tours open to hikers, bikers, and boaters. It saw heavy use in the Civil War and World War II.
Off Highway 98, Gulf Breeze, FL. Daily 8:30AM to 4:30PM. An indoor hands-on exhibit on shipbuilding with Live Oak wood. Beaches and trails.
This center shows a 15-minute slide presentation on the history of Pensacola during the Civil War and has exhibits related to the fort. Bookstore, restrooms.
Tours daily at 2PM. Constructed 1839-1844, it was one of four forts built to protect the Pensacola Navy Yard.
Stands at the base of the barranca, or bluff, just below. It retains some of the Spanish ornamentation, and includes a rifle gallery and rear wall added by U. S. Army engineers. An underground passage connects the Water Battery to Fort Barrancas.
One hour tours Sa 11AM. Reached by the half-mile "Trench Trail" from the visitor center. It was built from 1845 to 1870 to defend the northern side of the peninsula from land-based attack.
On West Ship Island twelve miles off the Mississippi coastline is reachable by boat or ferry from Gulfport, MS. Visitors must be prepared for sun and lack of water on the island. Bathrooms, a concession, and water are available on board the ferries. Visitors are required to pack out everything they bring to the island. A one-third mile trek is required to reach the Gulf beach on the island's south side. Large ice chests, wagons, bulky items, and glass containers are prohibited on the ferries. Ranger-guided tours are offered March–October.
Also runs between Santa Rosa Island and Big Cypress National Preserve.
Campground loop "A" is open to hikers and bikers, $10 a night payable at the campground registration station. Potable water, cold showers, bathrooms, picnic table, cook grill and fire ring.
It is available to groups of 10 or more people, with a maximum limit of 40. $16
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Pensacola · International · PNS
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