Gulf Islands National Seashore

Designated in 1971, Gulf Islands National Seashore, preserves and protects a beautiful white stretch of beach on Santa Rosa Island. This coastal treasure also preserves live oaks, turquoise waters and animal habitats. The photos you see from our time there are around the Opal Beach area of the park.

On the far west side of Santa Rosa Island is Fort Pickens Campground, which is part of the National Seashore. Consistently one of the top ten busiest campgrounds in all of the 420+ national parks and sites, camping is available there year round.

“This seashore area is a place of natural beauty unique in all the world. It will be preserved not only for this day but for generations to come.”

President Lyndon B. Johnson when Gulf Islands National Seashore was designated in 1971