Explore nature and history with hikes, moonlit paddles and talks at Gulf Island National Seashore locations across the Gulf Coast.
Programs are subject to change due to manning or weather. Visitors can also verify the daily schedule in person at the visitor center or at the fort’s entrances. All programs are provided free of charge, entrance station fees may apply.
Reminder the Fort Pickens and Fort Barrancas Visitor Centers in Florida are closed. For questions please visit the entrance to the Historic Fort Pickens. William M. Colmer Visitor Center in Mississippi is staffed from 9 AM to 4 PM. Passport Stamps can be collected at visitor centers and the park store located inside Fort Pickens opens daily from 9 AM to 4:30 PM. Current park hours are 5 AM to 6 PM in fee areas.
Special Events
February 3
First Saturday Hike
Time: 9 a.m.
Location: Park Headquarters at the Naval Live Oaks Area
Duration: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Type of Event: Hike, walk
Description: Join us for a ranger-led hike through a forest of oak and pine to learn about the history of the Deer Point Naval Live Oak Plantation. Easy to moderate 0.8-mile hike. . Note: The First Saturday Hike involves walking on unpaved surfaces and over narrow, uneven sandy walkways. As a result, it is not wheelchair or stroller accessible. Accommodations for people with special needs will be made as best as possible. Programs are subject to change and/or cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
February 24
Full Moon Paddle with Jackson County Recreation
Time: at 5:45 p.m.
Registration: Online at https://secure.rec1.com/MS/jackson-county-ms/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTI4OTIyMDE=
Location: Davis Bayou Public Boat Launch
Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Type of Event: Water program/kayak
Instructions: Must register in advance. Kayaks are provided free of charge, must wear life vest and closed-toe shoes.
FLORIDA DISTRICT
Fort Pickens
Ranger’s Choice Program
Days: Friday–Monday
Date: February 1 – 26 at 2 p.m.
Duration: 30 minutes
Type: Talk
Description: Join us for a 30-minute talk to learn about the history of Fort Pickens. Topics vary depending on the guide leading the program. Please visit the Gulf Islands Park Store in Fort Pickens for the day’s topic. All programs will take place at historic Fort Pickens. Note: Ranger’s Choice talks are accessible to people with special needs. Programs are subject to change and/or cancelation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
Seaside Stories
Days: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday
Date: February 2 – 26 at 11 a.m.
Duration: 30 minutes
Type: Talk
Description: Discover the incredible natural world along the Gulf Coast in this 30-minute talk. Topics vary depending on the guide leading the program. Please visit the Gulf Islands Park Store in Fort Pickens for the day’s topic. All programs will take place at the Langdon Beach Pavilion. Note: Seaside Stories talks are accessible to people with special needs. Programs are subject to change and/or cancelation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
MISSISSIPPI DISTRICT
Davis Bayou
Ranger’s Choice Hike
Registration: Walk up
Location: Starts at the William M. Colmer Visitor Center
Date: 7 days a week at 1 p.m.
Duration: 45 minutes
Type of Event: Talk/Walk
Campfire with a Ranger
Registration: Must be registered camper
Location: Davis Bayou Campground Amphitheater (center of campground)
Date: Saturday’s at 5 p.m. (excluding Feb. 24)
Duration: 30 Minutes
Type: Talk
B.A.R.K. Ranger Table
Registration: Walk up
Location: In front of William M. Colmer Visitor Center
Date: Sundays 11 a.m.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Type: Table
The Beautiful World of Birds at Davis Bayou Program
Registration: Walk up
Location: Starts at the William M. Colmer Visitor Center
Date: Saturday, February 3 and 17 at 11 a.m.
Duration: 45 minutes
Type: Walk/Talk
Description: Beautiful World of Birding at Davis Bayou Description: Birds are the beautiful, bold creatures that bond the world together. Our focus will be on identification techniques and to compare and contrast local and migrating shorebirds, herons, raptors, and songbirds. Meet at the Davis Bayou boat launch area to join a park ranger for this special program (binoculars provided).
Twelve Miles to Freedom Program
Registration: Walk up
Location: William M. Colmer Visitor Center Auditorium
Date: Saturday, February 10 and 24 at 11 a.m.
Duration: 20 minutes
Type: Talk
Description: The old adage is “freedom isn’t free.” If this inherent liberty was taken from you, how far would you go to get it back? Would you risk everything? Join us for a captivating and inspiring story of how eight local men embarked on a perilous journey and fought in American’s bloodiest war in search of humanities most valued civil right.
All programs are advertised on the website calendar upper right-hand corner or on the mobile app calendar per National Park guidance these are the primary locations where programs are supposed to be advertised. Programs are also advertised on the park’s Facebook page.
