Gulf Island National Seashore

The Gulf Island National Seashore encompasses over 100,000 acres of land located on five counties and in two different states including Santa Rosa County, Escambia County, Okaloosa County, in the state of Florida, and Jackson County and Harrison County in the state of Mississippi. Some of the cities close to this national seashore include Pensacola in Florida and Pascagoula in Mississippi.

The areas protected under the Gulf Island National Seashore include parts of seven islands as well as several mainland areas. The principal islands protected by the Gulf Island National Seashore include Santa Rosa Island, and Perdido Key which are both in Florida and several islands in Mississippi including Petit Bois Island, West Petit Bois Island (formerly known as Sand Island), Horn Island, East Ship Island, West Ship Island, and Cat Island.

Several attractions at the Gulf Island National Seashore draw visitors to this national seashore including a wide variety of biota, historical attractions and several recreational attractions including bicycling, hiking, swimming, camping, boating, guided tours, snorkeling, bird-watching, and fishing. 

The amenities in the Gulf Island National Seashore include a picnic area, campgrounds, restaurant, groceries, restrooms, museum/exhibit, bicycle trail, bathhouse, visitor centers, and a self-guided tour. If you want to enjoy the park with your dog, you are welcome to do so, but make sure you know the rules that have been clearly laid out by the park's management. 

Some of the rules include ensuring that you keep your dog on a six-foot leash at all times or in a secured enclosure when your pooch is not leashed. You must also make sure that you clean up after your dog immediately and dispose of your dog’s poop in the right manner. It is also essential to known about areas of the park that you can or cannot visit. This information can be acquired from the administrative office in the park.