Things To Do Near Gulf Islands National Seashore
With 160 miles of shoreline to discover, RVers will love the Gulf Islands National Seashore. While in Mississippi, be sure to visit the many nature trails and bayous. In nearby Florida, check out the National Naval Aviation Museum to learn more about the rich history of aviation and flight. In both places, you'll find a plethora of shops and restaurants to check out.
Hiking Trails
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Fontainebleau Nature Trail
The Fontainebleau Trail is excellent for all hikers or runners. As you're going along, make sure to check out the beautiful river at your side and keep an eye out for various species of birds. On some days, you can see alligators lounging in the water.
Location
7200 Crane Ln, Gautier, MS 39553
Length
1.6 miles
Intensity
Easy
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Twelve Oaks Nature Trail
This short trail can be found right in the middle of town, hidden away from the outside world. You can make your way through a forest of oak and pine, swamps, and a tidal marsh. The trail circles around to Old Fort Bayou, which is complete with an observation deck.
Location
1112 Hanley Rd, Ocean Springs, MS 39564, USA
Length
0.5 miles
Intensity
Easy
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Fort Pickens Trail
This island trail makes you feel like you're in the middle of the ocean. With water on either side, you might just see dolphins or snapping turtles. The trail's name comes from Fort Pickens, which was built in 1816 to protect Florida's trade routes.
Location
Pensacola Beach, FL 32561
Length
5.2 miles
Intensity
Easy
Sightseeing
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Davis Bayou Area
The Davis Bayou Area offers different activities for different interests. Those looking to learn about the bayou's ecosystem would do well to visit the William M. Colmer Visitor Center. Anyone wanting to fish can do so at the Visitor Center Fishing Pier. Picnic areas are available.
Location
3500 Park Rd, Ocean Springs, MS 39564
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Shepard State Park
This 395-acre park has plenty to do, whether you're hiking or picnicking. You can learn about the legendary Pascagoula Indians or go golfing. Archery is also available for those wanting to hone their skills.
Location
1034 Graveline Rd, Gautier, MS 39553-7727
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Naval Live Oaks Nature Preserve
At the Naval Live Oaks Nature Preserve, you will find an amazing mixture of biomes: thick forests against a windy shoreline. In 1828, President John Quincy Adams signed an executive order to have it remain under federal protection. It is one of the nation's oldest federally protected forests.
Location
1801 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze, FL 32563
Museums
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Walter Anderson Museum of Art
The Walter Anderson Museum of Art is a great way to get a taste of Mississippian culture. The museum collaborates with educators, so there is always something to new to learn. Artists from near and far donate to the museum, and it offers art workshops for children and adults.
Location
510 Washington Ave, Ocean Springs, MS 39564
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The GI Museum
The GI Museum preserves items used in all armed conflicts in American history. This museum occasionally has people dressed in period attire, explaining the average soldier's role, along with historical reenactments. Local war veterans are honored here.
Location
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National Naval Aviation Museum
At the National Naval Aviation Museum, you can learn about the men and women who served to operate and advance aircraft and spacecraft. It preserves and details aircraft used for both war and commercial purposes, and it has over 150 aircraft and spacecraft on display.
Location
1750 Radford Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32508
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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Coastal Magpie
You can find a little of everything at Coastal Magpie. There is antique furniture, along with fine art and regionally made products. Artisan crafts include pottery and handmade jewelry.
Location
918 Washington Ave, Ocean Springs, MS 39564
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Charisma
You can find clothing for any occasion at Charisma. You can find shirts, pants, dresses, and shoes in every style and color. They also have athletic wear, graphic tees, and jewelry.
Location
1000-B Government St, Ocean Springs, MS 39564
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Buff City Soap
If you're RVing in this area and run out of soap, why not check this place out? Buff City Soap only makes soap and cleansers out of ingredients you can pronounce, like flower petals, tea tree oil, and shea butter. This popular shop has been around since 2013.
Location
705-A Washington Ave, Ocean Springs, MS 39564
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The Shed Barbeque & Blues Joint
At The Shed Barbeque, you'll never go hungry with their fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs. Aside from ribs, they have the Pound of Pork, smoked over pecan wood, or the Pound of Brisket, rubbed with salt and pepper spices. Sides include coleslaw, mac and cheese, baked beans, and much more.
Location
7501 Highway 57, Ocean Springs, MS 39565-8405
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The Crawfish House & Grill
Eating at The Crawfish will give you a taste of Mississippi's history. You can order their crawfish platter, complete with 3 pounds of hot and spicy crawfish, or try their shrimp and crab cakes. Chicken entrees are available, along with sides like corn and fries.
Location
1801 Government St Suite D, Ocean Springs, MS 39564-3942
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Taste of Thai
For those food aficionados looking for something a little different, be sure to visit Taste of Thai. Try the Red Curry Seafood plate with bamboo chutes, leaves, and vegetables, or get the Salmon Paradise with Thai chili sauce. Appetizers include crab rangoon and fried tofu while main meals also include soups and salads.
Location
Thai