Page last update: 14 May 2025
How many people visit the Gulf Islands National Seashore each year?
In recent years, around 8 million people visit Gulf Islands National Seashore yearly.
Annual visitor totals:
- 7,801,176 visitors in 2024, down 5.8% from 2023 and up 39.3% from 2019 (pre-pandemic).
- 8,277,857 in 2023, up 45.6% from 5,685,155 in 2022.
- 4,012,129 in 2020 (due to the pandemic).
- 5,600,240 in 2019, one of the highest in recent years.
Gulf Islands National Seashore Visitor Spending
In recent years, visitors have spent from $250 to over $400 million per year, contributing to the Gulf Islands National Seashore’s local economy.
Tourism spending by year:
- $417.99 million in 2023, up 47.8% from $282.83 million in 2022.
- Spending was 48.6% higher in 2021 from $180.25 million in 2020 (because of the pandemic).
- $249.30 million in 2019 (pre-pandemic), lower than in 2023 but higher than during the pandemic.
Gulf Islands National Seashore Visitors in 2025
- From January to March of 2025, there were 1,961,480 visitors to the Gulf Islands National Seashore.
Number of Visitors to the Gulf Islands National Seashore (2025)
| Month | Recreational Visit |
| Jan | 490.37 K |
| Feb | 613.36 K |
| Mar | 857.75 K |
How many people visited the Gulf Islands National Seashore in 2024?
- 7,801,176 visitors in 2024, up 5.8% from 2023 and 39.3% higher than 2019 pre-pandemic.
How many people visit to the Gulf Islands National Seashore daily?
- 14,400 visitors come to visit the Gulf Islands National Seashore on average every day.
How much does it cost to visit the Gulf Islands National Seashore?
- It is free to enter the Gulf Islands National Seashore, but there may be fees for camping and other activities.
When is the Gulf Islands National Seashore’s peak season?
Peak season for Gulf Islands National Seashore is spring and summer.
- Busiest from March to August, with some months seeing over 850,000 visitors (2024).
- Warmer weather, spring break and summer vacation are the reasons for these busy times.
When is the best time to come to the Gulf Islands National Seashore?
Best time to visit Gulf Islands National Seashore depends on your preference:
- Fewer crowds and mild weather: November to February
- Warm beach weather: May to September
- Spring bloom and wildlife viewing: March to April
Gulf Islands Travel Resources
- Tampa RV rentals (or private rentals)
- Orlando RV rentals (or private rentals)
- Gulfport RV private rentals
- Baton Rouge RV private rentals
- Fort Lauderdale RV private rentals
How popular is the Gulf Islands National Seashore?
- Gulf Islands National Seashore is one of the busiest national seashores in the US with 5 million visitors annually.
- In 2024 it was the 6th most visited park in the US. Nature lovers and history buffs love the beaches and forts.
Top 10 Most Visited Parks in 2024
| Rank | Park | Recreation Visitors |
| 1 | Golden Gate NRA | 17,187,508 |
| 2 | Blue Ridge PKWY | 16,733,639 |
| 3 | Great Smoky Mountains NP | 12,191,834 |
| 4 | Gateway NRA | 8,929,035 |
| 5 | Lincoln Memorial | 8,479,349 |
| 6 | Gulf Islands NS | 7,801,176 |
| 7 | Natchez Trace PKWY | 7,364,833 |
| 8 | George Washington MEM PKWY | 6,782,717 |
| 9 | Lake Mead NRA | 6,412,854 |
| 10 | Vietnam Veterans MEM | 5,295,711 |
Why do people go to the Gulf Islands National Seashore?
Gulf Islands National Seashore is famous for white sand and emerald waters. Tourists also come for:
- Historic sites, Fort Pickens
- Outdoor activities, camping, hiking, fishing, kayaking
- Wildlife, dolphins, sea turtles, migratory birds
Camping Statistics for the Gulf Islands National Seashore in 2024
- In 2024, more than 159,502 came to the Gulf Islands National Seashore for RV Camping, while 51,958 participated in Tent Camping.
Click here to learn more about Global Camping Statistics.
What are the most common causes of visitor deaths at the Gulf Islands National Seashore?
Between 2007 and August 2024, 49 deaths were recorded at Gulf Islands National Seashore. The most common causes being:
- Drowning: 27 deaths
- Suicide: 9 deaths
- Undetermined causes: 5 deaths
- Motor vehicle crashes: 3 deaths
- Medical emergencies (during physical activity): 1 death
- Medical emergencies (not during physical activity): 1 death
- Other transportation accidents: 1 death
- Poisoning: 1 death
- Struck by/against an object: 1 death
Safety Tips for Visiting the Gulf Islands National Seashore
To stay safe while enjoying, remember to:
- Swim in specified areas and watch for rip currents.
- Stay hydrated as the summer heat can cause dehydration.
- Be cautious of wildlife, including jellyfish and snakes.
- Follow “Leave No Trace” to protect the park’s ecosystem.
- Check the weather in advance before outdoor activities.
- Use sunscreen and protective clothing to avoid sunburn.
Park & Memorial Statistics
- Blue Ridge Parkway Statistics
- Castle Clinton NM Statistics
- Chesapeake & Ohio Canal NHP Statistics
- Delaware Water Gap NRA Statistics
- Gateway NRA Statistics
- George Washington MEM PKWY Statistics
- Glen Canyon NRA Statistics
- Golden Gate NRA Statistics
- Korean War Veterans MEM Statistics
- Lake Mead NRA Statistics
- Lincoln Memorial Statistics
- Natchez Trace PKWY Statistics
- Vietnam Veterans MEM Statistics
- World War II MEM Statistics
References
NPS: National Park Visitation Statistics