Page 86 - South Mississippi Living - May, 2016

STAYCATIONS call of nature
GET OUTSIDE
Include outdoor fun in your family staycation
story by Susan Ruddiman and Lynn Lofton
S photos by Susan Ruddiman and courtesy of Pascagoula River Audubon Center
GULF ISLANDS NATIONAL SEASHORE
More than one million people a year visit the scenic Davis Bayou Area of Gulf Islands National Seashore (GINS) in Ocean Springs to experience the coastal forest habitat surrounding two bayous. Visitors can enjoy fishing, hiking, biking, bird watching, picnicking and ranger-led programs.
The entrance is located off U.S. 90 east of downtown Ocean Springs. The William M. Colmer Visitor Center is open daily where visitors can view an orientation film, exhibits, trail maps and find out about the area. There is a campground, fishing pier, boat launch and pavilions that can be reserved for group events. Free ranger-led programs are offered throughout the year.
The Davis Bayou Area is the only part of GINS in Mississippi accessible by car. The other areas are Cat, East Ship, Horn, Sand and Petit Bois barrier islands. There is an excursion boat from Gulfport Harbor to East Ship Island. GINS stretches 160 miles from Mississippi to Florida. It is the most visited national park seashore in the nation with around five million visitors a year.
“Gulf Islands is proud to welcome visitors from across the country and around the world,” said Park Superintendent Dan Brown. “We are delighted to share the story of this place and the experiences it provides and to use the park as a way to introduce our visitors to this part of the country and all it has to offer.”
Gulf Islands National Seashore
3500 Park Road, Ocean Springs 228.230.4300 • www.nps.gov/guis
ummer time and the living is easy, and there are plenty of reasons to enjoy local outdoor activities. In addition to swimming, beach combing and fishing, several Coast towns have bicycle trails — including Pascagoula, Ocean Springs and Bay St. Louis. Municipal piers offer free access for fishing and crabbing, and of course the sand beach is always
open and free. Additionally, two special attractions — Gulf Islands National Seashore and the Pascagoula River Audubon Center — are available for family fun that include learning about the local environment.
86 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • May 2016
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