Some islands along the Alabama coast were originally considered for inclusion, but none are part of the National Seashore.

The Florida District of the seashore features offshore barrier islands with sparkling white quartz sand beaches (along miles of undeveloped land), historic fortifications, and nature trails.

Mainland features near Pensacola, Florida, include the Naval Live Oaks Reservation, beaches, and military forts.

The Davis Bayou Area is the only portion of the National Seashore in Mississippi that is accessible by automobile.

Considerable damage to public infrastructure occurred as a result of storms during the 2004 and 2005 Atlantic hurricane seasons.

Hurricane Sally hit the area in September 2020 causing massive damage to the Gulf Islands Seashores.

In Florida, the Pickens Campground is a developed one and provides water and electrical hookups for recreational vehicles and tents.

The environment is characterized by sand scrub oaks, small brackish ponds, and a remnant pine forest on a barrier island between Pensacola Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

A campground store reopened in late 2010 (after being closed following storm damage from Hurricanes Ivan and Dennis in 2004 and 2005, respectively).

In Mississippi, the Davis Bayou Campground is developed, providing water and electrical hookups for recreational vehicles and tents.

The environment is characterized by an oak and pine forest adjacent to a brackish bayou connected to Mississippi Sound.