Gulf Islands National Seashore releases how many millions of visits it received in 2023

GULF BREEZE, Fla. (WKRG) — A new report from the National Park Service has revealed the total number of visits national parks in the United States received in 2023 with a local seashore having over 8.2 million visits.

Gulf Islands National Seashore had an increase of 40% in the total number of visits between 2022 and 2023. In 2022, the seashore received 5.7 million visits, while in 2023, it received 8.2 million visits.

Okaloosa County cold case featured on national award-winning podcast

One factor that NPS pointed out as a contributor to the increase was the Pensacola City Bay Ferry’s return to Fort Pickens. Another factor was the reopening of the Fort Barrancas Area in the Florida district. In 2023, the Florida district of the park rehabilitated restrooms in the Fort Pickens historic district and Johnson Beach, according to the report.

Overall, NPS saw 325.5 million visits to national parks in 2023 over 400 national parks.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.