First and foremost, if you are visiting and are not familiar with the flags, familiarize yourself…read morewith them and pay attention to them throughout the day, as they do change based on water conditions. Last week, there were 50 rescues, and a young boy drowned. Lifeguards and patrol staff determine what flag is flown. "In Florida, beach flags indicate the level of hazard in the water. A green flag means low risk, calm conditions, but swimmers should still be cautious. A yellow flag indicates moderate hazard, with moderate surf and currents, requiring extra caution. A red flag signifies high hazard, with high surf and/or strong currents, and may prohibit swimming or wading in some areas. A double red flag means the water is closed to the public, typically during hurricanes or other severe events. A purple flag indicates the presence of dangerous marine life." Now that has been said, Pensacola Beach is stunning, boasting fine, sugar-soft white sand. The beach is spacious and clean, equipped with nice bathrooms and outdoor showers. If you walk further down to the right of the pier, it becomes less crowded. The Blue Angels conduct their annual airshows, which will take place this year on July 9 - 12, 2025.

I didn't walk to the beach here. I only got out of the car to take pictures of the Pensacola Beach…read moreBall water tower and walked around as my parents were in the car on a phone call. Next time, I'd like to spend more time here. I did order a Pensacola beach ball online.

Best place in the whole Pensacola. I really recommend if you are visiting for the first time. It…read moregets incredibly full during Mardi Gras and other major events. There's a large variation of restaurants and stores to visit. I love that they have Senior Frogs, Hooters, Papa's Pizza, Crabs, Flounders, and many more awesome restaurants. I love the Beach and you can visit the inner-coast. Honestly, what I would change is that I would make it longer like South Florida. The best boardwalk I've been to is like Hallandale/Hollywood Beach. I wouldn't do the pop up markets at either side of the Pensacola Board walk though because it's very expensive to participate with very little to no profit.

This beach is absolutely beautiful but beware of rip currents and jelly fish…read more This was our 2nd stop and it was breathtaking. I love the large parking area and ramps that give you easy access to the Beach. There is a charge to use the fishing pier but from what I could see, it was worth it to those that were fishing. Tons of fish , pelicans, dolphins but also jelly fish. Water was crisp and clean and cool and perfect for a Florida summer morning.

Historically ridden place. In the best way. There's a fort…read morehere. Actually. Unlike some other places the ruins here exist with old cannons and beautiful arched brick. We've not explored them and mainly visit for the beaches. Military can receive a free lifetime pass for national parks so the entry fee is waived here. I greatly appreciate. My husband loves to bike here. I love to come and see the Inlet. You can go to the Bayside or you can go to the Oceanside. There's also some older probably early 1900 homes scattered about the property from another iteration of its use. There's also I believe World War I one or World War II bunkers present here so this state Park has had many different lives and leaves quite a legacy. We've driven through the campgrounds which look really nice. And the stretch of golf here is substantial. You could definitely find a place to be all on your own if you were willing to walk. The facilities are nice. There are restrooms but parking can be limited at the beach lots on the gulf side when driving in. It's an extensive park and a very long stretch. The water is incredible. It's turquoise jello on the right days.

Fort Pickens Beach, situated within the Gulf Islands National Seashore, is a picturesque stretch of…read morecoastline that boasts a rich history, diverse amenities, and stunning natural beauty. Located on the western end of Santa Rosa Island in Pensacola, Florida, this lovely destination has played a crucial role in American history and continues to attract visitors seeking relaxation, adventure, sun, fun, and a glimpse into the past as well. Fort Pickens, which was named after Revolutionary War hero Andrew Pickens, was initially built as a United States military fort in the 19th century. Its construction was part of the Third System of coastal fortifications aimed at protecting the Gulf Coast from overseas threats. The fort remained in Union hands throughout the Civil War, serving as a significant stronghold against Confederate forces. In the years following the war, Fort Pickens continued to serve various purposes, including as a prison during the Indian Wars and a military outpost during World War II. Today, the fort stands as a testament to the region's complex past, offering guided and self-guided tours that allow visitors to explore its well-preserved structures and learn about its storied history. Fort Pickens Beach, which stretches for miles along the Gulf of Mexico, offers a has great recreational activities and amenities for visitors to enjoy. The powdery white sand and clear waters provide an idyllic setting for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing. Beachgoers can also take advantage of the area's picnic facilities, which include pavilions, grills, and restrooms. Within the Fort Pickens area of Gulf Islands National Seashore, there is a 7-mile stretch of undeveloped beach, providing ample space for to enjoy the beautiful coastal environment. This includes three parking lots where visitors can stop and spend time at one of the most beautiful wild beaches in Florida. Along with the beach areas, with various campgrounds, which are attractive, lightly wooded compounds across the street from the beach. For those seeking a more active experience, there's several hiking trails that wind through the area's diverse landscapes. The Bluebird Marsh Trail, for example, is popular among birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, while the Fort Pickens Trail provides a scenic route for bikers and runners. Additionally, the beach is a prime spot for fishing, kayaking, and snorkeling, for exploring the vibrant marine life that inhabits the surrounding waters. There were a lot of people fishing when I was there this week but I didn't see any big ones hauled in, but that's any given day when you're fishing :-) As part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, Fort Pickens Beach benefits from the National Park Service's commitment to preserving and protecting the area's natural resources. Visitors can participate in ranger-led programs, which cover topics such as the local flora and fauna, the area's history, and the importance of conservation efforts. We sat with a park range who did a great talk about local seashells, and I found very interesting! Prices vary to enter daily, $25 per car, and there's annual passes available, and veterans, like my honey and I, are free. Bottom line: Fort Pickens Beach is a captivating blend of history, recreation, and natural beauty that draws visitors from near and far. With its fascinating past, diverse amenities, and stunning coastal scenery, this Gulf Coast gem provides an unforgettable experience for those who venture to its shores.

We came to the area to visit friends who live here and they brought us to Navarre Beach a couple of…read moredays. We'd never heard of Navarre Beach, but we definitely enjoyed visiting it! We really liked that it wasn't very touristy (tourists are the WORST! Especially when they act like tourists!!) The beach was very clean and there were even public restrooms in the places we went and those were clean too. Something fun about the beach is that the home of the Blue Angels is nearby, so they do fly overs at this beach when returning home - this is awesome!! Definitely would like to return!!!

Seas the day at Navarre Beach! Beautiful white sand, a wide open bay and the Gulf of Mexico makes…read morefor a perfect vacation. Navarre Beach has been my family's destination for years. It's in a quiet, sleepy neighborhood, and the beach is clean. There is a pier for fishing and walking and a few restaurants near the beach. Not much else but townhomes, condos and houses.

You can purchase entry either here or at Ft. Pickens and have 7 days of entry to both. Restrooms,…read moreoutdoor showers, pristine beaches. It is ideally located between Navarre and Pensacola Beach. White sand. We did not find a lot of shell variety here.

Definitely a hidden gem! The waves were more active and there's seashells to collect! Only negative…read morewas the parking. There's only a handful a parking spaces and lots of golf carts tend to be a-holes. Other than that, definitely going back to the Navarre area!

Quiet and serene. If you are looking for a beach experience with few people and no buildings, this…read moreis your spot. Must take own chairs and drinks since there are no suppliers nearby.

If you are looking for a chill beach with low crowds this the place for you! I enjoy a full "me…read moreday" At Princess Beach! The beach was full but wasn't overly crowded.

Not open to the public currently. Even the boardwalk is blocked off to the public. Will update…read morewhen it reopens

Bay Bluffs Park is a cool enough place to chill for a bit and unwind after a long day. They were…read morequite a few cars parked here and the place was a cool enough place to chill.

The best place to spend a day. Made up of Opal beach, Ft Pickens and other federal parks in the…read morePanhandle, the parks offer various activities.

This is a beautiful strip of protected land that is simply breathtaking, if there is anything here…read moreto complain about well you're focusing on things that most would never consider to be a problem. The miles of paved highway is surrounded with white sugar sand beaches and towering dunes and beautiful water with lots of parking and not so many people at least the day of our visit. I guess this would be considered a barrier island but regardless of its designation it's one of the most beautiful stretch of beaches that I've come across and I've seen plenty - if you're planning a visit be prepared to spend the day the memories you make here will last you a lifetime, there aren't a lot of amenities if you consider the vastness of this place and please pack out everything you pack in this is one of the most pristine pieces of land I've visited and deserves the respect from all that visit. If there is such a thing as a bucket list item this definitely qualifies and if you're lucky enough to be able to spend some time here just do it - it exceeded all my expectations and I hope to return again soon...

When not on the boat this is our go to spot for the beach. Never a dull moment and absolutely…read morebeautiful.

Visited in September 2024 and it was beautiful! There are two parking areas, both have restrooms,…read moreoutdoor showers, and pavilions with picnic tables. There is also a hiking trail on the north side of the road. Just a short jaunt from the restrooms is a boardwalk over the dunes to a mobi-mat that goes most of the way out to the beach. The current was quite strong, so keep an eye on little ones. Overall it was wonderful visit, especially at just $3 a car load.

(May 22, 2024) I highly recommend this 2 hours dolphin and…read morebay cruise excursion. If you're staying on Pensacola Beach, it's a super easy drive and park situation. Park near Felix's restaurant and enter downstairs under Felix's. There is a little ramp that takes you to the bay side where you catch the boat. No signs mark the area, but you will see others waiting in the area. These are most likely your fellow boaters. They suggest you arrive 45 minutes prior to departure. Our tour was scheduled for 10:00 AM; we arrived at 9:20 AM. The wait is easy with the beautiful scenery are lovely breeze. There are tables and chairs to sit at while waiting. The boat came out of the bay to get us, so don't be surprised if you don't see a boat when you first arrive. You will walk in the sand for a short distance before taking the pier to get onto the boat. A gentleman will take your last name that you made the reservations under, so you don't need tickets to show the reservation. The guys can help you on the boat if needed. The boat is a double decker. The lower area is shaded with large 3-3-1/2' port type widows which are open for a great breeze and maximum viewing. The captain will briefly go over safety instructions and what to do in case of an emergency. This is standard procedure on any chartered vessel. Don't be late! We had a group of 4 board at the last minute so all the instructions they missed had to be restated. Very annoying and rude, so don't be THAT person/group. You must stay seated while leaving the pier, but after you leave, you are free to roam the vessel. All seats are around the perimeter of the boat and each side of the boat has 7 windows. There's plenty of room for viewing. The captain does a great job of turning the boat so everyone gets to see the dolphins no matter which side you are seated. They sell canned sodas, bottles water and chips; no alcohol. There are plenty of grab bars to steady yourself once the boat gets going. It was a very smooth ride. Even when fishing boats went by us and created wake, we didn't feel much at all. I don't think anyone would have trouble with sea sickness. There is plenty of room for strollers, adult walkers, etc. No restrictions on purses. Several people had diaper bags for the kids and backpacks. There is a restroom onboard. We saw several pods of dolphin. It was a so neat how they come very close to the boat. Dylan/Dillion, of the boat hands, was so good at engaging with our group. Though he is young (born in 2001), he has been in Pensacola all his life and is very knowledgeable about the dolphins and the history of Pensacola. He was a pleasure to meet. After the dolphin viewing we took a cruise around the entire bay. We saw Ft. Pickens, the haunted lighthouse, million dollar homes, the military base area and so much more. I wasn't expecting the cruise to be as much fun as the dolphin viewing. They played reggae music while we cruised. I'm so glad we decided to do this tour! We were returned to the same area we left originally. For only $30 (plus taxes/fees and not including cancellation insurance you can add), this was a great deal! The vessel staff work for tips, so please remember to take care of them.

Great Experience. Little confusing finding the dock where we board. Had a great time. Saw plenty of…read moredolphins. Crew were super laid back and chil. I would recommend.