You have 2 trips in progress.   See all
Trip Planner:   USA  /  Florida  /  Florida Panhandle  /  Pensacola Beach  /  Gulf Islands National Seashore

Gulf Islands National Seashore, Pensacola Beach

4.9
#2 of 29 in Outdoors in Pensacola Beach
Must see · Beach · Nature / Park
Create an itinerary including Gulf Islands National Seashore
Visit the undeveloped land and shores of Gulf Islands National Seashore. The islands offer fun in the sun to visitors and preserved land for coastal species. You'll find the quartz-white sand and clear waters here. Stroll the nature trails to see forts dating back to the 18th century. Fort Massachusetts, Fort Barrancas, Fort Pickens, and Fort McRee are all on the islands. Each has its own visitor center and picnic area. For a longer walk, take the famed Andrew Jackson trail, part of a 64.4 km (40 mi) loop available to hikers, bikers, and cars. Head to Pensacola, the mainland city with a rich cultural and military history, to rent equipment for snorkeling, fishing, and boating. Many of the beaches feature restrooms, showers, and shaded areas. If you plan to visit more than one national park during your trip, consider purchasing an America the Beautiful pass that can be used at all national parks and federal lands in the United States. Put Gulf Islands National Seashore at the forefront of your travel plans using our Pensacola Beach trip website.
Create a full itinerary - for free!

Gulf Islands National Seashore reviews

Rate this attraction
TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 5.0
1,273 reviews
Google
4.9
TripAdvisor
  • We found this to be the most interesting and enjoyable thing in the Pensacola area. It includes the Fort Pickens Military Park and together form a National Park. Again, our lifetime membership got us....  more
    We found this to be the most interesting and enjoyable thing in the Pensacola area. It includes the Fort Pickens Military Park and together form a National Park. Again, our lifetime membership got us....  more »
  • Spectacular drive through miles of ocean front white sand dunes and crashing wave a. Fort Picken is a must see for history buffs. 
    Spectacular drive through miles of ocean front white sand dunes and crashing wave a. Fort Picken is a must see for history buffs.  more »
Google
  • Can’t say enough about the Fort Pickens area of Gulf Islands NS. Outstanding beaches. Very clean, well maintained. Fort Pickens, excellent historical landmark. Water quality, it was insanely clear while we were visiting. Wildlife, we saw a bald eagle, dolphins, numerous other bird species, fish, crabs, sting rays, at every turn wildlife! Bicycling, I brought my bike and got to ride, tarmac in the park isn’t the smoothest but gorgeous views and cars within the park respectful. When we return we plan to camp, bring our outdoor gear for fishing, kayaking, etc & take advantage of this gem on the gulf coast.
  • This beautiful beach and National Seashore is right up there with our most favorite place, Ocracoke Island, also National seashore along the Outer Banks of NC. I love the sunsets on the Gulf here at Fort Pickens and the white sand and clear, calmer water. My husband misses the Atlantic waves he loves to ride, but he loves it here, too!

Plan your trip to Pensacola Beach

  • Get a personalized trip
    A full day by day itinerary based on your preferences
  • Customize it
    Refine your trip. We'll find the
    best routes and schedules
  • Manage it
    Everything in one place. Everyone on the same page.