Famed for its soft white sand, emerald-hued waters, and a carefree, easy-going atmosphere, Pensacola Beach has long been a favorite, family-friendly beach destination that locals cherish and newcomers embrace.
Awarded Florida’s Best Beach for the second time in a row in 2018, Pensacola Beach retains its picture-perfect postcard status thanks, in part, to the federally preserved seashore that bookends both sides of the island.
To ensure our beach remains pristine this Spring Break and is enjoyed by everyone, here are a few tips to guarantee everyone has a great time, stays safe and respects our beach community.
Rip currents are the greatest danger to beach patrons and account for more than 80 percent of water rescues performed by surf rescue lifeguards.
If you become caught in a rip current, escape by swimming sideways to the direction the current is pulling you, or parallel to shore. If you cannot swim out of the rip or the current is too strong, go with the flow offshore and the rip current will weaken. Then, swim back to shore at an angle away from the rip current.
Watch this short video explaining rip currents and how to break the rip so you can get safely to shore.
At Pensacola Beach, safety is our number one priority. You may notice colored flags flying at lifeguard stations and other beach entrances. This warning system is designed to alert the public about surf conditions. Here is what they mean:
Most importantly, know how to swim if you are going into the Gulf and always swim near a lifeguard. Lifeguards will be stationed daily starting March 1 at Casino Beach, with patrols driving the island, as necessary. Lifeguard stations at Park East, Park West and Quietwater Beach will be manned depending on staffing availabilities.
Current flag colors and surf conditions are also accessible online at pensacolabeachlifeguards.com. In case of emergency, notify a lifeguard or call 911.
Adult beverages are allowed on the beach. Glass containers, underage drinking and public drunkenness are not. Illegal drugs and driving under the influence will not be tolerated. Laws and ordinances will be strictly enforced, for everyone’s safety.
Wherever you’re staying, please be respectful of your neighbors and keep your noise level in check.
Motorized vehicles, generators, grills, fires and any open flames are prohibited on the beach, as well.
Rule of thumb: If you brought it to the beach, carry it back with you.
Tents, umbrellas, chairs and other beach gear are not allowed to be left overnight on the beach. Trashcans are provided near all beach entrances, and you are asked to fill in any holes you may dig in the sand.
May through October is sea turtle nesting season. Here are a few tips to ensure their safety:
In a coastal city, it’s important to remember a few things when making your way around. During peak season, it’s important to leave early and allow adequate time to get to your destination. Be cautious of pedestrians and marine life that may be crossing roads such as sea turtles and birds.
When parking on Pensacola Beach, there are several public access lots. Casino Beach is the main beach and will be the first parking lot in view. It has one entry and one exit so be alert and watch for signs.
Perdido Key has three Public Beach Access Points of which all are numbered. Perdido Key State Park is open 8 a.m. – sunset and is $3 per car per day.
The Gulf Islands National Seashore is located both on Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key. It is $20 per carload, and the pass is good for seven days. The National Seashore is home to diverse wildlife, hiking trails, forts, paddle launches and so much more. When parking along any of the beaches be cautious of sand. Many cars sink when directly in contact off of the pavement.
Dogs are welcome at designated dog beaches only. You’ll find two dog beaches on Pensacola Beach for dogs on leashes and their owners. As always, please be courteous and remove pet waste.
Remember the motto, "Leave Only Your Footprints Behind." If you follow that advice, you will help to preserve the natural beauty of the beaches and help to ensure all residents and guests can have an enjoyable experience.
’Tis the Season for Winter Shelling! Four Tips to Finding the Best Sea Shells in Pensacola
Goodbye to lazily lounging in the summer sun and beating the heat by floating the day away in the beautiful warm water off Pensacola Beach. We've traded in our flip-flops, swimsuits and floats and we’re out walking the beach, on a determined mission for finding the best of the best seashells.
Five Reasons to Getaway to Pensacola this Winter
Traditionally, the mention of Pensacola summons images of lazy days relaxing on sugar-white sands as the emerald green waves lap at your bare feet. Pensacola summers are hard to beat, but our winters might actually have an edge. I present five pieces of evidence to support this radical claim:
Make Way for Sea Turtles in Pensacola
It’s an amazing time of year again on the shorelines of Pensacola Beach and the Gulf Islands National Seashore (GINS). Sea turtle hatchling season is in full swing all over Florida, where about 90 percent of sea turtle nesting in the U.S. takes place.
Beach Fun Awaits: Pack Your Bags and Know the Rules
Is a visit to one of the Pensacola Bay area beaches in your future? Putting a little thought into what you bring to the beach can make your stay more enjoyable. With a well-packed beach bag and knowledge of beach rules and safety, you’ll be ready to explore the beaches in Pensacola.
Top 10 Activities in Pensacola for Families
Ready to get away and take a break? An escape to Pensacola can be just the antidote your family needs.The Pensacola Bay area encompasses Greater Pensacola, as well as Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key. The variety of activities that await sets Pensacola apart as a destination for families looking to spend their vacation on the Gulf Coast.
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