Top 10 Activities at the Gulf Islands National Seashore

We’re narrowing down the best activities and must-see attractions within the white sand, idyllic dunes and historic sites known as the Gulf Islands National Seashore.

According to the National Park Service, the 160-mile seashore (which includes Florida and Mississippi) is America’s largest national seashore. That means endless options for fun and exploration, but I’m limited by time (and word count) so here are my top five picks for you.

FIRST THINGS FIRST: Entrance fees.

Vehicle (1-7 days) - $25
Per person (pedestrian, cyclist, etc. 1-7 days) - $15
Motorcycle (1-7 days) - $20
Park Annual Pass - $45

THRIFTY ALERT: There are six days out of the year you can get free entry (January 15, April 20, June 19, August 4, September 28, and November 11)

Explore Fort Pickens

Ditch the map and explore the historic ruins – you’ve got plenty to pick from! Gulf Islands National Seashore’s Fort Pickens has a long history from its Civil War days and one-time status as a prison for the heroic Apache warrior Geronimo. But just across Pensacola Bay from Fort Pickens is also Fort Barrancas, located within Naval Air Station Pensacola. The National Park Service runs both historic sites, and you can take a guided tour to learn about each fort’s unique history or just tour the structures on your own time.

PRO TIP: Dress accordingly as you’ll likely be doing a lot of walking/climbing!

Hit the Beach

It's no secret that the Gulf Islands National Seashore has some of the best beaches in the world. So get out there and hit the beach! Pristine crystal clear water along with sugar white sands makes for the perfect day. Both Johnson Beach and Fort Pickens are located on the National Seashore and have beautiful beaches.

Whether you choose to be adventurous and paddleboard, kayak, snorkel, or you just want to bring a beach chair and kick your feet back, going to the beach is a must do activity when visiting the Gulf Islands National Seashore.

Go Camping

Camping at the National Seashore is a must do experience.

Fort Pickens Campground offers five camping loops with amenities to serve everything from RVs to those simply pitching a tent. Loop A is the most popular, with live oaks and other trees providing shade over nearly all sites. Many sites can connect RVs. Costs range from $20 - $100 a night. Beach access is directly across the street and the Blackbird Marsh Trail is a nature trail with interpretive panels. Check out the details on the other loops on the Fort Pickens Campground site.

PRO TIP: If you’re more into glamping (glamorous camping) I don’t blame you, but be sure to reserve RV/trailer spots far in advance as they fill up quickly. You can book camping up to six months in advance!

Johnson Beach in Perdido Key also allows boat-in backcountry camping which is a great time. Only those who arrive by watercraft have the opportunity to engage in backcountry camping at Perdido Key. Those who reach the backcountry campsites by vessel can set up camp anywhere from half a mile east of the Johnson Beach turn around, extending to the east of Pensacola Pass. Be sure to read up on all the details here before you plan your camping adventure.

Discover Johnson Beach

Located in Perdido Key, Johnson Beach is named after Rosamond Johnson Jr. The beach was named to honor his sacrifice. Gulf Islands National Seashore now commemorates Private Johnson's service and sacrifice with an annual event and a permanent monument at the beach.

Watch a Blue Angels Practice

Pensacola is home to the US Navy Blue Angels. Good news - you can watch them practice with your toes in the sand on Fort Pickens! That's right. Our Blue Angels practice typically between March and November on select days (typically Tuesdays and Wednesdays) and viewing the practice from the Gulf Islands National Seashore is a great way to spend your morning.

Be sure to check out their practice schedule here to find out exactly what days they'll be flying. Remember - The Blue Angels Practice Schedules are subject to change without notice.

Biking & Walking Trails

There are plenty of places to ride and get your steps in on the Gulf Islands National Seashore. At Fort Pickens, the bike lane starts at the entrance station and ends at Battery Langdon and is approximately four miles long. Remember, you will be sharing this route with automobiles. If you wish to continue past this point, you can hop onto the Florida National Scenic Trail, which is a 3 mile stretch from Battery Worth to Fort Pickens. Click here to learn more information about biking on the National Seashore.

Take a Ride on the Pensacola Bay City Ferry

The Pensacola Bay City Ferry is definitely a Gulf Islands National Seashore must do. Ferry destinations include Downtown Pensacola, Pensacola Beach, and Fort Pickens as well. This is a great way to take in beautiful views of Pensacola Bay and also a great way to explore the Gulf Islands National Seashore by hopping off at Fort Pickens! Be sure to check the ferry schedule to find out when you can go next.

Fort Pickens Discovery Center

Don't forget to stop in at the Fort Pickens Discovery Center. Located at the western tip of the island, learn about the stories of history, wildlife, and exploration as you venture throughout the building. Get a look at what life was like here when Fort Pickens was utilized during the Civil War. The Discovery Center acts as a visitor center and smaller scale museum, so you're sure to leave with a nugget of knowledge.

Birding and Wildlife

The Gulf Islands National Seashore is home to so many different birds and tons of wildlife. A great way to get out in nature is to observe the wildlife that lives there.

Check out the Naval Live Oaks trails paralleling the Santa Rosa Sound in Gulf Breeze and be on the lookout for plenty of birds. There are an estimated 300 species to find there – likely why GINS is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. Have you ever seen a Roseate Spoonbill? They’re like the area’s version of a flamingo. Talk about Instagram worthy!

Do some shell collecting, or just take a closer look at the nature along the shoreline. If you find something really neat, snap a pic and post it to www.inaturalist.org – they document wildlife sightings around the world. Everything from American Alligators to Atlantic Sea Pork (yes, Google it!) have been spotted at GINS.

Take a dip. If you thought the sights on land were cool, wait until you get into the crystal-clear water. Bring a snorkel, you’ll see lots of shells and fish. If you’re lucky, maybe even a sea turtle. PRO TIP: Bring a GoPro to document your experience.

Visit a Battery

You may be wondering what a battery is - well, these are several concrete structures along Fort Pickens that were built as early as the 1800s and were utilized in the Civil War. Most of these structures still stand today and it's a great way to explore the Fort and immerse yourself in the history.

Author

Hannah Pinson

Website Associate, Visit Pensacola

Hannah is the Website Associate at Visit Pensacola. She has lived in Pensacola for about six years and grew up in the Florida panhandle. She loves going to the beach to catch a good sunset in her spare time. Hannah is passionate about all things digital and loves content creation, photos, and video. She also enjoys exploring all the things downtown has to offer. Whether it be grabbing a bite to eat or enjoying local events, Hannah is definitely a Pensa-local.

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