Fort Pickens is one of four military forts designed to protect Pensacola in the 1800s. Located on Pensacola Beach on the Gulf Islands National Seashore, Fort Pickens is accessible by foot and boat and is open year-round from sunrise to sunset. Entrance fees are required and collected upon admittance into the park. The Fort Pickens area is anchored by the historic landmark and offers many recreational activities including fishing both from the shore and the pier, exploring trails and the fort, birdwatching, camping and so much more. A visitor information center is located at the west end of the island and includes a history museum on the area.

Entrance Fees

Entrance fees are required and collected at the following areas of Gulf Islands National Seashore: Fort Pickens Area, Opal Beach at the Santa Rosa Area, Okaloosa Area, Fort Barrancas Area, and Perdido Key Area. All Interagency America the Beautiful passes are accepted for entry into these areas.

One hundred percent of the fees collected at national parks are used by the National Park Service for the improvement and maintenance of park facilities and programming. Eighty percent of the fees collected here are used to replace and improve facilities throughout this park. Free Entrance Days in your national parks.

Per person (pedestrian, cyclist, etc.)............................$15
Motorcycle....................................................................$20
Private vehicle (capacity <15).......................................$25
Private vehicle (capacity >15)......$7 per person; up to $25

Commercial Groups

Per vehicle (capacity 6 or less)....$25 plus; $10 per person
Per vehicle (capacity 7 to 25)........................................$40
Commercial Bus (capacity 26 or more).......................$100

An entrance pass is good for one to seven days at all locations. Interagency passes waive all entrance fees. Frequent visitors may be interested in the park's annual pass which provides access to the national seashore during normal operating hours for twelve months from the date of purchase. Educational groups should visit our Educational Programs page for educational fee waivers.

Park Annual Pass..........................................................$45