Explore the Best Hiking and Walking Trails in the Pensacola Bay Area

Get outdoors and take a walk in the Pensacola Bay Area. The Pensacola Bay Area has miles of paved, boardwalks and unpaved trails waiting for you to explore.

Fort Pickens

Fort Pickens, located within the Gulf Islands National Seashore, offers hiking experiences throughout the park and serves as the terminus for the Florida National Scenic Trail. Hikers can explore historical sites, sugar-white sand beaches, and explore historic forts.

Pictured | Florida National Scenic Trail - Fort Pickens

Big Lagoon State Park

Big Lagoon State Park has a variety of scenic hiking and walking trails across coastal scrub and wetlands. With over 5 miles of easy to moderate paths, visitors can enjoy views of the lagoon, diverse wildlife, and ecosystems like pine flatwoods and saltwater marshes. These trails are ideal for bird watching, photography, or a peaceful stroll, providing a perfect blend of leisure and adventure.

Pictured | Birding boardwalk in Big Lagoon State Park

Perdido Key State Park

A little-known hiking trail along Old River exists in Perdido Key State Park. The 2-mile out-and-back trail is located on the island's north side and winds through the park's coastal ecosystem. The trail is sandy, and you'll get to view sand dunes, salt marshes, and coastal scrub areas along the trail.

Pictured | Couple hiking in Perdido Key State Park

Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park

Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park in Florida offers hiking experiences on over 4,000 acres of land. The trail includes paved boardwalks and off-road hiking trails. The park is home to the carnivorous white-topped pitcher plant found only along the Florida and Mississippi Gulf Coast. On the boardwalk, you'll observe the pitcher plant areas and enjoy views of Tarkiln Bayou. Off the boardwalk trails lead to Perdido Bay. This park is a great location to explore one of Florida's crucial wetland ecosystems, offering enjoyable hiking experiences for visitors.

Perdido Key - Multi-Use Path

Enjoy walking or biking in Perdido Key along the multi-use path that extends from the Perdido Key bridge off River Road and extends west. Once construction is completed, the path will be over six miles to the Alabama-Florida state line. Along the path, you can access Perdido Key State Park, beach access points, many local restaurants and shops, the Perdido Key Visitor Information Center, and more. For an excellent route, start at the bridge, take the path south, then west along Perdido Key Drive to River Road. Take River Road back to your starting point.

Pictured | Beach access along the trail

Maritime Park & Bruce Beach

Walk along Pensacola Bayfront at Community Maritime Park and Bruce Beach. Both parks are city parks along the bay in downtown Pensacola, and to access them, park in the parking area at Maritime Park. For a recommended route, head south on Reus St from the parking area, then east on W. Cedar St. Follow the sidewalk to the walking path along the bay. Follow the Bayfront all along the stadium. Once on the park's west side, continue north along S De Villiers St. to Whibbs Dr. Follow Whibbs Dr. to the Mult-use bridge into Bruce Beach.

Pictured | View along the walk at Community Maritime Park

America's First Settlement Trail

Explore Pensacola's rich history on America's First Settlement Trail! This engaging 3-mile, free interactive trail takes you through downtown Pensacola and the Historic District, showcasing over 450 years of history with 20 stops and 70 points of interest. From colonial landmarks to modern attractions, immerse yourself in America's oldest settlements with diverse cultures and heritage.

Get Outdoors On These Walking Trails

1Big Lagoon State Park

12301 Gulf Beach Highway Pensacola, FL 32507 (850) 492-1595

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Effective Feb. 1, 2025: The campground at Big Lagoon State Park is currently closed for a renovation project. Please check back here for updates on re-opening.

This coastal park sits on the northern shoreline of its namesake, Big Lagoon, which separates the mainland from Perdido Key and the Gulf of Mexico. Natural communities, ranging from saltwater marshes to pine flatwoods, attract a wide variety of birds, especially during the spring and fall migrations. Beaches, shallow bays, nature trails, and open woodlands offer splendid opportunities for nature study. The park also beckons visitors with opportunities for camping, swimming, fishing, boating, canoeing, and hiking. Crabbing in the shallow waters of Big Lagoon is a popular activity as well. The West Beach picnic area, shaded by pines and oaks, is just the place to enjoy a relaxing meal. Located on County Road 292A, 10 miles southwest of Pensacola.

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2Garcon Bayou Nature Park

Garcon Bayou Nature Park, 55 Doug Ford Dr Pensacola, FL 32507 (850) 475-5220
This 18-acre park in the Perdido Key area is environmentally-sensitive property. It has a picnic pavilion and scenic overlook path to view the southeast portion of Perdido Bay. For reservation or rental information, please call Parks and Recreation at (850) 475-5220.
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3Navy Point Park

Sunset Ave. & SE Syrcle Dr, Sunset Ave. & SE Syrcle Dr Pensacola, FL 32514 (850) 475-5224
Navy Point Park is one of Escambia County's largest waterfront parks, providing a public boat ramp, walking path, playgrounds and pedestrian access.
  • Approximately 2 ½-mile, one of Escambia County's largest waterfront parks, providing a public boat ramp, walking path, playgrounds and pedestrian access to Bayou Grande. Navy Point Park Living Shorelines Project design incorporates public pedestrian access to the shoreline while protecting the shoreline, adjacent park property and infrastructure for the future.
  • Take plenty of water, and wear a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
  • No restrooms.
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4Roger Scott Athletic Complex

2130 Summit Blvd Pensacola, FL 32504

The Roger Scott Athletic Complex is a premier sports facility. With over 90 acres of beautifully maintained grounds, the complex offers various sporting activities, including soccer, football, baseball, softball, tennis, and more. The facility boasts 20 lighted fields, making it possible for games to be played throughout the day and into the night. The complex also includes an indoor gymnasium, a fitness center, and a playground for children. Whether you are a seasoned athlete or just looking to enjoy a day out with family and friends, the Roger Scott Athletic Complex is the perfect destination for sports enthusiasts of all ages.

Roger Scott Athletic Complex Includes the following:

Baseball/Softball
Benches
Dog Park
Football
Free WiFi
Neighborhood Resource Center
Parking
Playground Equipment
Soccer
Swimming Pool
tables
Tennis Courts
Walking Path/Trails

Features
Locker Room/Showers
Spray Features
Swimming Pool
Water Slides
Zero depth entry pool

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5Pensacola Maritime Heritage Trail

499 Bayfront Pkwy Pensacola, FL 32502 (850) 595-5985

Pensacola Maritime Heritage Trail
499 Bayfront Pkwy, Pensacola 

  • Bayfront Parkway from Hawkshaw Lagoon Memorial Park to the Community Maritime Park.
  • Parking variable locations (Veterans Park, Seville Park, Downtown)
  • Trail approximately 1 ½-mile (single direction). Wheelchair accessible.
  • 10 panels stretch along the waterfront sidewalk tell the story of Pensacola’s waterfront shipping history.
  • Need hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
  • Restrooms unavailable.
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6Naval Live Oaks — Gulf Islands National Seashore

1801 Gulf Breeze Pkwy. Gulf Breeze, FL 32561 (850) 934-2600

The Naval Live Oaks Area is a part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore located east of Gulf Breeze. Ideal for water-based recreational activities and hiking, the reservation received its name because it was the first and only federal tree farm designed to reserve the valuable live oaks that shipbuilders desired in the 1800s. The highlight of the area is the seven and a half miles of hiking trails and its calm location on the Santa Rosa Sound. There are covered pavilions available on a first come, first serve basis, as well as restrooms and picnic tables. Day use area only open 7-days a week 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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7Jones Swamp Preserve

198 Patton Drive Pensacola, FL 32507

Jones Swamp is a natural 1,300-acre protected watershed purchased for buffering and water quality improvements. It provides habitat to a variety of native plants and wildlife, and features public natural trails that will provide many recreational opportunities such as hiking, biking, birding, cross country running, environmental education and ecosystem interpretation.

Escambia County Parks
850.475.5220
Sunrise till sunset.
https://myescambia.com/our-services/natural-resources-management/water-quality-land-management/jones-swamp-nature-trail
700 S. Old Corry Rd., trailhead & parking, boardwalk (west)
198 Patton Drive, trailhead & parking, surface trail (west)
1131 Patton Drive, trailhead & parking, surface trail (west)
1190 Decatur Ave., trailhead & parking, boardwalk (west)

Hidden within an urban core along Jones Creek, a 12-mile walkable greenway trail is 40 percent complete.     
The trail will accommodate a diverse range of visitors for a variety of outdoor recreational experiences including hiking, bird watching, nature photography, and environmental education, picnicking or just to take a stroll.

The Southwest Greenway and the Jones Swamp Wetland Preserve were initiated to provide an important environmental buffer to aide in water quality improvements for Bayou Chico and the Pensacola Bay.  While the Preserve is protecting the valuable natural resources, visitors can enjoy some of Escambia County’s diverse ecosystems by using this walkable corridor.  
The Greenway is divided by Fairfield Drive and provides for two very different outdoor experiences.  

The eastern trail system features accessible boardwalks and wide stable surface trails along Jones Creek, and though Bottomland Forest and Wet Pine Flatwoods. 
The western trail system will provide a much more rustic outdoor nature experience.  This mosaic of rare Florida natural bogs and grass land forest communities will be accessible only for foot traffic. 

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8Bayou Marcus Wetlands

8684 Alekai Dr Pensacola, FL 32526
  • Parking approximately 50 ft. to boardwalk
  • Trail is 3-miles, good for all skill levels and is wheelchair assessable.
  • Trail opens 8 am year-round, is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, birding, offers the chance to see wildlife.
  • Dogs must be kept on leash.
  • Take plenty of water, and wear a hat, sunscreen, bug spray, and sunglasses.
  • No restrooms
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9Edward Ball Nature Trail

University of West Florida Pensacola, FL 32514 (850) 474-2580

The Edward Ball Nature Trail is a leisurely half-mile boardwalk through Thompson’s Bayou, a beautiful hardwood swamp. You may spot a variety of songbirds and water fowl at this Great Florida Birding Trail site established by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. 

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10Fort Pickens — Gulf Islands National Seashore

1400 Fort Pickens Road Pensacola Beach, FL 32561 (850) 934-2600

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
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11Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park

2401 Bauer Rd Pensacola, FL 32506 (850) 492-1595

At over 4000 acres, Tarkiln Bayou Preserve is home to four species of endangered pitcher plants, as well as other rare and endangered plant species. The carnivorous white-top pitcher plant is unique to the Gulf Coast and found only between the Apalachicola and Mississippi rivers. Almost 100 other rare plants and animals depend on the wet prairie habitat, including the alligator snapping turtle, sweet pitcher plant, and Chapman's butterwort. A boardwalk offers visitors a view of the wild and beautiful Tarkiln Bayou. Visitors can enjoy a picnic and then take a hike on the nature trails to observe the rare plants and animals. For a more adventurous outing, visitors can take a day-hike across the park to the Perdido Bay.

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12America’s First Settlement Trail

120 Church Street Pensacola, FL 32502 (850) 595-5985
The America’s First Settlement Trail is a three-mile marked path through downtown Pensacola and the Pensacola Historic District. Along this trail are twenty stops and over seventy points of interest. Along the Trail you will see sites from as early as 1756, when the Spanish built Fort San Miguel in what is now downtown Pensacola. Tour over 260 years of history and learn the fascinating story of how Pensacola developed into the city you see today.
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