Self-Guided Beach Tours: Walk, Ride, and Paddle

Our sugar-white beaches and salt marshes teem with wildlife that calls our dunes and waters home.

Well before Spanish conquistador Don Tristan de Luna first landed here in 1559, Mother Nature established her roots along our barrier islands. Hundreds of species of flora and fauna reside on Pensacola’s unspoiled beaches. And can you blame them? It’s quite a pristine habitat to live in, with a pretty sweet view too.

Wherever you walk in the Pensacola Bay Area’s picturesque natural parks and trails, be mindful of your step – that’s Mother Nature’s back yard you’re exploring.

Pensacola Beach Area

Gulf Islands National Seashore

Take a Beach Tour

The National Park Service at Gulf Islands National Seashore offers weekly and seasonal ranger-led tours and programs for people of all ages. Tour historic brick and iron forts; take a barrier hike through salt marsh habitats; join park staff and amateur astronomers for a fun night of stargazing; snorkel and kayak in the delicate sea grass beds; discover some of the barrier island’s flighty residents on a bird walk. For a calendar listing of upcoming tours and programs, visit nps.gov.

Pensacola Beach

Footprints in the Sand Eco Trail

Home to everything from Bottlenose dolphins to cownose rays, from hermit crabs to loggerhead turtles, our coastal barrier islands always have interesting species to amaze our visitors. Learn about our sea life, plant life, birds, and even butterflies on the Pensacola Beach Footprints in the Sand Eco Trail. The trail features about 30 educational signs stationed across the island, each one exploring a different ecological topic. Find out the secret to Pensacola Beach's white sand or discover the dangerous journeys of sea turtles, identify mysterious seashells or find out what it’s like to explore the island by kayak.

Gulf Islands National Seashore

Fort Pickens Trails

Fort Pickens is part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore and is a fun way to get out and do some self-guided exploration. Take a walk along the seawall, explore the fishing pier area, head over to the fort, or go for a stroll along the water. Whether you want to be a part of history or just take in the Gulf views, it's a perfect way to do some exploring.

Pensacola Beach Bike Route

Enjoy Gulf views and landmarks like the Pensacola Beach Pier and Beach Ball Tower, and venture past beaches, shopping, dining, and nature.

Perdido Key Area

Johnson Beach

Discovery Nature Trail

The Discovery Nature Trail at Johnson Beach is a nice hike for the entire family. The half-mile takes you on a raised boardwalk through dunes, pine trees, salt marsh outlooks, and brings you to a beautiful view of Grand Lagoon.

Big Lagoon State Park

Big Lagoon State Park offers a 4.9-mile birding trail and a 2-mile estuary trail for the avid outdoorsman. The park features an amphitheater, fishing, wildlife, swimming and more to take in. This is a favorite location for outdoor weddings. It also serves as a prime location for crabbing.

Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park

Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park, located on Perdido Bay, offers the unique environment that is home to four rare, carnivorous pitcher plant species, all of which may be viewed from an elevated boardwalk. The park offers a 6.5-mile Perdido Bay trail as well as the 1.5-mile Tarkiln Bayou Trail, which is wheelchair accessible.

Perdido Key Multi Use Path

Cycle the 6.5-mile Perdido Key multi-use path from Theo Baars Bridge to the Florida-Alabama line. Enjoy coastal views, visit Perdido Key State Park, and stop by the Visitor Information Center for resources and restrooms.

Visitors are never far from an example of why we believe Mother Nature calls Pensacola home, too.

Get Out There – the Trails are Waiting

With miles of paved and unpaved trails and boardwalks, there’s no shortage of ways to experience the Pensacola Bay Area on foot. Just remember, as you explore, be mindful that you’re stepping through Mother Nature’s backyard. Check out some area favorites.

Dolphin Cruise

Dolphins are undeniably captivating. These intelligent, majestic creatures are always a spectacle to see, their playful and happy nature is contagious.