The Happiness Function

Located along the Emerald Coast of the Florida panhandle, we are sharing the best things to do at Gulf Islands National Seashore Fort Pickens.

The island has miles of sugar-white sand beaches perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and relaxing. In addition to outdoor recreation, Santa Rosa Island and the Fort Pickens area are home to an iconic fort full of war history sites you can tour.

The Fort Pickens Area

Before we get into the article, I want to clarify something. Fort Pickens is used kind of loosely.

There is an actual fort called Fort Pickens, a campground called Fort Pickens, and the portion of Gulf Islands National Seashore along Santa Rosa Island is referred to as the Fort Pickens area. Knowing this will help you plan your trip as you read “Fort Pickens” everywhere.

Things To Do

Gulf Islands National Seashore is a delight for nature and beach lovers. The park features beautiful beaches, marshes teeming with wildlife, and picturesque sunrises and sunsets.

Anglers have great fishing opportunities near shore. In addition, birdwatchers will find an abundance of coastal birds, such as Osprey, Black Skimmers, and American Oystercatchers, to observe and photograph.

1. Do a Self-Guided Tour of the Fort

Called “the Guardian of the Gulf,” the fort is a popular attraction at the park. The fort sits on a bluff overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. The United States Department of Interior placed it on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

You can do a self-guided tour and walk around the grounds. It is surreal to see everything and read more about the history. The fort was initially built to protect Pensacola Bay. It even has original cannons on display.

2. Swim and Sunbathe at the Beach

The best part about visiting are the white sand beaches; the emerald blue waters will take your breath away.

There are places to access the water all along the island, including Langdon Beach. To protect the dunes and local wildlife, stay on the designated trails and boardwalks.

3. Hike Along Santa Rosa Island

Once you’ve had your share of the beach, there are miles of trails to hike, such as the:

• Florida National Scenic Trail
• Fort Pickens Trail
• Blackbird Marsh Trail
• Fort Pickens Dune Nature Trail

Download the AllTrails app on your cell phone to get trail maps. We love this free app for finding hikes when traveling.

4. Watch for Wildlife and Birds

Fort Pickens offers visitors a chance to see a variety of plants and wildlife, including hundreds of species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, dolphins, and more.

The first year we visited, we loved seeing the nesting Osprey in the spring. The second year, we saw a small pod of dolphins from the beach. It was awesome.

5. Fish Along the Coast

You can fish right from the coastline. There is a pier near the fort on the bay side, too.

6. Enjoy a Sunrise

For an early morning adventure, head down to the Gulf side of the island to watch the sunrise. The sparkling water and golden skies are breathtaking sights.

7. Catch the Sunset

Catch a sunset on the Pensacola Bay side of the island. With miles of undeveloped coastline and pristine beaches, it’s the perfect place to enjoy nature’s beauty.

8. Camp at Fort Pickens

There are over 200 campsites here. The campground is RV, motorhome, van, and tent-friendly.

You can make reservations using recreation.gov. Be sure to make reservations in advance because the campground is booked months in advance.

We loved camping here. We stayed in Camp Area E and could walk right to the beach. For more details, check out our article about camping at Fort Pickens.

9. Watch the Navy’s Blue Angels

The Blue Angels have a practice schedule. Since they are based out of Pensacola, and depending on when you visit the area, you might be able to catch a show.

Check out the Blue Angels practice and events schedule if you want to see them while you visit.

10. Kayak Around the Islands

If you like ocean kayaking, Gulf Islands National Seashore is a great place to visit. You can explore miles of pristine coastline and go backcountry camping.

There are places to rent kayaks near Pensacola Beach.

How To Get Here

The park is located along Pensacola Bay off Gulf Breeze Parkway.

This national park protects over 160 miles of coastline, stretching from Cat Island, Mississippi, to Santa Rosa Island, Florida.

Gulf Islands National Seashore Fort Pickens Map

Below is a map to help orient you as you plan your trip.

Other Questions You May Have While Planning

Is there an entrance fee?

Yes, there is an entrance fee to enter the park. It is $25 for a week.

The Annual National Park Pass is accepted here.

Are dogs allowed on the beach?

No, however, there is a dog-dedicated beach near the park entrance, closer to Pensacola Beach. You’ll see the signs for the dog park on the Gulf side.

Dogs are allowed on the trails.

When is the best time of year to visit?

The best time to visit is in the spring. The weather temperatures are pleasant, and the park is not crowded.

We visited mid-May during the middle of the week, and there were no crowds. It was beautiful.

For snowbirds, it is a great vacation spot for people escaping the colder northern parts of the U.S.

Are you traveling through Florida? If you’re headed to the Keys, learn more about Christ of the Abyss Scuba Diving Site.

More Things To Do in the Area

Perdido Key is about an hour away, and you can visit Johnson’s Beach, another part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore.

Big Lagoon State Park and Perdido Key State Park are also worth checking out.

Get more info here:

• 3 Beautiful Beach Parks To Visit in Perdido Key
• Big Lagoon State Park: You’ll Love Camping Here
• 10 Best Things To Do in Pensacola

Things To Consider

Being along the Gulf of Mexico, consider the weather. Be agile and flexible when planning a trip. The weather could be sunny and beautiful or windy and stormy.

Hurricane season is June-November.

Make sure the park is open. Due to the nature of Gulf Coast storms and the low-lying barrier island, always check with the Fort Pickens Area National Park Service before planning a trip to ensure the road is open.

We visited in May 2021, and the road flooded. The island was closed temporarily for a few hours. We visited again in May 2022; the water was calm and crystal clear. It was paradise.

Have Fun

Santa Rosa Island is a gem. People come from all over the world, lured by the sugar sand beaches, to visit the Gulf Coast’s barrier islands.

The national seashore offers stunning natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor adventure. From sunrises over the water to dolphin sightings, there’s plenty to see and do. If you enjoy visiting national parks, you’ll love Gulf Islands.

Ashlee & Pablo

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