Explore Pensacola Beach

Gulf Islands National Seashore

Santa Rosa Island, home of Pensacola Beach, is a barrier island in The Gulf Islands National Seashore. 52 miles of unsullied, undeveloped beaches and the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico beckon with recreational opportunities from fishing, boating, birding, swimming, hiking, collecting seashells, attending a ranger guided program and exploring the historic forts.

Road Closures and Updates

Gulf Islands National Seashore road restoration on Santa Rosa Island is making progress. Construction is currently underway for J. Earle Bowden Way.

Gulf Islands National Seashore Superintendent Jerry Eubanks advises the road between Navarre Beach and Opal Beach will reopen to vehicular access on Friday, May 9, 2008 at 9 a.m. Work on Phase III, the connecting section of roadway from Opal Beach to Pensacola Beach, has begun and completion is expected sometime this summer.

The public should be aware that the completed roadway will not have a “finished” appearance since costs were held to a minimum in repairing the surface and that there will be some temporary, as well as permanent, changes in operations:

The speed limit will be reduced to 35 mph for safety purposes.
Until the roadway is completed to Pensacola Beach, the Navarre Beach access will be limited to day traffic only. The roadway will be closed at sunset. This is also for safety and due to construction which will be on-going on the western end of J. Earle Bowden Way.
There will be no lifeguards posted at Opal Beach this summer.
The facilities at Opal Beach are not available for use at this time and will be posted as closed due to safety concerns.
The Seashore will begin construction and repair to the Opal Beach Day Use facilities later this summer and parking lots there will be closed while work is in progress. The park does plan to begin work on the eastern-most cluster of facilities and work westward, and sections will be reopened as construction is completed.
Visitors are reminded to be safe because a lot of storm related debris is in the area and that footwear is strongly recommended while walking on the beach or wading in the water.

Construction on the road to Fort Pickens is scheduled to begin fall 2008 and to be reopened to the public in the spring of 2009. The road is located in a sensitive habitat for nesting sea turtles and colonial shorebirds. These factors and weather conditions must be considered in the road construction schedule.

Although roads are currently closed to automobiles, visitors can access the park by hiking, biking or boating. The trip from the entrance of the park to Fort Pickens is seven miles one-way, and visitors should be physically prepared to walk or push their bikes with camping gear and supplies along the unimproved roadway and areas of soft sand. All visitors are reminded to stay in the designated travel corridor.

Historic Fort Pickens is open for self-guided tours during daylight hours only. The fishing pier is also open.

Before you go, you should know:

Shade is limited during the first four miles.
There is a one-mile stretch with only sand to walk on or push a bike across.
Bring plenty of water, sunscreen and snacks such as fruit.
Wildlife including birds, raccoons, snakes and red foxes are flourishing, so be mindful of their presence.
No lifeguards are on duty.
Other than walking through the area, the section between the Ranger Station and the Battery Worth picnic area is closed due to safety reasons.
Do not dock at the fishing pier. Instead, anchor 200 feet away.
Restroom facilities are located at Battery Worth picnic area, firehouse area, Battery Van Swearingen and Fort Pickens.
Outdoor shower facilities are located at Battery Worth picnic area and at the jetties inside the seawall at the western tip of the island.

Naval Live Oaks

Just off the island, nature buffs and everyone else who enjoys the wholesome outdoors, visit the Naval Live Oaks Center in the Gulf Islands National Seashore. In this 1,378 acres of virtually untouched woodland, you may see a mockingbird, red-bellied woodpecker, flicker, great-crested flycatcher, blue jay, brown-headed nuthatch, brown thrasher or great blue heron. Walk the sanctioned trails in the area and observe native plants and wildlife that provided food, medicine, tools and shelter for early American natives.

For additional information, please call the Gulf Islands National Seashore park service at (850) 934-2600.