Find Hotels Near Fort Pickens Area of Gulf Island National Seashore Pensacola Beach

Fort Pickens Area of Gulf Island National Seashore in Pensacola Beach is a beautiful place to spend a weekend or vacation. This area of the Florida panhandle beach offers a wide array of activities for visitors, from relaxing on the pristine white sand beaches to exploring historical ruins. The area is home to Fort Pickens, which was an infantry fort built by the U.S. Army in 1834 and is one of four forts that defended Pensacola Bay during the Civil War. Today, this fort is part of Gulf Island National Seashore and visitors can explore the grounds with ranger-led tours, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past.

The beach itself is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or fishing; it features crystal clear waters that are great for scuba diving and snorkeling. With miles of unspoiled coastline, visitors can enjoy a peaceful walk down the beach while they take in stunning views of both native flora and fauna as well as some of Florida’s most iconic wildlife such as osprey, dolphins and sea turtles. The gentle surf also makes this stretch a popular spot for stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking under the shade of old oaks draped in Spanish moss and other lush vegetation found on the secluded barrier islands located off shore.

Beyond its picturesque beaches and historic fort, Fort Pickens Area boasts more than two hundred campsites with water and electricity hookups scattered across 11 different zones located within walking distance from the main beachfront facilities like restrooms and showers. All sites have fire pits with picnic tables as well as access to clean drinking water which make them ideal for family vacations or reunions.

Additionally, Gulf Island National Seashore has plenty more attractions throughout its boundaries such as trails where visitors can explore nature by foot or bike; historic sites like Camp Waltman; scenic overlooks; kayak/canoe launches; educational programs available at Naval Live Oaks Reservation; wild horse tours; interpretative programs at various locations around Pensacola Bay including Fort Barrancas; and even special events like star parties held at Johnson Beach during summer months where amateur astronomers share their knowledge about stars and constellations with others who come to witness night sky wonders above Fort Pickens Area in Pensacola Beach!