9 Best Beaches In Pensacola Florida-[for 2023]
Pensacola, a piece of heaven on earth for the beach lover, with its crystal clear waters and sparkling sandy beaches, can be a great place to visit in Florida. Pensacola has many great beaches that will satisfy every beach lover’s wish. Here you can help kids build sand castles, and enjoy water sports too.
The sound of the gentle waves here gives you great pleasure. Pensacola has several beaches, and each has unique features. Here we have compiled a list of the 10 best beaches in Pensacola, do check our list once.
1. Gulf Islands National Seashore
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If you are a nature lover then Gulf Islands National Seashore can be a great option for you, it stretches for 160 miles along the coast and is full of natural wonders.
Here you get to see coastal marshes, marine forests, and beautiful winding paths which make it even more spectacular. Here you can and hiking trails and this beach is also part of the national park, so you can join tours and educational programs. And it’s also home to historic sites like Fort Barrancas and Fort Pickens, which you can also visit, making it home to some of Pensacola’s best beach destinations.
2. Perdido Key Beach
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Perdido Key Beach is part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore and is also home to an amazing array of beautiful beaches. Here you also get miles of luxurious hotels and resorts. Here you can enjoy fishing, sunbathing, swimming, and surfing, making it one of the best beaches in Pensacola Florida. It is also known for its spectacular bay views and sand dunes.
You can also spot unique animals like pelicans, blue herons, and sandpipers on this beach. The autumn time is considered the best time to visit the beach of Perdido and the beach feels warm at night with a cool breeze which makes it even more wonderful.
3. Perdido Key State Recreation Area
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Established in 1978, this beautiful park is spread over 247 acres, the park has been attracting visitors for many years with its natural beauty. If you’re looking for a quiet beach, Perdido Key State Recreation Area could be a great option for you.
One can also enjoy swimming or enjoy sunbathing in this peaceful state park. And here surf fishing is a popular activity for anglers. Here you’ll nd spectacular sugar-white Pensacola beaches and swathes of sand dunes, but remember there are no stores and restaurants available, so be sure to bring food, beverages, and other essentials.
4. Fort Pickens
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If you are a history buff, Fort Pickens can be a great option for you. This famous fort was built in 1834 to protect the Pensacola Pass and Pensacola Bay. The gulf provided excellent anchorage for ships during the war and was considered most important for the safety of ships. Today Fort Pickens serves as a historic site.
It also has a park, campground, museum, and boardwalk making it one of the best beaches in Pensacola. It is also the perfect place for a picnic or a romantic date. Be sure to stop at the Discovery Center to learn about the history of the fort and the wildlife and natural environment and also enjoy the spectacular sunset view here.
5. Opal Beach
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If you are looking for a beach with a calm and natural atmosphere, then Opal Beach can be a good choice for you. It is located halfway between Navarre Beach and Casino Beach. It is known for its powdery white sand and crystal clear waters and is one of the best beaches in Pensacola.
Opal Beach is a hidden gem in Pensacola. You also get picnic shelters, outdoor showers, flush toilets, and drinking water which makes it even more luxurious. These visitors can enjoy sunbathing and can even go for a walk or go fishing, so don’t forget to bring fishing gear.
This immaculate and untouched beach is a wonderful place to hang out with friends, but remember there are no concessions or stores nearby, so you should pack lunch, snacks, and drinks. And enjoy its magical and alluring views.
6. Big Lagoon State Park
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Big Lagoon State Park This is one of the family-friendly beaches in Pensacola, Florida, this state park covers approximately 705 acres. This state park is a great place for outdoor recreation.
If you are searching for beaches in Pensacola for fun, then Big Lagoon State Park could be a great choice for you. The park is full of fun activities, along with shallow creeks and waters, the park offers visitors opportunities for camping, swimming, fishing, boating, canoeing, and hiking.
7. Pensacola Beach
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If you are looking for a great beach to visit in Pensacola with your family, then Pensacola Beach can be a good option for you. Here you will nd endless opportunities for relaxation and fun. Here you can enjoy seafood and live music or go shopping. Pensacola Beach has something for everyone to discover.
This strip is also the best beach for swimming in Pensacola and there is also a fishing pier where you can enjoy fishing. And there are many amenities including lifeguards, changing rooms, and restrooms that make it one of the best beaches in Pensacola.
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If you are looking for the best beach to relax in Pensacola, Navarre Beach could be a great option for you. Between Oak and the Santa Rosa Sounds, Navarre Beach is a beautiful white-sand beach.
It welcomes you with its eight miles of white powdery sand and crystal-clear water. Located at the eastern end of Navarre Beach, Navarre Beach Park, has been protected over the years and this state park offers 4,000 feet of pristine bay beach, fishing, swimming, camping, and a variety of activities.
It is also home to the sweet pea-green sea turtle and can spot bottlenose dolphins. It is beloved by both tourists and locals alike and is one of the best beaches in Pensacola, Florida.
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Naval Live Oak Nature Preserve, part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, is located on the shores of the Gulf Breeze in Santa Rosa Sound. This protected area was used as a tree farm in 1829 and today, the forests here are under the protection of the National Forestry Services. With over 1,370 acres of waterfront, this is one of the best beaches near Pensacola.
Along with 7.5 miles of hiking trails, one can enjoy spectacular scenery and this protected area is also home to various protected species of small animals, birds, and plants. And here some dolphins can be seen swimming in the water.