10 Best Beaches In Pensacola, Florida You Must Visit 2022
Pensacola is a slice of heaven on earth for sun-seekers. With its emerald waters and sparkling sandy beaches, this Florida Panhandle city will satisfy your beach cravings. In addition, the beaches in the area are free from tourist crowds.
So start planning your beach getaway here by checking out our list of the best beaches in Pensacola, FL. The prettiest ones!
Contents
- 1. Gulf Islands National Seashore
- 2. Lost Key Beach
- 3. Lost Key State Recreation Area
- 4. Fort Pickens
- 5. Big Lagoon State Park
- 6. Opal Beach
- 7. Casino Beach
- 8. Naval Live Oaks Nature Preserve
- 9. Navarre Beach
- 10. Pensacola Beach
Gulf Islands National Seashore
Pensacola Beach, FL 32561
(850) 934-2600
Stretching 160 miles, this National Seashore will mesmerize you with its gorgeous white-sand beaches and sparkling blue waters.
Why is this beach recommended?
The Gulf Islands National Seashore is brimming with natural wonders. It boasts not only splendid maritime forests and coastal marshes but also offers picturesque winding trails. Of course, it’s home to some of the best beach spots in Pensacola.
What is my advice?
Spice up your beach getaway by visiting the historic Fort Barrancas. Built with 6 million bricks in 1844, this fort saw actual fighting and was a Civil War fort asset. You can also stop by Fort Pickens, the largest military fortification on Pensacola Bay.
Recommended hotel nearby: Hotel Margaritaville Beach
Lost Key Beach
Perdido Key, FL 32507
(800) 874-1234
Known for its Gulf views and dunes, this barrier island is part of the majestic Gulf Island National Seashore.
Why is this beach recommended?
Perdido Key is, without a doubt, one of the best beaches in the area. This island has attracted visitors with its balanced mix of southern charm, coastal life, and natural beauty for years. Additionally, this oceanfront hideaway is a sanctuary for various fauna and flora.
What is my advice?
Although summer is a popular time to go to the beach, fall is the best time to visit Perdido Key. With fewer crowds, you have all the beautiful beaches to yourself. And, unlike other parts of the country, Perdido Key remains warm in the fall with cool breezes at night.
Recommended hotel nearby: The Lodge at Gulf State Park, A Hilton Hotel
Lost Key State Recreation Area
15301 Perdido Key Dr
Pensacola, FL 32507
(850) 492-1595
It may interest you: 16 best beaches in Maryland.
Established in 1978, this 247-acre park captivates visitors with irresistible natural beauty.
Why is this beach recommended?
Are you looking for a more serene, underdeveloped fringe? So don’t forget to include this recreational area in your list of the best things to do in Pensacola. When you explore this waterfront paradise, you’ll find swathes of eye-catching sugar-white Pensacola beaches and dunes.
You can also swim, sunbathe, canoe, and fish in the sea in this tranquil and pristine state park.
What is my advice?
There are no shops or restaurants inside the park. Therefore, bring food, drinks, beach chairs, and other essentials when you visit this park. Also, there are no campsites within the park, but you will find a camp at the nearby Big Lagoon.
Recommended hotel nearby: Best Western Premier – The Tides
Fort Pickens
1400 Fort Pickens Rd
Pensacola Beach, FL 32561
(850) 934-2600
In 1972, this 850-acre military fort was officially listed on the US National Register of Historic Places.
Why is this beach recommended?
Fort Pickens is more than its Civil War remnants and historical wonders. It is home to one of the most beautiful beaches on the Florida Gulf Coast: Langdon Beach. Full of comfortable services, this beach has parking, toilets, a picnic pavilion, and lifeguards in summer.
What is my advice?
Stop by the Discovery Center, and check out the interior exhibits detailing the fort’s history, wildlife, and natural environment.
Recommended hotel nearby: Hampton Inn Pensacola Beach
Big Lagoon State Park
12301 Gulf Beach Hwy
Pensacola, FL 32507
(850) 492-1595
Since 1977, this state park has offered 705 outdoor fun and recreation acres.
Why is this beach recommended?
Look no further than this state park if you’re looking for family-friendly beaches in Pensacola, Florida. With bays and shallow waters, it is even the safest beach for children in the area. Ranger-led tours, nature trails, saltwater marshes, and birdlife will amaze the kids.
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What is my advice?
Pack lunch, snacks, and drinks, and enjoy a West Beach Picnic Area meal. Shaded by oak and pine trees, this area is a pleasant place to eat and relax after hours on the beach.
Recommended hotel nearby: Perdido Beach Resort
Opal Beach
FL-399
Pensacola Beach, FL 32561
(850) 934-2600
Accidentally created in 1995 by nature, this gleaming sugar-white sand beach is a secret gem.
Why is this beach recommended?
Opal Beach is Northwest Florida’s best-kept secret. Immaculate and untouched, this serene haven is the perfect antidote to your hectic and stressful lifestyle. In addition, the beach will make you want to take lots of photos with a magical and impressive landscape.
What is my advice?
There are picnic shelters, outdoor showers, toilets with cisterns, and drinking water on the beach. But there are no concessions or stores nearby. So buy your snacks, food, drinks, and other beach gear before hitting the stretch.
Recommended hotel nearby: Hilton Pensacola Beach
7. Casino Beach
41 Ft. Pickens Rd.
Pensacola Beach, FL 32561
(850) 934-7200
Located in the heart of Pensacola Beach, this public strip is an excellent option for families.
Why is this beach recommended?
Families will find endless opportunities to relax and have fun at Casino Beach. You can relax in the sun, admire the sparkling waters and watch your stress melt away. In addition, it has a multitude of facilities, such as a fishing pier, lifeguards, changing rooms, and bathrooms.
What is my advice?
Head over to the 1,471-foot-long Pensacola Beach Fishing Pier for some pretty views. You can also enjoy a wide range of entertainment and dining options along this pier.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Resort Pensacola Beach, an IHG Hotel
Naval Live Oaks Nature Preserve
1801 Gulf Breeze Pkwy
Gulf Breeze, FL 32563
(850) 934-2600
Part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, this reservation began as a federal tree farm in 1829.
Why is this beach recommended?
The Live Oaks Naval Nature Reserve is one of the best beaches near Pensacola. With more than 1,370 acres of shoreline and forest, it’s also great for wading and walking. It is a landscaped refuge for several protected species of plants, birds, and small animals.
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What is my advice?
Hike the 10 km loop trail to see the different ecosystems and landscapes of the Naval Live Oaks area.
Recommended hotel nearby: Hampton Inn & Suites Pensacola/Gulf Breeze
Navarre Beach
8543 Navarre Pkwy
Navarre Beach, FL 32566
(850) 939-2691
Resting on the northwestern tip of Florida, this seaside community beckons with 12 miles of enticing, unspoiled white coastline.
Why is this beach recommended?
Navarre Beach is a place of simplicity and solitude. Carefree and largely unknown, this beach community offers plenty of relaxing activities. You can wander through serene coves without the crowds, have picnics, and spot dolphins on its massive 1,545-foot-long pier.
What is my advice?
Do you love animals? Visit the beach between May and October to see the sea turtles nesting on the shore. Also, explore the area to spot rabbits, birds, deer, or even a bear.
Recommended hotel nearby: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Navarre Beach
Pensacola Beach
Pensacola Beach, FL 32561
Situated perfectly on Santa Rosa Island, this seaside community is one of the most popular beaches in Pensacola.
Why is this beach recommended?
Famous for its unparalleled views of the Gulf Coast, this hideaway is home to some of the best beaches in Pensacola, FL. With gentle waves and emerald waters, this strip is also the best swimming beach in Pensacola.
What is my advice?
Try to visit the beach in winter. In addition to the fact that there are fewer people, dolphin sightings are pretty common in winter.
Recommended hotel nearby: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Pensacola Beach
If you’ve been left wanting more, check out America’s Best Beaches. Pretty! By the way, What do you think of the best beaches in Pensacola? Do not forget to leave your impressions in the comments. We read!
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