Fort Pickens: Guardian of Pensacola Bay
Explore Fort Pickens: a historic landmark on Pensacola Beach offering a glimpse into military history and coastal defense.
Explore Fort Pickens, a historic pentagonal fortress on Santa Rosa Island, Pensacola Beach. Completed in 1834, it played a crucial role in defending Pensacola Bay and remained in Union hands during the Civil War. Today, it stands as a monument to military technology and a reminder of past injustices.
A brief summary to Fort Pickens
- 1400 Fort Pickens Rd, Pensacola Beach, Florida, 32561, US
- +1850-934-2622
- Visit website
- Monday 9 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
- Thursday 9 am-5 pm
- Friday 9 am-5 pm
- Saturday 9 am-5 pm
- Sunday 9 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Explore the fort's interior, including the officers' and prisoners' quarters, to get a sense of life during and after the Civil War.
- Visit the Fort Pickens Visitor Center to discover the wonders of Santa Rosa Island and learn about the area's history.
- Take advantage of the recreational activities available, such as fishing, birdwatching, and exploring trails.
Getting There
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Driving
From Interstate 10, take Exit 12 for I-110 South, then exit 1B for Gregory Street East. Merge onto 30 E Chase Street, turn left onto Bayfront Parkway /Hwy 98 East, and merge onto Hwy 399 to Pensacola Beach. Cross the Bob Sikes Bridge (toll $1.00 - $2.50) and turn right onto Fort Pickens Road. Continue through residential areas to the National Seashore gate and entrance station. The road ends in a loop around the historic buildings at Fort Pickens. Parking is available in designated lots. Roadside parking is not permitted.
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Public Transport
Take the Route 61 bus to the Fort Pickens Drive at Park West stop. From there, it's a 7-minute walk to Fort Pickens Beach. The Route 61 bus runs from approximately 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Check the Escambia County Area Transit (ECAT) schedule for the most up-to-date information. A single ride fare is $1.75.
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Ferry
The Pensacola Bay City Ferry operates seasonally (March - October) from Downtown Pensacola and Pensacola Beach to Fort Pickens. Check the ferry schedule for departure times. This year's ferry rates are $30 for adults, $24 for seniors, military, college students, and persons with disabilities, $20 for youths aged 3-15, and free for 2 and under. Ferry tickets must be purchased online or at the terminal. The price does not include the entrance fee to the National Park.
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Fort Pickens Area of Gulf Island National Seashore
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Fort Pickens Battery Worth
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