Fort Pickens: Guardian of Pensacola Bay
Explore a historic fortress on Florida's Gulf Coast, where military history meets natural beauty at Fort Pickens.
Explore Fort Pickens, a historic pentagonal fortress on Santa Rosa Island, that defended Pensacola Bay from the 1830s through WWII. Wander its brick walls, discover its role in the Civil War, and learn about Geronimo's imprisonment here.
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
- Bring comfortable shoes for exploring the fort's extensive grounds and walking along the beach.
- Check the weather forecast and bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water, especially during the summer months.
- Consider taking a ranger-led tour to learn more about the fort's history and significance.
- Visit the visitor center and museum to delve deeper into the area's history.
- Be aware that pets are not allowed on beaches, piers, or inside any fort buildings.
Getting There
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Driving
From Pensacola Beach, follow Fort Pickens Road west. The entrance to the Fort Pickens area of Gulf Islands National Seashore will be on your right. Continue to the entrance station to pay the fee. A one to seven day entrance pass is $25 per private vehicle. Parking is available at various lots throughout the area, including Langdon Beach and the Discovery Center. Limited overflow parking is available at the campground.
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Public Transport
From Pensacola, take Escambia County Area Transit (ECAT) bus route 61 towards Pensacola Beach. From the Pensacola Beach, it is approximately 3 miles to the park entrance. From March to May, a ferry service is available from Pensacola to Fort Pickens, with rates of $30 for adults, $24 for seniors, military, college students, and persons with disabilities, $20 for youths aged 3-15. This price does not include the entrance fee to the National Park.
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Taxi/Ride Share
From Pensacola International Airport (PNS), a taxi or ride-share to Fort Pickens will take approximately 45 minutes and cost $55-$70. Note that this price does not include the entrance fee to the National Park.
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Unmissable attractions to see
Fort Pickens Area of Gulf Island National Seashore
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Fort Pickens Battery Worth
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