Best Beaches in Pensacola, Florida

Is your ideal day spent soaking up the sun on a beautiful Florida beach? You don’t have to look hard for the perfect spot when you are on the western part of the panhandle. The Pensacola area has some of the best beaches on Florida’s panhandle. Whether you like to spend a day on a busy beach filled with activity or you prefer something more laid-back and private, you can find the perfect spot for your beach day. Check out some of the best beaches in Pensacola.

Gulf Island National Seashore

“Pensacola Beach, Florida” by David Henderson is licensed with CC BY 2.0

The National Park Service oversees the Gulf Islands National Seashore, which stretches for 160 miles and includes several different beaches, campsites, and picnic areas. You’ll love the gorgeous white sand and the beautiful views of the Gulf. This beach area is the perfect spot for nature lovers because it offers much more than just sand and water. It is home to an abundance of wildlife, scenic trails, and the historic Fort Barrancas, which is worth exploring during your stay.

Johnson Beach

You’ll find Johnson Beach at Gulf Islands National Seashore. This recreational area has lifeguards, a raised boardwalk, lots of space on the sparkling sand to spread out, and shaded picnic areas for when you need to get out of the sun. Johnson Beach is also the perfect spot for bird lovers. So instead of spending your day sitting on the sand, you can grab your binoculars and enjoy watching over 300 different birds that visit the area throughout the year.

Perdido Key Beach

Perdido Key Beach is another popular beach in Gulf Island National Seashore. This hidden gem has a laid-back atmosphere and offers a peaceful spot to relax on the beach. You can head to this Pensacola spot when you want to take a swim, soak up the sun on the sand, or even do some surf fishing.

This beach sits out of the way, so there are no restaurants within walking distance. You’ll want to make sure to pack a lunch and bring drinks for your day at Perdido Key. There are also no stores nearby, so don’t forget your beach chairs and towels.

Perdido Key Beach makes the list of best beaches in the Pensacola area for many reasons. In addition to the quiet, it is home to native Florida wildlife such as blue herons and pelicans. Visitors can also enjoy the unique view while sitting on the beach. Across the way, you’ll see a line of amazing colorful houses that sit along the coastline.

Perdido even offers camping right on the beach so that you can turn your beach day into an entire weekend.

Fort Pickens

If you are a beach lover and a history buff, make sure to take a drive to Fort Pickens. The famous fort was constructed in 1834 to protect Pensacola Bay, and it’s now a popular historic spot. It is home to Langdon Beach, which is not only one of the prettiest beaches on the Gulf Coast; it is one of the best places in Pensacola to watch the sunset. Langdon Beach has lifeguards on duty all summer, so it’s a great spot for the family to go swimming.

Casino Beach

Casino Beach is a must for beachgoers in the Pensacola area. It’s the original home of the Casino Resort, which first opened during the Great Depression. The beach and surrounding area offer a wide variety of fun activities all year long. This public strip of beach is excellent for families, and there’s a fishing pier, changing rooms, restrooms, and lifeguards on duty.

If you want to set up near the Pensacola Beach Fishing Pier, you cannot only enjoy time on the sand and in the water but have easy access to all the food and entertainment along the pier.

Casino Beach is the spot for outdoor nightlife in Pensacola. There are often live concerts, and it is the best spot in the area to catch the annual Blue Angels flight show.

Navarre Beach

When you want to find the most relaxing beach in Pensacola, head to Navarre Beach. It sits on the east end of the Pensacola barrier island, with unobstructed views of the Gulf and a laid-back vibe. You won’t find crowds of people at Navarre Beach, but it’s perfect for a quiet picnic and a walk on the 1,545-foot pier where you might catch a glimpse of dolphins swimming below. This pier is the longest Florida pier and is also a perfect spot for fishing, watching the sunset, or just enjoying the views of the water below.

Navarre Beach is home to the Sea Turtle Conservation Center, where you can learn about the green sea turtle. If you visit between May and Oct., you might even catch a glimpse of sea turtles nesting along the shoreline.

Quietwater Beach

Although its name suggests otherwise, Quietwater Beach is a hub of activity in Pensacola. It’s the best place to go when you want to rent a jet ski to get out on the water, play beach volleyball, and see a big-name concert at The Shell, the iconic venue for outdoor live music.

If you are up for an adventure, you can go parasailing at Quietwater beach or take a ziplining tour. Since this beach sits on the shallow waters of the Santa Rosa Sound, the water stays quiet all year long, making it perfect for families with kids.

Just east of the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk, you’ll find many of the businesses where you can rent wave runners, boats, and kayaks. If you want to get out on the water, book a sunset sail or a snorkeling adventure.

Pensacola is home to many different beaches, each offering its unique style of fun. You’ll need reliable transportation to get you to all of these beaches, so stop by Allen Turner Hyundai and find a new Hyundai that’s ready for adventure. We also have a large selection of used cars and trucks from many different manufacturers, so you are sure to find the right vehicle for your Florida and Pensacola travels.