In mid-summer, finding a secluded, quiet spot on Pensacola Beach feels like a dream.
Last year, Visit Pensacola 2 million visitors to Escambia County And many of them headed straight for Pensacola Beach. While most Pensacola Beach tourists frequent popular spots like Casino Beach, there are plenty of less crowded spots along Pensacola Beach, and even more places around Pensacola where you can soak up the sun on the famous white sand.
This is the place to enjoy the beach without the crowds. Most of the time.
Fort Pickens
If you’re already in Pensacola Beach, your best option is to head west to Fort Pickens. Fort Pickens is part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore and requires an entrance fee to visit. See rates below.
Once inside, you can do a lot more than just laze on the beach, which is a good idea, too: You can explore the historic fort, which served as one of several Third System forts built along the U.S. coast in the early 1800s to protect important waterways.
Fort Pickens There’s also a campground perfect for those who want to enjoy nature, history, and the beach. The campground is part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore and is located on Santa Rosa Island, south of Pensacola and Gulf Breeze.
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Site amenities include fire pits, picnic tables, paved spaces for parking, hot showers, restrooms, etc. Both electric and non-electric sites are available, but RV campers should be aware that there are size restrictions due to low-lying branches and brush.
Admission fees for all areas of Gulf Islands National Seashore are the same.
- Per person (pedestrians, cyclists, etc.): $15
- motorcycle: $20
- vehicle: $25
- Park Annual Pass: $45
For non-profit groups:
- Vehicles with a seating capacity of 15 or less: $25
- Vehicles with a seating capacity of 16 to 25 people, ages 16 and over: $15 per person, maximum charge $45
- Buses/motor coaches with a passenger capacity of 26 or more and ages 16 and over: $15 per person, maximum charge $100
Johnson Beach
Perdido Key Beach also has some lovely beach spots, but the main beach area can also get crowded. Johnson Beach National Seashore is another option where you will have to pay an entrance fee, but you can’t put a price on the tranquility that comes with peace of mind.
Johnson Beach is part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore and is a designated recreation area along a barrier island. It has lifeguards, facilities, parking and is perfect for waterside recreational activities and light hiking.
The park features parking, seven walking trails, a pavilion, and a half-mile of bike and pedestrian trails. Please note that pets are not allowed.
Park East
Far beyond the restaurants, bars, the famous Beach Ball Tower, and even Portofino, you’ll find Pensacola’s very own tranquil seaside oasis, Park East. There’s not much to say about Park East, but that’s exactly why it’s on this list.
This is a simple public beach access point away from the hustle and bustle of Casino Beach, where you can lay down your towel or set up a beach umbrella without worrying about being accidentally stepped on by someone struggling to navigate the crowded beach.
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Another great thing about Park East is that it’s not just secluded: there are public restrooms, showers, over 100 parking spaces, a snorkeling reef, and if you’ve got pets, it’s an easy walk to the designated dog beaches at numbers 21.5 and 28.5.
Park East is located approximately 1.8 miles east of Portofino Island Resort. This link The access point coordinates will be displayed on Google Maps.
Navarre Beach
Before it was dubbed “Florida’s Most Relaxing Place,” Navarre Beach in neighboring Santa Rosa County was known as “Florida’s Hidden Gems.” Regardless of which slogan you think applies best, they’re both equally applicable: Navarre Beach is a quieter, more relaxing beach than Pensacola Beach.
While it doesn’t have the same options when it comes to restaurants and bars, it does have miles of pure white beaches and emerald green waters as far as the eye can see. Relax in the sun for an afternoon, or rent kayaks, paddleboards, snorkels and private tours.
Opal Beach
Finally, let’s not forget Opal Beach, located roughly halfway between Pensacola and Navarre Beach. The Opal Beach complex is part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore and can be found along Highway 399.
The beach got its name after Hurricane Opal swept away sand dunes in 1995, essentially forming the beach. Amenities include public restrooms, drinking water, outdoor showers, picnic shelters, and fishing opportunities.
Like Fort Pickens and Johnson Beach, there is an entrance fee to access Opal Beach.
