Escambia: Coast, Nature and History

In Escambia County, protected coastal landscapes, natural areas and historic sites reveal different sides of the region. Along the coast, white sand dunes and beach paths sit alongside habitats for plants and migratory birds; parks and historic places offer more inspiration for planning your trip. You can tailor your stay to whether you’d like to explore landscapes, spend time outdoors or learn about the area’s history.

Coast, Dunes and Beach Paths

The barrier islands of Santa Rosa Island and Perdido Key protect the coast of Escambia County. At Perdido Key State Park, dunes of white sand are covered with sea oats. Fort Pickens State Park Aquatic Preserve is also one of the region’s largest protected landscapes, extending across 34,000 acres.

The Perdido Key area has several beach access points. There is also a small boat ramp and an accessible nature trail with a boardwalk. Pensacola Beach has scenic walking paths.

Natural Areas and Trails

At Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park, the protected landscape covers more than 4,000 acres. It is home to four species of endangered pitcher plants. The Tarkiln Bayou Trail is 0.5 miles long and ADA-accessible. The Perdido Bay Trail is different: It is 6.5 miles long, challenging and provides access to the bay’s beaches. Their length, character and accessibility make the two trails different options for planning your day.

Big Lagoon State Park also brings together a variety of landscapes. It covers 704 acres of uplands; its saltwater tidal marshes and pine forests attract migratory birds. For paddling enthusiasts, it is worth noting that the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail begins at Big Lagoon State Park. Nature watching and a designated paddling route offer different reasons to include the park in your trip plans.

Historic Forts and Pensacola

Gulf Islands National Seashore is home to four historic forts, some of which date back to 1829. The Fort Barrancas area includes the Spanish Water Battery, Fort Barrancas and Advanced Redoubt; it also has two short hiking trails. Fort Pickens was designed and built to protect Pensacola Bay and the Pensacola Navy Yard and Depot from foreign attacks. Together, the forts offer different insights into the region’s historic role in defense.

Historic Pensacola covers nine acres within the outlines of the original Spanish and British forts in downtown Pensacola. Costumed interpreters bring history to life. Another historic landmark is Fort Pickens, whose purpose was to protect the bay and the Navy Yard and Depot. These sites make a distinct focus for a visit, alongside nature and coastal attractions.

Activities and Getting Around

The Blue Angels can be seen practicing above the National Naval Aviation Museum on most Tuesday and Wednesday mornings from March through November. Their recurring practice schedule may change from year to year, so check the latest dates before making plans. Ways to reach Pensacola include Pensacola International Airport, the I-10 and I-110 highways, and the waterway.

In the Pensacola area, you can get around by ferry, trolley, ECAT, ride services, bicycle or on foot. If you plan to take a ferry, check the schedule ahead of time. When planning your trip, it’s worth deciding whether the coast and nature, historic forts, or activities and trails in the Pensacola area will be the focus of your stay.

Discover more destinations: Myrtle Grove, Brent, Pensacola, Gulf Breeze, Goulding, Perdido Key, West Pensacola, Volusia

See the full travel guide: Florida.