Beach Guide

Pensacola Beach is known for its pristine, sparkling sugar-white sand, "emerald" waters, and rolling dunes.

The surrounding park area features several nature trails and abundant wildlife.

In addtion to boating, sailing, hiking, cycling, fishing, diving, and relaxing, the Pensacola Beach and surrounding area is rich in history.

The land around Pensacola Bay was home to native peoples at least 5,000 years ago. They settled along the coastline and moved inland as they became farmers. There are several archeological sites in the surrounding area, many of which are protected from human intervention.

Pensacola Bay, large enough to harbor a flotilla of ships, became an important naval port early on. The city had been settled by the Spanish, French, and briefly, the English for this reason. And like other older and warmer ports, the bay was a common destination for pirates for many years.

The city is full of historic sites from the Spanish period, including the historic Seville District, with elements of French Creole architecture evident as a result of the short French occupation.

The Gulf Islands National Seashore which surrounds Beachside Resort and Conference center features the remains of old military forts dating to the pre-Civil War period. Fort Pickens is the closest of these. Originally built to protect Pensacola Bay from foreign invasion when Florida was a U.S. territory, it fell into Union hands during the Civil War, and was later used as a prison to house captured Native Americans, including Geronimo.

Come stay with us as you explore all that this pristine and culturally rich area has to offer. You'll be glad you did.

For more information on Pensacola's beaches and history visit:

Gulf Islands National Seashore

Unearthing Pensacola's History

Pensacola Beach History

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