The area was OK has a few bars and some food. The only negative side was that a smell very bad…read morestrong odor coming from the water.

This beach is absolutely beautiful but beware of rip currents and jelly fish…read more This was our 2nd stop and it was breathtaking. I love the large parking area and ramps that give you easy access to the Beach. There is a charge to use the fishing pier but from what I could see, it was worth it to those that were fishing. Tons of fish , pelicans, dolphins but also jelly fish. Water was crisp and clean and cool and perfect for a Florida summer morning.

Everything is wonderful about Pensacola Beach! The white sand beaches, the crystal blue water! And…read moredon't forget all the excellent restaurants and bars with their own piece of paradise. More beaches as you follow the beach trail! Enjoy!

I didn't walk to the beach here. I only got out of the car to take pictures of the Pensacola Beach…read moreBall water tower and walked around as my parents were in the car on a phone call. Next time, I'd like to spend more time here. I did order a Pensacola beach ball online.

Historically ridden place. In the best way. There's a fort…read morehere. Actually. Unlike some other places the ruins here exist with old cannons and beautiful arched brick. We've not explored them and mainly visit for the beaches. Military can receive a free lifetime pass for national parks so the entry fee is waived here. I greatly appreciate. My husband loves to bike here. I love to come and see the Inlet. You can go to the Bayside or you can go to the Oceanside. There's also some older probably early 1900 homes scattered about the property from another iteration of its use. There's also I believe World War I one or World War II bunkers present here so this state Park has had many different lives and leaves quite a legacy. We've driven through the campgrounds which look really nice. And the stretch of golf here is substantial. You could definitely find a place to be all on your own if you were willing to walk. The facilities are nice. There are restrooms but parking can be limited at the beach lots on the gulf side when driving in. It's an extensive park and a very long stretch. The water is incredible. It's turquoise jello on the right days.

This area of the Gulf Islands National Seashore is called "Fort Pickens Beach area" it is located…read morebetween Pensacola beach & ends at the Fort. It is a beautiful stretch of beach there isn't much out there once you pass Peg Leg Pete's, but some designated areas to park for beach access, on the Gulf of Mexico side. You can see some remnants of the old Fort areas on the sound side, they are restricted areas, it's kinda of eerie, like time has stood still. Not a lot of people use this end of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, there is a unspoiled beauty about it. Untouched beautiful beachside paradise. There is a overnight camp/campground area, within the park, at the end near the Fort. It's a great place to camp while exploring the Gulf Islands National Seashore "Fort Pickens area." Highest Recommendations.

Super easy to find via GPS and plenty of (free) parking in their own lot (situated with a bunch of…read morerestaurants). Came during down time so the beach was empty but oh so beautiful with clean white sand and clear water!

Cute little area to stop and walk around! The little pier is nice to walk on and look at the water…read moreand there are a bunch of restaurants and shopping nearby!

We have been on a variety of dolphin tours in various places along the Gulf of Mexico and the…read moreAtlantic Ocean, but NONE of them compares to this one!! We did the 1.5 to 2 hour Sunset Dolphin Cruise and had an absolute blast!! It was unbelievable how many dolphins we saw out in the bay! Five of them even swam with the boat when we were heading back!! We saw three jump out of the water and flip in the air! It was honestly like we were watching a movie instead of seeing it in real-life!! The sunset over the water was gorgeous as well!! I simply can't say enough about this cruise!! I very, very highly recommend!!! **Tips** ~ Reserve your spot online on their website to be sure the cruise/tour you are wanting to take doesn't fill up. ~ Bring some cash or your credit/debit card as there is an onboard snack bar. ~ There is a bathroom onboard, but it's similar to a porta-toilet, so you might want to make sure you use the restroom before boarding. ~ There is a Coast Guard-certified lady who shows everyone how to put on, fasten, tighten, and take off the life vests, as well as telling everyone where they are located onboard, if needed. Not every dolphin tour has life vests (we have taken a couple in the past that didn't), so this is important and just another positive about this company!

Very disappointed, boarded the boat that I was reserved with, then was told that it was a private…read moreBooking. The Thompson's . They went out but we did not on the back up boat. We went upstairs to have dinner at Shaggy's and that was even more disappointing. Skies cleared and it was obvious that the private boat was more important . Stopped here on purpose for the great revues. Makes me so sad. Please do better! We live close enough and are asked for recommendations . I understand that safety is imperative. But when other ships sailed and we didn't.......

Cute strip of sand for the doggos A little difficult to find at first. Our dogs enjoyed their time…read morein the sand and water.

Dogs had a great time ! Would return! Beautiful views and very nice people. Restaurants near by and…read morealso a walking trail

(May 22, 2024) I highly recommend this 2 hours dolphin and…read morebay cruise excursion. If you're staying on Pensacola Beach, it's a super easy drive and park situation. Park near Felix's restaurant and enter downstairs under Felix's. There is a little ramp that takes you to the bay side where you catch the boat. No signs mark the area, but you will see others waiting in the area. These are most likely your fellow boaters. They suggest you arrive 45 minutes prior to departure. Our tour was scheduled for 10:00 AM; we arrived at 9:20 AM. The wait is easy with the beautiful scenery are lovely breeze. There are tables and chairs to sit at while waiting. The boat came out of the bay to get us, so don't be surprised if you don't see a boat when you first arrive. You will walk in the sand for a short distance before taking the pier to get onto the boat. A gentleman will take your last name that you made the reservations under, so you don't need tickets to show the reservation. The guys can help you on the boat if needed. The boat is a double decker. The lower area is shaded with large 3-3-1/2' port type widows which are open for a great breeze and maximum viewing. The captain will briefly go over safety instructions and what to do in case of an emergency. This is standard procedure on any chartered vessel. Don't be late! We had a group of 4 board at the last minute so all the instructions they missed had to be restated. Very annoying and rude, so don't be THAT person/group. You must stay seated while leaving the pier, but after you leave, you are free to roam the vessel. All seats are around the perimeter of the boat and each side of the boat has 7 windows. There's plenty of room for viewing. The captain does a great job of turning the boat so everyone gets to see the dolphins no matter which side you are seated. They sell canned sodas, bottles water and chips; no alcohol. There are plenty of grab bars to steady yourself once the boat gets going. It was a very smooth ride. Even when fishing boats went by us and created wake, we didn't feel much at all. I don't think anyone would have trouble with sea sickness. There is plenty of room for strollers, adult walkers, etc. No restrictions on purses. Several people had diaper bags for the kids and backpacks. There is a restroom onboard. We saw several pods of dolphin. It was a so neat how they come very close to the boat. Dylan/Dillion, of the boat hands, was so good at engaging with our group. Though he is young (born in 2001), he has been in Pensacola all his life and is very knowledgeable about the dolphins and the history of Pensacola. He was a pleasure to meet. After the dolphin viewing we took a cruise around the entire bay. We saw Ft. Pickens, the haunted lighthouse, million dollar homes, the military base area and so much more. I wasn't expecting the cruise to be as much fun as the dolphin viewing. They played reggae music while we cruised. I'm so glad we decided to do this tour! We were returned to the same area we left originally. For only $30 (plus taxes/fees and not including cancellation insurance you can add), this was a great deal! The vessel staff work for tips, so please remember to take care of them.

Great Experience. Little confusing finding the dock where we board. Had a great time. Saw plenty of…read moredolphins. Crew were super laid back and chil. I would recommend.

I can't believe me and my husband really did it! We were nervous, but it ended up being so peaceful…read morein the air! You couldn't hear a thing but PEACE!!!!! I would definitely do it again! Radical Rides Captain and Co-Captain were soooooo nice and friendly! They made us feel so comfortable!!!! Thanks!!!!

On time, safe and responsible crews, and fun ride. Cool area to hang out, overall a fun little…read moreenvironment. Staff isn't difficult to look at either

We had a great time, went out on the pontoon boat had a great tour seeing big pod of dolphins, Fort…read morePickens, light house, and Coast Guard ships. Highly recommend.

Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier is the pinnacle of Pensacola. If you want the real Gulf Coast experience,…read morethis is the spot. The pier stretches about 1,471 feet out into the Gulf, and the water is so clear you can see straight down like you're looking through glass. Schools of fish cruise by, anglers line the rails pulling up mackerel and pompano, and every once in a while you'll see something bigger glide through the blue. I've seen rays, sharks, and more fish than I could count swimming right below my feet. It feels like standing above a living aquarium. The original pier here dates back to the 1930s, but the modern one was rebuilt stronger in 1998 after storms took the earlier versions. Today it draws hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, and it's easy to see why. The beach is bright white, the water is emerald green, and the whole place has that laid-back Gulf magic. Walk the boards, feel the breeze, Watch the Gulf roll with ease, Fish below and sky above, Simple place you can't help but love. For me, this pier wasn't just a stop it was the highlight of the whole trip.

Yes, you need to pay to walk the pier. $2.25 per person. Seven dollars if you plan on fishing. Tons…read moreof people fishing off the pier. Lots of strict fishing rules so the pier didn't smell fishy and it was very clean. A fun walk to the end and back. The view of the beach is great.