Itinerary: Eco-Adventure, Pensacola-Style

There's more to outdoor Pensacola than just white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Pensacola boasts a wealth of natural beauty and local wildlife waiting to be discovered.

So lace up your hiking shoes, grab your binoculars, and get ready for a day of eco-adventure, Pensacola-style.

8:00 AM: Bird-Watching and Nature Trails at Big Lagoon State Park

Big Lagoon State Park is the perfect spot to start your day of eco-adventuring. The Gateway to the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, Big Lagoon is home to over 23 species of migratory birds. With beaches, open woodlands, and nature trails, Big Lagoon is an ideal location for getting close to nature. Make sure to check out the Big Lagoon State Park observation tower as part of your wildlife hike.

10:00 AM: Picnic at Gulf Islands National Seashore

Next up, relax with a morning picnic at Gulf Islands National Seashore. Johnson Beach on Gulf Islands National Seashore has all the makings of a perfect picnic spot. Johnson Beach offers facilities, parking areas, boardwalks, trails, and a pavilion. This peaceful stretch of beach offers stunning gulf views and spottings of marine wildlife. Keep an eye out for dolphins, sea turtles, and rays swimming through the water. If you want to move your adventure offshore, check out snorkeling and kayak rentals. Remember to clean up after your picnic and leave behind only footprints!

12:30 PM: Lunch in Downtown Pensacola

Eco-adventuring raises an appetite, so make sure to fuel up with a delicious lunch! Downtown Pensacola offers a variety of restaurants. If food trucks are your vibe, check out The Garden for a variety of options. If you'd rather visit a brick-and-mortar restaurant, check out our top downtown dining recommendations.

2:00 PM: Self-Guided Exploration of the Pensacola Beach Eco Trail

Next up on your eco-adventure is a self-guided tour of the Pensacola Beach Eco Trail. This 8.5-mile-long trail serves to highlight and educate about Pensacola Beach's ecology. Each of the 29 stops explains something different about local wildlife, complete with pictures and maps to guide your journey. Learn about dolphin types, sea turtle protection, nesting birds, and more as you explore the Eco Trail. You can choose to walk, bike, drive, or even swim along the trail. Check out the map below for an overview of the Pensacola Beach Eco Trail.

4:00 PM: Dolphin-Watching Tour in Pensacola Bay

Your Pensacola eco-adventure isn't complete without a dolphin-watching tour in Pensacola Bay. Hop on a dolphin tour for the captivating experience of watching these playful creatures leaping from the water. From private excursions to sunset tours, Pensacola has a variety of dolphin cruise experiences for you to enjoy. Check out the dolphin tours shown below to find the dolphin-watching best experience for you!

Explore Pensacola's Dolphin Tours

6:00 PM: Sunset Visit to Fort Pickens

Draw your day of eco-adventuring to a close with a stunning sunset visit to Fort Pickens. This historic landmark offers panoramic views of the emerald coast waters. Take time to breathe in and relax under the color-streaked sky as the sun sets on your day of Pensacola-style eco-adventure.

So here it is - your blueprint for a nature-filled day. Grab a buddy (or just yourself!) and take on the adventure of exploring Pensacola's ecosystem.

Reminders for Exploring the Ecosystem

Respect Wildlife

Feel free to take pictures of wildlife, but remain at a respectful distance. Never touch or harass wildlife, and give them plenty of space for both their safety and your own. Remember to pick up after yourself and properly dispose of trash. Leaving Pensacola's ecosystem unspoiled allows others to enjoy its beauty!

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Leave Only Footprints

Whether you're on a trail or in the sand, take your trash with you when you go. Make sure to collect all your belongings, and leave no trace behind!

Share the Beauty

Leave Pensacola's ecosystem unspoiled so that others can enjoy its beauty! Take plenty of pictures, but leave everything the way you found it.

Prioritize Safety

Whether you're on a trail or in the sand, prioritize safety while eco-adventuring in Pensacola. Proceed with caution whenever entering a natural body of water. Familiarize yourself with the beach flag system and safety tips for an enjoyable experience!

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