Explore the Best Hiking and Walking Trails in the Pensacola Bay Area

Get outdoors and take a walk in the Pensacola Bay Area. The Pensacola Bay Area has miles of paved, boardwalks and unpaved trails waiting for you to explore.

Fort Pickens

Fort Pickens, located within the Gulf Islands National Seashore, offers hiking experiences throughout the park and serves as the terminus for the Florida National Scenic Trail. Hikers can explore historical sites, sugar-white sand beaches, and explore historic forts.

Pictured | Florida National Scenic Trail - Fort Pickens

Big Lagoon State Park

Big Lagoon State Park has a variety of scenic hiking and walking trails across coastal scrub and wetlands. With over 5 miles of easy to moderate paths, visitors can enjoy views of the lagoon, diverse wildlife, and ecosystems like pine flatwoods and saltwater marshes. These trails are ideal for bird watching, photography, or a peaceful stroll, providing a perfect blend of leisure and adventure.

Pictured | Birding boardwalk in Big Lagoon State Park

Perdido Key State Park

A little-known hiking trail along Old River exists in Perdido Key State Park. The 2-mile out-and-back trail is located on the island's north side and winds through the park's coastal ecosystem. The trail is sandy, and you'll get to view sand dunes, salt marshes, and coastal scrub areas along the trail.

Pictured | Couple hiking in Perdido Key State Park

Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park

Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park in Florida offers hiking experiences on over 4,000 acres of land. The trail includes paved boardwalks and off-road hiking trails. The park is home to the carnivorous white-topped pitcher plant found only along the Florida and Mississippi Gulf Coast. On the boardwalk, you'll observe the pitcher plant areas and enjoy views of Tarkiln Bayou. Off the boardwalk trails lead to Perdido Bay. This park is a great location to explore one of Florida's crucial wetland ecosystems, offering enjoyable hiking experiences for visitors.

Perdido Key - Multi-Use Path

Enjoy walking or biking in Perdido Key along the multi-use path that extends from the Perdido Key bridge off River Road and extends west. Once construction is completed, the path will be over six miles to the Alabama-Florida state line. Along the path, you can access Perdido Key State Park, beach access points, many local restaurants and shops, the Perdido Key Visitor Information Center, and more. For an excellent route, start at the bridge, take the path south, then west along Perdido Key Drive to River Road. Take River Road back to your starting point.

Pictured | Beach access along the trail

Maritime Park & Bruce Beach

Walk along Pensacola Bayfront at Community Maritime Park and Bruce Beach. Both parks are city parks along the bay in downtown Pensacola, and to access them, park in the parking area at Maritime Park. For a recommended route, head south on Reus St from the parking area, then east on W. Cedar St. Follow the sidewalk to the walking path along the bay. Follow the Bayfront all along the stadium. Once on the park's west side, continue north along S De Villiers St. to Whibbs Dr. Follow Whibbs Dr. to the Mult-use bridge into Bruce Beach.

Pictured | View along the walk at Community Maritime Park

America's First Settlement Trail

Explore Pensacola's rich history on America's First Settlement Trail! This engaging 3-mile, free interactive trail takes you through downtown Pensacola and the Historic District, showcasing over 450 years of history with 20 stops and 70 points of interest. From colonial landmarks to modern attractions, immerse yourself in America's oldest settlements with diverse cultures and heritage.