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Fort Pickens

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Kids-in-Tow
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4 out of 5
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2
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Ft. Pickens

Ft. Pickens

West of Pensacola Beach is the Gulf Islands National Seashore preserve and at the end of the island sits Ft. Pickens. Ft. Pickens is a 19th century fort that is now open to the public. Most of the fort is open for people to wander through. Some areas are fenced off due to dangerous conditions in the old structures. A great place for families to experience a piece of history and walk in the steps of our country's early defenders. At Ft. Pickens, you can tour at your own pace with a self guided tour pamphlet or you can join in on one of the ranger led walks. Gulf Islands National Seashore encompasses more than just Ft. Pickens. Also included is a stretch of beach and wooded areas. The beaches on the Ft. Pickens side are often much less crowded due to the entrance fee required. The entrance fee is $8.00 per car for a 7 day pass. Or, you can also use a Natural Park pass($50.00 for one year). In the park there are nature walking trails, picnic areas and campgrounds.

From journal Relaxing in Pensacola

Fort Pickens

  • June 29, 2001
  • Rated 3 of 5 by Kids-in-Tow from La Crosse, Wisconsin
VISITOR CENTER Open All Year varying hours check: Gulf Island National Seashore

Location - Pensacola Beach, Florida the very west end of Santa Rosa Island.

The fort was originally constructed to guard the mouth of the harbor and the Navy Yards within. It has also served as the prison for Indian warrior Geronimo.

An explosion in a gunpowder storage area destroyed a corner of the fort in 1899. For WWI and WWII modifications were made that take some of the Civil War Era ambiance out of the fort. I prefer Fort Barrancus on the mainland when I want to show my kids a "real" fort.

However, Ft. Pickens is on the westernmost point of this barrier island, and that means better beachcombing. The tides seem to deposit more shells here than on more eastern portions of Santa Rosa Island. So take a break from the fort tour to visit the beach. Don’t expect to find any dandies, as professionals stop every morning to check out the best spots. Still, the shells you find will probably be better than those at crowded beaches like Ft. Walton.

From journal Florida Gulf Coast with Local Guides – Pensacola a

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