Reviews of Fort Pickens (Park)

Torrance Wong

I would give 10 stars if that was an option! Beautiful park with pristine, quiet beaches. We relaxed at Langdon beach which was close to the parking lot and had clean restroom/outdoor shower facilities. No trash was found on the beach and waves were calm that day. It also just so happened it was free admission day to all National Parks, so the $20 entry fee was waved! We also went to see the fort at the end of the island (about a 15-20 minute drive from the entry gate due to the 25 mph speed limit). It was well-marked and all the employees were extremely polite and helpful. They had a musket presentation at 3 PM which was informative and cool. Never would have though the musket had a lower pitch 'boom.' Careful near the jetty on the north tip of the island. I saw countless number of jellyfish floating along the shore (though they were most likely dead). Most were about 12" in diameter) I had such a good experience that I ended up donating some money in the gift shop towards the park. You should too! Will definitely come back!

Jeff Clark

We enjoy visiting this place. It has changed from storms the last few years but it still offers good views with historical buildings. The fishing can be excellent at times as well.

Christa Kitzmann

Beautiful and historic. If you’re in the area I would definitely recommend checking it out!

Diana Twarogowski

Historic and fun to explore! Fort Pickens is surrounded by the best stretch of beach on the Gulf. We visited when the Blue Angels were practicing. We made our way to the top of the fort and had an amazing view of the jets and their crazy aerobatic maneuvers. Honestly one of the best things I've ever seen and done. We left feeling very patriotic :)

Jason Garraway

Amazing! Be sure to snorkel (or dive) the Jetties. Fort is bigger than it initially looks, and well worth the tour. One of the highlights of our vacation to the Gulf Shores!

D Songy

Worth the $20 to get in! Explore the fort, hang at the beach, or go fishing at the pier. Something for everyone! Can use your ticket for 7 days so don't miss a sunset there.

Derek Jones

There is so much to see and explore at this Fort, the history really comes alive. Most sites like this are “see them once” types, but we come at least once a year just to explore and walk around. Such a unique piece of history. After checking it all out don’t miss the docks and beaches in the area, as they are pristine!

Deanmu6uio Paulin

What more can you say? The Blue Angels put on a spectacular show. They are awesome and never get old. The park is nice and very beautiful. There is a fishing pier too. A few years ago we bought a National Parks pass. Well worth the money and good at any National Park.

Brian DeFoe

We rode bikes out here. A nice 10 mile ride from the beach and beautiful views the whole time. The fort is amazing and easy to spend hours here.

James Mobley

Very clean and peaceful beach. Great place to take family. Boys loved trying to catch the crabs and seeing and learning about fort. In my top 5 of places we have been.

Terri Jenkins

Called for reservations asked for a shaded site. We get here and there isn’t not even one tree on site 37. The awnings can’t help because the sun isn’t one side on the camper it’s shining on both sides the way the site is laid out. Can’t park the truck by the camper there isn’t enough space so we have to park in the parking lot. Can’t call the office where you check in because they don’t handle reservations or help at all. There isn’t even a local phone number. We wanted the spot we had before but wasn’t available. But this is ridiculous!! We have outdoor area on our camper can’t even use that because you would have to sit in weeds!! Never again!!!

Glen Petersen

Cool piece of history that is a relaxing old fort available to explore. There was a demostration of a 10lb cannon being fired. Park rangers were knowledgeable and engaging about the history of the fort. Allow enough time to drive to/from due to 25mph speed limit but very scenic views along the coast.

Robert Taylor

Nice historical fort and a beautiful beach. What more could you want...

FauxFaFox

There are a lot of informative signs about the old forts. You can walk in all of the old buildings and there is plenty to explore and there are places to hike and go biking on trails. There are camp grounds that you can pay to spend the night in the park.

Nicole Williams

If you want an in depth experience catch the guided tour. Otherwise it's still fun to walk the grounds. But may be difficult to separate when structures were built and for what purpose. But the cannon on top of the fort needs no explanation! Enjoy yourself at the nearby museum with great visuals to explain natural changes that occurs to the island and history it has to offer. The buildings are all held in different locations. Consolidating everything to one building might be more efficient.

Vanessa Reinke

The scenery is breathtaking and I wish we had had the time to spend a day on the beach in the park (the beaches are stunning and have no crowds!!). The Fort itself was so fun to walk around and explore and it was definitely worth the drive from Destin. Our kids loved running around the grounds and we enjoyed learning about a piece of history. The museum is small but interactive, well maintained, and kid friendly with hands on learning experiences. This place is really worth the visit!

Laura Burke

Fort Pickens surprised us when we went there with friends. It's got a very informative visitors center with a video recorded 15 minute tour that runs every 30 minutes. There are trails all over the fort and markers to explain the significance of various places and fortifications. It was a great way to spend a cool, windy day.

Gary Lipe

The boat ride from Pensacola was Fun and reasonably priced $15 for Seniors. At the Fort, they had an electric tram that gives you an overview of the entire area, then their museum has very informative displays and a 15 minute video. We were lucky and sat on the porch to watch the Blue Angeles practice. Lots of families were there to enjoy the beaches with their children. ENJOY

Amanda Mullis

Absolutely one of my favorite places to camp. The staff is awesome and of you have a curious child like I do, they all took the time to fuel her need to history knowledge

Bruce King

Love visiting these Old Forts, especially on some of the most beautiful beaches ever.

Justin Pfirman

Absolutely amazing. One thing to note is, it is fully open. Nobody breathing down your neck looking at what your are up to or pushing you along. You are able to go freely wherever you please. There is one section that is blocked off. But otherwise fully open to explore. Would visit again, the place is huge.

Jade Cross

Such a great place full of lots of energy and history. Wear comfortable shoes as this place is huge and beware of standing to still on the grass as there is lots of any that will bite you. We even got a blue angels show whole we were there.

Mary Lindsey

This was really cool, we were just riding around and came across this and it was a very good history lesson and so cool to tour. You can walk through it and there are signs that give you the information of the war. Really cool experience for kids too.

China Constance

The Rangers, Volunteers and everyone in between are amazing people. The facilities are well kept and they are improving everyday. I’ve been here for a few hours a couple of different days and never camped here I would live to give that a try though.

JD Whitty

We love to go tent camping in national parks as a family, and Fort Pickens is one my favorites so far. The tent sites were fairly private and the restrooms and showers were nice. Everything was cleaned daily, and the staff was very friendly. Exploring the fort and the surrounding structures was really interesting as well. You basically are allowed to explore wherever you want, but bring a good flashlight because some of the rooms in the fort are really dark inside. The beaches were perfect also. The only drawback was that there was no water or electricity at the campsite. We do love the primitive thing, but you need to be able to at least charge your phone when you're out for several days at a time.

Dick Burgman

Amazing fort. Walking tour with information to explain each area. Gift shop. Beach on the bay side and hardly anyone there. Camp grounds in the area. Wonderful especially if you like history.

Joe Fountain

Fun place, educational, very friendly staff, brings you back in time at every turn, neat things to learn about this part of Florida, $20 to getting in the park but it covers 7 of the parks in Florida for 5 or 7 days I can't remember exactly but keep your receipt to get into other parks, I know opal beach and I think Henderson beach are two others.

Carl Swan

Interesting place to learn about history of the Civil War along the Gulf Coast. Try to take the guided nature hike if you can and you may get lucky and see a few alligator snapping turtles. Also, be aware you will be out in the elements and in summer it's brutally hot. Be sure to use bug spray before you wander around as they're are a lot of critters around the fort.

Nathan Williams

Prepare yourself for a whole day experience and pack yourself a lot of water. Whether your walking the beaches or exploring the multitude of historic military batteries this place will take many hours of your time to fully enjoy. The camping doesn't have a lot shade so if your staying the night be prepared.

Brian Schuster

I've been several times over the years and it's always interesting. Generous walking trails , fishing pier , self guided tours with well marked historical signs. Park maintained in pristine condition. Park officers at front gate very helpful. Admittance is rather pricey but if you have a Senior Lifetime Park Pass you breeze right in. Sweet !

Belinda Clouse

The fort does cost to go to. The cost is worth it. Very interesting to walk through and imagine back in time. You can see where the canons are and the storage of ammo. Geronamo was here at one time. They have a place to buy things.

Robin Strange

Fort Pickens is a great look into the history of our Country, the staff was so knowledgeable and friendly, they shot the cannon twice while I was there. So much to see and had a great time.

Ryan Mays

Rode my bike out here from navarre beach, it was an awesome bike rode that was very bike friendly.The site's were pretty cool, would be a good place to take the family, the had camping and some really cool history.

Joyce Cranford

A one of a kind historical site. Discovery Center has lots of informative information!

Sandra Duran

Very interesting and educational. Enjoyed learning about some of our local history. Lots to do as well.

Dennis Eckhoff

The beaches are just beautiful .Parking is a bit of a challenge . I suggest getting there early if you want a parking spot.

Bailey Zuk

To me, an entrance fee of $20 seemed absurd but once you enter the fort you realize it was totally worth it. The drive from the entrance gate to the fort is about 10 minutes due to the long curvy road and 35 mph speed limit so despite the long drive, I promise the fort is still there. You can take either group tours or self guided, either way I suggest grabbing a map of the fort to help accurately guide you through the history. It took us 5 about an hour and a half to look at everything (including picture taking) so I'd plan the rest of your day out accordingly. This was all very family friendly and incredibly educational, so enjoy you're time!

Amanda D'Agostino Budyach

Beautiful place. Be prepared to walk to and from the beach at least a quarter mile each way. Very few spots in loop A with adequate shade so think ahead on which direction you're facing. Also book in advance.

Jenny Mills

Great place to explore and good for all ages. Admission is good for 7 days and good at several other forts in the area. Nice piece of history and you can't beat the very beautiful and scenic drive out to the fort!

Rhonda Jorn

Awesome place to learn about island history. You can access it via the Ferry to/from downtown Pensacola pier or pay a small fee for direct drive from Pensacola beach. Take your suits, chairs and relax or fish on the small, quiet beach after your tour.! There's no food, so pack a picnic and enjoy an afternoon of pure island serenity.

Sean Gallagher

Great park with beautiful scenery. Lots of history here with knowledgeable park rangers to give tours. My only concern is that some of the structures seem to need some stabilization before they collapse further.

Vanessa Parmely

So much history and just so beautiful! Been going since I was a kid and it never gets old!

michael from the bronx

Excellent for bike riding as well and beaching and wildlife viewing. Fishing is a good time as well.

Joy Durgin

We loved it. Wonderful place to take the family! Bring lots of water to stay hydrated. If going to beach in July wear the beach type shoes. Sand is really hot and will burn your feet.

James G

FYI: This is a National park and they don't accept the Florida state park pass even though it is listed online as a state park. At the time of this review the entry price is 20 bucks per vehicle with up to 15 passengers. 15 bucks for motorcycles. 10 bucks per pedestrian or bicycle. Awesome place to spend the day. Many great photo ops! So much to explore! Bring the whole family for a fun day! Play on the beach or wander through the many batteries. So much to see!

Greg M

1st time here and came because of the hurricane damage to St. Andrew’s State Park. A lot of traffic on the bridge to Pensacola and Google Maps seemed confused once we entered the town. Follow the signs and not Google once here. Friendly and informative ranger at registration. Campsite nice and almost level. We were able to park our tow vehicle directly across from our campsite, no more room on the asphalt pad. Fairly easy back in spot, but thankful open area across from our site allowed a more precise placement of our 30 ft tag-a-long travel trailer. For a park this size, they should construct a couple more restrooms with showers. Camp store was closed and word was from park worker, not likely to open anytime in the near future. As other reviewers said, pack in everything you will need for your length of stay. No ice of firewood available except in Pensacola. Maintenance is definitely needed at this park. Maybe some talented campground hosts could tackle the need. Awesome fort but could be dangerous if you get adventurous beyond your physical capabilities. Awesome fly overs by the Blue Angels. Great park, beaches, trails and campground, just needs some Federal Dollars to fund much needed improvements. Maybe after Trump builds the wall, we can work on our national parks.

Cathy ODonnell

I love Ft Pickens. It's a extremely safe place but yet you are in a remote area. A lot of the land is for bird sanctuaries and they protect the turtle nest. I would absolutely reccomend going.

Lynsie Simmons

Amazing place to visit! Staff were very friendly & seemed to really enjoy there jobs. Definitely recommend when visiting Pensacola!

mariapennylane

Super cool to walk around and explore. Chill place to go with someone on a first time hang out/ date

Travelling First

This is a great historical fort to visit. Nice and peaceful atmosphere for families. Close to the beach and sunset is really beautiful from the fort.

shark ray

Amazing place, if your around emarald coast it's a must! $20 a car load. It gets you in for the week! So much to see and do. Beaches, camping, fishing, museum, and old fort! And it's all included when u pay to get in the park.

Matt Simerson

Really cool place to visit. If you love war history and forts this is the place to go there is several old buildings and the huge fort it self. Just the fort alone took us over an hour to explore and we still missed stuff. Very family friendly place with lots of historic facts and pictures around the fort. Several large old cannons they also have historic houses. Very cool place.

Cat Blessings

This was a very interesting place to visit. I liked that your admission price is good for 7 days, being that it is so hot in FL, it gives you more time to go through everything. They give you a map, but I wish there was more detail because we didn't get to see one of the forts, and still not sure if it was even possible. Learning about Fort Pickens and walking through it was amazing.

Joel Coon

Great place to learn about a unique piece of Pensacola history. The imprisonment of Geronimo at this fort is fascinating.

Amanda Breshears

Just love it here! The history of this place and the beautiful scenery. :)

MD Yasser Karim

I really like this place. Already visited two times. I have national park pass , so free entry for me. The location is beautiful. There are plenty of sea shores near the fort. Camping facilities we're quite good. The whole driving road from Pensacola beach was wonderful and full of scenic view.

Jonathan Travis

Just getting here will put you in bliss, sand and ocean on both sides, speed limit 25 all the way there feeling that ocean breeze. The place is magical once you set your eyes on the flag in the distance you will be stuck the cannons positioned throughout the infrastructure. There are weapon demonstrations and a guide who takes you from point to point wonderful time

john dempsey

This is one of the most must see in Pensacola...the adventures at the fort start with tunnels and cannons.... Then hidden tunnels and rooms with stair cases...the imagination can run wild while you make up pirate adventures or you can just follow one of the guided tours if your little are able to stay focus...also there is a restroom located right outside the entrance to the left...for the love of all things good and in the name of family emergencies please stop and let them use it there is no other restroom or water available...which leads me to the importance of hydration we took 3 bottles of water between three and made it safe and sound...lots and lots and lot and lots of stairs...have fun and remember to pack it out if you pack it in

Tyler Pearce

We swung by the Fort before heading to the airport, but didn't allow enough time to see everything. The drive is slow, so it takes a little longer than usual, but the fort was awesome. Quite a few stops for beach access and/or camping along the way. Entry fee was $15-20, I think, and the bookstore located in the fort had some fun souvenirs. Highly recommend.

Ace

Awesome place to explore on the end of the island. History is interesting as well. The fort was built by slaves and used in the civil war. Proceeds from gift shop support the park.

william spencer

Being a retired military member as well as someone who appreciates historical sites, I very much enjoyed Fort Pickens, and my wife seemed genuinely interested as well. I would very much recommend this site, but don't miss the reenactment.

Jodie inTexas

Very interesting place for adults and kids. Soldiers great you playing music, and they fire off a canon, let you roam around exploring, give tours, lots of great things to learn about in the museum, all free too.

John Ramer

My Two Grandsons, My Wife and I greatly enjoyed the walk back in history. Our tour guide had a wealth of knowledge and information about the construction and service life of the old fort and the surrounding area of Pensacola Bay. I will recommend it to friends and family!⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Michael Benedict

Neat place...extremely hot in summer. Typical of underfunding in the NPS. Still worth the visit for civil war history buffs.

Luisa Fletcher

We stopped here on our cross country adventure the road to the fort is amazing and long it's a twenty dollar entrence fee for seven days. A bit much if your only going for one day. The children enjoyed the lunch by the beach at the picnic table we were fortunate to have a fabulous day. The Fort has a lot of history and markers, nooks and crannies. We spent two hours looking ,taking pictures and enjoying the adventure. There is a gift shop , it was closed by the time we were ready to leave. Great day , take a bathing suit enjoy the beach and the fort.

Matt Staats

Great place to visit. The fort itself is very open and self tours are easy to follow. The information provided about the different aspects of the fort is plentiful and makes it easy to understand fort operations. The beaches and areas surrounding the fort are worth exploring as well.

Renee Peak

WOW This place is awesome! I am usually bored while my husband reads all of the signs but this time I was reading them with him. This is a hidden gem for sure!

Christina Tucker

Definitely an educational experience for kids and adults. The kids loved it and was very interested in the history once we got there. They were constantly asking questions and learned more than I thought they would. Our kids range from just under 6 to right under 14 years old. Very clean and well kept and the beaches are gorgeous! We will be back for sure

Eavin Antony

Amazing part of history. Loved walking around. The place is open till sunset. We went a few hours before. Take a flash light with you if you want to walk into the darker rooms. Wasn't very crowded when we went. There's usually a free tram on the island which takes you to stops that are at walking distance. There were a lot of ants at every place where there was something to read. Should try singing with the reverb and echo when under some semi domes.

Yvette Nunez

I absolutely loved learning about this history from the park ranger and exploring. Sights are beautiful and got my national parks booklet stamped!

Phil Fuller

Nice museum. Unable to find any national park rangers. Sustained a bleeding cut but couldn't find any first aid supplies or help. Drove back in town for bandages etc. Good self tour. Recommended but ensure that you bring emergency supplies and food/water.

Stephanie Parrish- Saucier

Awesome BEAUTIFUL DAY! SO BLESSED TO HAVE THIS TO DESTRESS!

Joseph Chambers

Nice educational experience! While our children (ages 5 and 8) whizzed through this place like it was nothing, the adults enjoyed learning about the fort’s past. Great deal too!

William Reed

Amazing historical place! I love that you can still explore this wonderful piece of history.

December White

This was really a neat place. It was quiet and peaceful. It’s right off of the beach. It would be a great place to watch the sunset, unfortunately we did not because we got there too early. There was a ton of ants everywhere, that’s the downside. Just keep moving and you’ll be good ;) Highly recommend!

Adam barnett

Very good detail from park rangers. We took several kids from age 4 to17 and they enjoyed it. Good place to kill a couple hours. The drive is beautiful. Have to buy a pass to get out to fort. Pass is for the whole vehicle

Danielle Podesta

This place is a must see. The history is very interesting. The first time we went was around 6 pm and there are obviously no lights so it added a little scary feel. But still very cool!

Clyde Ramey

Heaven on earth. One of the cleanest National Parks you'll ever encounter.

Tonya Watkins

We always enjoy visiting our National Parks. Fort Pickens is no exception. We love being out in nature and there is no better place than the sugar white sands at this gorgeous National Seashore. We were lucky to see the a Blue Angels practicing today, which they do every Tuesday and Wednesday during the spring and summer months, weather permitting. You can take the Ferry from downtown Pensacola over to the fort if you want the added fun of a boat ride. Dolphins abound!

Heather Barnett

Very interesting, large fort with several different things to see. Recommend going to the visitor's center first to watch the video so you know what you're looking for.

Kyle Homra

Great place we have been there two years in a row. We love to fish from the pier.

Chris Carter

Had a blast. The Camp Grounds are clean and bathrooms and showers stay clean. That was great due to I have three kids. Lots of stuff to do. Nature and sight seeing. Blue angles has a display that was awesome. Fishing was fun. Fishing with Shrimp worked great . both the bay side and surf side of the island are good for swimming. bunch of ghost crabs on the beach. Surf side had less shells to step on the the bay side. I will come back for sure

Townsend McWilliam

Good family fun. Great beaches and camping options. You can also watch the Blue Angeles practice their air show twice a week when they are in town.

Owen Carpenter

Always come here for the fishing and the hiking definitely worth getting the yearly pass love it here at Fort Pickens

Dustin Hawkins

Our family loved it! Fort Pickens is the perfect attraction with real historical significance, beautiful scenery, and access to the water.

Erin Lafont

Absolutely beautiful park! We spent days here exploring the fort, fishing on the beach and playing in the water. Everyone had a blast.

Benino Garcia

Amazing place. Such rich history you learn on the self guided tour.

MrMadProSquad Hill

Beautiful beach accesses! The fort was interesting to read about and our kids liked it too. Will visit it again!

Paulina Russell

This is a really interesting place, with information on signs, in brochures and from rangers. Lots to explore and the dimly lit brick passageways, the cannons, the twists and turns, are all great places to let the imagination run wild. The history tells about how this place was only fired upon during the Civil War, so only by our own people. It sits here where it had guarded this coastal area and harbor for a long time!

Brian Hammett

Interesting historical fort. Much left in the original state. Surrounding grounds is a national park with much walking area on the beach. Many birds and other wild life that will make nature enthusiasts day. Fishing is available as well for the outdoors man.

Sashabuff

Interesting self guided tour of the fort. Expect to be there for a couple hours if you want to see everything.

Chris Hobson

Super awesome place to take the family. The kids had a great time exploring the old structures. Wonderful beaches teaming with wildlife. We even saw a manta ray. Excellent place to watch the sunset.

Christina Hardway

Plenty of history, architecture, and nature to enjoy with the entire family. You can take a guided tour or explore on your own.

Heather Alford

Never a disappointment and always a big hit with our family. Fort Pickens State Park is by far my favorite place to go to the beach. It's absolutely gorgeous, has showers and restrooms, no development, so it's just you and the emerald ocean and sugar sand. The fort is awesome and a fantastic place to take personal and family photos while you get your historical fix.

JR

Very historic. Awsome place to the beach! You can also go to the bay side and find crabs!

Tabitha Bramer

The family had fun exploring this old navy fort. They have free tours and it is very beautiful! This is a must visit for explorers...

Brandon Warrick

Crystal clear beaches and the whitest sand you could expect. Great place to camp. Make sure to bring EVERYTHING you need though because there is no much here other than beaches

Cherish French

Fort Pickens is one of the most coolest places... We have a yearly pass in order to be able to go as much as we want. My four year old babysitting charge crawled all in the tunnels and scaled the uneven rock walls as I high as he could (about a foot, haha)

Elizabeth Goers

Great historical fort. Good intention about the area and history. Easy to do as an afternoon or as a whole day.

Kellyn Green

Cool place to explore. Our family enjoyed it. Very hot in July obviously. We missed the gift shop being open though. I think it closed at 4:30pm. It is $20.00 to enter and you can access the beach as well. Your pass is good for 7 days.

paul biggs

Great place with something for everyone. We enjoyed the hiking trails, historical sites and birding. Ample parking and restrooms. Even has a beach and fishing pier.

Bonnie Wilkins

Great experience. Interesting. Inside areas are nice and cool. Great views and Gulf breezes. Third trip here.

Cody Buie

Very neat experience. We stopped here on our way home from the beach. Wish I had more time to explore.

Kira Burch

I know this place very well. Went swimming near the Jetties but since the tide was going out, the tide was very strong. Usually isnt as strong. Great place for Families and friends to hang out. Many fish to see when snorkeling by main jetties. Plus the fishing pier is usually always packed with people. Great place. My favorite place to be in Pensacola.

Paul Diamond

One of 3 forts guarding Pensacola from the uninvited. Good museum and helpful volunteer staff. Lots of birds (Heron, Brown Pelican, etc., etc.) near the point. Jellyfish, crab parts and a 15" baby shark washed up on the beach. Blowing breeze to help cool some of the heat.

Bonnie Fielder

Great! So much history here! The video at the discovery center is really helpful and well-done. The gift shop has a great variety. The kids loved just being about to go touch history.

Travis B

Amazing history. Wonderfully maintained. Rangers very nice. Stunning beaches.

Elizabeth Ketcham

Beautiful park. Spent a week there. Very quiet by 9pm even with the park full. Rangers very friendly. Bring your own firewood as no one in the park sells it. Fort is a wonderful history lesson and all the beaches are white sand and clean. Was disappointed that there was no shells on the beach. Definitely will return. Oh and other reviews are correct, it is a LONG slow drive to get supplies