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Pensacola Beach: Gulf Islands National Seashore, West Santa Rosa Island

Florida

About

Pensacola Beach on West Santa Rosa Island is a stretch of beach within Gulf Islands National Seashore in Florida, about 3 miles from the town of Gulf Breeze. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to visit. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show April highs around 75°F and October highs near 79°F, while July and August average highs of about 89°F with the most wet days of the year. Two short trails start right beside the beach: the Florida National Scenic Trail - Panhandle Region and the Beach Walk Trail, both about 0.1 mile away. For a longer outing, the Fishing Trail Beach Access is about 3.7 miles off, and Fort Pickens Campground, roughly 5.4 miles away, offers camping.

Beach Details

Parking

Large lot

Fee

Entrance 8.00

Restrooms

Yes

Accessible access

Yes

As published by the managing agency. Lifeguards, fees and dog rules are often seasonal, so check posted signs before you swim.

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Location

Pensacola Beach: Gulf Islands National Seashore, West Santa Rosa Island

Florida

Data: Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Coastal Management Program. Source metadata · Official page

Facts about this place

When to go

Best time to go: Oct–May. The mildest months here, with typical highs of 61–82°F and lows of 42–65°F.

Typical monthly averages (not a forecast) from the Pensacola Forest Sherman Nas, FL weather station, 8.4 mi away. High / low in °F.

  1. Jan61° high42° low
  2. Feb64° high45° low
  3. Mar69° high50° low
  4. Apr75° high57° low
  5. May82° high65° low
  6. Jun87° high72° low
  7. Jul89° high74° low
  8. Aug89° high73° low
  9. Sep86° high70° low
  10. Oct79° high60° low
  11. Nov70° high49° low
  12. Dec64° high45° low

Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020

Where it is

Nearest town
Gulf Breeze, Florida · 3 mi

Source: NPS Land Resources boundaries; USGS GNIS populated places

Conditions

Active alerts for Gulf Islands National Seashore as of Oct 9, 2026:

Source: NPS Alerts API

Nearby

Source: Roamze catalog (indexable pages within 10 miles, PostGIS distance)

    Pensacola Beach: Gulf Islands National Seashore, West Santa Rosa Island — Beach in Florida | Roamze