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Pensacola Beach: Santa Rosa Island Beach Authority West

Florida

About

Pensacola Beach: Santa Rosa Island Beach Authority West is a beach on Santa Rosa Island in Florida's Gulf Islands National Seashore, about 3 miles from the town of Gulf Breeze. The access is part of the Pensacola Beach - Beach Access unit. 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 close by: the Florida National Scenic Trail - Panhandle Region and the Beach Walk Trail, both about 0.3 miles away. For an overnight stay, Fort Pickens Campground is roughly 6 miles off.

Beach Details

Parking

Small lot

Restrooms

None

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: Santa Rosa Island Beach Authority West

Florida

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

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, 8.6 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 · 2.9 mi

Source: NPS Land Resources boundaries; NIFC Jurisdictional Units; 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)