Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Gulf Breeze, FL

In my vision of an ideal destination, Gulf Breeze is a city located at the terminus of a long peninsula in Pensacola Bay. I will strive to be succinct, although discussing the variety of activities available in this region of the Gulf Coast proves to be challenging.

Firstly, Pensacola Bay and Santa Rosa Sound lie to the south, offering sheltered waters free from wind and currents, abundant with wildlife and inviting opportunities for diverse outdoor recreation.

Options include the rental of pontoon boats, waverunners, kayaks, and paddleboards. Alternatively, various cruises, many focused on dolphin observation, are readily available.

Gulf Breeze is conveniently situated near two sections of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, which highlight almost 200 years of military heritage.

Additionally, historic Pensacola to the north, along with its southern beach community, boasts a sandy shoreline so remarkable that it must be experienced firsthand.

1. Gulf Breeze Zoo

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Home to over 800 animals across 50 verdant acres, the Gulf Breeze Zoo stands as an acclaimed family-friendly attraction.

The zoo’s animal inhabitants originate from virtually every part of the globe, and what I find particularly appealing are the numerous close-up encounters with the wildlife.

Visitors can explore a free-flight aviary, watch alligators being fed, hold a baby alligator, and even feed various species, including giraffes, hippos, Galapagos tortoises, and Indian rhinos.

For those seeking a more leisurely experience, there is the Safari Express train ride, which meanders through a large preserve that is home to orangutans, gorillas, and Nile hippos.

2. Casino Beach, Pensacola Beach

It’s difficult to resist crossing the sound to the Gulf Shore, especially since the local beaches are among the finest in the United States.

This is particularly true for Casino Beach, which is located in the shadow of Pensacola Beach’s iconic beach ball tower. The beach features a wide stretch of sugar-white sands so pristine that they appear almost unreal, compelling visitors to squint under the sun.

The beach takes its name from a casino established in the 1930s, which served as a venue for events rather than a gambling establishment.

A variety of dining options line the sandy shore, and there is a 1,200-foot pier that will be discussed later.

3. Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier

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Constructed in conjunction with the casino at Pensacola Beach in the 1930s, this 1,200-foot pier was integral to the establishment.

Like many piers in Florida, the Gulf Pier has weathered numerous adversities, the gravest being Hurricane Opal in 1995.

However, this disaster facilitated a clever design upgrade that preserves the integrity of the structure; the wooden decking is not essential to the concrete piles and caps.

Fishing enthusiasts frequent the pier all year round, seeking to catch the Gulf’s plentiful game fish, such as bluefish, mackerel, cobia, and flounder.

Visitors who do not possess their own fishing equipment can rent rods and buy bait. The pier also offers a splendid avenue for walks, especially picturesque at twilight or dawn. It is common to observe large fish, sea turtles, sharks, and other marine organisms by simply looking over the edge.

4. Naval Live Oaks Preserve

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Encompassing over 1,300 acres at the western end of Fairpoint Peninsula, this segment of the Gulf Islands National Seashore features the Naval Live Oaks Preserve.

The preserve derives its name from the nation’s first federal tree farm, established in 1829 to cultivate live oaks for shipbuilding.

Over seven miles of trails wind through this mature hardwood forest and along the shores of Pensacola Bay and Santa Rosa Sound.

These trails lead to secluded public beaches and picnic areas. The primary picnic area, situated on the southern side of US 98, offers a stunning view of the bay, complete with an observation deck that provides identification signs for various wildlife, including wading birds.

5. Gulf Islands National Seashore, Fort Pickens Area

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Positioned at the western tip of Santa Rosa Island, this historic structure is among the most renowned locations within the Gulf Islands National Seashore.

Still well-preserved, Fort Pickens was constructed in 1834 and was maintained under Union control during the Civil War.

While exploring the fort, I discovered unique design elements, such as a counterscarp covering only the eastern side, which would have formed a moat isolating the fort from the rest of the island if filled.

Rich in natural beauty and stunning sandy beaches, this area of the national seashore also features additional historic military structures, making it a favored region for camping.

Many times throughout the year, it is advisable to reserve a campsite prior to arrival; however, from November to February, campsites are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

The park includes a convenience store for campers, as well as guided tours led by staff to both Fort Pickens and Fort Barrancas.

6. Frisky Mermaid Dolphin Tours & Boat Rentals

Should you wish to spend time on the water, Gulf Breeze and Pensacola Beach offer a plethora of tour and rental companies.

My recommendation is to venture onto the bay with the aim of observing dolphins, frequently spotted in the bay and at Pensacola Pass. The Frisky Mermaid provides two vessels for its public excursions.

These tours span several hours and are conducted year-round. While not admiring dolphins in their natural habitat, participants will enjoy a tour of the bay, experiencing its sights from the water.

The company also offers pontoon boat rentals available for periods ranging from half a day to a week, equipped with GPS for safe navigation.

7. Gulf Breeze Celebrates the Arts Festival

A notable annual event in Gulf Breeze is a two-day arts festival held in late March. This event has been a tradition for around 30 years and impressed me with its extensive scale.

The Gulf Breeze Community Center hosts more than 100 artists from across the nation, providing an opportunity for attendees to browse and purchase art across multiple mediums, including painting, jewelry, prints, and woodworking.

Local art exhibitions also showcase the talents of both children and adults. Other highlights include artist-led demonstrations, a charity raffle, and a selection of food vendors.

8. Pensacola

At Gulf Breeze, visitors may also gaze inland and cross the bay to downtown Pensacola. The City of Five Flags boasts a rich 500-year history waiting to be uncovered.

The vibrant downtown area offers a variety of restaurants, bars, intriguing shops, and entertainment venues situated within historic brick-paved buildings along Palafox Place. Eastward lies a multitude of noteworthy museums as the downtown area transitions into the Seville Quarter.

This district, adorned with majestic live oaks and beautiful architecture, was established by the British in the mid-18th century, preserving its original street plan to the current day. Names such as Tarragona Street and Zaragoza Street date back to the 1780s when the Spanish regained control of the city.

Among the must-see attractions in Pensacola are the acclaimed Joe Patti’s Seafood market, the Naval Aviation Museum, and the contemporary dining and retail options in the Uptown area.

9. Fishing Charters

Though I do not possess extensive fishing expertise, I am aware that numerous captains are eager to offer you an unparalleled fishing excursion around Gulf Breeze and Pensacola Beach.

This can be pursued inshore, in the bay, or just offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. Depending on the species targeted, techniques such as free-lining, drifting, jigging, bottom fishing, or trolling may be utilized.

Some species caught in these waters include king mackerel, scamp grouper, gag grouper, great barracuda, amberjack, red snapper, and mahi-mahi.

Depending on regulations, you may be permitted to retain your catch, and your captain will often clean it for preparation of a meal.

Many charter options exist in this part of the Gulf Shore, with several highly-rated selections being Reel Irie Fishing Charters, Reel Addiction, Hotspots Inshore/Nearshore, and Paradise Fishing Charters.

10. Shoreline Park South

The principal public space for those seeking activity in Gulf Breeze is Shoreline Park, which consists of northern and southern sections, with a focus on the southern area here.

This section lies on the bay, featuring a nature trail and boardwalk traversing the wetlands behind.

With minimal surf or strong currents, the bay-side beach is ideal for children; there is also a 400-foot swimming pier complete with covered observation decks.

Additionally, the park provides a dual boat launch and a rentable covered picnic gazebo, equipped with water, electricity, and a charcoal grill.

11. Shoreline Park North

The northern section of Shoreline Park serves as a more dynamic recreation facility, and I was genuinely impressed by the size and quality of its amenities.

Families visiting will be delighted by the Sunset Island Kids’ Park playground and the Dolphin Island Splash Pad.

For sports enthusiasts, amenities include ten lighted tennis courts, a skatepark, two outdoor basketball courts, an 18-hole disc golf course, and an extensive exercise trail exceeding a mile in length.

This is further complemented by ten lighted multipurpose fields suitable for activities ranging from baseball to soccer, as well as indoor courts available at the Gulf Breeze Community Center.

12. Tiger Point Golf Club

If you seek a round of golf, an appealing 18-hole course awaits you by the waters of Santa Rosa Sound. My experience at Tiger Point revealed that the entire course has recently undergone improvements.

I found the conditions exceptional, from the tee boxes to the exceptionally fast greens. The front nine of this course offers an open layout reminiscent of a links course.

Here, challenges arise from the pervasive water hazards coupled with breathtaking views of the bay, especially on holes #3, #4, and #5, which provide both test and enjoyment. The back nine features a more confined design as it winds through residential areas.

13. Pensacola Beach Boardwalk

Upon crossing the Pensacola Beach Toll Bridge from Gulf Breeze, the first sight is this development situated along Santa Rosa Sound.

The Pensacola Beach Boardwalk lines Quietwater Beach, a stretch of serene bayside shoreline. The swimming area is outlined by a T-shaped dock that frames the clear and shallow waters.

As for the boardwalk, it serves as a shopping, dining, and entertainment destination featuring a blend of well-known brands and independent businesses. Live music is a constant component, complemented by a series of seasonal festivals hosted along the boardwalk.

This location also serves as a departure point for cruises and dolphin observation tours. Notably, the Pensacola Bay Cruise navigates the bay, making stops at Fort Pickens and Downtown Pensacola.

14. Radical Rides

Located just off Pensacola Beach Boulevard as you cross the bridge, this company has been providing water adventures for over 25 years. Radical Rides specializes primarily in parasailing.

Prioritizing safety, visitors can enjoy an unparalleled view of the sugar-white sands of Pensacola Beach. From such heights, one may even spot wildlife, including eagle rays and dolphins.

Radical Rides additionally offers waverunner rentals, in addition to kayaking or paddleboarding on Santa Rosa Sound, with all necessary safety equipment provided along with a brief tutorial.

15. Glow Paddle

A unique method to explore the protected waters of Pensacola Bay is during the evening using a clear kayak or paddleboard.

This distinctive experience entails vessels outfitted with waterproof LEDs, transforming the activity into a magical adventure. It is unnecessary to possess prior paddling experience or exceptional physical strength to navigate these waters.

The lights illuminate the water, revealing fish that can be easily observed through the transparent hull of your kayak. This experience is ideal for groups of friends and can be enhanced with glow paint before departing.