Day: February 20, 2021

Fort Pickens – Gulf Islands National Seashore

I really enjoyed the drive (Perdido Blvd., Perdido Key Dr., and Gulf Beach Hwy) from Gulf State Park to Fort Pickens, mainly along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. On my Florida travels, Fort Pickens is a standard stop.

Fort Pickens is part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore Complex. After the War of 1812, Pensacola Bay was chosen as a site for a Navy yard, a depot, and a timber reserve. A number of forts were built to help protect the bay. Fort Pickens is one of those forts. Fort Pickens has two campgrounds both of which provide easy access for hiking, biking and beach activities. Pensacola Beach is near by and I usually ride into town for something to eat and drink. A person can easily spend half a day exploring the remains of the fort. A visitor center within the fort area offers free tours and exhibits. The beach area is awesome!!!!! Highly recommended.

Some pics from the park and Pensacola Beach:

Gulf State Park – Alabama

It was a long day after touring Vicksburg National Military Park and then driving to Gulf State Park. The sun had just set when I arrived and had to stop for directions to the campground after driving past the entrance twice. I spent two nights at the park and enjoyed the area. The park sits on a kind of peninsula that juts out between Mobile, AL and Pensacola, FL.

The campground sits across the Beach Blvd from the Gulf waters and encompasses 6,500 acres (huge). Within the park are three fresh water lakes and miles of trails. The park offers all needed amenities. It is and easy and safe walk to the beach area, as there are Pedestrian Bridges that cross Beach Blvd.

It is interesting that the park has no limitations on length of stay. There is also a RV storage area which many people use.

After a good night sleep, I spent the day exploring the area on bicycle. I had lunch at the Woodside Restaurant which is a great stop within the park. A person could easily spend a couple weeks here. It was early January so not much beach traffic during my visit. I imagine that when the weather warms this area is a hotbed of activity. Pretty mellow during my visit.

Some pics:

Fishing and Education Pier:

As mentioned earlier, campers can stay for an unlimited amount of time. This picture highlights the setup of a long term camper. I love the garage and attached shed set up:

Off to Fort Pickens!