With an impressive average of 343 days of sunshine per year, Pensacola offers endless opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you're a local or a visitor, there's no shortage of beautiful parks to explore in and around the Pensacola area. As a property management company rooted in this community, we love sharing some of our favorite local parks for relaxation, recreation, and fun.
Favorite Local Parks
The Pensacola area boasts over 100 parks, with more than 93 in the City of Pensacola alone! Here are a few must-visit spots that offer something for everyone:
- Bayview Park: A scenic waterfront park with playgrounds, a dog park, a boat launch, and plenty of picnic areas. Read more about Bayview Park.
- Blake Doyle Skate Park: A haven for skateboarders and BMX riders, located at Community Maritime Park. Read more about the skate park.
- Beulah Park: Perfect for families, with a playground, picnic areas, and open spaces for sports and outdoor fun. Read more about Beulah Park.
- Benny Russell Park in Pace: A family favorite with its large playground, splash pad, and picnic shelters. Read more about Benny Russell Park.
- Carpenter’s Park in Milton: Nestled along the Blackwater River, it features a boat launch, a playground, and picnic facilities. Read more about Carpenter’s Park.
- Hitzman-Optimist Park: A neighborhood park with sports fields, walking trails, and playgrounds. Read more about Optimist Park.
- Perdido Kids Park: A colorful, pirate-themed park designed with little ones in mind.
State Parks to Explore
For those seeking a deeper connection with nature, the Pensacola area is home to a variety of local and state parks that offer breathtaking landscapes and outdoor activities:
- Big Lagoon State Park: A coastal park perfect for hiking, bird-watching, and kayaking along the shores of Big Lagoon.
- Blackwater River State Park: Known for its sandy beaches and canoeing, this park is a hidden gem in nearby Milton.
- Gulf Islands National Seashore: Enjoy pristine beaches, historical forts, and endless water activities at this national treasure.
- Fort Pickens: Located on Santa Rosa Island, Fort Pickens offers history, hiking, and beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico.
- Naval Live Oaks Nature Preserve: A serene spot for hiking and wildlife viewing, with a rich history tied to the early Navy.
- Perdido Key State Park: Famous for its untouched beaches, it’s an ideal destination for beachgoers and nature lovers alike.
- Tarkiln Bayou State Park: Explore nature trails and observe rare plant species in this quiet, peaceful state park.
To read more on Pensacola’s state parks, read our blog here.
Splash Pads for Summer Fun
During the warmer months, cool off at one of the many splash pads in the area. Perfect for kids (and adults who want to stay cool), these parks are open seasonally:
- Plaza de Luna in Downtown Pensacola
- Legion Field in Downtown Pensacola
- Benny Russell Park in Pace
- Carpenter’s Park in Milton
- Sunset Children’s Park in Gulf Breeze
- Navarre Park in Navarre
Head on over to our article, The Best Splash Pads in and around Pensacola, to learn more about Pensacola area splash pads.
If you’re more of a pool person, Pensacola has two fantastic public pools that offer fun for all ages, both equipped with water slides for extra excitement:
- Cecil T. Hunter Swimming Pool
- Roger Scott Pool
- For those looking to get a good workout or swim laps, both the University of West Florida (UWF) and Pensacola State College (PSC) offer public swim times, or you can consider joining the downtown YMCA for their larger pool facilities.
Head on over to our blog on Pensacola’s public pools to read more.
Pensacola’s parks provide endless opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities with friends, family, and pets. Whether you’re splashing around at a local splash pad, hiking through a nature preserve, or enjoying a picnic by the bay, there’s a park for everyone. Embrace the sunshine, head outside, and discover your favorite local park today!
Looking for a home in the Pensacola area? We specialize in property management and can help you find the perfect rental home in the Pensacola area. Contact us at Realty Masters of FL to explore available properties!
