Guide To Visiting Fort Pickens and the Fort Pickens Fishing Pier and Beach
When visiting Pensacola, FL the one thing you will want to do is be sure to set aside a few hours, even a whole day or two, to go and visit Fort Pickens.
Ft. Pickens is a family-friendly place to visit, where you can spend time and explore a piece of our great American and Naval history.
Fort Pickens is part of the National Parks Service. It has a fishing pier, campground, beach, walking paths, hiking trails, and an old military fort from the 1800s that can be explored and is a fun time for everyone of all ages.
Is the Fort Pickens Fishing Pier Open?
Yes, the Fort Pickens Fishing Pier is open
March 1 – October 31: 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
November 1 – February 28: 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Fort Pickens Road Hotline (850) 934-2656
How much does it cost to get into Fort Pickens?
2022 Fort Pickens Entrance Fees
Per person (pedestrian, cyclist, etc. 1-7 days)………….$15
Motorcycle (1-7 days)……………………………………………$20
Vehicle (1-7 days)………………………………………………….$25
Park Annual Pass………………………………………………….$45
Non-Commercial Groups
(Passes may be used for entry as defined on the back of the pass)
Vehicle (15 or less capacity)……………………………………………………….$25
Vehicle (16 to 25 capacity) [16 years+]………….$15/person, Max Fee $45
Bus/Motor Coach (26+ capacity) [16 years+) $15/person, Max Fee $100
Commercial Groups
*Passes are not accepted for individual or group entry. The commercial fee is based on the manufacturer’s original capacity of the vehicle, not on the number of passengers in the vehicle. Passenger capacity excludes the driver.
Sedan seating up to 6 passengers plus $15 per passenger – $25, Max fee $40
Van (15 to 25 capacity) ………………………………………………………………………$40
Mini Bus (16 to 25 capacity)………………………………………………………………..$40
Motor Coach (26+ capacity)……………………………………………………………….$100
Digital Entrance Pass
Pay your entrance fee to Fort Pickens online, and receive the pass by email.
*Not available for those wishing to purchase annual passes or for commercial groups
Military Veterans and Gold Star Family Free Access to Fort Pickens.
You may enter Fort Pickens for Free if you have one of the following Veteran IDs
- Department of Defense Identification Card (non-expired CAC Card)
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
- Veteran ID Card
- Veterans designation on a state-issued US driver’s license or identification card
Gold Star Family Members My Access Fort Pickens For Free.
Fort Pickens Map
Can you swim at Fort Pickens?
Yes, We love swimming at Fort Pickens. It is a great place for kids and adults alike. There is some nice shallow clear water without a lot of waves on Fort Pickens Beach for everyone to enjoy.
Do I need a fishing license to fish on the Fort Pickens Fishing Pier?
No, You do not need a fishing license to fish from the pier.
You still have to abide by the Florida State Fishing Regulations.
Are there any special rules for fishing from the Fort Pickens Fishing Pier?
Yes is the short answer.
Here are the Fort Pickens Fishing Pier Rules.
- Limit Two Poles or One Pole and One Cast Net Per Person.
What is prohibited at the Fort Pickens Fishing Pier?
- Hawaiian Slings
- Spear Guns
- Fishing by Bow
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Glass
- Generators
- Tents
- Canopies
- Tarps or any other kind of “shelter”
Is the Fort Pickens Fishing Pier Wheelchair Accessible?
Yes, the pier can easily be navigated and fished from a wheelchair.
Can you fish Fort Pickens at night?
Yes, if you are a guest camping at the Fort Pickens Campground.
Otherwise, the park closes at 6 pm or 9 pm to the general public depending on the time of year.
How long is the Fort Pickens Fishing Pier?
The pier is 200 feet long reaching out into Pensacola Bay.
Is the Fort Pickens Fishing Pier a good place to visit if you don’t fish?
Yes, It is fun to watch others fish and catch fish. The pier is also a great place to watch the sunset and spot dolphins and other sea life.
Can you fish from the beach at Fort Pickens?
Yes, but you will need to have a Florida Fishing License for Saltwater.
What kind of fish can you catch at Fort Pickens?
There are many types of fish in Pensacola Bay and around the Fort Pickens Fishing Pier.
- Redfish
- Red Snapper
- Pompano
- Mangrove Snapper
- Spanish Mackerel
- Flounder
Just to name a few. You never know what you are going to catch. But it sure is fun every time you hook something and to give you a little secret, it’s fun even if you don’t.
* locals note: Always call and double-check, with Hurricane Season and other weather events, sometimes the road gets washed out and the park and pier closed.
