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Wanderlog staff Updated • updatedApr 10, 2023
How long is the drive from Santa Rosa Beach to Mobile?
The direct drive from Santa Rosa Beach to Mobile is 138 mi (222 km), and should have a drive time of 2 hrs 27 mins in normal traffic.
If you’re going on a road trip from Santa Rosa Beach to Mobile, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach, Gulf Shores, Pensacola Beach, and Orange Beach, as well as top places to visit like Grayton Beach State Park and Walton County Heritage Museum, or the ever-popular Windswept Dunes Golf Club.
The top cities between Santa Rosa Beach and Mobile are Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach, Gulf Shores, Pensacola Beach, and Orange Beach. Pensacola is the most popular city on the route. It's 2 hours from Santa Rosa Beach and less than an hour from Mobile.
Fort Walton Beach, located in the Florida Panhandle, is renowned for its pristine white-sand beaches on Okaloosa Island. Visitors can enjoy the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, featuring dolphins, penguins, and alligators. The Indian Temple Mound Museum showcases the prehistoric Temple Mound and Native American artifacts. Additionally, the Air Force Armament Museum exhibits a wide range of artifacts and aircraft from WWI to the present day.
43% as popular as Pensacola
6 minutes off the main route, 27% of way to Mobile
Pensacola Beach is a tourist destination located on Santa Rosa, a Gulf Coast barrier island in Florida. The beach boasts of sparkling white sands featuring the famous Opal Beach, which is part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Travelers can also explore Pensacola Beach Boardwalk where they can find various shops and restaurants. A must-see attraction nearby is the Pensacola Beach Pier that extends into the beautiful Gulf of Mexico.
49% as popular as Pensacola
16 minutes off the main route, 57% of way to Mobile
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Pensacola, located in the westernmost part of the Florida Panhandle, is a vibrant city with a population of over 54,000. It serves as the county seat and is the main hub of the Pensacola Metropolitan Area. The area is known for its burgeoning brewery scene, offering a variety of unique flavors and atmospheres that cater to both locals and visitors.
Most popular city on this route
7 minutes off the main route, 65% of way to Mobile
Orange Beach is a small urban center situated on the Gulf Coast of Alabama that is popular for its water sports activities. The locale boasts of Waterfront Park located on Wolf Bay, which features an angling pier and picnic spots. The Orange Beach Indian & Sea Museum explores the history of Native American culture and fishing in this area.
21% as popular as Pensacola
36 minutes off the main route, 70% of way to Mobile
Gulf Shores is located on the Gulf Coast of Alabama and boasts a variety of attractions. The Gulf State Park features beaches, hiking trails, and a pier, as well as a golf course and zip line overlooking the sand dunes. Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge to the west provides habitats for sea turtles and migratory birds. 19th-century Fort Morgan stands guard over Mobile Bay further west.
40% as popular as Pensacola
40 minutes off the main route, 71% of way to Mobile
Best stops along Santa Rosa Beach to Mobile drive
The top stops along the way from Santa Rosa Beach to Mobile (with short detours) are National Naval Aviation Museum, Pensacola Beach, and Destin Harbor Boardwalk. Other popular stops include Navarre Beach, Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, and Henderson Beach State Park.
1
Windswept Dunes Golf Club
Golf course
Outdoor Activities
Golf driving range
Awesome course! Everything was in great shape when we played today. Gentleman in the pro shop told us the tips make this course the second longest in Florida. Fairways were wide to land long drives on but the greens are well protected with long grass. Approach shots were very important as the balls disappear in that grass. Can’t wait to come back again.
Jeremy — Google review
Really enjoyed my time at this course, it is long but very forgiving off the tee, provides an interesting mix of short to long holes that tests all the clubs in your bag. Check the score card before you play as you might want to Tee it forward if you aren’t getting along with your driver. Greens are huge and undulating, the green speed was perfect to make them challenging but not painful.
Course was in great shape; greens were recently aerated but rolled smooth and fast. Bunkers in great condition and tee boxes were in great shape. I felt like it was a great value and some of the best golf I’ve played in the area.
Has a large practice area that is great for spending an afternoon if you don’t have time to play. I will be coming back to play next time I am there on vacation.
Nathaniel Thornton — Google review
Exceptional golf course! greens are moderate to fast and perfectly manicured and challenging. Open fairways, great staff, driving range and practice green. Only drawback is slow play and they think it only takes 7 minutes per hole...🤪. My group was in the white all day and on the heals of the 3-some in front of us. About 4 - 4 and a half hours to play.
Daniel Jacobson — Google review
On vacation from St Louis, and I was told how awesome this course was. My experience was that this course is immaculate and well maintained. Wide fairways and huge greens, but plenty of hazards and bunkers to make you plan out your shots. I highly recommend this course.
Timothy Donze — Google review
This course is incredible. The layout is fun and forgiving with plenty of options off the tee and the greens are large and were very receptive. The conditions were some of the best I’ve seen anywhere. Could not find a blemish and putts were rolling true. I had tee times at other courses while I was on this trip and I will be canceling those and coming back here.
Jon Pierce — Google review
Annual golf trip with 18-20 guys. We have played this on and off for years and it has become one of our favorite courses. Played it at the end of April on a Saturday. Was little surprised that the rate was $105 plus tax plus range balls. Seems higher than in the past. But overall a good challenge
Rankin Fowlkes — Google review
Amazing course! Very well maintained and manicured..Very friendly staff too.. Visiting from New York and had this course recommended to us by some locals. My dad and I had to check it out and we were not disappointed! loved it so much we went back into the clubhouse after the round and made another tee time for later in the week. look no further, this is the course you need to play!
noah gessini — Google review
We came down from Indiana to play while we were on vacation and it is one of the nicest courses we’ve ever played. The staff is super friendly. The course is in great shape I recommend 10 out of 10 times.
Grayton Beach State Park is a stunning stretch of 1133-acre marble-colored sand dunes that reach all the way to the water's edge. It offers breathtaking natural beauty and is situated next to the affluent yet unpretentious community of Grayton Beach, which is famous for its Red Bar and Dog Wall mural. The park provides an opportunity to witness what Florida looked like during Native American times and boasts one of the most scenic locations on the Gulf coast.
Such a calm and smooth beach on the Gulf of Mexico Santa Rosa Florida. It may sound weird but true. Even we walk 10 to 15 meters inside the beach, you can still see the clear bottom of the sea which I had not experienced before, such a easy waves. It’s especially wonderful for kids. Parents can sit and watch them playing rather worried for the rough waves. Sunset is a beast in this beach. Must watch.
Some of the authorized and permitted vehicles can be brought to the shore and a hot the beach sitting in your own car/ truck. Low clearance vehicles be careful, vehicle gets stuck in 20, 30 meters from the pavement which is a hell to pullover later.
We went twice in a single vacation. We enjoyed a lot and visit again.
Shalini Ramachandrappa — Google review
Paddling through here is one of my new favorite activities. You can rent kayaks and paddle boards right near the launch.
There's so many different places to paddle, I spent 3.5 this paddling and still didn't see everything. I loved paddling through the tall grass as the wind went through it. Sometimes you can even find lilies among the lily pads.
The bathrooms are near the beach and they were pretty decent. There's also different picnic area you can eat at.
Dani Buntin — Google review
Getting into the park is really easy and navigating to the different areas of the park is easy and clearly marked. If you’re camping it looks like the higher numbers are the newer sites and maybe a little larger as well. Parking lot for the beach is easy to find but very limited so if you think it might be busy you’ll not be able to get parking. If you’re lucky enough to get a parking spot it is a short distance from the beach. At the entrance of the walkway to the beach is a pavilion to sit in the shade. The walk way from lot and beach is well done and has open showers and foot washing at the parking lot. The beach is a “NO Dog” beach but there is a walking path that allows dogs on a leash. Great walk with your dog to enjoy. A Park Staff person (not volunteers) was not pleasant or engaging while in the park and wasn’t of much help this time at park.
Dennis Brown — Google review
The costal dune lakes are the most unique ecosystem I’ve ever had the pleasure of exploring. Having grown up in this area, I can say with confidence that this state park will show you the true beauty of Emerald Coast. The trails thick with sand and can be tiresome for some until you make it to the pine straw, so be prepared if traveling with older folks. There’s parking right at the trailhead and quick beach access for anyone wanting to skip to the end. If it rained the night before some of the trails might be flooded and impossibly so plan accordingly. Have fun and bring water!
Daniel Puckett — Google review
Very beautiful! Blue ocean and white sand. It was a little cloudy when I visited the beach, but it was still amazing. My family relaxed for two hours on the beach with doing nothing and took a trail. We completely enjoyed our stay there.
Mariko Kajikawa — Google review
Grayton Beach is a quiet area away from Destin's chaos. They have a tram that takes you to the beach and the beach is less crowded but still gorgeous. There is a cool bar right off the beach also.
Brian Gray — Google review
Our first family vacation and our daughters first trip to Florida and a beach. The cabin was beautiful. In fact my daughter said she could live there. We were very close to the beautiful beach and very clean. Friendly people every where. The cabin has all the necessities except the towels but we had plenty of our own to use. Dogs are not allowed in the cabins.
Stacey McCrary — Google review
This trail is perfect for taking your furry friends for a walk or simply appreciating the beautiful scenery. The beach is clean and easily accessible, and there are convenient restrooms nearby, too. The only issue I encountered was the sea shells on the trail. Unfortunately, they can be quite sharp, and I cut my foot wearing sandals. So, it's important to be cautious of your dog's paws and wear appropriate footwear. Hopefully, in time, the shells will become smoother and less of a concern.
Laura Nunez — Google review
Probably the best beach along 30A! If you have a Walton County beach permit & a 4 wheel drive vehicle you can drive on the beach and park to spend a fun day. This is one of the best and last beaches you will find and drive onto. There’s a coastal dune lake that outflows into the Gulf of Mexico usually after a heavy rain, resulting in a tea coloring of the emerald water. It doesn’t have a detrimental effect on your health and is not polluted. Just relax and enjoy this jewel of nature!
Dr Tim Flynn — Google review
This place is absolutely beautiful!
We rode our bikes in which cost $2 per bike which is super reasonable. The staff that we spoke to were SUPER nice and gave us the full rundown on what to do there.
We ended up renting kayaks and had an absolute blast on Western Lake. It was $20 for an hour which is also very reasonable.
We finished the day with a nice walk along the beach.
Would 100% recommend this place.
Connor Shocrylas — Google review
You can tell a lot of care is put into the facilities here. From restrooms to lake side trails, everything was clean and well kept. Staff members greeted us with a smile any time we crossed paths.
Even with many fellow visitors in the area (mid May) the beach was serene and peaceful.
The trail along Western Lake was an interesting experience with changes in flora along the way and part of the path was made of thousands of fully intact seashells.
M G — Google review
It's January, so...We trailer camped 10 days in a nice site with fauna separateing others. The north loop is paved and more airy than the S loop. Bathrooms were so-so. Heated with proper shower fixtures, but two of three ladies' stalls were down. Wet floors. No soap.
We walked a lot going camp to nature trail and back (2mi?) and enjoyed walking to Greyton Beach and Seaside along the sidewalk/trail. The woods trail was a typical Florida trail. Minimal wildlife is seen compared to some other places (jan?). Sure... would return...
Bill O — Google review
This is may be the best state park for my taste. Of course everyone is different. You park close to the beach. There are trails to walk and bike. The beach is not super crowded like other public access locations across the 30A. There is a boat ramp inside the park to the western dune lake. Huge lake and very calm.
Alper Yilmaz — Google review
Absolutely beautiful beach and loved the trails! The shell lined trail was magical 💙
Christy Meagher — Google review
Beautiful and quiet beach in January. Dogs can’t go on the beach, but they can walk on a leash on the nature trail through the dunes and it was unexpectedly my favorite part of the park!
Riley Krus — Google review
Beautiful white sand.
Clear blue to green water.
Not crowded like most public beaches.
This place is ideal for families who don't like crowds and a lot of current. The water stays below three to four feet for about the first 100 feet from shore. We found live sand dollars galore along with a six inch starfish, some hermit crabs, a jelly fish or two, and schools upon schools of fish. We even saw dolphins jumping in the distance, which I was able to catch one or two on film.
I would highly recommend this park to any family who wants a fun beach outing without a lot of other people.
Josh Alexander — Google review
Beautiful beach, not crowded, plenty of parking, clean and clear water. The flies, unfortunately, were brutal, so we cut our visit short. Be sure to bring the fly spray if you plan to visit this beach.
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Rooms, guests
2
Rooms and guests
Rooms
1
Adults
2
Children
0
3
Walton County Heritage Museum
Museum
Association or organization
Neighborhoods
Just make sure they're open before you go.
It's not very big but they have some interesting things to see.
So if you are driving by and they are open you will not regret it.
Justice kirchhevel — Google review
A museum of history for Walton County over time. It has historical artifacts and other more modern pieces mixed in. It is very small and did not open on time causing half of our party to leave without seeing it. The caboose is neat to view but was locked even though the person there said he had been opening it the past few weekends and showing it. He was very nice and directed us to other historical landmarks around Defuniak Lake. If you happen to be around when its opened, stop in for a free look but it is not worth driving in town for. They do have a small genealogy section inside if you are looking for records from Walton county.
Erika Iversen — Google review
This is the cutest little museum filled with so many exhibits inside of an authentic 100+ year old train depot. Some of the best people I've ever met volunteer there. They have wonderful stories and hearts of gold.
Renee Carnley — Google review
Very interesting site of Civil War Veterans Home, you don't think about the veterans of the south not having the same care as the northern veterans, or that each state provided for their own veterans. Was very educational for me even as a American History major in school.
Jana Viano — Google review
Enjoyed my tour, friendly staff.
Joe Zednick — Google review
Awesome little library museum attached to actually functioning public library (which that in itself is a amazing)! So happy to have stumbled in and asked for a tour which the librarian gave us eagerly, explaining that it is the oldest library in the panhandle, if not all of Florida, first aiming to be for women and furthering women's literacy in the late 19th century. Worth a visit and your if your passing through. Has a great view of the lake from within library!
Hunter — Google review
Very interesting place the lady who work there that was a volunteer was so informational she even gave us pointers on good places to eat in the area thank you this place is free to enter
Ron Norris — Google review
Small but interesting museum with loads of local history. Volunteer on duty was wonderful with lots of added color to the story of the county.
Definitely coming back
Thank you Wayne for an outstanding tasting experience
Also the lovely pure grape juice for my little toddler because I forgot to pack her juice.
Enjoy the wine selection very much
Highly recommended
Andi Banks — Google review
This was a very nice experience.
I must say that my experience at the front was not the best; however, the wine tasting experience was very pleasant.
I don't want to go into too much detail, but I just did not like the way I was made to feel. It wasn't any one thing in particular, but ... I'm not sure.
Maybe it was me.
Anyway, the wines themselves were very good, and it was a good experience with the tasting.
The pricing was competitive (but be prepared to pay a high premium for anything besides the wine itself).
Chris Amab?le — Google review
Loved every wine we tried which is rare. We were just stopping by for a tasting and a couple of glasses of wine. We ended up with a case of wine! There were so many good options it was hard to narrow down.
Sara Ramsey — Google review
I love all of their selection as well as their muscadine wines. The Winter Berry for the holiday season is always a good hit especially for my lady. The taste testing is always wonderful and the staff are quite nice. Can not find a better winery anywhere else :)
Junk Masters Express Admin — Google review
Omg!! I had an amazing time here for my birthday! The store is really cute and the tasting was extremely fun! The wine slushies were EVERYTHING!!
Tara Stanback — Google review
I went with my family and we had a tasting with Tory, who was fantastic, and the level of her customer service was off the charts. She gave us a great description of each wine and after everything was said and drunk we had purchased seven bottles of wine, all due to Tory. We also included some other souvenirs as well.
Ric Figueroa — Google review
What a lovely hidden gem! The staff were extremely hospitable. We had a lot of fun during our tasting. The Chardonnay was my favorite, but all of the wines are good. Definitely worth the stop!
Jennifer Posey — Google review
We sampled some wine and I got some adorable slippers! Plus some gifts for our parents like a bottle of wine and honey. We had a great experience!
Cally Caillouet — Google review
This is my favorite winery. They have a great selection of wines all made from locally grown grapes. It's reasonably priced as well. The people are super friendly and they have an event every quarter where you can get other locally grown food or merchandise
Renee Carnley — Google review
Stopped by for a tasting and Wayne did an excellent job with it. Explained all the wines, answered questions and was very interactive. Worth coming and joining their wine club.
Brad Roberts — Google review
ABSOLUTELY LOVE this little winery. My husband and I are Alabama natives, but we always stop by here on our way to the beach no matter what season it is. We did a wine tasting with Wayne yesterday, and he was amazing. Very knowledgeable about the wines, the winery’s history, and his customer service was amazing.
We’ve done wine tastings here before, but Wayne was the best host we’ve ever had !
Jamie Jalise — Google review
Atmosphere was amazing staff was very nice. Kiram was my wine expert for the day. She was super sweet and knowledgeable. The wines there are Delicious. I would definitely recommend and the prices are surprisingly good.
Sher Clarke — Google review
Very friendly folks! FANTASTIC wine selection! Do yourself a favor and get the Noble Red Table Wine! We buy 4 each time we go by there from Ga to FL!
Domestic Diva — Google review
Super cool spot just off I-10. True Florida Muscadine wine! Tastings are well done with views overlooking the wine vats. The host, Ali, was extremely polite and professional. Highly recommend.
Clint Johnson — Google review
Had a great wine tasting experience with Charlie. Truly knowledgeable and answered all of our questions and even made many suggestions as to pairing and mixing. The wines are amazing and quite affordable. Looking forward to visiting one of their festivals!
Gary Gibson — Google review
First time visiting the winery as an adult and had such a great experience shopping and tasting. Nora, assisted us during our tasting, she is very knowledgeable, professional and personable. Nora, also informed us on the upcoming events and membership/wine club. We left with 6 bottles of wine, a souvenir and plans to come back for the Wine Fest.
Tierra F. — Google review
Great experience relaxing atmosphere and awesome customer service! Tasting given by Taylor was engaging insightful and fun. Wine prices are Reasonable. They have a lot of accessories that you can buy great for gift bags or keepsakes. Oh and don't forget to try a sample. The hot honey sauce was delicious 😋! If you in the area make sure you stop by and grab yourself a bottle! We plan on returning for their spring festival (see flyer).
Cynthia McCoy (Butterfly) — Google review
Always a treat when we are able to swing by the Winery! Love the tastings - all our favorites + new wines to try. On our recent visit, Candace was super knowledgeable and made the experience fun and enjoyable.
Josh Nelson — Google review
4.9
(361)
•
4.5
(124)
364 Hugh Adams Rd, Defuniak Springs, FL 32435, USA
Located in Walton County, Florida, Santa Rosa Beach is an unincorporated community that forms a part of the wider Fort Walton Beach-Crestview-Destin, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. It is a popular destination for tourists seeking to enjoy the sunshine and explore the natural beauty of Florida's Gulf Coast. The area offers pristine white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and a range of recreational activities such as fishing, boating and water sports.
5.0
(906)
Florida 32459, USA
I'll never travel to Mobile without this trip planner again
FAMILY FRIENDLY!!! Cool for couples and groups too… I am having a blast… I will be coming back again when I can stay for at least a week so that I can really enjoy everything… Everything is in walking distance. Gold carts are also available for rent to get around the entire resort… Yes, you can leave your car parked and chill 😎
Shauntae ?Chesa? — Google review
This place in Miramar Beach was probably the highlight of our trip to Destin, Florida this past summer. After spending the day at the beach, my daughters and I came over here to have dinner.
Because of the multitude of tourists flooding here in the evenings, parking was a little bit of a challenge. Luckily the resort provided shuttles about half a mile from the attraction points which was fast and convenient.
There are a lot of nice restaurants and shops. We dined at the Crazy Lobster restaurant, which was family friendly. Food was decent.
After dinner we went to the open air music venue and enjoyed the beautiful fireworks that is done here during summer at sun down. It was very exciting and my family loved it.
I would definitely come back and also recommend this place if you’re in the Destin area.
Joseph Moussop — Google review
It's cute but designed for families with younger children. Food is really overpriced, and not many good choices. In a good location with better areas nearby to eat and shop. If you have little kids there is a lot for them to do.
Sarah Sparks — Google review
This place is great for families. Very cool area built in a gated community. Shopping, food, and activities. The night we went they also had a cover band playing oldies which the kids loved.
Brett Miller — Google review
We were here during the off season so it was quiet but we could totally see how fun it would be for family and kids during high season. Lots of activities for the kids and restaurants and bars. Great spots to watch the sunset too! Had a nice walk out onto the pier.
A Godley — Google review
We really enjoyed our visit. The staff members were very friendly and helpful. The room was clean and had everything we needed including a small refrigerator, a microwave oven, and a coffee machine. Also the bed was extremely comfortable. It was plenty for all ages. We will definitely stay again.
Glenda Young Thomas — Google review
This place was amazing. So fun for the whole family. Their website doesn’t accurately describe the magic of this place. There is shopping, restaurants, activities for kids like a rope course, zip line and arcade. At night time the area is lit up with strong lights, there is live music, and other special events. We saw a HydroFlighter perform and Saturdays there is a Farmers Market. We loved the Village.
Amelia Palmer — Google review
Good place to spend a few hours in the evening/afternoon and enjoy a decent meal. Needs more parking (especially on fireworks night). Fireworks on Tuesday night during the summer is a good show for the kids!
Blake H — Google review
We were somewhat disappointed in our experience as we expected to also enjoy the Farmers Market, and maybe it was too hot out because there were only a handful of stands there. We enjoyed the few shops we went into, and the area was lovely. Parking was tricky as it said it was public yet we were locked out when we tried to return to our car and had to go thru a restricted area to get to it.
Barb Cage — Google review
I struggled giving this a 4 star but chose to as it was advertised to be more than I found it. There are a lot of restaurants and bars (great for 21+) and lots of family friendly activities (great for 13 and under) but not a lot for those in between. Most of the planned events are best for littler kids. Great place if you have a young family or a group of adults. Definitely 5-star if that is your group.
We did stick around for the Tuesday fireworks and dancing, which took a bit of effort once they played Baby Shark song for the littles. Good fireworks display and the DJ did well throwing in some mixed music.
Dena Berrios — Google review
We spent the new year Eve in this village, I didn't expect much before entering into the village. The security navigated us to the parking spot due to new year there was a huge crowd but well managed. They provided shuttle with hand band indicating which spot you started from. The village is beautiful and quiet a good sea food restaurants available on the other hand there are kids related activities like golf, arcade, zip line etc.. I would definitely recommend this place.
KarthikKumar Somasundaram — Google review
Really nice. Lots to do but somewhat quiet due to off season. Plenty eateries, bars, and places to hang out. It's decorated with all sorts of holiday themed decorations which are picture worthy. Would definitely go again when it's warmer.
ChrisAngel Fuller — Google review
Great place to walk around. The village shopping area is stuffed with a variety of delicious food and drink, from the simple to the ornate. There's a rustic path to the marina with a pair of climbing structures and marsh bridges.
Hang out with the boaters for entertainment. Grounds employees are attentive and helpful. Enjoy!
James VanderVlucht — Google review
Lots of action, shopping, and food. Roberto's was delicious!! Walking around in the morning is easy because it's not crowded like it is in the evening. Be sure to check out the tree house.
Kiri Pateracki — Google review
Had A Great Time. A Beautiful Place. The Service Was Phenomenal. Food Delicious. Loved The Coffee Shop. Nice Entertainment. Baytowne Wharf Did Not Disappoint. I Met One Of My Favorite Singers Jelly Roll. Highly Recommend
Dee Dee Lambert — Google review
I've been here with my family about 4-5 times, highly recommend as a more low-key, relaxing family vacation. We go over Christmas break, and it is never crowded. I recommend renting a house with golf cart, it makes traversing the villages and the attractions a lot easier.
Brycen Coyle — Google review
Great area to take the family and your furry friend. Our dog loved walking around and got so much attention from staff and who all clearly love animals and working on the wharf. My eight year old loved the sky rope course and the live music on Wednesday night. There's also fireworks on Tuesdays that are worth going to.
Bridget Van Dyke — Google review
I was pretty underwhelmed from the hype of this location. It’s in a nice location, but the food is pretty mediocre at best and the shops are filled with any touristic type purchases. There are a lot of kid friendly activities, which makes it good for families.
Makenna Elliott — Google review
We visited the village in hopes to do some shopping and dining.
The parking is very challenging. The only public parking offered to guests who aren't staying in one of the hotels is a parking garage that provides spaces that are very narrow and interrupted by lots of concrete barriers making the spaces even more cramped. We didn't feel comfortable parking there but didn't have any other options. Upon entering the village, we had a hard time finding a guest services office, but finally found someone in a back alley office. We were seeking a stroller rental for our toddler who was sleeping. They do not offer strollers, but the nice lady did provide us with a wheel chair, which was helpful and certainly better than nothing lol. But we'd recommend adding a few strollers to be available to families especially since this is a family oriented Village. There were three stores we specifically wanted to visit and they were all closed. We stopped by the overpriced ice cream shop and grabbed two cones. The staff there was friendly. We made a lap around the loop. It was pretty much a ghost town. Not a lot happening. The activities for kids are very expensive. The village is beautiful and charming but we had higher hopes for the overall visit and ended up being in and out in less than an hour.
Brittany Galloway — Google review
We spent a couple of our days here for our 8 year anniversary and really enjoyed it..Plenty of things to do, eat and drink..
Da General — Google review
We had a very good time. there's much to say with this little or as much walking as you would like. Rooms were very nice, clean and comfortable. hours looked out over a terrace with grass, a place to play and a pool very nearby.
Willie D — Google review
Went here for the Mardi Gras Pardi. Lots of music in the public spaces, along with street performers and beads (thrown from a scissor lift that moved around the village). Enjoyable evening entertainment which we followed up with drinks and dinner at Rum Runners piano bar - lots of fun people enjoying the lively music.
Tom Borchardt — Google review
Stayed at Hotel Effie in the Village of Baytowne Wharf. It is very nice to be able to walk to all the restaurants, bars and shops. Good variety of places to eat.
B. Y. — Google review
4.5
(3745)
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4.5
(1747)
9300 Baytowne Wharf Blvd, Miramar Beach, FL 32550, USA
Henderson Beach State Park is a great place to spend a day or two, with its beautiful beach, nature trail, and playground. The park is located on Emerald Coast Parkway, close to many restaurants.
I live across the street from Henderson Park and as such I go there just about every morning and walk the beach
I get Early Access so I get to see the Moon Over the beach and I get to see some really great sun rises and some sunsets.
This is a wonderfully managed State Park I particularly like Alex who always has a smile on his face. If you can get an RV campsite here you will not be disappointed. However, the campground beach access boardwalk will be closed for repairs from September 2021 through March 2022.
Still, it's spectacular and the next state park that you'd should try if you like being on the beach would be Topsail which is about 12 miles down the road but Henderson is easier and a much better day use Park.
Topsail which is further down you have to take a tram to get to the beach and I prefer being able to park and walk right over at Henderson
Joe Romeo — Google review
Absolutely the best RV site we have ever stayed in. Very private. The beach is amazing. Gorgeous and scenic. We longed to have been able to stay longer, but we could only get these 2 days for reservations. It's just too hard to get into.
We can't wait to come back.
John Neighbors — Google review
Park seems to be very clean. Well kept fairly organized. Multiple nice pavilions to use beaches are clean and white with beautiful blue green waves. Staff was welcoming. Going to help. One of the bad things about all the Florida State parks. Dogs are not allowed on the beach. The trail for the dog is nice. Wasn’t allowed to go into the campground to check it out because we are not camping here currently.
Dennis Brown — Google review
We couldn’t believe we’ve just driven past this beautiful place dozens of times. We got there before 11am on a Saturday and it was very quiet. The beach was beautiful and we felt like we had it to ourselves for a while. The restroom and picnic facilities were very well kept. Definitely worth the six dollars for parking. We will be back.
Brett Anderson — Google review
We’ve been lucky enough to camp at Henderson twice. It’s a beautiful campground. We love the privacy of the sites. You’re not on top of one another like other campgrounds. The walk to the beach is a bit long, but so pretty! The best part is that the beach is for campers, and isn’t crowded at all. Bathhouses are kept very clean. The campground hosts were very nice! We can’t wait to return!
Kerry Howe — Google review
I finally made it to Henderson State Park. I have watch so many videos and heard how beautiful this beach is. It was hard for me to believe as some of the gulf beaches are marshy in the central area. It is a beautiful as they say and Henderson Beach State Park is one of the best State Parks I have stayed at so far. I will be back for sure.
https://youtu.be/u6nSQhRYZBc
Following Chrissy — Google review
Absolutely loved the beach! The sand was so white and soft. There is a fee to enter as it is a state park. There was a little wait to enter but it was well worth it. The water was so pretty and the beach was extremely clean. I will be returning.
Kammyia Barnes — Google review
Sun was high, sand is soft, water is fresh. Very awesome beach! Parking is well managed. Jas shower. Peaceful park, not overcrowded. Must come back for sure!
Gary Hong — Google review
We loved camping here, the walk to the beach was gorgeous. This might have been the nicest beach I have ever visited. The waves were a bit rough the first day (not terrible though), but then lovely and calm the next. I really enjoyed snorkeling. The water was so clear, it was perfect. The camp site was secluded, bathrooms were clean and it was a plus to have laundry machines on site. Now, to only do something about those pesky thunderstorms... we will be back!
Susan Cabral — Google review
This beach is one of the top five beaches in Destin, FL so we decided to check it out! Posted sign say $6 to park per car with 2-8 people but we were only charged $5 (maybe we got a discount because it was July 3, 2023). There was plenty of parking. As we walked down the stairway to the white sand beach all I could see was this beautiful, clear turquoise water and and the amazing blue skyline. It was a sight to see! This is such a beautiful beach with the soft white sand and clear water. It was a trip worth taking! Check it out and you’ll be implode I was! 🏖️☀️🏝️
Patricia — Google review
Great Campground with easy access to the beach. We enjoyed our campsite #35. Very quiet Campground. Resrooms and showers were alwregistered. Very friendly and helpful camp hosts. This Campground was only marked down to 4 stars because of the entrance. If you leave the Campground as a registered camper you have to wait in the long line of cars to get back in. We had to run a quick errand one day and sat in the line for over 20 minutes to get back in. All other state park campgrounds have a lane for vehicles that are already regitered. It was very nice that they have extra camper parking reserved in the parking area. This was a big help because we arrived around 1:30 due to the check out time at the previous campground. We could not get checked in until 2:30 at Henderson.
Sara Ramsey — Google review
The park charges $6 per vehicle per day. You can enter and leave the park with the same day receipt. The park is exceptionally clean, has ample parking, and includes all the amenities needed to make it a perfect beach day. There were covered picnic areas, restrooms, showers, and changing areas.
Bonnie Robinson — Google review
"Private" beach with super soft white sand. Cost $6 a car load(2-8). Although it was packed with people it was super peaceful. Bathrooms on site are an extreme convenience. Well worth the trip from PCB to come hang out with friends staying in destin.
Mark — Google review
State Park is one of cleanest I've ever visited. The trail and parking lot area are dog friendly but not the beach. Accessible but doesn't provide beach style wheel chairs. Beach patrol happens often enough to keep everyone safe. Great spot to take photos in the Destin area.
D Knight — Google review
Beautiful campground. Will be 5 stars when they get full hook ups later this year. Tourist helicopter is going over the park pretty regularly. Some road noise from 98 depending on your lot. Many really nice pull thru sites. Good amount of privacy on most lots.
Dan Ross — Google review
Beautiful beach. Has showers, bathroom, pavilions, handicapped accessibility. Not too far to the beach. Cost 6 dollars to get in but worth it. Open dusk to dawn. No pets allowed
Such a wonderful little zoo! You get to be up close and get really good views of the animals. You can feed the donkeys, goats, giraffes and go in the aviary and all the little parakeets come land on your arms and eat seeds stuck to a popsicle stick. The staff is so friendly, the zoo is very clean and you can even pay a little extra to have some up close and personal experience with some of the animals. We absolutely loved it!
Rona Duke — Google review
My family and I love this zoo!! It was quaint, with loads of interaction opportunities. We love being able to actually see all the animals, especially when it was time for feeding or enrichment. You can tell these animals are well taken care of, loved, and respected just as God would want us to. Thank you for a wonderful experience with my kids and husband! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Danielle Oatis — Google review
Enough parking but it is a bumpy dirt road to get there. Bathrooms and wash stations avaliable. They have many animal interactions that are priced fairly. You can feed birds, giraffes and goats. Also priced fairly. It's bigger than I thought and we easily spent 3 hours there. My kids loved the kangaroo interaction. My daughter got to feed one with a bottle too! They have fair priced snacks and drinks as well. A great time for my 8, 7 and 3 year old.
Michelle Plunkett — Google review
Decided to check the Emerald Coast Zoo out today and glad we did. It has been a few years since our last visit, and a lot has changed. The zoo and the enclosures are clean. The animals are well taken care of and loved. The new owners are doing a wonderful job. If you are in the area looking for something to do give the zoo a chance. I think you will be glad you did.
A. Tucker — Google review
Looks are deceiving at this zoo. It's a bit out in the middle of nowhere, and feels like a glorified petting zoo at first. Once you get back past the goats, it gets a lot better. The giraffes are cool, they have a few large cats, including an illusive white Bengal Tiger. They have several kangaroos (which were also on my daughter's list of things to see) They have a few monkeys and lemurs. It's basically the cast of Madagascar 🤣. My daughter was so excited to see her first zebra, and commemorate the occasion with a zebra stuffy from the gift shop (which is also very small, reminded me of the giftshop in NM for smokey the bear if anyone else has been there)
The aviary is full of 'free range' parakeets. Nothing super exotic, but fun to go into. I had parakeets as a kid and my daughter loved feeding them and having them land on her.
It's a great zoo an hour or so from great gulf beaches! The animals all look very well cared for and it was clean.
The walk around the exhibits is partly shaded and is all dirt/sand, but you don't have to walk very far to see everything.
Jules Hoehn — Google review
Awesome place, cool exhibits, lots of animal encounters available. So many different animals I couldn't list them all here but great for family's. We may wait for the weather to cool back down a bit before we head back but other than the dang Summer Heat (which can't be controlled by anyone) it was a truly unique and awesome experience!
David Wright — Google review
It may be a small zoo, but it's PACKED with fun and opportunities for good family memories! We go almost every month, and each visit feels like the first time! My toddler LOVES going in the enclosure to feed the birds!! The staff are all friendly and helpful. You can tell they and the animals they care for, are happy to be there. Thank you guys so much, we can't wait to come back again soon!
MrAnderson21b — Google review
I took my kids on an impromptu Sunday afternoon trip and was pleasantly surprised by this little gem! In the middle of seemingly nowhere, I didn’t expect much, but I was wrong! Definitely plan on about 4 hours if you want to stop and look at things. The staff was amazing, the park is well organized, and the variety of animals is amazing!
Gary Harbert — Google review
What a great place for a family to go and learn about and see animals up close and personal. The animal enclosures are clean and appropriate for the animals to be comfortable! The animals are calm and content, and there are animals that you can feed and pet! Tickets are inexpensive, and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable! Loved our visit and will go back!
Trish Latham — Google review
The zoo is so much fun. The animals are well taken care of and happy. We have a great time each time we go. We were there recently for a kid birthday party. It was a great time! The giraffe in the gift shop is the cherry on top!
Melissa Allegretto — Google review
This zoo was the perfect size for young kids. They had all kinds of animals, including a part that let's you feed the animals. The zoo employees were all very informative and welcoming. I loved that they have three wolves, two giraffes and a huge bear! Peacocks just walked freely around and there are turtles all over. I liked that the zoo had a sloth greeting and talked about all the things slothes do. My daughter loved seeing the animals and we both loved that we were able to see every one that they have. Great day and a great choice of activities to put on your to-do list.
Kara Chamberlain — Google review
Very nice zoo hands on experience that kids will love. Lots of animals to see. You can feed them too! Staff is friendly and nifty gift shop.
Jackie Turman — Google review
Nice little zoo with main type animals. Park was fairly clean. Look like it was under staffed and maybe that was due to off season. Staff was very friendly and eager to help or answer any questions. They do take Apple Pay so very convenient. They also allow dogs on leash throughout the park. You are very up close to the exhibits and they have a lot of snakes ! Road and entryway is sand and not paved if that matters to you. Small gift shop with plenty of items to buy. Public restrooms are very clean.
Dennis Brown — Google review
Cows, ducks, roosters, peacocks, various monkeys, goats, donkeys, llamas, alpacas, zebras, giraffes variety of birds, including parrots, tucan, owl, emus, ostriches. Jaguar, tiger, lion, cattle, pigs, reptiles, tortoises 1 is over 100 years old named Gertie...on and on. You can buy 3 feeds for most animals for $5.00 extra. So fun. We were there 2 1/2 hours. Well worth the visit. Driveway to park is pretty bumpy.
Judy Haskell — Google review
Wasn’t sure what to think when we pulled up but once we got in we were pleasantly surprised by all the different animals and some of the fun encounters they do. From farm animals like goats, pigs, highland cattle, donkeys, and llamas to emus, wolves, lemurs,alligators, crocodiles, giraffes(feeding encounters), longhorn cattle, macaws, kookaburra, lions, jaguar, monkeys and lots more. Great place to take kids and a fun family outing.
Zac Payne — Google review
Really good experience! I’m from Kansas and haven’t experienced a zoo like this before! People that understand the story of the ‘zoo’ understand how awesome the current owners are. When I visited the Emerald Coast Zoo with my family, we did animal encounters in addition to regular admission. Animals seem happy ~ overall great experience!
Destiny Farr — Google review
A great little zoo, we spent 2 hours here and my daughter loves feeding the animals.
Amandah Paulson — Google review
Really great experience. A lot of animals that were active and social.
Well worth the cost of admission
The Destin Harbor Boardwalk is a bustling destination for bars, restaurants, souvenir shops, and tourist attractions. It's filled with shops and restaurants and has a great view of the Florida sunset.
Really great place to have fun and relax. There's so much for couples and even more for families! Food is all around you and with zip lining, rock walls, mini golf, escape rooms, and axe throwing, there's never a dull moment. It isn't the least expensive place but you should know that walking in. Lastly, hit those charters and get some rod bending action while you are out here!
Mister Review — Google review
This place is pretty good! There's a lot of restaurants nearby and you can go on a boat. For the boat they can take you to scuba dive or dolphin watch and many more! This is a good place to visit in general. You can go for a boat ride or eat at 1 of the many restaurants or buy some items like toys for your kids. It is a pretty fun place for people.
Jaeden Silva — Google review
Visiting Destin Harbor Boardwalk was an unforgettable experience! The vibrant atmosphere, stunning waterfront views, diverse entertainment, and delicious dining options made it one of the best destinations I've ever been to. If you haven't been there yet, it's definitely a must-visit!
Chris Ositu — Google review
This place has really grown into a tourist attraction. Lots of shops and restaurants. Ice cream, coffee, Alcohol. Cool place to stroll around with a drink in your hand. Zip line, jet ski rentals, dolphin cruises,deep sea fishing. Tons of foot and water traffic. Pretty cool spot. I paid 20 bucks to park with same day re entry.
Jeremy Brown — Google review
What a wonderful place to have fun with the family. There are small train ride for little kids, jumping zone, zipline, free fall etc. you can take dolphin boat tours or charters. Fast food options like french fries, grilled cheese, funnel cake are there. Great fish restaurants. Definitely you should go. It is best in the evening time!
Betul Erkan — Google review
Very busy, lots of fun. Nice stores. It was one of the best harbor walks we have been. Many stores for browsing and many cool eats.
Very full after 3pm usually. Plan to spend at least a few hours there. They have a cool zip line that has a beautiful view of the harbor.
Chris Skaliks — Google review
We enjoyed our time at the boardwalk, it was $20 daily parking. You can leave and come back just have to keep your ticket on the way out. There was a free concert at night featuring Flash Flood when we visited. We really enjoyed them! We saw lots of fish walking along the boardwalk, and listened to lots of great music. There are plenty of places to shop and eat!
Breanna Cozart — Google review
Great place for families to spend the day. Plenty of places to shop, catch a cruise, or have a meal. There are lots of activities like rock climbing, mini golf, 7D experience, food trucks. We enjoyed sitting on the dock and watching boats come and go. We were there on a Thursday night and they had a vintage air show, live music and we had a late dinner and view of the fantastic fireworks.
Jamie Blair — Google review
Fun and lively. Lots of boats cruising and music everywhere. Wonderful during the "off season" because it's not overly crowded. A new favorite vacation local spot for my early spring getaway.
Robin Hendricks — Google review
Great little outdoor boardwalk with plenty of entertainment for the kids. Some good food places and definitely fresh, delicious adult beverages. You even get to see the fishermen with their daily fish hauls
Caitlin Masse — Google review
It was fun. Yeah, it was a bit touristy, and prices were maybe a little high. But it is worth it. Just a nice stroll and street performers every now and again, not there begging for money. Safe family things. And free parkimg is available.
Brian Nielsen — Google review
Excellent spot to do some shopping, enjoy some entertainment, or grab a bite to eat. Lots to do from boat rentals to fishing and sightseeing excursions to food and activities all right there. There is a 20 dollar parking fee, but it's good for the entire day. It's definitely worth the visit!
Romeo — Google review
Pretty neat place to spend time in Destin. Alot of boat tours, dolphin cruises etc one could ride on. Some restaurants as well along the boardwalk to grab a bite. Would recommend staying at Wyndham hotel on the harbor to make it easy to be in that area.
Raheel Rao — Google review
Very cool place! Lots of shops, restaurants and food trucks. They have some games for the kiddos like the giant hamster balls they get in the water in. There was even a guy walking around on stilts making balloon animals :-) You can also walk the marina and check out all the cool boats. Great view of the bridge and islands too! $20 parking seems a little steep; but we enjoyed it.
SweetSouthernLiving — Google review
Fun with lots to do, and good food! The harbor boat rides are a must. We didn’t regret it. Weren’t expecting it to be so much fun
Milana K — Google review
Fun to roam around and take in the sights, eat a snack, relax to live music. We were in the Emerald Green for a Wyndham Presentation, which is another story in itself. Prices were higher that some of the other shops around town.
C J — Google review
Beautiful. Plenty of great restaurants, bars and shops. Beautiful area. In season is march - october, we've visited before outside of season. Many places were closed or had reduced hours. Check hours before visiting if you have your heart set on a specific location.
donna nehrenz — Google review
The boat ride was amazing. I wish I could live here. Staff was super helpful
shanique Adams — Google review
A must do when in Destin. Shopping, food trucks, AJs restaurant, fishing boats pulling up...last weekend in October is big fishing competition, there is seating/bleachers, u can get a cold beer and just people watch, take a dolphin cruise. Loved all of it.
trudy tuttle — Google review
A great shopping experience. Wife selection of different stores. The boardwalk offers some great views of the ocean.
Rob Robinson — Google review
We went to get our yearly Christmas ornaments. We were gifted with a festive atmosphere and one of the most beautiful sunsets. During the season, the harbor is so lively and energetic. But, I have to say, December is my favorite time. Quiet, peaceful, and fun.
Emily Stelle — Google review
Booked 3 fishing charters (Feb21st, April 1st&5th 2024) with Swoop|| had a alright time all 3times but one of the deck mates insinuated that my party didn’t tip enough like one couple did. 1st time we tipped about 20% 2nd time 23% of the charter booking cost. I personally don’t know what’s customary or average but the deck mate Oz made it clear me and my party weren’t appreciated. In away it wasn’t just Oz that made us feel unwelcome. After all that, 2 different parties spoke with us and said they will never book with them again and neither will we. Plenty of other party & private fishing charters out of the Destin Harbor. I feel we over tipped on our way out the 3rd time after that not so pleasant experience. This was my short story 🤷🏼♂️
Lonny Stundahl — Google review
Fun place to hang out. There are alot of shops. You can rent charter boats too.
The Air Force Armament Museum is a free museum located on the biggest air base in the world. It offers an extensive collection of over 25 planes, weapons, and artifacts both indoors and outdoors. The Pensacola National Naval Aviation Museum may have been closed due to security measures, but this underappreciated gem provides visitors with a great selection of static aircraft outside as well as tons of weaponry, ordnance, and aircraft exhibits inside for everyone to enjoy.
Amazing! There are so many aircraft on display. There is also a very informative museum with lots of displays, videos, photos, artifacts, etc to experience and learn from. We just happened to pass by it in our travels and turned around to spend a few hours walking through it all inside and out.
Corri Stanley — Google review
The sheer number of artifacts here is amazing. Everything from planes to guns to helicopters to bombs. And the stories behind them and their usage...! Amazing! It's a great family museum but also perfect for adults. I highly recommend it. Allow about 2-3 hours to really see everything .Wear comfy shoes. Definitely a family oriented museum.
Mam Essam — Google review
Very educational museum, located on or around Eglin AF base. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. And very detailed in explaining everything in and about the museum. Kid friendly and a wonderful gift shop inside!
Colton Rigler — Google review
An amazing museum. The aircraft and artifacts are beautiful and pristine. The staff is very considerate and friendly. We enjoyed seeing the very first Ac130, and a lot of the more modern displayed inside. Plan on a few hours to enjoy it all.
Shawn Price — Google review
My grandfather was a bomber pilot in Vietnam and has flown me around since I was a tot, so my love for flight runs through my blood. For my husband’s and my week-long vacation in Fort Walton we made sure to make this museum a stop. It was a fun afternoon reading up on the planes, bombs, and other fun facts. We enjoyed the videos that were playing and the restrooms are very clean. My husband especially liked the firearm display. This free museum was great.
Jenna L. Richman — Google review
Most of their aircraft are displayed outside but are still in very good condition. You can also get a lot closer to these than you can in other museums. They have a good range of fixed wing aircraft of the air force. They also have an excellent collection of aircraft armament, as the name would suggest. I would definitely go again!
Stephen Long — Google review
A+++!! This is an awesome place to visit, even if you aren't an aircraft nut (I am, so it was even cooler for me.) The did a great job of organizing the aircraft and other displays and provided a lot of information about the specific aircraft on display. Most impressive part...it was free and the bathrooms were NICE! When do you ever get nice clean bathrooms at a free attraction?
Matt Yates — Google review
Saw this Air Force museum off hwy. Wonderful experience. Has both indoor and outdoor plane, bomb and missile statures. I'm grateful for the free outdoor museum. The planes are breath taking. Massive and huge. Must see. Unsure if indoors need tickets. Great for kids and adults.
Monique Benjamin — Google review
Beautiful museum even though we was only able to explore the outside since we came after hours. Really wished we had the opportunity to go inside but this was just a coincidence stop we made on the way to Tallahassee from Pensacola. Pretty sure inside the Museum would be more impressive. Definitely will have to make another trip down there to explore in depth of this awesome museum. Free to get inside the Museum but donation would be great to maintain these masterpiece. Plenty of history and amazing real Aircrafts, jets, missiles, ammunition, B52, helicopters, and many more to see in person. The SR-71 Blackbird and MOAB was the best. This is really a hidden gem for all military history and museum lovers.
Tammie Nguyen — Google review
A fun place to learn about past military and wars to military aircraft’s and weapons. This is a great place for family or for oneself to gain knowledge and see historical information. Place is free to visit but I would recommend donating even if a $10 for it’s well worth donating to an American establishment honoring and teaching our military past.
Colt Caylor — Google review
A great place to learn about our military from ww1 to current. Lots of information and displays. Be sure to walk around outside and visit the gift shop too. Donate as you feel blessed and proud to be an American !!
Alice Mcgraw — Google review
🤩 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️This is one of the best days I’ve ever had. I put off this visit, finally went today and it’s the highlight of my year. I spent 5 hours wandering and reading and SEEING all of the amazing USAF History. So many great displays and it’s a fantastic place to take kids to teach them the history of aviation and war. Thank you to all the amazing staff I met. So smart, and friendly!
John M. Scullin — Google review
This place is a super underestimated gem.
First of all, we tried to go to the Pensacola National Naval Aviation Museum, but since a shooting in 2019, they've locked that place down pretty tight. Even as a veteran I couldn't get on board the base with my family to see a NATIONAL museum.
So, we drove the opposite direction to see planes and I was IMPRESSED!
Great selection of static aircraft outside. Tons of weapons, aircraft and ordnance on display inside!
My son's a plane nerd and he absolutely loved it.
Easy to visit. And amazing aircraft on display!
Seth Parsons — Google review
Overall a good aviation museum. A few good exhibits here. Great friendly staff and nice gift shop. Also if you are in the area the outside has a great walking trail. Would plan 1-3 hours here. The items could use a little better upkeep.
Maksim Blair — Google review
This place is just great!!!! All of my family really enjoyed both indoor and outdoor sections of this place and we were able to go as fast or slow as we wanted. 2 story inside with elevators. Great history here. Was very impressed like I said. Bring water and a snack and enjoy the outdoor area off in the back too. Certainly easy to miss this gem but with the other "National" museum being closed to the public due to the Navy's inability to properly vet foreign military forces, what options do we have?
Ryan F — Google review
Fantastic arrangement of historic aircraft! The B17 was enough for me, every thing else was a bonus. Each aircraft has a sign with statistical data next to them, as does everything on the grounds. I did NOT get to go inside the actual museum because I was there very early on a Sunday morning passing by. Beautiful display.
As always, be respectful and do not touch the displays as tempting as it is.
Steven Franklin — Google review
Very nice! Gentlemen at the Reception Desk was literally brushing up on his already extensive knowledge in order to share a great experience. Detailed descriptions on each exhibit. Planes outside are great to walk around and view. Looking forward to the African American Military addition they have planned 😊💖
Leestigul Macklin — Google review
Took our 11 year old son and his 11 year old friend to this museum while on vacation in Fort Walton and they truly enjoyed it and so did Mom and me (dad). The boys were truly excited and never bored. We stayed about 90 minutes. Lots to see and learn about plus it's free. Don't forget to drop a few dollars in the donation boxes. Have fun and God Bless.
Johnny Moreno — Google review
Really nice museum. Friendly volunteer staff and lots of information and education about the history of Air Force armament. Lots of planes on the outside as well. Good place to take the whole family and experience many things about the Air Force. Free admission but they do accept donations.
Barton Cooper — Google review
We spent 4 hrs here. There is so much to see. This museum is super great. Full of info and amazing planes on display.
Staff was extra nice & welcoming. Free admission, but ask for a donation....which they deserve!
Will definitely be back to visit again!!
Andie — Google review
This place is simply amazing for Air Force history, especially in the history of armament. They host ceremonies and retirements here and are also the new visitor entry center for the base. Any time I bring people to the pan handle I stop here with them. They have tons of aircraft outside and lots of munitions history inside. This is a must stop.
Chris C — Google review
It's a really good place to learn about the US Army force. We spent 3 hours visiting that area. They have a great gift shop if you want to get souvenirs, so we did. It has been a really fun place to go.
Durgeshwarimisra Misra — Google review
Saw this on the way from the regional airport and decided to stop. Glad we did! They open up one of the aircraft once a month with former crew members volunteering to show you around. There are many aircraft on display including some experimental ones that didn't get to production - good look at our nation's engineering history. There's also an extensive collection of historic rifles, ones I've never seen at other military museums. So much to see! Plan accordingly.
Raecine Meza — Google review
What an awesome military museum. The price is free, they have over 1000 pieces of military equipment to look at. They have a second floor walkway to look down on the planes inside of the building. Anything from ww2 to present time period equipment they have a gift shop to buy Air Force/ military patches, small model planes etc
that guy — Google review
Very cool museum, COMPLETELY FREE, has a nice gift shop with fairly reasonable pricing for souvenirs.
Highly recommended as a stop for anyone within 100 miles of Eglin!
K — Google review
If you love the air force, military, history or America, this place is awesome! So much to see and read about. The retired air craft are so cool to see up close. Highly recommend!
Brian Williams — Google review
While the outside planes are a bit "weathered" over the time, it's still cool to see them up close. It would be amazing if they were repainted.
The inside has nice, succinct signage and displays.
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is a marine park that offers dolphin encounters and shows with sharks, rays and dolphins. It's been open since 1955 and is popular with families.
I use to go here when I was a child. Now I was able to share this experience with my wife. We had a wonderful day and really enjoyed the shows. Seating to shows starts 30 minutes before show, so go early if you want a seat as they fill up fast. They are currently constructing an new dolphin oasis, but they still have the original dolphin tank, so you still get to see these adorable creatures! The tank has 2 levels below the water where you can watch the dolphins frolic from below. Food prices are VERY reasonable, especially for an attraction. I’m talking $7 for 5 chicken fingers reasonable. There was lots of shade and beautiful ocean views. The sharks were humongous! They run a rehab facility where they rescue and rehabilitate sea turtles to be returned to the wild. The parking lot was being worked on/ expanded when we were there, so parking was a bit of a challenge.
Craig Rhodes — Google review
We enjoyed our time at the Gulfarium! It was extremely packed for a beautiful day and the entrance was a little confusing on where to go to see everything but once we got the hang of it it was quite enjoyable. The dolphin show was amazing. The sea lions were so funny! The store was full of all kinds of memorabilia from your trip. We highly recommend taking your kids to see this!
Jessica Colliersmith — Google review
Pretty neat place to visit. Nice to see that they are expanding. The Sea Lion show was closed when we went so while that was a disappointment, they did give you 20% off the admission price. They also offer a military discount. They have a lady taking your picture when you first arrive and I think she should explain that it is so you can purchase them photo shopped into a variety of backgrounds. Was happy they offer food to buy. We would of liked to purchase a animal encounter but they only offered 2 different times and we would of had to stay hours until the 2nd time. Good place to take kids.
Nicole Drought — Google review
Admission was pricer than t
I thought it would be, but honestly well worth it. Their dolphin show was awesome.
They obviously care very much for the animals there. They even have a separate area for rescued turtles where you can see them getting care in their tanks. I think they do a lot to really drive home that we need to share the area and take care of the animals around us. I appreciated that a lot.
There is a good variety of things to see here and you can plan on staying at least 3 hours if not more. Definitely stop by and support this place and what they do.
Alexander McNiel — Google review
It’s a small size facility. They made it nice and interesting. Great for educational purposes and spend 1 hour and 30 minutes with your kid without much work.
Their show was nice.
I would recommend to bring a jacket if you come during a colder weather because most of the visit will be outside.
Ryo Shigemitsu — Google review
We had an absolutely fantastic experience! The location is unparalleled, nestled right by the ocean with breathtaking views of the beach. The dolphin show was an absolute highlight, leaving us in awe of these magnificent creatures. Sitting in the splash zone added an extra layer of excitement and fun to the experience. Our encounters with the Harbor Seals and Penguins were beyond memorable, offering a unique opportunity to interact closely with these incredible animals. The staff were friendly, also incredibly knowledgeable, enriching our visit with fascinating insights about the animals. Without a doubt, we highly recommend this experience to anyone seeking an unforgettable adventure!
Miranda Crabtree — Google review
This place was a nice experience. Fairly priced and took about an hour to get through, including the Sea Lion show which was fantastic! (Definitely our favorite part - we were not able to see a dolphin show due to arriving after the last show, but we were okay with that) Nice, relaxing and beautiful surroundings as well. The gift shop was pretty large and had a wide variety of souvenirs. Variety of animals as well.
Jamie Winters — Google review
We were told to give this aquarium a visit when we came down to Florida. I absolutely love aquariums that are rehabilitation/ rescue and release centers. It was a little pricey, but it wasn't too bad. The dolphin show was a must see and there were lots of animals out for viewing. A lot of it was outside which was super nice and we went in the off season so it wasn't crowded at all. I also liked the option they gave for donating, they provided links to Amazon lists to get medical and other supplies they need, which I definitely preferred over just sending money.
Destiny Bamvakais — Google review
My child (age 7) and I had a WONDERFUL time this Tuesday! It’s a smaller more intimate experience. Definitely pick your seats early for shows if you want to be super close. Volume of show music & narration was good; not too loud but not too quiet. Bring ear protection just in case. Staff was super helpful and friendly! ADA access was more thought out than most places. Such a wide variety of species and tons of creative learning opportunities. Well shaded from sun which was a huge plus for our sensory processing. Just absolutely fabulous. The new dolphin cove is not open yet. Overall such a great leisurely experience. It was also located within a very short stroll to other places of interest.
Chelsea Puckett — Google review
This place is wonderful. I am typically anti-zoo type experiences but this place was very cool. The kids loved it and there was lots of shaded areas to relax on a hot day. We watched the sea lion show and it was amazing! We got to see a Sea Lion break dance. We arrived early and beat the crowds mostly but I would go anytime of day. You can cool off in the underground viewing area.
Sarah Huntley — Google review
I went to the Gulfarium with my family and the experience was alright. When I walked in everything felt pretty rundown and a little dirty. Walking around the entire aquarium took about 45 minutes and was most definitely one of the smallest aquariums I have ever been too. On to the positive things, the workers seem to like their job and my family had a good time. Im not an animal expert but the animals look happy and well cared. The shows the aquarium had to offer were pretty cool, not Sea World level but it was still a nice and fun experience. Definitely stop by here on your next vacation.
Anthony N — Google review
My family and I really enjoyed our visit to the Gulfarium. It was very nice. The front of the Gulfarium was under construction so the curb appeal wasn't great when we pulled up, but the inside was very nice and professional.
Our first stop was to see the sea aquarium with the shark. Out kids thought it was so cool to watch the shark swim by. The tank had a lot of fish and see life in it. There were also some smaller tanks with a lion fish, sea horses, and other animals. They also had a green python--my favorite snake.
We went and walked around the outdoor exhibits where we say a large pool with a ton of sting rays. We sea a tank for sea turtles, African penguins, sea lions, otters, nuse sharks, and a bunch of turtles.
We walked around the sand dune habitat and saw the biggest white pelicans I've ever seen. They were huge! There were also crocodiles, alligators, and big tortoises.
Our kids favorite thing to see was the new space for the dolphins and their show. They had a very fun short show where the trainers had them demonstrate some of their awesome flips and tricks. We were very impressed.
Overall, we were surprised by the size of the park. We thought it would be bigger. However, it was a really nice size for our 5 and 6 year old to walk around because it wasn't too much to walk and we were able to see everything and the dolphin show all before lunch.
Steven Abbott — Google review
It’s a nice aquarium to bring your kids, took us about 4 hours to get through everything and really going slow through it. There wasn’t as many people as I thought as the parking lot was packed full of vehicles. I will say they have some awesome fishtanks just wish they were cleaned more often and kinda look neglected but all in all not a bad experience the kids loved it
that guy — Google review
A great place for families with younger kids. The dolphin show was informative and fun to watch. The sea lion show was good also. There are turtles, sharks, sea fish, stingrays, alligators, and birs to see. A reptile area and a manatee exhibit if coming. Age 12 and up is $35 and I felt we got our money's worth. There are animal interactions you can pay extra for as well.
Ange Edwards — Google review
This place had a couple really fun entertaining shows. It was worth going at least once. I think of I had young kids I'd definitely take them here. Oh course it's not a Sea World, but the staff do a really good job with answering any questions & presenting the animals. We spent over 4 hours looking around & seeing shows. It was raining on & off when we went. Most of this place is open, but they do have a lot of areas that are covered.
Cheryl Trembley — Google review
Great dolphin show and we loved the exhibits of the fish, penguins, and sea otters. The staff were nice. The majority of the exhibits are outside, so make sure to wear appropriate clothing. The only exhibit inside are the small fishes. There was handicap seating for the dolphin show. They sell food and drinks, but their water fountain outside was not working according to the sign they placed on top of it.
Christina V — Google review
Go early to avoid the crowds! It was just ok. For the price def not enough to keep ya busy for long. Felt bad for the captive animals but that's just my animal heart.... Dolphins were the best. If you watch the show from downstairs you can see a different perspective which was pretty neat!
Kelli Holguin — Google review
We had our first Family Summer vacation to Florida and I was dying to visit the Gulfarium as I had heard many great things. Admission price is $$ what you typically pay at aquariums/zoos. We did not purchase our tickets in advance as we wanted to use a coupon we got at our hotel so there was maybe a 5-10 minute wait to purchase tickets and get inside. They do have an option to purchase tickets in advance online and it seems that might be your straight in with no wait ticket. Once inside we headed for the Dolphin show first and it was beautiful. I think the dolphin show was my favorite part aside from the location. You have beautiful views on top of beautiful views. The place is literally on Fort Walton Beach so you get the beautiful view of the beach while you’re admiring most of the animals. It’s an outdoor open air facility and the setup is very easy to navigate through and very well thought out. I was happy with my overall experience and would go again but the reason for my four stars is that I wasn’t wowed. Don’t get me wrong the views were astonishing but other than that I felt as if I was at the zoo back at home.
Coral Estrada — Google review
So much fun! All the animals are so spectacular to see! Beautiful views, amazing shows, quite a soulful place to be! I celebrated my birthday here and got to be a dolphin star and experience the dolphins first hand! Everyone is so positive and helpful!
Luna Malfoy — Google review
10 out of 10 recommend to go! This place was awesome and my kids stayed engaged the whole time. The dolphin show was really cool! We will definitely be going back.
Cole — Google review
This was a let down / though it has potential.
3 dolphins in a very small pool - and the main dolphin pool was closed. The brochure said dolphin oasis coming in 2023 - there are 10 days left and it’s not open yet.
Touching pond had no fish to touch.
Sting ray tank had just a handful of stingrays.
The Gators and turtles and water fowl were pretty cool.
Sea lion and dolphin shows were cute.
Gift shop was great but overpriced.
Lots of missing habitats of birds, reptiles, and small aquariums inside.
Over needs some paint, more sea life, and hurry and open the dolphin oasis.
Spent some good money to take my family of five and while they had an ok time k feel like we got a wish version of what could have been great .
I would be open to go again after the oasis opens
Brian Serrano — Google review
Had a wonderful time seeing all the animals here. Food was wonderful as well. Visted on the 13th of February. Was a little cool but we enjoyed ourselves anyway. Would definitely love to visit when the weather is warmer. Will go back again.
cheryl dickson — Google review
We went for my son’s 1st birthday and we absolutely loved it. We watched the dolphin and sea lion show with just general admission and it was a blast. There’s plenty of things for kids to do. Including an area kids can touch starfish and shells in the water.
Brianna Bryant — Google review
Worth a visit!! We had a great time watching the dolphin and sea lion shows! The penguins are adorable! They have sharks and even alligators! There were a good bit of people there but it didn't feel crowded. They also have food and drink options so you can make a day of it.
Follow us on social media to see more! @SweetSouthernLiving
SweetSouthernLiving — Google review
The shows were great!! Glass of many habits needs cleaning. It was under construction but the manatees will be a great addition! Note: we got there at 9:30 took our time, watched almost all shows and we were done by 1.
Madison Smith — Google review
We go to the area annually and always stop at the Gulfarium. It’s a hit for our toddler and a great way to spend a few hours if you need a break from the beach. We go during off-season so it’s never been extremely crowded. We look forward to seeing the new expansion on our next visit!
Jessica Winspear — Google review
We watched the dolphin, seal and sea lion shows with just general admission. It was a fantastic experience and day out with my older kids. All of the exhibits were clean and the animals well looked after. Support form the local sea life and preservation is also important, and reflected by the trainers and staff. Definitely worth it!
Robin Curtis — Google review
We love visiting the Gulfarium! This trip my 2 kids encountered a penguin and sea lion. They were fascinated with what they were taught about the animal and had fun with the animal they encountered! Thank you to the staff for making the entire trip and experience memorable! From the time we walked into the building until the time we walked out every staff member was helpful and fully engaged in needs of the guests and animals. We will be back to see the manatees!
Amber Grier — Google review
Wonderful treasure of the Emerald Coast. We started visiting over 25 years ago, and they keep improving the facility and the exhibits for all to experience coastal sea life. While everything else around seems to be so commercialized, Gulfaruim remains true to its mission.
Even in December, there was plenty to do and see. Really appreciated the generous discount for veterans and families on that day. Crowd was probably a bit larger than normal for the time of year, everyone was courteous and kind.
Looking forward to upgraded facility in future visits.
Deborah Buma — Google review
Cute but small. The sea lion show made it worth it. The staff and the guy who led that show were really great. And of course the cute sea lions. The dolphin area was not open to see when we went. It’s right on the beach so the views are nice. Some of the animal exhibits look kinda old and dirty which is slightly depressing.
Mal — Google review
4.4
(7444)
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4.0
(1608)
1010 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548, USA
Okaloosa Island can be found on Santa Rosa Island in Florida. The area spans 875 acres with a stunning 3 miles of frontage along the Gulf. On July 8, 1950, Okaloosa County received the land through an informal ceremony held at the county courthouse in Crestview, Florida.
4.5
(1581)
Florida, USA
13
Santa Rosa Island
Island
Nature & Parks
Long, thin barrier island, home to Pensacola Beach, nature reserves & relaxed sandy shores.
Beautiful Experience! First time I've ever been to the beach, but of course, it won't be my last! Got to set up a small tent to keep the sun at bay, and the beach was pretty empty on the weekend of Spring Break! Me and my Girlfriend had our own spot just far enough from civilization! Just what we needed!
Miguel Villarreal — Google review
This is one of my favorite destinations on the Emerald Coast. Recently hiked part of the Florida Trail on the island. You can read about it at Footpathsblog.com.
Footpathsblog — Google review
Great wide open beautiful well kept beaches! I've vacationed all over Florida and Santa Rosa Island ranks up their with St. Pete.
Andy Shizak — Google review
BEAUTIFUL beaches! The water was cold and rough but it was absolutely beautiful. Always love to visit.
rachael clark — Google review
This place holds such a huge piece of my heart. It's beautiful here.
J P — Google review
Beach Ecology walk with Healthy Gulf
1.1.2022
Coach John — Google review
Amazing beach! So so awesome! I highly recommend visiting this beach.
Chris Manhattan — Google review
Hard to find a better beach in the U.S, hasn't been over commercialized!
Rustic cabins, houses & campsites in a sprawling resort, plus activities like canoeing & ziplining.
The whole family went zip lining and it was so much fun! Highly recommend this place and the staff. Ask for tour guides John and Megan - they’re the best!! They give you clear safety instructions and also make sure you have a great time! We’ll be back, definitely worth it!
Jessica Shierk — Google review
My family and I love kayaking together at Adventure Unlimited. The price is reasonable, all the employees are super helpful, informative, and friendly.
We have been here several times. I highly recommend adventure unlimited for great family fun and quality time
Kati Parker Jones — Google review
We had arranged for a small camping style cabin for two nights of relaxation for our 24th wedding anniversary. We received a phone call from the office on the morning of our arrival that the Coldwater creek had flooded and our originally booked cabin was unreachable. We were offered a full refund or a possible change of accommodations. We decided to go on and see what we could do for an alternative. When Ms Suzanne in the office found out that it was a special day for us, she placed us in the Nashville Railcar Cabin. It was absolutely beautiful and could not have possibly been any more perfect. Also in addition to the creek flood eliminating all of their River trips and Zip line attractions, we ended up having the entire acreage to ourselves for the night of our anniversary. I cannot say enough about the cleanliness and care of the entire campground as well as the friendliness of the staff. Ms Suzanne deserves the highest of praise for saving our trip and going above and beyond to accommodate us. We look forward to a return trip and experiencing more of their offerings in the future. We had the most relaxing, peaceful and enjoyable time. It was amazing! Thank you so much Ms Suzanne and the entire staff at Adventures Unlimited! Our joy was truly Unlimited!
harley swamprat — Google review
My family and I stayed here for two nights. We had a blast! There are so many things to do here! You can go kayaking, canoeing, zip lining, and explore many of the trails that they have available! My family and I will definitely be back! I highly recommend checking this place out! My entire family was left with a great unforgettable memory that will last a lifetime!
Tisha Fernandez — Google review
We did the Taste of the Tours zipline adventure on Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023, with Megan and Catherine. We really enjoyed their enthusiasm for the activity, and they kept us entertained and educated. Also got to be VERY close with some complete strangers (shout out to Rachel and her family for being awesome)!
Mollie Waters — Google review
This was my 3rd time ziplining and I had a blast! My group went with John and Andy, who knew so much about the area and could answer any question we had. They were also very helpful in calming my nerves so I wouldn't take forever getting off the platform😅 Not to mention, this activity was very cheap for what we got (9 lines for $100 per person). By far the best ziplines I've been to. Will definitely consider going back again
Malaysia Coachman — Google review
I work a side gig as a DJ for Boogie Inc and I always bring my camera along to capture some photos to use to promote Boogie Inc and my wedding photography services. When my boss told me I would be DJing a wedding at Adventures Unlimited, I looked at her kind of sideways because I didn't know AV hosted events.
The wedding and reception were both held outside and were absolutely beautiful! The staff were very friendly and helpful to me and my partner. We played music well into the night and everyone seemed to be having a great time. I look forward to the day when I'm booked as a wedding photographer at Adventures Unlimited in the future.
Patrick Ryan — Google review
I had my wedding and reception here early December 2022. We had booked the venue early 2022. This is a very beautiful venue. Both the dias and the reception barn. However, this place is not accommodating to couples at all. Each room in the reception barn, including the "kitchen" and the bridal room, are separate expenses. This is a gouging opportunity and they took it. We were able to ask for an additional hour the night before to set up for our wedding AND reception. Per the contract you're really only allowed ONE. We were allowed the extra hour if we "didn't require air conditioning while setting up." You're given a total of 12 hours on your wedding day from start to finish.. which also is a squeeze when you're planning and preparing a wedding for 150+ people. Let me just say the staff is wonderful as I know this is not their rules that they're adhering to. During my reception, one of the staff members came and turned the overhead lights off because, "they're not supposed to be on." We received an email TWO days before my wedding saying that the warming oven in the kitchen was not working.. but no discount offered. There is no ice machine so you have to bring coolers upon coolers filled with ice and just hope that it's enough. We rented a cabin, Osprey, the night before and the night of our wedding and it was so awful that we didn't even stay the night of the wedding. The bed was terrible. There were bugs falling on us while we slept and many other critters through out the cabin. I understand that this is in the middle of the woods and can be expected, but I want to warn others who may also have bug phobias. They are accommodating as far as allowing you to take pictures with your photographer at the other venue sites/locations which was wonderful. But I would 10/10 not recommend this place to hold your wedding. It's obvious throughout your whole experience that money is and object/issue.
Celia Kortlever — Google review
So we decided to come here towards the end of the school year just before school let out so it was not busy at all. We stayed in Blueberry and it was so cozy! The location is better imo than the others but it’s all in preference. We took our bikes and took every dirt road and paved road. We hiked to the big beach which was funny because my kids got scared and the camera was acting up with them appearing as ghosts 😂 the cabins have the whole kitchen setup with dishes and cookware so cooking was easier than the primitive camping. They have a store with basically anything you’ll need in case you forget. The history was interesting and they have pictures with info right outside the store and the zip lining was so fun. It’s hot though with lots of stairs so take water and the bugs are so annoying so take some bug spray. Lastly our zip line guides were so amazing and fun! Thanks Axel and Megan 😊
Jess S — Google review
My organization hosted a picnic/retreat here and it was great. We did not stay overnight but the living quarters looked nice and well maintained.
BeautifulSoul — Google review
Edited to include some photos of my favorite highlights of the AUOC venue!
We recently had our wedding and reception at AUOC. We utilized the Coldwater Creek Chapel, the Blue Heron Room, Bridal Suite, and prep kitchen; and we stayed in Granny Peaden cabin. It is an absolutely beautiful backdrop for such an event. The cost was fair, the facilities are gorgeous, and my interaction with the staff was pleasant. Tiffany was awesome!! She was so helpful and IMO is truly an asset to AUOC. She was so helpful throughout the entire process from being transparent and responsive during the planning all the way to execution of events.
They were so patient with us—let’s face it, no matter how much planning goes in to an event like this it WILL BE chaotic—and their patience did not go unnoticed!
Our day was everything we hoped it would be, and if I had it to do all over again, I would 100% pick Adventures Unlimited <3
Will update review with photos just as soon as I get the professional photos back!!
Alix Neely — Google review
Did the Ultimate Double Zip adventure. Katherine and Colton were our guides for the adventure, and did an excellent job! The camp store had a variety or items that were good quality, not the cheap stuff you find in a a lot of camp stores. We will definitely use them again if we are back in the area.
Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier is a pier that extends into the Gulf of Mexico and is popular for fishing. It's also a great place to see marine life, such as dolphins, sharks, and manta rays. Admission is cheap and it's well maintained.
Sugary sands and crystal clear water. One of my favorite beaches in the US. I prefer the beaches in the gulf coast to the ones on the east coast of Florida. Lesser crowds and cleaner beaches. The pier provides some great photo opportunities with the panaromic view of the Pensacola skyline. We visited the beach during sunset and it is spectacular. There is a small admission fee (about $5 for 2 people) to get there and it's more than worth that amount.
Saiprabhu B — Google review
Oh my! Well worth my money! We saw sea turtles, small sharks and the best moment was a dolphin came by and stole a man's fish on the line. He played with it right in front of us. It was a nice Pier with lots of seating. We went early morning on a Wednesday. Thanks Pensacola! You're awesome!
Sandra Lapp — Google review
The pier is just like any other…
A little crowded no matter what time of day you go and some people have no respect (loud music, smoking, yelling, swearing, setting up directly next to you).
Nonetheless, it’s a gorgeous beach, the water is amazing and the sunsets are gorgeous. Within walking distance of multiple shops and restaurants, however I don’t recommend swimming around the pier as it is infested with jellyfish, especially in August, when I went you couldn’t even swim without probably getting stung. Definitely a cool place to check out!
Annaelle Fee — Google review
The water in the ocean is very transparent. The beach is clean with white sand. There is a public big parking lot by the beach. Facilities like showers and restrooms are available between the beach and the parking lot which is very convenient.
Mariko Kajikawa — Google review
Perfect place to watch the sunrise/sunset. I enjoy my pier walks and I am grateful to be able to walk it any time I want since I live so close. There’s no telling what you will see! Every time I go, I see different things. Sharks, turtles, dolphins, big fish, sting rays, etc. Definitely recommend to take a walk here at least once, for the experience!
Esmeralda Jimenez — Google review
Great place to chat with fisherman about their catches, the beracuda and the lady fish, and watch the shoreline.
With a small fee charge, it is ceryainly worthwhile
Maria Zeee — Google review
Wow it was just beautiful, the emerald green waters splashed on the shore & the white sand at the shore was easy to walk on. For me it brought back memories, when I was in the navy NAS Pensacola was where I was stationed & the changes we’ll from 1964 to 2023, 59 years of growth really made it look different. I’m 64 there was. Pavilion & a carousel, and now it’s high rise condominiums & houses for rent that go for 3K a week but it was nice to go back & see the changes.
RJ Olson — Google review
Love walking down the pier. Less than $8 for a family of 3 just to walk which is amazing! Loved seeing the schools of fish in the water to. Sometimes sharks and dolphins can be spotted to. Great activities to get away from chaos to. 👍
Kayla Palmer — Google review
My husband and I had a really great time walking down the pier to the end and back!! We saw a lot of people fishing, you don't need a license to do so. We saw a cute Pelican! He would wait for people to catch fish then go over to them and practically "beg" for them to give him one, lol. We also saw jellyfish near the pier. The water is so beautiful and clear!!
Rachelle Gilliam — Google review
Great place to go for a walk or you can also fish. They charge $7.50 for fishing or less then $3 for just watching. You also get a great view at the beach. Absolutely beautiful, also great to go on a nice walk with your significant other, they have chairs. You can watch the sun set or rise.
Alexander Rios — Google review
Just gorgeous. Well worth the money for a day pass. Fishers are busy in the morning but everyone is having fun which is awesome to see. Sunsets and sun rises are so beautiful. Lots of room in thr bathroom. Very clean.
LunarSurfer — Google review
Stretching out across the emerald green waters over 1470 feet beyond 2 sand bars into the Gulf of Mexico is the Pensacola Beach Fishing Pier. What a spectacular view! I swear it has the most beautiful sunrise and sunset! Highly recommended whether you're going fishing or just strolling to enjoy the view.
Sebastian P — Google review
This is a beautiful beach. There is a pier as well. Its nice to walk on the pier and get beautiful views of the beach. We even spotted some dolphins from the pier. Lot of people were fishing as well. Sunset at the beach was beautiful. They have a huge parking lot with beach access.
Nidhi Kikkeri — Google review
I love the beach but the price was closed tho
Anthony Page — Google review
4.7
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4.5
(556)
41 Fort Pickens Rd #2005, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561, USA
Pensacola Beach is a tourist destination located on Santa Rosa, a Gulf Coast barrier island in Florida. The beach boasts of sparkling white sands featuring the famous Opal Beach, which is part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Travelers can also explore Pensacola Beach Boardwalk where they can find various shops and restaurants. A must-see attraction nearby is the Pensacola Beach Pier that extends into the beautiful Gulf of Mexico.
49% as popular as Pensacola
16 minutes off the main route, 57% of way to Mobile
18
Fort Pickens Area of Gulf Island National Seashore
The Fort Pickens Area of Gulf Island National Seashore is a significant historical landmark built to defend Pensacola Bay. The area also features a discovery center, nearby beach, and fishing pier. Visitors can explore the fort's many rooms and tunnels while learning about its history from the mid 1800s to mid 1900s. The national park offers camping facilities with plenty of beautiful beaches to explore, including the stunning white sand dunes.
Fort Pickens was fun to explore. So many rooms and even tunnels. Great to learn some mid 1800s to mid 1900s history of the fort and area. Friendly staff at the store. The beaches and dunes in the area are amazing. Love the cool white sand! The facilities were clean.
Daminick1980 — Google review
This was a fun place to spend a few hours. Even if handicapped it was set up so you could essentially drive around and enjoy the site. If you wanted to walk it, I highly suggest downloading the national park app as it walks you through the fort in a numbered order and tells you what each stop is. Definitely more organized than other forts I had been to in the past. While my kids weren’t with me this trip I could see them enjoying it.
Susan Bell — Google review
The fort is well worth the $25 entrance fee, the beautiful beaches are icing on top. Please please get the app and do the walking tour, it's well set up and makes the experience so much better. The kids had a blast exploring, and I'd narrate the tour so they actually learned about what they were looking at.
Bridget Ruuska — Google review
Amazing location for bird watching. Several trails to view nesting ospreys.
J.Backpacker — Google review
We went there for sunset. It was amazing. You might stay hrs watching sun goes down, sky getting painted with different colors.
Nathasha Wijesinghe — Google review
This is a beautiful national park with camping and plenty of beach areas to explore. It's also home to the historic Fort Pickens. A great place to bring the family to learn some of our country's valuable history.
Brian Emmons — Google review
Nice camping experience. Everyone is friendly and keeps to themselves. The beaches are super clean and quiet. This is a great place for people who enjoy the beaches but want to avoid the crowds. Also good for fishing. We came back to the beach at night to catch crabs with the kids.
Edward Lee — Google review
Wonderful place to explore. You can go all through the fort. There is a lot of history. There is a lot of hiking and climbing.
Great fishing off the pier and several beaches to stop at along the way.
Belinda Clouse — Google review
The Gulf Islands National Seashore - Ft Pickens area is pretty cool to see. It was a hot September and the fort had areas to keep you cool. Bring plenty of water as their is only 2 places to buy drinks if you plan to spend several hours to see the historic buildings. You can see the Pensacola lighthouse from the fort. There is a fee to enter the area.
Thomas Nguyen — Google review
LOVE GINS! If you are a beach lover, bird watcher, and you want to be off the beaten path, this is the beach for you. Great clean facilities, nature trails, sunsets, sunrises. The ocean is clean, emerald green, clear water. The campgrounds are well run and taken care of. I love the history of Fort Pickens. It's a 5 star place all the way! Highly recommended
Laura Hunt — Google review
We really enjoyed exploring the fort and the beach. The trails were fun too.
Amanda Monahan — Google review
It was awesome. The man at the gate was very friendly. The beaches were awesome not near as crowded as some of the public areas.
Jay Kalin — Google review
One word could sum it up- "go!"
A fort to explore, surrounded by the gorgeous powdery beaches and gulf waters- go! Also, check the Blue Angels practice schedule. You can see them fly from here.
There are a few restroom options throughout and a really great covered picnic area to let you eat and rest for a few minutes out of the sun. If you have kiddos ask about the Jr. Ranger program. They can earn a badge. Plan to spend the day by bringing sunscreen, drinks, food and plenty snacks. The beaches have a lot to explore themselves so bring a net, fishing poles, buckets, sand castle building supplies, swimwear, towels, and baby powder for the excess sand if the beach is of interest. If you plan and pack ahead you will have a wonderful day learning, exploring and then soaking up some beach time.
Hey Gardners! — Google review
Great park to explore around for a few hours! Spent some time here with the family and we loved it! It is well worth the entry fee as the fort was great to walk around and to see the museum that has so many artifacts! I highly recommend if you’re in the Pensacola area!
Daniel Duran — Google review
4.8
(424)
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4.5
(1962)
1400 Fort Pickens Rd, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561, USA
Fort Barrancas is a significant hilltop fort that has been occupied by various countries throughout history. Today, it serves as a museum and offers tours for visitors to explore the military history of the fort. Built in 1844, the fort was utilized during the Civil War by Confederate soldiers who were battling Union forces stationed at Fort Pickens. A self-guided tour map can be downloaded to guide you through the fort where cannons were once fired during wartime many years ago.
We visited Fort Barrancas about 3 weeks ago because it is not only a beautiful historic place to visit but also a great place to take amazing pictures. We took my son there for senior pictures. These images are just the quick snaps I was able to get while the photographer was doing her thing. You will see my son had a little fun at the cannon posing as Captain Morgan lol. On a side note, my husband & I came here to take engagement photos back in 2004 & they turned out amazing as well. Another note I should mention is before going, is to check their hours of operation bc we showed up just before closing so we had to rush. Also, you can schedule a tour & get great historical info from the knowledgeable staff that works there as well. What a great city we live in to be able to be transported back in time for just a little while & slow down for a change even if it is just for an hour or two. I enjoyed the serenity of it all & didn't want to leave.
Skye Hanks — Google review
This quiet, sleepy fort location is packed with a a lot of history. To appreciate its history, make sure to read all the placards that tells the stories. When read, it brings to life the battles and the power of the artillery relics used in the battles.
Rozi Horn — Google review
Maintained but not manicured. Feels like a walk back in time- minus the artillery fire and bullets
Sav Nasty Blackwell — Google review
Another fantastic historic American fort to bring the family to. It's safe and has a lot of neat places to explore. Make sure everyone who's an adult brings an ID. It's inside the Naval Base.
Joseph Mills — Google review
Amazing experience! These tour guides and Ranger were so friendly and knowledgeable! It makes you feel like you were there in history🥰
Anna McDermott — Google review
We arrived at 3:30 pm and it closed down at 4 pm so we just got a nice little taste of the Fort. The ranger was terrific. He swore in the kids as junior rangers when they finished the required activities, even as he was doing his job of shooing everyone out.
Jenet Hattaway — Google review
Beautifully maintained fort that you can roam for hours if you choose. The history of this area is unique and worth learning about. Highly recommend stopping here and talking with the employees. The 10 minute video was a great introduction and the fort did not disappoint. Thanks for a wonderful stop on my vacation!
Ricki Marie Sidorov — Google review
Small but very well done, the National Park Service has done a bang up job making an old fort into a beautiful area to wander, enjoy the sunshine, wander the long corridors inside the fortifications, and receive a good education about how European conflicts as well as the American Civil War were part of the history of this area. Because of the beautiful open areas and underground tunnels, there's a bit for everyone, including those who like to watch jets and Navy trainer aircraft fly by. If you like history, be sure to spend time to read the various boards in the small but we'll organized visitor center.
Rob Gee — Google review
As you might know by now, I love going to visit historic forts. This is inside the Naval Air Station. This one is an amazing fort, from its location to the role it played in history. I would say this is a must fort to visit. I would recommend you watch the 12-minute video they have available before you had out to see this historic place. Everything you will see will have a meaning, and you will then begin to imagine how things happened. What a beauty of a place. You really need to take some time when you are there. This is a place where you can't rush it. If you like these types of historic places, you will enjoy everything from the walls to the hallways to the design. I Know I am uploading pictures that might cause you to wonder why those pictures. Well, when you go there, you will say, oh I see why. I would come back here just because I think this is a cool place to visit.
Osman Cruz — Google review
Fantastic National Park location. You can explore most of this fort on your own and also get a great view of Fort Pickens across Pensacola Bay. The ranger tour is available on the weekends and is well worth it to learn the how the fort was constructed and its history. Highly recommend the Advanced Readout tour if you are more adventurous. This second site (not far from the visitor center) is only accessible with the ranger tour and takes you through the abandoned structure complete with dark passageways and potential encounters with bats, snakes and other local fauna. Not suitable for young children.
The fort is located on the Naval Air Station, so you will need to pass through a checkpoint and show ID to get to the fort. There is limited RV parking at the visitor center, so you may want to call ahead and ensure that there is space to park if you are driving a larger rig.
The Junior Ranger program for this site is part of the larger Gulf Islands National Seashore booklet, but there are a couple of activities based on exploring the fort or walking on the .5 mile woodland nature trail near the visitor center.
The National Naval Aviation Museum, located in the Naval Air Station Pensacola and one of the most popular museums in Florida, showcases over 150 restored military aircraft including helicopters and dive bombers that proved significant in American history. The museum is dedicated to preserving and exhibiting aspects of the development and heritage of the United States Naval Aviation history for all branches including Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Visitors can also enjoy a flight simulator experience and watch an IMAX theater show.
I'm a huge fan of naval aviation so 2 days in the car to visit this museum was perfectly fine with me. Unlike a number of aviation museums, this one allows you to get right up to the aircraft. As an avid model builder, the opportunity to crawl under some of these aircraft or stick your head up inside the wheel wells was amazing. There are many unique and historically significant pieces here as well as incredible models and artifact displays. While multiple Tomcats were awesome to see, the highlight for me was the opportunity to place my hand on the only surviving aircraft from Midway. It was a very moving experience for this naval aviation fan.
Mike ?Harristotle? H — Google review
Just so beautiful and inspirational. Amazingly detailed both up and downstairs. Incredibly knowledgeable staff of prior and current service. It’s like walking through 3D, live-motion Naval history research. So unbelievably modernized for a museum. No wait whatsoever. Not crowded. Free. Sharp images on screens, clean both in and outside (including restrooms), and just overall an amazing experience.
Derek Nicdao — Google review
Fantastic place to visit. The museum is awesome. Be prepared to spend several hours here. So much to see. We just so happened to be at the museum at the right time. The Blue Angels had practice while we were there. It was awesome seeing them fly. Loved the whole experience.
Julie Christenson — Google review
Pretty nice. It was a fun place for my friends & I. Lots of naval planes to see. Very clean & Very organized. We went to the Café and got food and it was pretty good. Also no wait at all!
Just be mindful that the prices in the gift shop are a little high. But, admission is free anyways so it’s not that bad. Overall it’s ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️, I really enjoyed it and I hope you do too.
Corbin Pryor — Google review
This was a wonderful museum to attend. You do have to go through the initial base gates but it is my understanding this is allowed for everyone (I went with some one with a retired military ID so did not test this). We spent over 2 hours at this museum and did not cover everything. There is a lot of history to see and read, not just the air craft. They also have a historical movie to see. There are people on hand if you gave questions and of course a gift shop. Keep in mind if you go there are 2 buildings at the time of this review. Hanger 1 is found exiting the back part of the initial museum.
Joshua Dickinson — Google review
This place is fantastic. We love the old planes and we watched the blue angels earlier here. Your kids would love coming here. They have all kinds of interesting information and they have old reels that you can watch. You have to go to this museum. Free to get in also
Lora Stew55 — Google review
I’ve gone here twice since moving here and still haven’t seen all there is to see. We bring family here every time they come to visit! There’s a diner inside, as well as some flight simulations. The front desk and guides are all very helpful and knowledgeable. My kids love coming here!
Shirl Katherine — Google review
Yes a definite WOW!
We are a military family and looked forward to our visit and it went way above and beyond our expectations.
Be prepared to spend the day!
The kids loved loved loved it!
The cafe is available, the movie theater, and also the gift store. The store had a great variety of items - shirts, hats, toys, gift items, and novelty items.
The displays were amazing. Do note some features have a cost but the entry was free with a donation option at the Blue Angels.
We watched the “Blue Angels” and then then the pilots came for an Autograph session at the Museum. It was a fabulous day. We will definitely be back.
Rita Clark — Google review
Amazing! I had no idea what to expect but this is a must see. It's free to get in and there a ton of planes to see with hands on stuff for the kids and great historical information all over. I could easily spend all day here reading information and seeing the planes. There is a simulator that my kids did. That cost money but great experience. 5 stars! Thanks for the experience.
Sandra Lapp — Google review
My son had the Best Birthday Party ever! He loves the Blue Angels and His favorite movie Top Gun. So we decided to get a Blue Angel Uniform and some extra supplies. Our orders arrived after a few days and it was just perfect! We also received an extra item. Thank you so much guys. We will be taking our kid to the Museum next year ❤️
El Lauren — Google review
What a great experience. The museum was very informative and interesting. The displays were awesome and maintained very well. It took a couple of hours at least to really get through most of the displays and watch videos. As an adult I really enjoyed myself.
THERESSA THERESSA — Google review
My husband and I have been here on vacation for the past week now and let me tell you, this place was our favorite thing of the whole trip!! We absolutely loved the Naval Aviation Museum!! It was so neat seeing all the different planes from WW1 to present. Our tour guide, David I believe was his name, did a fabulous job! He absolutely new his stuff and I just enjoyed hearing him speak about everything in the museum! Also getting to see the blue angels fly was absolutely spectacular!! Everything about this place made me appreciate those who serve our country that much more!
Stephanie Neal — Google review
This place is great I’ve been going here for years and will visit again in the future. Covid making it harder to get it, but if you get to know a few locals this normally isn’t an issue. The museum is great and how many times over the years I’ve ran into someone volunteering and it turning into a 15 minute conversation about one of the displays telling a story from their life. I’ve meet nothing, but the best here. The shows always bring a crowd and it’s worth it, but also it’s definitely worth stopping on an off day to get the true experience of this wonderful place.
Maksim Blair — Google review
Wow!!! We came on the day it was open to the public this past weekend and WOW! What a gem! We spent the entire day there (with 3 young kids) and could have stayed longer. The leveled scavenger hunts for the kids were a super nice touch and impressed this teacher! Please consider opening back up to the public more often. We loved it!!
Aliceson Lueckemeyer — Google review
You gotta make 4 days available to see everything. Super interactive displays, friendly helpful staff and more to see and do for beyond the eyes can see. Full size airplanes on display. Many huge models of Navel ships. Wow, gotta put this place on your bucket list. Also, part of the home to the Blue Angles. Meet and greet on the tarmac behind the museum on live practice days. Most Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Check their schedule for training days to be sure. Oh best part. Parking and admission to the museum is FREE. You will have to enter NAS Pensacola so be sure to have your ID. Check the website.
David Kastner — Google review
I visited this place as a child over 30 years ago and wow, has come a long way. I expected my children to be bored, but they have done quite well with making sure there are plenty of interactive attractions to go along with the viewing of life sized peices historical Naval aviation.
Admission is free, though there are "tip containers" scattered across the museum. They have a couple different simulators and they also have movies that all cost money. I feel they are reasonably priced since admission is free. There is restaurant and a snack bar. A little high priced for the quality in my opinion but it serves the purpose of giving you food for as much time as you could potentially spend here.
We spent about 3 hours here and we didn't watch any of the movies that you can buy tickets to. If you are someone who is really passionate about this kind of thing and want to experience all of it, get here when the doors open and plan to spend 4-5 hours. And that is on a less busy day.
The exhibits are top notch. They have full sized jets and planes plus very detailed replicas of different aircraft carriers. The WWII exhibit has it's own section and is an absolute must see if you love this part of US history. Worth a trip to Pensacola just for this, in my opinion.
Overall, great museum and recommend every one check it out if in the area.
Tucker Lapp — Google review
This is an amazing museum! There are many wonderful displays ranging from WW1 to the present day. Parking and entrance are both free. It is a must see while in Pensacola!
Casandra Eagleman — Google review
We had a great time visiting this place!! It has grown over the years to include way more exhibits of planes, carriers, NASA, etc. It's so interesting to see the history of the military. There are flying simulators you can pay to do as well, a movie you can watch, etc. There is a little Cafe to get drinks and snacks and a nice gift shop! It's a terrific place to take kids!!
Rachelle Gilliam — Google review
My kids are 7, 8, 9 & 3. They had an absolute BLAST getting hands on with so many planes! Taking them to this museum was one of the best Saturdays we've had in a really long time! I'm so glad it's Open to the Public Now!!! I hadn't been since I was a kid and I forgot how much fun it was!
Amanda Allen — Google review
This is one of the most interesting museums I have been to. We only had half a day so need to go back. It is so well done with all the planes and the aircraft carriers and the displays. Not to be missed if you are in the area.
Craig N — Google review
This is a great museum. Get there early to see everything. Well maintained aircrafts and able to get up close. They have excellent tour guides too. This place is a win/win.
Bob T. — Google review
This is by far the best military aviation museum I've visited over the years! The displays are very well laid out, and the aircraft are real ones that have been in action in the fleet. It has very impressive galleries as well that provides the historical context of the various stages of development of naval aviation from the beginning of flight until the present day. Best of all, it's free.
Kim DeVilla — Google review
What an amazing museum. So many aircraft to look at. Wonderful stories to learn. Really enjoyed the life size dioramas that truly set the tone and make you feel like you have stepped back in time. A must see! The Blue Angels have weekly training sessions that something you shouldn’t miss.
Joel Taylor — Google review
Steve Judd gave our tour. He did an amazing job. It lasted about two hours. He was super interactive with the crowd. He asked about retired military in the crowd and any current pilots. I loved all the information he gave. I really enjoyed that he wore a microphone and little speaker. It made it so much easier to hear him. Anyone interested in the Navy, Blue Angels, and USA history would really enjoy this museum. I think we could spend two days reading everything, watching every movie, doing every interactive simulator. We will definitely be back again. Admission is free. Some things like the movie and simulators cost. They have a neat little cafe too.
Dawn Grizzell (MamaGrizX4) — Google review
Great experience. You should plan for an entire day to get the best out of your trip. There are so many different things to see that are worth your time. Most of the exhibits are exposed for you to touch and take pictures. They also have a restaurant that is good for the family to get a bite and continue your tour. Admission is FREE. Parking is FREE. Enjoy!
Charles Littleton — Google review
Wow! What a hidden gem - and it is FREE (although the movie and simulators are at a cost). So much fun and so much packed into a small foot print! Coming from a Navy family, where my dad worked in the planes, in a blimp and more, it was especially touching for me. My husband and I both loved it, and so did our 4 year old grandson - so definitely fun for all ages.
Kathi Hockenberry — Google review
Wow! This was a spur of the moment visit while in the area, but there a ton to see! The guide said it takes 2 days to see it all, I only got to see a bit of what there is to offer in an afternoon. Very expansive and cool exhibits with friendly staff.
On a side note if there’s a Blue Angles practice going on, get there absolutely as early as possible. They were at capacity in the morning, so couldn’t get in and traffic gets beyond ridiculous!
Thomas Cremer — Google review
What a jewel to find. It's right across the Pensacola lighthouse. We got there about 30 minutes to closing.. lol.. so we did a very quick tour. We met one of the guys who works there, and he gave us a quick overview of the place. My dad, who's a WWII veteran, would have definitely marveled at this place. I definitely recommend getting there in time to enjoy the whole experience.
Maria Nelson — Google review
We visit as many military museums as possible when we travel. The National Naval Aviation Museum exceeded our expectations! Free admission. Expect to spend at least 2 hours! There are stairs, but also an elevator for those who need the extra help. Hands-on activities for children and short videos to help experience and understand the history of the time period. For those in Pensacola this is a MUST SEE!
Brandi S. — Google review
Enjoyed the visit with my girls (2 daughters and niece). Happened to get lucky and witness a flight school graduation, which was pretty awesome and unexpected. These officers were representing true American spirit, and from what I can remember, not a single one was from the same hometown, a true melting pot of America in this group. The museum itself has a unique bond between future and history this way by having Graduation ceremony surrounded by all the history while presenting the future of Naval aviation. I sincerely hope the families understand the importance of everything surrounding them and that they were able to take the time and enjoy the time, take some memories home of not only the present but of immersing themselves into the past.
Eleanor — Google review
Really enjoyable family oriented. So much history of the navy and our country. Lots of planes helicopters bombs. Old stores the pilots would go and the prices of the food and candy. Old houses they lived in. I highly recommend going here if you’re in the pensacola area. Big museum. Several activities.
This is such a cute place, it was our first stop in Florida. 5 bucks gets you entry and a bowl of assorted bits of food to feed the birds, which is insanely reasonable compared to a lot of similar types of attractions. I got to see so many cool types of birds and we hand fed the peacocks, at the end they had a sweet little grey bird they were passing around to hold, it was an absolute blast. I miss George lol he's such a goofy bird, I wanted to steal him hahaha. I'm not sure I'd bring very young kids here, the birds do bite if ya were to stick your hand up in the cages, but if they're keen on following instructions you'll probably be alright.
Jenna D — Google review
This is a nice little place if you have kids. The people are nice. They give you food at the entrance to feed the birds. They teach you how to feed as well so that the birds don’t bite us. There are multiple macaw birds in the cages. They also have some peacocks which walk around freely. Overall, this was a nice experience.
Nidhi Kikkeri — Google review
We had a 6 yo visiting and found him using his binoculars out in our back yard listening and looking for birds. He was strumming a guitar on his tablet because he heard birds liked that. So we took him to Uncle Sandy’s.
He loved the peacock and played for him. He was too short to feed the caged birds but he kept playing for them. The volunteer was great educating all of us on the birds. What a great experience to see all the exotic birds up close instead of on Instagram. It’s a smaller park but it was fun. Other families were visiting as well
Denise Cannon Ray — Google review
This place is pretty neat! Three people who work there are super friendly and smiling and funny. My daughters and I had a great time. Is more than affordable. The birds are loud and it's clear which ones are ok to feed and which ones might try to nip a finger. Very up close and personal experience. Albino peacock was beautiful. Thanks Sandy for helping my little girl feed Snowy! You made her day. We will be coming back
D. R. Flynn (Dinah) — Google review
What an awesome place! We stumbled upon this place while searching for something to do with our kiddoes. We were not disappointed! My husband and I enjoyed it just as much as our little ones. The staff was incredibly friendly and the birds are very loved. I believe our absolute favorite was the free roaming peacocks.
Amanda Arnott — Google review
Amazing time for a low cost! Fed many types of birds, including peacocks, macaws, and emus! The volunteers were very friendly. Also, this place is NOT like a professional zoo and not like a corporate ran place. It may look a little run down. However, I think it adds to the charm. It's truly a hidden gem!
King Korgosh (Korgosh) — Google review
My wife and I only intended to volunteer long enough to learn how to care for large birds, in anticipation of getting a Cockatoo. However, we fell in love with Uncle Sandy's, the birds, and the other volunteers. We have been coming back regularly for the last 4 years, even after we adopted our first large bird (coincidentally not a Cockatoo). If you're looking for an interactive and educational experience that won't break your budget, Uncle Sandy's should be at the top of your list of places to visit. Uncle Sandy's is a nonprofit organization, so your entry fee and all donations go directly to the birds there. Uncle Sandy's is the best kept secret destination in Pensacola.
Adam Lunsford — Google review
We loved it. Absolutely beautiful birds that you can feed with the supplied food. Almost 150 exotic birds in multiple cages. The attendant was very friendly and educational. A must see if you are in the area.
Brian Schuster — Google review
This is great place to visit with friends! The staff are friendly and knowledgeable and love to have a great time.
They even teach you how to feed the birds, which makes for a very memorable time.
Thank you so much Uncle Sandy's Macaw Bird Park for a wonderful experience!
Fish Seal — Google review
Awesome unique experience! Macaws were gorgeous to see and interact with. The staff there was very friendly and helpful. The peacocks and emu were especially loved by the kids. :)
Jaimie Morris — Google review
My family and I loved it here! It's amazing what they do for these birds, and as long as you listen to instructions, feeding the birds is so much fun and fulfilling. We all fell in love with Lulu the cockatoo. The bug spray was much appreciated.
Christina Drake — Google review
Lots of beautiful birds. Admission is 5$ for adults , they give you food to feed the birds with. The emus are alot of fun to feed and their little roars are amazing. A couple of the birds are super talkative and like interacting. Staff is super friendly as well.
paul white — Google review
We really like this place. It's so easy to get to right off of nine mile, it's not too expensive, and there are so many birds to see, feed, and talk to. There are beautiful macaws and other birds. Our kids absolutely love visiting here. It doesn't take a lot of time to walk around and you know that your money is going to a good cause helping to rescue and care for beautiful birds.
Steven Abbott — Google review
We absolutely loved this place. It’s so cute and the vibe is chill. So many birds to look at and they were all beautiful. It was a little rustic looking when pulling up but do not let the looks fool you. This place is amazing. Definitely recommend adding this to your things to do list.
Amanda Knowles — Google review
amazing place! very cheap admission and the owner is a super cool guy. SO MANY birds to see including parrots, emus, peacocks, and cockatoos! they were all sweethearts and I will definitely be coming back. (the pictures I took do not do this place any justice, was very encapsulated in the birds and didn’t get great photos)
Solum Seastrom — Google review
When we arrived at Uncle Sandy’s I was like I don’t know about this. But we went in anyways and boy sure glad we did. We were able to feed a lot of the birds with the food provided. They all look like they are well cared for and have plenty of things to keep them occupied. Got to see the peafowl which was my main priority and ended up with some beautiful pictures. Will come back next time we are in the area. Highly recommend
Stacy LeBoeuf — Google review
Stopped by this place after conveniently passing by and Im so glad I did. The small admission was worth it and the warm welcome was well appreciated. There were plenty of birds there and some even talked. I was given peanuts and noodles for feeding. If you’re thinking about visiting, check it out. CASHONLY
Derell Henderson — Google review
This was our third time visiting. We go every time we come down to Pensacola. Our favorite to visit is lulu who loves to dance to music. We look forward to coming back in the fall.
Cynthia Mazzola — Google review
gReat affordable family activity on our trip. Our families had a bla s t and the volteers were incredibly informative & kind!!
Sosha Austin — Google review
Very friendly volunteers there. You walk around the multiple enclosures and can feed them. They mark the ones that like to bite with red stars so you know what to look for. Definitely worth checking out!
Anna Messina — Google review
I was not sure what to expect when we pull onto the parking area. Almost decided to leave but decided to go in anyway. For a $5 entry fee, it was well worth it. You won’t be disappointed and some of the birds may even talk to you!
Enjoy and have fun.
Rob — Google review
This place is a hidden gem! You get to feed macaws and other birds! There are also peacocks and an emu. The birds also talk! The admission is only $5 for adults!
The Johnson Beach National Seashore features a picturesque 2-lane road that extends throughout its length. This beach area is located in South Florida and is widely regarded as one of the most stunning beaches around. It offers visitors several amenities, including restrooms and fantastic walking routes with breathtaking views. The beach also provides an ideal location to unwind, enjoy the sun and sand while taking pleasure in the tranquil surroundings.
Johnson's Beach is a beautiful beach. Well maintained. The hours are great. Whether you go for a few hours to walk or make a day of it, Johnson's Beach never disappoints.
Christina C. — Google review
Also live in South Florida Johnson Beach is probably one of the prettiest beaches I've been to
Henry Grosse — Google review
Beautiful beach with restrooms, great walking trails, and amazing views.
Dree S — Google review
Great place to relax and enjoy them sun and sand
Kevin Herrington — Google review
This is a fantastic area.
Triquetra — Google review
5.0
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4.5
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Perdido Key, FL 32507, USA
23
Wind Creek Atmore
Casino
Casinos & Gambling
Casino & hotel complex with formal rooms & suites, plus a spa, dining & an amphitheater.
This was my first visit to the Wind Creek casino and it was a wonderful trip!
I didn't stay at the hotel so I can't speak to that but the gaming was very thrilling. Not only did I win a little bit but I met a very nice couple in line at the buffet who invited me to eat with them.
The food was really delicious! I didn't make a pig of myself like I wanted to but I will definitely be back to try the other items they offered.
I love that there is a coffe/soda machine you can serve yourself from. I just wish they didn't serve Pepsi products. I prefer coke zero. Thankfully there's no smoking in the area I was in because I'm allergic. And it didn't smell like stale cigarettes whenever they're close to each other.
The entire day I kept hearing Jackpot alerts going off, so it seems like the slots aren't stingy. I'm too chicken to play too much longer once I win back my money.
I enjoyed my quick day trip up here and plan to come back, next time maybe to get a room and explore the grounds a bit more.
Amanda Hootie Clark — Google review
Overall we had a good time. But there were definitely things they could do to improve. For starters, we had a couple massage reserved and they called us to cancel. I was understanding of that, but it was a birthday package and that ruined that surprise. Secondly, we had a dinner reservation. On several different occasions I spoke with someone at the restaurant and each time I was told a different time, 6:15 and 6:30 for my reservation but when I showed up at the restaurant they told me I had a reservation for 6:45 however they did work me in. The best part of the experience was on Sunday at the cooking class, I would highly recommend it. After checking out with the front desk at 10 a.m. where she called and checked my room with the staff. I was called after 5 p.m. and was told I would be charged $150 dollars for burnt wood. I didn't leave anything smoking in the room ever. There is no way I burnt anything. I requested a picture of the damage but they wouldn't send me one. Wind Creek just lacked the professionalism and accurateness that I am accustomed to when visiting. I enjoyed my visit but there were several disappointing moments and they could definitely step up their hospitality and scheduling.
Latrece Gulley — Google review
Great quick getaway package. From the moment we booked until checkout, the staff was very friendly and professional. We enjoyed our every aspect. The only issue is that the in-room refrigerator was making an weird sound the entire stay and the wood doors and cabinetry needed a really good deep cleaning. It was too cold to enjoy the outdoor pool are but we loved the spa! Can't wait to go back.
denise creehan — Google review
This was my first time staying at Wind Creek, and we had a very good time. The service was incredible, especially Amelia and Wendy at the front desk. We had asked for some toiletries we had forgotten, and Wendy had housekeeping send up what we needed and then some. The food was also excellent, especially Fire Steakhouse. I will absolutely go again for a weekend trip.
Amy Intermoia — Google review
Excellent get-away. The hotel is gorgeous and very comfortable.
Wind Creek is such a beautiful resort / casino and has an amazing outdoor amphitheater which seems to be under utilized. Restaurants close early or are only open 3 or 4 days a week, so selection is extremely limited for anything later. The employees were all outstanding and very kind and thoughtful too.
Michael Pembleton — Google review
Love the atmosphere here! It's electric!
There are many options to choose from, and the majority of the place is smoke free, but there are smoking designated areas.
This place is family friendly, unlike most casinos.
They have an outdoor seasonal pool, which is near the spa and cooking classes auditorium. For the kiddos they have an entertainment center which has a movie theater, a bowling alley, and an arcade, so the kids can play while the adults play, or if the adults want to do something other than gamble.
They also have a buffet with a variety of food options much like a mall food court. There is Italian cuisine, barbecue, seafood, burgers and wings, salads, Japanese cuisine, and breakfast options to choose from, or if you want to celebrate, there is also a steakhouse on the premise and the food and customer service are top notch.
I haven't had a chance to try all of the food options so this review is based on what I have seen and experienced for a few visits but I do sincerely enjoy everything about this location.
I've also never booked a room here, but if they are anything like the rest of the place I'm sure they are comfortable and festive.
Oh did I forget to mention the decorations?! The very first time I visited here was during the Christmas season, and they had decorations throughout the facility and occasional "snow" in the outdoor area for everyone to enjoy.
I would definitely recommend this location to anyone looking to go somewhere family friendly to have a good time, you may even win a few bucks to use for the activities 😉
d white — Google review
The room was fantastic even with the construction going on! Great view and comfy beds. Service to the room was outstanding! We spoke to them daily. Service in the spa however was just meh. IMO services at the spa have considerably went down since I was there in 2021 or 22. The front desk person was not personable at all, as well as the desk where we got our shoes. I felt like we were rushed out also. My masseuse was just okay. There’s no point in asking what I wanted her to focus on if she was going to do what she wanted. I’ll be back for sure but I will be picky about who my masseuse is.
Amy Graham — Google review
Golden rule - ***if there’s no tables at a casino don’t gamble*** It’s a decent place visually. Don’t come here expecting to win or get any good food after dark though. Hot dogs turkey sandwiches dry nasty fried chicken candy and old salad… There’s no tables, only machines. I’ve been to nearly every casino in the US. Every time they don’t offer tables they just steal money w machines. You’ll never win here. Drinks are strong and cheap for a casino though (so you’ll get drunk and lose your paycheck). The main restaurant isn’t good enough to bring me back. One and only visit here. Spent $500-600 left w none of it. Just wanted to show my girl a good time. We had fun but only due to our own company so goal achieved. * makes you give them your email to spam you so you can use WiFi. Place is a rip off.
Benji Rider — Google review
I enjoyed my stay. My accessible room was very comfortable. I was glad to have a lower bed. My wheelchair is 19 inches high. I would like to have chairs with arms to more easily maneuver. I was very disappointed that room service had no toast for breakfast and could not offer any fruit for breakfast". The grill is so limited in its offerings. Spicy chicken and hot dogs was not very appealing. The best part of my trip was your staff, very attentive and accommodating.. I don’t understand your policies. You have staff all over the casino floor and restaurants without masks. The valet staff can come into my room to deliver and take my luggage. But the room service staff can not enter my room to deliver food! I have to get into my wheelchair, make it to the door, open it then juggle the drinks and food. And sign the check. Makes no sense to me, please contact me if there is a logical reason, I have not considered.
Janet DuBiel — Google review
Buffet food isn't the greatest. Bowling was awesome! Movie theater was awesome! Arcade was terrible. Mostly broken games. Pool was great. Spa was wonderful. Staff is fantastic and super friendly.
Ann Preidl — Google review
We live about 1 1/2 hours away so we come and stay often. The staff are wonderful and the amenities are great. The room we got was a smoking room. (Wanted non-smoking). I hear they will all be non smoking soon. I am very happy to hear that.
Tiffany Conway — Google review
We just had our wedding there, and I can’t rave about it enough. Sam went above and beyond to make our day perfect! I had to have my family come from all over and they all raved about their rooms and how nice it was. I wish our stay didn’t end because it was absolutely the best weekend of our life!
The bell lady was so helpful as well. The front desk made sure to accommodate all of our needs. Highly recommend windcreeek to anyone and everyone!
FLBOSSBABE 904 — Google review
Always greeted with a warm welcome. Great customer service from the Hotel & Casino staff. Need to have a better in room dining service, dining menu is very limited. Hotel room was very clean & comfortable. Casino was fun & I had my winning moment(s)!
T Francis — Google review
Rooms are very nice - restaurant and food choices are poor - casino can be very unfair by not getting bonuses or ones that payout good (like most of them and that is just the way any gamble is) but there are good machine choices if that is what you are looking for - Yet it does have a better chance for hitting a jackpot far more than all other casinos. Bowling and movie theater on location - is great but it mostly brings in the youth and that good for families and bad for other reasons
GB — Google review
Me and my husband stayed the night here and it was just like it always has been, very nice, clean and we had everything we needed for our stay. We stay often and this time because the casino was packed, and the hotel was packed and I had booked through online gaming, the lady that checked us in said she would find us the room we had asked for when I booked...a king non-smoking and she did.....they upgraded our room to a partial suite and it is beyond beautiful! I would so enjoy being upgraded anytime 😉Also to note they are in the middle of doing some renovations, which are very nice, they said it could be a little loud at certain times, but we never heard anything. The renovations would not stop me from going back!
Candice Carnley — Google review
We enjoyed our stay! Did spend a few hours in the casino, won some,lost some...left with maybe $140 more than we started with. The Taste Buffet was good, a little pricey. The staff in general were very helpful and knowledgeable and the facility was well laid out and clean. It was quite busy during our stay and everyone was friendly.
Glen Eicher — Google review
My husband and I just wanted a quick get away.
Staff was extremely friendly and so very nice.
Some remodeling going on, but not too much to be bothersome.
Our room was clean and quit.
We spent time in the arcade, and Bowling. Wanted to watch a movie in the theater but only had so much time.
Machines were current, and they had a good variety.
Sooo much nicer environment than down the road.
We will be back soon!
Patricia Manring — Google review
So much fun! The staff are warm and welcoming and really go out of their way to provide world class customer service. I consider everyone there my new family. The giveaways are fun and there’s something different for everyone. Never hit a jackpot everywhere I’ve gambled but here I’ve won several in just a few months. I also love all of the old pictures of the Poarch Creek Indians. Thank You! :) our Host Rita Patrick & Lo in Fire Steakhouse are just the best - truly family. I have a list of other employees who provide stellar service.
Bernadette Taylor — Google review
The hotel itself is a wonderful stay with the rooms, since the pandemic the food options in the market aren’t the same as the buffet they had previously …I will say customer service has taking a hard decline, from the food servers, hotel check in front desk, and even drink servers…. I’m disappointed but as a person that gambles that won’t deter me from going as the casino is still great …. The company should focus on retraining their staff on their customer service.
Kandi Royal — Google review
Windcreek Atmore is definitely the place to visit!!! It’s such a beautiful resort. We are visiting family and decided to go for a last minute trip. From the moment we arrived everyone was so nice and helpful. Checking in was such a breeze. There’s literally something for everyone to do. Our room was nice and clean. The pool is huge and beautiful with bottled water and towels on hand. We enjoyed delicious food and desserts at the buffet restaurants which includes has so many food choices. We then went to the arcade where everyone got to be a kid again and enjoy playing games. The movie theater was already closed but we will be sure to visit next time. We then enjoyed bowling at the bowling alley. So much fun that we all enjoyed. After putting the kid to bed, we just had to check out the casino and try our luck. The casino is nice and very spacious so many games to choose from and the drinks were good. All in all this trip was 10/10. We can’t wait to go back.
Shawnte Russell — Google review
Wonderful rooms very clean. Very polite staff. I lost my ID while downstairs getting some food and playing the machines. I asked security if they had seen it by chance and luckily for me they had. I waited a few minutes and a very nice lady came out with it/
derek abel — Google review
I truly enjoyed my stay at Wind Creek Atmore. The young lady that checked us in was absolutely exceptional. She ensured everything was set for our stay. Our room was very nice and the staff was superb. My daughter had an opportunity to visit the Spa for a facial and she was extremely pleased; just and overall enjoyable stay. Thank you.
COL Carl E. Durham, Sr. — Google review
We paid for a nonsmoking room but during the night you could smell smoke. Won’t be able to stay here with my sister who has a lung disease. 🤦♀️ the steak house gets 5 stars. Food. Atmosphere and service was top notch! ♥️
Marie Borders — Google review
We only went into the casino, did not get rooms there. The casino is very nice and clean. Did not like they did not have a buffet as they did the last time we were there. They only had take out (if I want take out, I will go to fast food place down the road). Loved the casino machines. The free coffee was delicious for coming out of a dispenser on the wall.
Angela Gramer — Google review
We have been to Windcreek Atmore before. This trip the service was better than expected, it was a trip for my husband’s birthday. We sat down to play a game waiting on our room to be ready and a representative came over and gave my husband a birthday candy bar! What a great start for the weekend. The room was good, all amenities were available. We ate at Fire restaurant and that topped all! Gaming floor and service were also good.
Amy Little — Google review
Came from NY for a wedding. It was absolutely beautiful. From the pool to casino to the room -everything was clean and modern. Ruth was great at check in. Staff friendly. thanks for a great weekend !!!
Terri aierle — Google review
My wife and I stayed here for a wedding on 4/6/24. We cwere both very happy with this hotel. Service was incredible (from check in, service in the steak house and buffet and the service at the wedding reception itself. Very well done !!
Wayne Mac — Google review
Check in was a breeze. Courtney was wonderful. Our suite was perfect.away from the elevators. Rarely heard any kind of noise. Bed was comfortable. Location is close enough to home for a quick weekend get away!!!!! Our go to Casino!!
Amber Mia Locke — Google review
Can't say enough about how extremely pleased I was and what a wonderful time that was had at this location. The staff was great extremely polite and very nice to have a conversation with. The room was just beautiful. Very clean and was above any casino properties that I have stayed in yet. And I've been to casinos all over the country. The food choices were excellent. The complete staff that I had interactions with went above and beyond to be polite and seemed very glad we were on property. The food was really good!! The gaming floor is no smoking and that is a big plus. The games were very fair on payouts and very clean as well. The complete resort was just a very good experience for us. The room I was given was a king corner suite and it was just beautifully clean and very comfortable. I will definitely be returning and staying longer on my next trip. I was my birthday gift from someone and I'm glad I made this choice on my birthday. Can't say enough about how much of a wonderful time we had.
The Wharf is a touristy spot with amenities such as a convenience store, meeting space, pool, fitness center, golf course and breakfast. It is located in the heart of Gulf Shores and easy to access by car or bus.
I visited here the day after Christmas. The place had two laser shows at 6 and 7pm which were fun and beautiful. There were not many people and only a few shops were open around that time. There are plenty of parking spaces at no cost. It’s very easy to access.
Mariko Kajikawa — Google review
Really fun place. My boyfriend and I went last night. They had an awesome light show around 8:30 p.m. They have a bunch of shops, places to eat, and an arcade. Cool Ferris Wheel. Fun for the whole family. Recommend!
Amanda Harris — Google review
Had a great time at the Wharf for New Years. Shops were very welcoming and the crowd was having a great time. Live music, open shops more than willing to welcome customers in, ferris wheel staffing busy and just an overall great experience.
Jennifer F (Jenn) — Google review
We have returned to the Wharf many times since first discovering it. Lots of great shops and restaurants. Really pretty view of fancy boats. The Ferris wheel is a must. A little pricey but offers great view of the area. The light show at night is lots of fun.
Student Connection — Google review
This place is so nice they have a lot of cute stores you can either browse through or shop. I loved it. It's so beautiful they also have a lot of options for food. A movie theater,Ferris Wheel, and today, they had like a side with different food vendors tents.
Myra Fernandez — Google review
We explored the Wharf both during the day and at night. There is plenty to do between exploring all the shops, riding the ferris wheel, dolphin boat tours, amphitheater, bars and restaurants, and so much more. There is plenty of free parking outside the stores and a large parking ramp if those parking slots fill up. Overall this is a fun place to explore. 🛍🎡🐬
Breanna Hopkins — Google review
We went to an old car show there. It was perfect for the car lovers and gave the people that wasn't car crazy a place to shop. You could also walk a long where the yachts were docked. There were a lot of people but it wasn't so crowded you couldn't get around. Great atmosphere and a very good Pina Colada at the Daiquiri Bar. Only a hand full of people had on mask.
Kat W — Google review
An interesting but expensive place to shop. Tried The House of Jerkys, shark jerky is so so, especially considering how expensive it is.
The Spice & Tea Exchange has a great setting in displaying spices and teas. But the price is outrageous. A small bag of tea for $7 and spice for $6. I guess for novelty tryout, it will be ok.
Maria Zeee — Google review
This place is the coolest. So many memories here over the years. Love that they do fun things for the kids too.
Meredith Smith — Google review
We visited the Wharf on a weekday in June, 2023. It was fairly quiet when we were there. There were stores and restaurants and such. We didn't find anything that we felt we needed to buy. So we went on our way after a nice walk around the complex.
Sponge Bob — Google review
Absolutely loved this place and went back a few times to just walk around and check out stores. We also road the ferris wheel a couple of times and had a lot of fun. Only reason it's getting 3 stars is because 3 of the restaurants we visited here tried to overcharge us on various items. Definitely recommend looking over receipts in this area.
Kevin LaShure — Google review
I went on the dolphin experience cruise. I love that you are able to bring your own snacks and drinks. You can also bring alcoholic beverages. Just no glass. They also sell chips and drinks for $1 on the boat. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable as well. Although we didn’t get a chance to get any dolphins to surf around us they did swim around us and that was cool. It was also nice to just relax and enjoy our time out on the water.
Ayanna Rice — Google review
Considering why I was there in the first place, I would share that it has a lot to offer for everyone. Plenty of eats, shops and entertainment along with an Arcade.
Outside of the AMC movie theater where I visited to watch a new low key IRA movie with Liam Nielsen, called There will be Saint and Sinners, there is a Ferris Wheel...
Charles Kearse — Google review
Wonderful family or solo experience!
Must stop while in the area.
Free parking and there was plenty.
Free laser show was great for the kids. Ferris wheel rides were reasonably priced ($8) and had a seasonal ice skating bundle option available as well. Quite a few stores but come before 6 as most close by then (Saturday) Will absolutely return.
Ash B — Google review
We were here for New Years Eve. It was a fun time. It does get busy at night but isn't very busy during the day. New years eve fireworks was a good show.
Allen W — Google review
The Wharf at Orange 🍊 Beach is a fun Live-Work-Play community that is well worth a visit. Especially for the days you need a change of scenery, a break from the sun or rainy day blues.
At this time, you'll find a huge ferris wheel, an AMC Movie theater, shops, restaurants, a church, a marina, a video game shop. Really, something for everyone. Our favorite spots are Shades 😎 , this beautiful coffee shop that serves an amazing breakfast, & Ginny Lane. I'm sure there's others - like the beef jerky store or the whisky distillery - I'll just have to return to update this post.
There is no need to worry about parking. They have plenty. Public bathrooms can be tricky for impared individuals.
Alicia Garrett — Google review
Such a great experience! Love this place. Everything is conveniently located. People/events are fun!!!
Beth P — Google review
Attended the family friendly New Year’s Eve event at The Wharf this year, and enjoyed our visit. Great space/time for children and adults alike.
There is a state park in Gulf Shores that has white sand beaches and trails for hiking, camping, fishing, golfing, and more. The park is home to many animals including deer, turtles, gators, and even a bear! There is also an Activity Center with free wifi so you can stay connected while you're enjoying the natural beauty of the state park.
We stayed at Gulf Shores Campground for four days and we had an awesome time. We were able take advantage of all of the bike trails here. We also got to ride to the beach. We stayed through New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day and it was so calm and peaceful and quiet at night. We had the best lunch at wood side restaurant. We had full hookup and the showers were so great. Donna in the front office was very helpful and Friendly. We’ll definitely be back!
Estevan Garcia — Google review
Heard this was a great place to camp, it was beyond what was expected. We had full hookups. We will be back. Our campsite was #14 and was perfect. Lots of trails and paths for bikes, walking and golf carts. The campgrounds are close to the beach and everything else that GULF Shores has to offer. Well worth the time we spent there. We had heard about the alligator sightings but we never came across one. Our 1st evening and we had a flyover by the Blue Angels...awesome!
Harvey Farkwire — Google review
Shelby Lake is really nice. My kids loved the okay ground. We ride bikes on the trails two days. The free rentals were great using the app, but everyone has to have a device to rent a bike. We didn't see a way to rent multiple bikes on one account. Luckily we all had our phones and could enjoy riding the trails as as family. It was fun and the scenery was nice.
Neffaria Young — Google review
It's a big park with a big campground, it's over 400 sites and it 99% full. We had to book it a long time ago. It had so much to offer. We love the bike trails. The shower is clean, and there is a strong water. It's nothing 6 it does the job. We would love to come back in the future and stay longer.
Bellami Butteaux — Google review
We absolutely enjoyed this pier, I'm not sure if they are all this big but it was very spacious. We fished off of it for a couple hours and had a blast. There were handicap spots available as well, two sets of bathrooms drink machines on the end and a restaurant at the front of it, although we didn't eat there it smelt good! Staff was all super friendly and informative, we aren't from Gulf shores so we had a few questions they were happy to answer!
Sara Raymond — Google review
We think this is a great State Park, big spacious lots, we were in 255 which was a lake view very nice. The staff in the office were all very nice and make the check-in a very easy process.
We loved the bike share, the miles and miles of trails are great and easy to ride on.
With your park pass you can park and get on the pier for free, just take a picture of your pass to show the attendant. There is a path also that goes over the road and onto the beach which is nice. The bathhouses were really nice and the showers were good, we did notice a few of them around the park were closed due to repairs. In bathhouse 9 it wasn't cleaned on the men's side for a few days, I would think they would be cleaned daily. Another suggestion is have one of the bike share locations inside the park so you don't have to drive to get to the bikes. If in the area again we would for sure visit this park again.
We visited Ft. Morgan , if in the area this is so worth the short drive to get there.
Thank you
PJV
Penny Vidler — Google review
Rent bikes 🚲 for FREE! This place is an awesome find! There are seven bike stations around the state park, download the free app BLOOM, scan the QR code, and then ride the bike around the 20 some miles of amazing trails, then just drop it back off at any bike station. You do have to enter a credit card, but in case you decide to take the bike home 😄, but if you return it safely, once you re-lock the bike, it’s free, $0. We love it, great for visiting family that didn’t bring their bikes. Enjoy!
Meagan Schultz — Google review
Absolutely love camping here, going for the superb bike/walking trails and the serenity of the natural flora and fauna here.
People here are so friendly and the amenities are great. The bathhouses with restrooms are clean, with areas for recycling and central garbage disposal, every camp site has a picnic table, and dog friendly with doggie bag stations near each bathhouse.
Definitely recommend the campground for those who love camping.
Joanna Love — Google review
Large sites that are quite. We had a great time riding bikes and exploring. $42 night so reasonable. Would love to have staid longer! Will definitely be back and stay longer.
We were there for the 50th Shrimp Festival
DeepSeadweller — Google review
Loved this park! Clean, beautiful. Wonderful beach, hiking and bike paths. Helpful, friendly people in the checking station.
One suggestion:
regarding shower house #1. It's tough to pull down that row with an RV when someone is parked in the first parking spot when you turn in.
Clarisse McGowan — Google review
I absolutely love Gulf State Park. My husband and I bike the many trails several days a week. The views are incredible. The beach pavilion and pier are great places to visit. The park offers many other things to do including an educational center, playground, dog park, and much more. I highly recommend visiting.
Kathryn Loescher — Google review
We stayed at the Lodge, which was wonderful. We had great access to the beach and to the park side. I hiked into Alligator marsh hoping to see a gator. I didn't see one, but enjoyed the natural surroundings. The park is handicap accessible and also has a van you can use so you don't have to walk forever. I highly recommend.
Angela Danovi — Google review
As weird as it may sound to some, stopping at the nature exhibit at the Gulf State Park was one of the best parts of our trip ♥️ myself, my oldest son, my youngest son and my oldest son's girlfriend went here and broke off from a group of 16. The other part of the group went to go putt putt and came back hot and miserable and had spent so much money. While in the meantime we were cool, relaxed and spent $2 to go see some very beautiful sights and see some amazing animals and the nicest, knowledgeable staff experience.
Marlena Hages — Google review
I loved the beach! It was clean and the sand was so soft and fluffy…. I actually took a very peaceful nap just listening to the waves lap against the shore! Will definitely want to go again!
Michelle Page — Google review
Way too hot to and muggy to be outside for very long but the hotel is nice and the staff is accommodating. We were there for a work retreat, and the food was on point every day. We were served breakfast every day with super fresh fruit and multiple options to choose from. Lunch and dinner were always delicious with very well thought out menus. Way to go!
L Bolton — Google review
We have been utilizing the Gulf State Park since we moved here over a decade ago. The highlight for us is the miles and miles of bike and walking trails. Besides being a safe corridor for bikes between Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, there is a ton of wildlife. We have seen gators, turtles, bobcats, snakes, and deer, as well as so many birds and fish. If you like fishing, Shelby Lake is a great place for bass, redfish, trout, and more. There are playgrounds, beach access, RV and boutique campgrounds, nature center, and even more. There is so much to do, well worth the visit if you are visiting the area or live here.
Bobby Walker, REALTOR - Bellator Gulf Shores — Google review
I walked for 4hrs and every step was worth it. This is hands down the most relaxing christmas I have EVER had and now i want to make it a bi annual event!! Everyone i passed was friendly and i was even offered water and told how to get an electric bike by a nice couple.concerned about how far I had walked 🤣🤣 This has been the best @8robinsonstv getaway ever!
Mario Robinson — Google review
One of our favorite campgrounds Gulf State Park can be difficult to get reservations in March but we scored a five night stay. The bike trails are mostly flat and at 27 miles there's plenty to see and enjoy.
tom christiansen — Google review
This is a wonderful camp ground! It’s clean and very well organized.
Staff was very nice and helpful. There are a few bath houses, a heated pool with splash pad, laundry, camp store, playground, bike rentals, and a nature center. I think there is probably a lot more that we just didn’t have the time to explore.
The bath houses were very clean!
You can walk to the beach that is not too far. There’s a walkway across the highway. The Bach facilities and the beach were also clean and nice.
We didn’t get to go to the Nature Center.
I think there is so much more to see and do.
DoIReallyWant ToDoThisAgain — Google review
This place is beautiful. It gets you away from some of the more "touristy" areas in Gulf Shores, but only a few minutes away if you need to there. We stayed at The Lodge, and it was very nice, and the views were wonderful. It is the off season, and it was chilly during our stay, but that did not take away from our appreciation for this place.
Benton Tackitt — Google review
Our last day at the beach my family and I went to Gulf Shores State Park. Its a pretty incredible place to visit. Clean bathrooms, load of places to sit down and eat specially under the Pavillion. So much beach front to walk on. My family and I truly loved this place and can not wait until next year to return. Just to note there is a parking fee. We payed 10.00 for the day.
Media Parpana — Google review
Resort style accommodations in a quiet, natural environment. A nice counterpoint to high rise chaos on the Gulf Shore. Excellent cuisine and service.
The Gulf State Park Pier is a popular fishing spot with 2,448 feet of space to fish. There's also indoor seating and concessions for food, as well as a shopping area for supplies.
My wife and I head to gulf shores twice a year and the State Park Pier is a spot we make sure to go to. I go there to fish, and she usually hangs out and works on her tan.
The pier is open 24 hours and the have a restaurant that serves alcohol and has a karaoke stage. It has a family atmosphere and kids are welcome. They also have a full service tackle shop that carries live bait and has anything one would need to fish.
It is paud parking and I believe it was $3 for two hours but do yourself a favor and get the nine dollar deal and then your pier admission is free.
John Freeman — Google review
This is a great place to watch the fisherman/women in hopes of seeing a fish or shark. Unfortunately, the pier has been damaged by the hurricane and it's only about half as long as it used to be. It's $3 to park for 2 hours and $2 per person to go onto the pier. They also offer fishing gear (but I'm not sure of those fees). This does have beach access as well so pack everyone up and head to the beach.
Charlotte C — Google review
We love the strawberry banana lemonade you can get for $3.00 at the restaurant on the pier! The pizza is definitely worth a try too! You can get some really great pictures from the view at the restaurant as well. If we've had enough sun, we set up spot under the pier, by the water, for maximum shade coverage all day without needing an umbrella. The bathrooms here are always clean as well so that's an added bonus!!
Jennifer Runner — Google review
This is a great sport for public access to the beach. I visited a sunset and the parking lot/ section of the beach wasn’t even full. If you’re not staying at a place with direct access to the beach, I would recommend coming here.
Amy Justine — Google review
Beautiful pier but you have to pay and we left our cash in the hotel room 2 miles away. Next time. We were just happy to be at the beach and got a beautiful sunset on our walk back down the beach!
Kyle R — Google review
What a well-kept facility! The parking cost is very reasonable, dare I say cheap. $3 for two hours is the minimum. The pier costs $4 per person to walk it, fishing from of it is more. The bathrooms are clean and well functioning. There is a bar you can sit and drink at without paying to walk the pier. The sites from the pier are great. You can see Gulf Shores public beach and buildings to the West. You can access the public beaches here, too. No pier access needed to go to the beach. You just have to pay to park.
Pat Giambattista — Google review
Pier is always great to fish off. As a vacationer and likes to fish. Knowing when the fish are running is another story 😉😂😂😂😂 local knowledge is always the key and way to know and understand the times and what species are around the pier.
It's a shame that at this moment in time state funding isn't where it should be to re-build the end of the pier. However hopefully the start of the next fiscal year. Staff are great and friendly?. I would recommend several visits ☺😉👍
Keith B. — Google review
A great beach location to spend the day. Plenty of parking . The pier is a nice walk and a wonderful view even if your not into fishing . If possible check out the sunset from this location. It is beautiful!
Ed Ricketts — Google review
I absolutely love the piers in the south. The views are beautiful and this pier is "fancier" than Pensacola's pier. There are amenities on the pier; bathrooms both up near the front and also down the pier itself. I would say it's a fisherman's dream as well because of all the fish-cleaning resources. The sights aren't as good as Pensacola, but it's still a good visit.
Ryan Cleary — Google review
It's a nice place, but have your wallet ready! Pay to park, pay to walk out on the pier, and pay to be able to look at souvenirs. My son wanted a shark tooth necklace, they wanted $3 each just to enter the "educational" area to look at them. I understand that they are taking the $ for upkeep and repairs, but it would be nice if it would all be covered in one fee or a park pass like a normal state park.
We had a nice time out on the pier, we saw dolphins playing and some jelly fish.
Jessie Cunningham — Google review
An easier place to get to the shore than the public beach access in town. Cheaper parking, too. The pier was damaged so you could only visit half, but it was still lovely and worth the two dollars. My kid enjoyed watching the fishing and there was seating at the bar area for us to watch a storm roll in. (We came early in the morning, so the bar wasn't open.)
Amberly Woods — Google review
Lovely views from the pier.
We even saw a shark! It was a cool experience for sure.
You have to pay to park depending on the hours you plan to spend there.
There's a restaurant and snack bar on site.
My five year old wasn't having the best time so we didn't stay long. Next time we would like to explore more and stay awhile longer.
BETH Dawson — Google review
Loved the pier. If you just wanna come walk I would recommend you to buy the 2 hour ticket for parking. But if you plan on fishing and coming back buy the all day ticket because you’re including the fishing and parking lot for the whole day for $10
Bryan Lopez — Google review
This pier is a great option to see the gulf. Although it was quite busy, we were able to walk out with no wait time and hang out for 20-30 minutes.
It does cost some money to park, but you are able to get in for free if you’re staying at the state park campground.
Lucas Lovegren — Google review
Love the area, we have never actually walked onto the pier, but think it’s a shame they have not fixed it all the way. But it is definitely one of our favorite places for photo ops
James Miller — Google review
You have to pay for parking. Then go inside and pay 2 dollars per person to walk out the pier and site see. There are ALOT of fisherman, so be mindful when walking down through there. Several close calls as they were casting their lines. The pier hasn't been repaired yet from the hurricane damage, so its only about half the normal distance out. But the views are still beautiful.
The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is a 375 acre zoo that features many animals, including kangaroos and lemurs. The zoo also has a petting zoo, an aviary, and a picnic area. It is located only 6 miles from the beach.
Such a nice zoo. The staff is always so friendly and helpful. We enjoyed the on-site dining and activities such as merry-go-round, sluicing, and animal encounters. The walkways are wide and easy to use. Bathrooms are clean and accessible. The kids enjoyed the play areas. Overall a great zoo!
Breena Bruni — Google review
This is a small zoo. It has been in this are for 3 years. The animals seem to be well taken care of. The rides, zipline ride or zoo train were not running and cost extra. For the $25 ticket price it is disappointing. We past several keepers none of which spoke to us. The only keepers that were friendly was at the petting barn. They were awesome! This is a once and done. We visit zoos around the world.
Laura Williams — Google review
We had a great time here, we went for my husband's birthday and we did the lemur experience which was too cool! There was also an area where we could feed different types of animals. It is a smaller zoo but well worth the price!!!! We will be back!
kathy Scheeler — Google review
We loved our visit! Such an affordable option for a zoo. Plenty of animals to see. Loved how close you get to all of them. Very clean and tidy. Disappointed the tigers weren't out though. But overall a fantastic experience! Our kids loved it.
bethany Barlow — Google review
What a lovely zoo! We went right when it opened and it was very peaceful. It’s very clean and well kept, all of the animals seemed to be very relaxed and happy. We ended up walking around the loop twice and that gave us an opportunity to see some of the animals that were still sleeping when we first showed up. We will come back if we are in the area again!
Madison Minter — Google review
The zoo was a fun small day trip! My partner and I were able to walk the whole zoo in less than an hour but was very humid and hot so most of the animals were just laying down or hiding. The gift shop had a few fun things but not a large selection. For the price of $22.95 was a bit much for the time we spent. It came out to $50.40? Something like that for less about an hour. We decided to do the lemur encounter and we had a lot of fun! It was 24.95/pp but was fun! We wanted to do the kangaroo interaction but was informed that was more for educational purposes and if we wanted more interaction to do the lemurs. So glad we did. At first they were shy but then they got active and climbed all over us and licked us. We got to pet them and take plenty of pictures that was well worth the money.
Emma Rogers — Google review
We stopped by here on a road trip and it was wonderful. Staff was pleasant and everything from the path, to the gift shop, to the restroom was very clean. We arrived around 1130 and left around 230-3. We saw a lot of animals and even had a few chats with the keepers as they tended a few of the enclosures who were very knowledgeable and willing to spend some time with us. There is a garden section which was a pleasant surprise as I haven't seen that at a zoo before and you are able to take a walk and sit on benches provided. It was a beautiful landscape area that has a cute little chicken coop. There is a stage for performance although there was not one scheduled during our visit. There is also an area to watch alligators being fed that happens on Tues & Thurs. The gift shop was also awesome with items ranging from very inexpensive at 1$ to things created by artisans that are 50+. It worked out great for us as we had two little boys who were able to get something without it breaking the bank while I was able to get a cute shirt to remember our stop and warm up as the temp dropped unexpectedly on us!
Bettie — Google review
The zoo is nice in that a family with small children can get through it with one trip. It has a normal small shop at the beginning for souvenirs. The first thing out is the giraffe feeding area but be careful if you want to take pictures of the yougins as the staff person stands on the wrong side for parents to get snap shots. Most of the exhibits have something in them and the kids are close to them for the most part. Lion can be pretty far off to see along with the alligators. Non of the vendors were open but a couple and I’m sure that is because we were here at the end of February. They had a nice play area for the kids about halfway.
Dennis Brown — Google review
Such a beautiful zoo! Very clean with ample restrooms and benches. There were so many animals to see which was very unexpected. We saw tigers, lyons, monkeys, giraffes, lemurs, many types of local birds, etc. For an extra fee, you can feed the giraffes and have an opportunity to get up close and personal with several different zoo animals.
There is a great little enclosed bird area with turtles where you can sit and watch the birds. They also have a great gift shop with wonderful gift items.
Overall, it was a wonderful experience. We had a great time watching the animals and will definitely be back!
Julia Anne — Google review
Awesome Zoo great price and plenty to do and keeps interest for kids and adults! The butterfly exhibit was a nice addition and probably one of our favorite things. We went around noon and unfortunately most of the cats were asleep and we never did see a male lion. But we will definitely be back!
Tyler Mantooth — Google review
It's ok. If you bought this as part of the ticket packages like an Alabama Fun Pass , it may be worth the visit. They need to add more shade to their playground and rest area. The extra experiences aren't worth the price. It does have a nice collection of animals and the park is clean and well maintained and has great bathrooms.
George Spaeth — Google review
Feeding the giraffe was absolutely worth the money. All exhibits are close up so you get a good view and there are so many chances to interact with the animals. There are chances to feed the lemurs, cuddle the sloths, sing with the parrots. It's was week worth the money. Everything is handicap accessible and there are electric scooters available for rent.
Bre McCoy — Google review
The zoo is very small, we walked the whole place in 1 hour, most of the animals were inside of their habits because it was too hot.
The total for 4 people was $92, including taxes.
The kids loved the ride around the cows it cost $5.99 per person
We liked the zoo. My recommendation is to go early in the morning when it isn't too hot, you will probably get to see more animals.
Tania Nova — Google review
Ok I love visiting zoo's and seeing animal but I was so disappointed in this one it looks great when you pull up. But they really need to put some money into this place and start by cleaning it up take the time to trim Grass and shrubs in the cages the poor animal looked bad as well for over 65 dollars for 2 adults and a child it definitely wasn't worth it. O and a lot of empty cages a lot
jeep_jku _kong — Google review
Fun small zoo. The experiences are affordable and worth it. We LOVED feeding the giraffes. The littles loved the merry go round. Easily can be done in 1-2 hrs
Elissa Garr — Google review
A small zoo, but nice big enclosures with lots of grass. I have never seen such relaxed cats in a zoo environment. All of the animals were relaxed and happy. Many would come to the front of the pens to look at the visitors.
Madeline Stillwater — Google review
I had the most incredible experience at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. 🐾 From the moment I stepped through the gates, I was immersed in a world of wonder and discovery.The zoo's commitment to conservation and education was evident at every turn. 🌿 As I wandered through the exhibits, I found myself captivated by the diverse array of animals and the informative signage that accompanied each one. 🦁🦦 Every species had a story to tell, and I felt privileged to learn from them.One of the highlights of my visit was the gift shop, which offered a delightful selection of souvenirs and memorabilia. 🎁 I couldn't resist picking up a few items to remember my time at the zoo, and each one served as a cherished reminder of the memories I had made.But perhaps the most unforgettable part of my visit was the private tour with a zookeeper. 🤝 Having the opportunity to engage in one-on-one conversation with someone so passionate about animal care and conservation was truly inspiring. 🌟 I learned so much about the inner workings of the zoo and the incredible efforts that go into caring for its residents.Overall, my experience at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo was nothing short of magical. ✨ From the educational exhibits to the unique opportunity of the private tour, every moment was filled with awe and appreciation for the natural world. 🌍 I can't wait to return and continue exploring all that this extraordinary zoo has to offer. 🐯🦒
butterfliesinmay — Google review
Very nice small zoo. They offered feeding a giraffe for $5 during a certain time window...very worth it! It is a beautiful zoo, a nice layout also with a petting zoo of farm animals for small kids. They have a merry-go-round. You can take a small motorized car ride to see a few animals. Enjoyed the day at the zoo. Employees work hard and are very knowledgeable.
Dolce Vita! — Google review
What a great zoo! We were very pleased with everything about it. It's clean, there's plenty of restrooms, they let you bring in your lunch or you can stop and pick up something from a pretty good variety of snacks and sandwiches from machines or go to a cafe. My daughter liked the carousel as well! Note that the carousel and the experiences are extra costs so read up on those before you visit. 👍
Sarah Boggan — Google review
Very nice zoo. Friendly staff. Wouldn't recommend the safari ride. It is$6 and lasts about a minute. You can walk the same area, so it's not worth it. The only reason for 4 stars is the restaurant. We decided to grab a bite for lunch. It was Sunday so it was a little busy. Little boy ordered a waffle that came out underdone. Our food came out 45 minutes after our drinks. My chicken frittata was warm but the chicken has the texture of jerky. Very dry. My wife's burger was cooked properly. It was the only meal of the 4 that was done properly.
Realize this zoo is fairly small so it only takes a few hours to get through so take your time and enjoy the animals. We paid the $5/person to feed the giraffes. It's a fun experience. They have other experiences but due to the cooler temps they were unable to bring some animals out. All in all I'd go back in warmer temps so we can experience more. Hope this helps.
Donny Allen — Google review
We went on a windy, non-beach day and LOVED it! It is clean, new and very well laid out for ease of navigating. The exhibits were nice and close to each other, so it’s not a sprawling zoo like many we have visited…helpful when you’re with young kids! Good gift shop too!
Margaret Rubin — Google review
I loved taking my 1 year old niece . It is very nice and kept up. Only thing is you have to pay extra for everything just about . Wish there were more things that were included in the $25 admission fee. But other than that it’s wonderful, very family friendly.
Swamp sanctuary offers an elevated boardwalk with a close view of hundreds of alligators & wildlife.
The best laid out Gator Park we have seen. Natural habitat with boardwalk that lets you see some big gators that aren't caged. Simple facility, but we loved it. Highly recommend.
Snarffel McGarlock — Google review
This place is so cool. The feeding show is great and the the owner was super knowledgeable and fun to talk with. He was like an American, southern back-roads Crocodile Hunter, he's the Alligator Rescuers!! The kids loved holding the baby alligator and albino python and feeding the big ones. I mean your right over some really big ancient beast, it is really awesome.
Holly Gutierrez — Google review
Loved this place. Bring a hat, water, and a hand-fan, because this place is sweltering. Was visiting Florida and had a great desire to see alligators, and this was a great place to do it. I didn't realize how big this place was until I got there, and just how many alligators they have. I didn't think to ask, but they must have around 300. They also have lizards, turtles, and snakes to see, which was cool. We got to see the end of the aligator feeding, so definitely plan your visit around their feeding times to catch that. We also got to hold one of their baby aligators, which was exciting. Overall, didn't have high expectations about this place, but was pleasantly surprised. Well worth the trip.
Mariah — Google review
Fun family day at Alligator Alley! Being from PA, we don't get to see gators often. This feels like a small gator park at first but then it keeps going. This one feels more like a family passion than just a tourist spot. They excel at answering questions and spending time talking to guests. The back of the park offers a swampy area that is well worth the walk. We were fortunate to catch the swamp feeding as well as the bleacher feeding. We also enjoyed the various other creatures on display which created a great family memory all around. It was obvious they enjoyed what they do and they have fun doing it.
Jeremy Kerstetter — Google review
We had a ton of fun here. The highlight for me was getting to hold a small alligator. It was so cute and so much lighter than I expected. The swamp area was beautiful and there were so many gators in there. We got to see them basking and swimming. If you like alligators and nature this is a great stop for a couple of hours.
David Oreol — Google review
This place was a very pleasant surprise. The property was well manicured and a nice walk. Everyone one working there was very friendly and made the experience great. The place is surrounded be farm land but once your there your teleported to swamp in the middle of no where. If possible catch one of the feedings, sure you get to see the creatures eat but the guy doing to feeding had a lot of really interesting information about the gators 🐊 that I had never heard. The swamp was really cool to stroll through, the wife has some arachnophobia but the banana spiders couldn’t scare her away from enjoying the swamp. Met an employee that was working in the swamp answering visitors questions about the gators, extremely knowledgeable man. Really good experience, I’ll bring family and friends when they come to town, great place
John Ortiz — Google review
We thoroughly enjoyed our time at Alligator Alley. It’s so cool to see them up close…but not too close haha! They have food which we all enjoyed throwing out into the water for the alligators. They also had lots of reptiles you could look at and even hold. We got to hold a snake and an alligator! 🐊 I really liked seeing the different ages as they grew. The swamp walk was pretty cool too. So many alligators everywhere and they were so BIG! We even heard one growl and now we know what dinosaurs probably sounded like. The guide/caregiver in the swamp was super friendly and helpful with our questions. I’m sure I’m missing things, but go visit if you get a chance.
Sara — Google review
Such an awesome experience! We even got to catch the 4:00 show/feeding! We had so much fun feeding them and my boys were excited to hold a baby gator!
Chelsea Smith — Google review
We absolutely loved this place. So many alligators and snakes. Knowledgeable and helpful staff. It was extremely hot and the kids still had a great time feeding the alligators. We had a wide range of kids from ages 19 to 8 and all of them loved visiting this location. We were able to hold a baby alligator and a snake.
Natalie Chavez — Google review
A lot of fun and adventure. All kinds of animals in the swamp. Lots of alligators baby’s and grown ones. We even got to hold one. Prices are affordable. Very safe. Employees were informational. Learned a lot about alligators. They also have a lot of rescues. They have snakes also and turtles.
Raymond Reynolds — Google review
This place is sooo cool! There are hundreds of alligators, some snakes, and tortoises. We thoroughly enjoyed this place. We even got to touch and hold a small alligator. Our 4 year old was cautious, the 18 month old fearless. Most impressive is a massive boardwalk trail that meanders through a swamp.
Place was clean, staff friendly, a fantastic experience all around.
Harrison Staab (Harry) — Google review
Be sure to bring a sweat towel, a portable fan, or anything you might need to keep yourself cool! This was a very enjoyable experience, and seeing the alligators being fed was a first for me (I loved it immensely). Joseph fed them while we were there, and he did great. I definitely recommend this place to anyone in the area!
misha temesgen — Google review
So fun and exciting! Gators didn’t seem over crowded and we’re semi separated by age. The staff has names for them which is nice to know they are cared for. Friendly staff and the person who fed the alligators was fun and informative. Learned some cool facts. Bleachers are in the sun, but it didn’t put a damper on our good time. There is a lovely room that has A/C to hang out and cool down for a few minutes. Also a snack bar that was reasonably priced. The “swamp” area was so cool- save some of your food for that part!
Sydnie Hall — Google review
We had a lot of fun! My 5 year old was in alligator heaven! Even my one year old enjoyed throwing biscuits to the alligators!
Cost:
adult entry 17
Child entry 15
Cup of biscuits 6
Bucket of biscuits 22
Megan Childers — Google review
We had a great time and saw so many alligators! The kids loved tossing them the little snacks and getting to touch the baby alligator and the python! It was a hot day but the had lots of big ac units and fans set up as well as an indoor cool area about halfway through your walk. The feeding was cool to watch and very informative! Great little side trip on our beach vacation to Gulf Shores!
Megan Potter — Google review
My husband and I loved Alligator Alley. We learned a lot and saw so much! This place is incredible! We bought 2 buckets of food pellets for the alligators and they loved it. Every person that we met were so knowledgeable and they really love the reptiles that they are caring for. We can hardly wait to come visit, again.
Kelly Webb — Google review
This is a great place for everyone. Informative and just all around fun. The feedings are a must see.
The only thing you need to keep in mind is that these creatures need the warmth. So if you go on a 60 degree day they probably won't be doing much/eating much. I'd recommend going when it's warm. You'd probably see more action then.
Natalie Ana Borkoski Parker — Google review
Visiting family in the Lillian area.
Our visit to Alligator Alley was pleasant. Though it was in the winter to spring time (when the gators are not eating) it was a nice walk. You can have a birthday party there as well. Seating along the walking path for when you’re tired.
Under $20 pp.
Keith Lynch — Google review
The experience was again fantastic.
Came here 10 years ago as a child with my family and I wanted to go again, by myself for souvenirs.
Was scared to come in February, which is not the best season for alligators. However, I saw a lot of them and the staff… the staff is incredible, talk to them for minutes and it was fantastic !!
They can explain a lot a things about their animals, the farm, the weather, etc.
Let’s meet Captain Crunch !!! 🐊🐊
Erwan HASCOËT — Google review
This is a rescue organization that takes in nuisance alligators, mostly from Florida. The alligators live in a lovely swamp with plenty of room to wander. They continue to breed here so you can see alligators of all sizes (over 700). This was a fun detour from the Florida panhandle!
Natasha Fleischman — Google review
First time here after a long awaited trip! Was truly a fun experience. Got to meet and hold Boots. I love him! Can't wait to go again when feeding season is in swing!
Liz Madura — Google review
Such a fun experience! It’s a sizable area to visit and the pricing was pretty decent comparable to the zoo. They give you a good amount of food in the bucket and the alligators seem to like it. We got to watch the live feeding at 4 pm & the gentleman who did it was very informative, good with the kids there, and funny. There are little photo ops throughout with plenty of bathroom stops and drinks available. I am really glad we got to experience and I would definitely go back if in the area again.
Well-known fishing pier offering scenic views, lots of pelicans & a seafood restaurant.
A very nice pier. No admission, no parking fees. You do need a saltwater fishing license to fish in the bay. When we went on a weekday in early April around 2pm, there were very few people on the pier, and only a couple other people fishing. We were able to catch a few croaker using frozen shrimp and circle hooks. Plenty of water fowl to watch here along with a distant view of Mobile skyline across the bay. Water was much calmer than the Gulf in places such as Gulf Shores. Overall, a very nice experience and well worth the 40 minute drive for us.
David Madison — Google review
Beautiful place to photograph the sunset. Great walking path. And the pier is wonderful for site seeing and fishing.
Colin Bailey — Google review
Nice pier and lots of friendly locals showing us their catch. Restaurant wasn’t open but very picturesque area for capturing memories by photo. Worth a visit! A playpark nearby on the beach for the kids
Jessica Breazeale Consulting — Google review
We heard the sunsets are amazing here! So, we had to see for ourselves. Th is is a pretty cool place to walk, sit and relax.
Michael Bass — Google review
Sunset experience feeds the soul! Feeling the sea breeze and watching the colors is so relaxing. We saw a pod of dolphins, saw someone catch and release a small shark, and saw a variety of families enjoying this place together.
Janelle Hernandez — Google review
Sometimes very windy, but other than that it is beautiful and fun to visit! Especially when it’s warm weather.
Bannon Greer — Google review
We were displaced for 2 weeks due to Ida. The whole town was welcoming. The pier was a great place for us to fish, kids play on the beach, and throw out a cast net to take our minds off of everything.
Brandy Lawhorn — Google review
Great public pier and large park. Great view of the bay area. It appears some one is remodeling the restaurant with a new vision to be opening sometime in 2023 spring
Peter Chadwick — Google review
Beautiful place to spend time at sunset. Sunsets are gorgeous and serene.
Rittik Patra — Google review
Off work early. So I plugged into the map someplace I can walk towards water. This municipal Pier came up. And it was close enough to me. Pleasantly surprised
Beautiful well kept pier. Fishing with permits is allowed. Along the pier you will see it water spigots and trays with measurements built right into the deck. Quite a walk out onto the pier with lots of benches to sit and watch the water. No boats were docked when I was there but it appears there are many docking stations. Renovating the restaurant that is there so there might be construction going on when you arrive. New restaurant coming in the spring 2023. Just caught the sunset. Beautiful. Saw few birds standing on Martin houses.
Free to park.
Leah Kapurch — Google review
We just so look forward to our sunset walks @ the big pier. It was gorgeous Sunday nite
Richard Belfield — Google review
Nice to view Mobile Bay. Well maintained and mancured area.
Glenda Chandler — Google review
I've been coming here for over 30 years. If I'm anywhere nearby and don't have to rush off somewhere else right away, I will make the trip here. Absolutely beautiful. Well . . . if you're into scenic overlooks, glorious sunsets, nearby coffee shops, bucolic little towns, refreshing walks, fountains, fishing, people watching, dog watching (sometimes very similar), or just soaking up the warmth of the sun on a gorgeous pier. If you're not into those things, you'll enjoy driving around the circle. Please don't hit my truck.
Paul Pakyz — Google review
I love walking out on a good pier. My difference on the one is that I did it at 1am. So quiet without all the people 😁. The sound of the water is so soothing and peaceful. Looking out over the bay with all the lights is something that just needs to be soled in. In my enjoyment I forgot to take pictures sorry.
Dennis Brown — Google review
Nice little pier overlooking the bay, some walking trails and statues/fountains are nearby too
Sara Hunt — Google review
This review is for fishing purposes.
Long pier
Fish cleaning stations with running water
Shelter if it starts to rain
Clean bathrooms no porta potty
Robert Figueroa — Google review
Fairhope is a manicured small town on the Gulf of Mexico. Good food, lots of shopping.
Gulf Islands National Seashore, spanning 135,000 acres along the Gulf Coast of Mississippi and Florida, is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can indulge in activities such as swimming, boating, camping, fishing and birdwatching at its numerous white-sand beaches including Fort Pickens Beach. Historical landmarks like Fort Barrancas and Fort Pickens bear testimony to the area's Civil War history while Naval Live Oaks boasts an impressive trail network for hiking enthusiasts.
Very serene setting if you want to enjoy peaceful beaches. We camped for 10 nights near to the beaches and could hear the waves all day and night. Very soothing experience. The area has a ton of bike trails, if you want to explore by bike. Langdon beach has restrooms and water taps / outdoor shower to wash off beach sand after a long day of play at the beach. Sunsets and sunrises during December cannot be described in words.
Sandeep Nitta (Sandy) — Google review
Plenty of room, good facilities, friendly staff, and a beautiful beach. Entry fee is well worth it if you are going more than once. Plenty of room to be in the waves without going deep.
Bill Hall — Google review
The Davis Bayou area in Ocean Springs, Mississippi offers scenic views of the Mississippi Sound and the marshy, swampy areas that provide habitat to native alligators, turtles and a variety of large birds (including Osprey and Herons). We like to walk near the boat ramp and the area south of the visitors center for the best water views. Don't miss this wonderful destination if you are passing through this area.
Susan Petrey Carriker — Google review
Ft. Pickens Campground is our favorite vacation spot. short boardwalk to the most magnificent (and uncrowded) beach on the Gulf of Mexico, with an amazing historic site - and if you’re lucky seeing the Navy Blue Angels rehearse… is there a better definition of heaven?!
Cem Basman — Google review
Just an amazing experience! Beautiful soft snow white sand,natural beauty and interesting historical sites. A must for everyone's bucket list. Just keep an eye on the weather...those pop-up squalls can be scary!⛱️🪣🍻😎💯🫶🇺🇸
Randy Hudspeth — Google review
Such a wonderful peaceful spot. I may not only is it gorgeous, but it pays tribute to those people who have fought the good fight and served in our military so that we can sleep in peace at night. Thank you to all those who served as well while we're on the subject. I'm a disabled vet and although it was not the funnest time in my life, because of those people that are fighting every single day protecting me I would gladly grab a gun and head back. But this is a great little area, what I normally do especially during the daytime you know when it feels good outside, go by and get me some food to go, and then I just run over there it's running center of town so I run over there and eight, look at the water it's peaceful is quiet, it's just it's something really special I really enjoy going over there.
Brittain Mitchell — Google review
Beautiful white sand beaches that squeak when you walk on them. Ample parking in multiple stretches along the length of the park. Worth a trip.
cliff defor — Google review
Absolutely beautiful, sugar white sands that are clean. It's a great place to go. And not crowded at all which I like. The water is unbelievably clear. One of my favorite places
Ryan Beverly — Google review
Best beach in the Gulf! It's not crowded, it's very clean and beautiful. The water is clear. It's one of the better beaches to find shells.
Jamie Blair — Google review
It's a beautiful place with so much to explore! We camped (tent), cooked over a fire, biked the trails, visited the fort, enjoyed the beaches, & so much more! You can see the lighthouse (Pensacola NAS) across the bay shining at night. So much small wildlife to encounter. 🥰 I can't fit it all in this post! We Loved our camping trip here!! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Desmond LeMesurier — Google review
What a little slice of heaven! Took our grandkids for a few hours of fun in the sun. They even caught a 🦀 and let it go! Clean beaches. No crowds. Water was beautiful. Had washing stations and picnic tables near parking lot. Convenient.
Melissa Klotzbach — Google review
Beautiful drive to the Seashore!! Gorgeous white sand... if you've been to White Sands out in New Mexico that's how the Seashore sands look. Beautiful sunset over the sand also!!
We saw the bunkers also that protected these shores during the Civil War.
Rena Correia — Google review
One of the most gorgeous beaches ever. We love to spend the day here 💕 white fine powder sand can't be beat