Big Sandy Bay Beach
- Unnamed Road, Wolfe Island, ON K0H 2Y0, Canada
- Wolfe Island, ON K0H 2Y0
About This Beach
Pensacola Beach, located on Santa Rosa Island along Florida’s Gulf Coast, is celebrated for its sugar-white sand and emerald-green waters. Less commercialized than other Florida hotspots, it blends natural beauty with a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere.
The beach stretches for miles, with wide open spaces perfect for sunbathing, swimming, shelling, and beachcombing. Its laid-back charm makes it popular with families, while adventure-seekers enjoy parasailing, jet skiing, paddleboarding, and kayaking in the calm Gulf waters. Snorkelers and divers are drawn to the area’s artificial reefs and shipwrecks, which provide an underwater wonderland teeming with marine life.
Casino Beach, the most popular section, features amenities like lifeguards, parking, restaurants, and the iconic Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier, which stretches over 1,400 feet into the Gulf of Mexico for fishing and scenic views. For a quieter experience, head east or west into the Gulf Islands National Seashore, where pristine dunes and wildlife provide a peaceful escape from crowds.
Whether you’re after family fun, water adventures, or a romantic sunset over the Gulf, Pensacola Beach is one of Florida’s most picturesque coastal treasures.
Best Time to Visit
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March – May): Best weather, festivals, and events.
Summer (June – August): Warm water and lively atmosphere; peak season.
Fall (September – November): Mild weather, fewer crowds, great deals.
Winter (December – February): Quiet, peaceful, cooler temps, but still walkable.
Summer (June – August): Warm water and lively atmosphere; peak season.
Fall (September – November): Mild weather, fewer crowds, great deals.
Winter (December – February): Quiet, peaceful, cooler temps, but still walkable.
Things To Do
Popular Activities
- Swimming & Sunbathing on sugar-white sand
- Fishing off the Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier
- Snorkeling & Diving at artificial reefs and wrecks
- Water Sports – parasailing, jet skiing, paddleboarding
- Eco Tours – dolphin cruises and kayaking in Santa Rosa Sound
- Gulf Islands National Seashore – hiking, wildlife, quiet beaches
- Evening Entertainment – beach bars and restaurants with live music
- Sunset Watching – breathtaking Gulf sunsets
Plan Your Visit
Choose how you’d like to plan your trip to this beach — from places to stay to nearby experiences.
Amenities
Nearby Amenities
- Lifeguard-protected areas (seasonal)
- Restrooms & showers at Casino Beach and park areas
- Ample parking lots and street parking
- Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier (fishing, walking, viewing)
- Restaurants, beach bars, and cafés along Via de Luna Dr.
- Beach chair, umbrella, and watercraft rentals
- Hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals nearby
Beach Hours
Beach Hours
Open Now
Open 24/7
Hours/Lifeguards
Hours/Lifeguards
Lifeguards: Typically 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (seasonal).
Pricing
Pricing
Beach access: Free (public beach).
Parking: Free and paid lots available.
Fishing pier: ~$2–$7 depending on activity.
Rentals: Chairs/umbrellas ~$20–$30 per day.
Parking: Free and paid lots available.
Fishing pier: ~$2–$7 depending on activity.
Rentals: Chairs/umbrellas ~$20–$30 per day.
Contact Information
Primary Phone
Website URL
Location
Beach Address
Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier (central point) 41 Fort Pickens Rd, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561, USA
Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier (central point) 41 Fort Pickens Rd, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561, USA
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