Naval Live Oaks Nature Preserve — Attraction in Gulf Breeze

Beautiful! But getting there is a bear driving through PENSACOLA BEACH! Price to get is was $25 per car so I hope you have a National Park Pass or get a military pass at the gate. The sand was a heavier white sand that does NOT stick to your hands and feet like regular sand. Very odd but was great. Felt “cleaner”. Excellent biking trails and Fort Pickens was awesome just not handicap friendly at all. Not wheelchair accessible. You can walk to the beach from anywhere and set up. The water was amazingly blue and clear and clean and COLD. Several parking areas as you head to Fort Pickens to park and stroll the beach. Not too many places at Fort Pickens for picnic tables. The only sad thing is there were no rangers present at Fort Pickens or anywhere else. Tight budget I guess. The ones we did see were questionable and just stayed inside the discovery center talking to the two cashier girls. Never talked to the visitors or even acknowledged them. Sad for a national park and such a historic place. Fishing is allowed everywhere. Would come back just to hang out...

Naval Live Oaks Nature Preserve holds a special place in my heart. Nestled along the picturesque Gulf Coast, this hidden gem of natural beauty and tranquility is a must-visit destination. Walking through the preserve, I was enveloped by the soothing sounds of nature—a symphony of chirping birds and rustling leaves. The diversity of flora and fauna amazed me with each step. Vibrant wildflowers painted the landscape, while moss-covered branches added a touch of whimsy. The stunning coastline took my breath away—a never-ending stretch of sugar-white sand meeting crystal-clear waters. It's not just the beauty that captivates; it's the historical significance too. This land played a vital role in shipbuilding history. Naval Live Oaks is a sanctuary where solace is found, nature's wonders are admired, and the interconnectedness of all living beings is contemplated. A visit to this timeless preserve will touch your soul and leave you in awe...

The Naval Live Oaks Nature Preserve which is part of the National Park Service is located on both sides of Highway 98. There is a Visitor Center with exhibits, restrooms and a book store. There are several trails you can hike, but leashed dogs are only allowed in certain areas. I enjoyed a nice hike on the Breckenridge Trail which starts near the Visitor Center and in one spot comes out along the Santa Rosa Sound near the bridge to Pensacola Beach. There were exhibit signs displayed along the trail that educated about plants and wildlife. The Breckenridge Trail is partly in a forest type environment and is shaded, but not all of it. My advice is to go early in the day and take water with you as it can get rather warm later in the day. You don't have the benefit of the ocean breezes...