Cannon aims out over the mouth of Pensacola Bay at Fort Barrancas
The Fort Barrancas Area of Gulf Islands National Seashore is located within Pensacola Naval Air Station. Tourists and those not employed by the Department of Defense must enter through the west gate on Blue Angel Parkway. All passengers other than children need an ID to get onto the base. A driver’s license will suffice unless it is not compliant with the Real ID Act. Those with a non-compliant license must have a valid passport or other form of identification.
Your vehicle is subject to search, so leave your guns and illegal drugs at home. Though not asked for it here, I have been asked for a vehicle insurance card and registration when entering other military bases, so be sure to have these with you as well.
The National Park Service manages two 19th century military forts, Fort Barrancas and Advanced Redoubt. The park also includes two short hiking trails, a small picnic area, and a visitor center. There is no beach access.
The Fort Barrancas Visitor Center and forts are open Saturdays through Wednesdays from 9 AM to 4:30 PM except when closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. If you attempt to enter Pensacola Naval Air Station outside of these operating hours under the pretenses of visiting the Gulf Island National Seashore portion of the base, you will not be allowed to enter.
With a few exceptions, use of any photograph on the National Park Planner website requires a paid Royalty Free Editorial Use License or Commercial Use License. See the Photo Usage page for details.
Last updated on April 26, 2022
