Gulf Islands National Seashore (Florida) | FORT BARRANCAS VISITOR CENTER

Fort Barrancas Visitor Center at Gulf Islands National Seashore

Fort Barrancas Visitor Center at Gulf Islands National Seashore

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Pensacola Naval Air Station is now closed to the general public due to a shooting that took place on December 6, 2019. Only those with Department of Defense issued IDs can enter the base. The National Park Service does not know when, or even if, the general public will be allowed on the base. For the latest update, see the National Park Service’s Temporary Road and Facility Closures web page, or call the Fort Barrancas Visitor Center at (850) 455-5167. The Fort Barrancas area is still open to those who can get on the base.
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See the Visitor Centers web page for an interactive location map.

GENERAL INFORMATION

The Fort Barrancas Visitor Center at 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. You may also be asked for a vehicle insurance card and registration, so be sure to have these with you as well.

OPERATING HOURS

The Fort Barrancas Visitor Center is typically open on Saturdays through Wednesdays from from 9 AM to 4:30 PM except when closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Times can always change, so before making travel plans be sure to visit the National Park Service’s official Fort Barrancas Area Operating Hours web page for the latest schedule.

AMENITIES

  • Ranger-staffed information desk where you can pick up a free park brochure and other information. Be sure to pick up the brochure on Advanced Redoubt if you plan to do a self-guided tour because the brochure box at the site may be empty. You’ll need the Fort Barrancas brochure as well for a self-guided tour of that fort.
  • Book / souvenir store
  • Exhibit area
  • Fort Barrancas documentary
  • Restrooms

PARK FILM

A 12-minute film on Fort Barrancas is shown on demand. It does not cover Advanced Redoubt. The film is shown on a small, wall-mounted television. Push a button to begin the show.

EXHIBITS

The exhibit area at the Fort Barrancas Visitor Center is very small and focuses on Fort Barrancas, particularly during the Civil War years.

Model of Fort Barrancas and the Spanish Water Battery

Model of Fort Barrancas and the Spanish Water Battery

Exhibit at the Fort Barrancas Visitor Center

Exhibit at the Fort Barrancas Visitor Center

Outside the Visitor Center is a collection of artillery pieces. An information panel identifies the individual guns and explains their purposes.

Artillery collection on the front lawn of the Fort Barrancas Visitor Center

Artillery collection on the front lawn of the Fort Barrancas Visitor Center

SCHEDULING YOUR TIME

You can read all of the information on the half-dozen exhibits in no more than ten minutes. Add time to watch the film and a chance to talk with the Rangers to get information and you’ve spent roughly a half hour at the Fort Barrancas Visitor Center.

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Last updated on April 26, 2022
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