Area Info: Things To Do
Recreation & Area Attractions
The Beach, the Gulf and the Sound With over 300 days of sunshine a year, the Gulf Breeze area is an outdoor lover's dream. The miles of unspoiled beaches within Gulf Islands National Seashore offer a calmness and regeneration from life's hectic pace. Sunbathing, snorkeling, diving, fishing, surfing and beachcombing await you. For the more active types, all sorts of watercraft are available for rent, along with deep sea fishing charters. For boat owners, launch areas are available at Shoreline Park South, Wayside Park, Oriole Beach (off Bay Street, east of Villa Venyce) and Woodlawn Beach (Soundside Drive at Woodlawn Beach Road). Local rental shops also offer sailing, surfing and kayaking lessons, and will have the most inexperienced visitor navigating our waters in no time at all. Fishing is available from several fishing piers. No fishing license is required when fishing from piers. Competitive fishing tournaments and rodeos abound.
| Gulf Islands National Seashore | 934-2600 |
|---|---|
| National Park Service Camping | 1-800-365-CAMP |
The Parks
With the Canoeing Capital of Florida close by in Milton, freshwater enthusiasts have abundant opportunities for recreation. Blackwater, Sweetwater and Coldwater Rivers are aptly named rivers to challenge you. Blackwater River State Forest is the largest state forest in Florida, with more than 183,000 acres of woodlands, lakes and streams. Gulf Breeze has the distinction of having more of its land (53%) devoted to parks than any other city of its size. Over 1,500 acres of public parklands are within the city limits. The South Santa Rosa Recreational Center, also know as Shoreline Park, is a 138-acre park and sports complex maintained by the city. It includes a football/soccer field, four baseball fields, six tennis courts, two outdoor basketball courts plus jogging and nature trails, boat launch, picnic gazebo, public beach and a 40,000 square foot recreation center. The Tiger Point Sports Park, just east of the city limits, is a new 30-acre county facility that provides two soccer fields, seven baseball fields, a children's playground and a jogging/walking track. Gulf Islands National Seashore includes the Naval Live Oak Reservation, a recreational area in the city limits with six miles of trails to explore and a Visitor Center. Swimming, fishing, biking, picnicking camping and hiking are all available to visitors and residents alike. Opal Beach Day-Use Area is on the barrier island between Pensacola Beach and Navarre Beach. Open from sunrise to sunset, this facility offers picnic shelters and handicapped access. The seashore also includes Fort Pickens and Fort Barrancas, where you can ramble through the ruins of the Civil War era forts. Exhibits and bookstores are available at the forts. There is a fee to enter the Fort Pickens and Opal Beach Day-Use areas of the park.
| Blackwater River State Forest | 957-6140 |
|---|---|
| Blackwater River State Park | 623-2363 |
| South Santa Rosa Recreational Center | 934-5140 |
| Tiger Point Sports Park | 939-1259 |
| Gulf Islands National Seashore | 934-2600 |
Cultural Events & Festivals
Gulf Breeze is home to many artists, musicians and other performers who participate in fine arts festivals throughout the area. Numerous museums, galleries and art shows offer variety and inspiration year-round in the Pensacola Bay area. The Gulf Breeze Celebrates the Arts Festival, held in the spring, offers a wide variety of handcrafted artwork sure to please all of the senses. The Arts Council of Northwest Florida serves as the clearinghouse for cultural event information for the area. Another highly successful venture is the Chamber's Gulf Breeze Expo, in which member businesses showcase their wares and services to the thousands of residents who attend the annual event.
| Gulf Breeze Celebrates the Arts | 944-6601 |
|---|---|
| The Arts Council of Northwest Florida | 432-9906 |
| Gulf Breeze Expo | 932-7888 |
National Museum of Naval Aviation
Located aboard Pensacola Naval Air Station. Nearly a century of air and space history with over 130 static displays. Guided tours and IMAX theater presentations are available. Free admission to museum, $4.50 admission to IMAX theater.
| National Museum of Naval Aviation | 453-2024 453-2025 |
|---|---|
| IMAX Theater | 453-2024 453-2025 |
Golf Courses, The ZOO
Some of the areas most challenging and beautiful golf courses are within close proximity to Gulf Breeze residents. You can pretty much name your tee time! There are 40 courses within 100 miles.
With over 800 animals and lush tropical gardens The ZOO is a special bonus to living or visiting the Gulf Breeze area. A slow-moving train, the Safari Line, and raised boardwalks allow visitors to view many of the animals in their natural habitat. The Children's Zoo offers the opportunity for children to pet and feed animals their own size. Many rare and exotic species can be seen at The ZOO. The ZOO is involved in breeding programs for endangered species. A ride on a full-size carousel rounds out the day's fun at The ZOO.
| The Club at Hidden Creek-18 holes | 939-4604 |
|---|---|
| Tiger Point Golf & Country Club -36 holes | 932-1333 |
| The ZOO | 932-2229 |
