Pensacola Beach Pier


Original Pensacola Beach Pier Circa 1937

There are a great many popular piers located in the Pensacola Beach area including the Quietwater Beach Pier and the new Fort Pickens Pier, but the longest and most storied is the Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier. It has become one of the top attractions and gathering spots on Pensacola Beach for both tourists and locals alike. The Pier is located on Casino Beach along Ft. Pickens Road just past the one and only traffic light in town. This famous landmark has been around since the 1930s and has had quite a history. The Santa Rosa Island Authority built the multi-use recreational pier in the early 1930s with funding from the Legislature and Escambia County Commission. Built of wood, the pier weathered many storms but was destroyed by hurricanes Opal and Erin during the mid-1990s. The old pier had a restaurant that served fish sandwiches and a tackle shop. It was also a gathering site for the community and remains in the memories of many.


Original Pensacola Beach Pier Circa 1971

After the destruction of the wooden pier the idea of a new and improved pier began to develop. The first phase was quickly completed in 1998. The new Pensacola Gulf Beach Pier has been built to withstand harsh conditions. The new pier has concrete pilings, is wider, and until recently, has been the longest pier to be found anywhere on the Gulf of Mexico at 1,471 feet. On July 23, 2009 Alabama opened a new fishing pier at Gulf State Park that reaches 1,540 feet into the Gulf.

In 2001, the Island Authority awarded Sunset Holding a 10-year contract to operate the pier. Sunset Holding’s Mike Pinzone and Chris Cadenhead then began to transform the Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier into the third-biggest visitor attraction in the region. A new bait and tackle shop has been built as well as a gift shop and restaurant. Fishing is the most popular activity along the pier. Watching wildlife and sunsets are popular activities as well. If you get hungry the restaurant offers hamburgers, fish sandwiches, and more.


Fishing Gear On Current Pier

If fishing is what you crave the pier offers everything you need at a reasonable price. It is $7.50 for adults and $4.50 for kids for. Seniors and Military are $6.50. Children under 6 are free. Payment is for the entire day and includes taxes and license to fish from the pier. If you want to leave and return later just show your hand stamp. The pier has bait, tackle and poles available for your use. There are also discount prices and rentals available. The pier is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Fish that are common year round include King Makerel, Spanish Makerel, Bonito, and Mahi-Mahi. Cobia and Ling fish are caught in the spring during their migration. Redfish and Sheephead are caught in fall and winter. Other fish that are common in the area include Pompano, Flounder, Trout and Tarpon.

If you enjoy strolling and watching wildlife the pier and observation post is a great way to spend your day. All observers cost $1.25 for the day. If you want to leave and return just show your hand stamp. Some of the wildlife you might see include fish, dolphins, and sea turtles. Sometimes you get to watch a shark or sailfish swimming nearby. Many marine birds fly around like pelicans, seagulls, and herons. Be sure to leave the birds alone as they are protected on Pensacola Beach. Don’t miss the breathtaking sunsets at the end of the day. It’s a sight you don’t want to miss.

Within walking distance of the pier are dining and entertainment establishments for all ages. The Gulfside Pavilion, located next to the pier, is a nice place to get some shade while watching the scenery. Many local events are held here throughout the year including the annual Blues Over the Beach airshow staring the Navy’s Blue Angels. The pavilion marks the hub for the air show and makes for spectacular viewing. Enjoy the game room and mini-golf at Island Golf and Games. Grab something to eat at Crabs We Got Em - walk-ups from the beach are welcome. There is plenty of fun for the whole family all along and around the pier area.

Related Internal Links:
Link Fishing The Pensacola Beach Pier

Related External Links:
Link The Pensacola Beach Fishing Pier & Observation Post