Biking Florida's Pensacola Bay Trail

This multi-use trail runs along Via de Luna Drive and Fort Pickens Road in Pensacola Beach, Florida.

It is on Santa Rosa Island, a couple miles from the mainland, just south of the town of Gulf Breeze. A toll bridge gets you to the island. The trail follows the road and later becomes a bike lane on the road. The road's speed limit is 35, so if you want to deal with vehicles, you can get a 50+ mile ride. The actual trail is not that lengthy.

Once you leave the town, you have views of the Gulf to your south and Pensacola Bay to your north, with white sand predominating. If you head west, you'll reach Fort Pickens, an interesting fort completed in 1834 and active until 1947.

There is no shade, so be sure to bring plenty of sunblock and water if you're heading on a long ride.

Also, be prepared for strong winds. There's not much around to block it!

 It mostly runs along the two roads but does offer great ocean views along the way - never straying more than about 100 yards from the Gulf-front and most of the time it is closer than that. 

Additionally, the trail continues to the bridge along Pensacola Beach Blvd towards Gulf Breeze from the intersection of Via de Luna Dr and Fort Pickens Rd. The bridge is bicycle and pedestrian friendly but there's not much once you get past the bridge area in Gulf Breeze for biking. Walking/running is supported via standard sidewalks beyond that area.

Parking can be found:

• At the corner of Via De Luna and Fort Pickens Rd
• At the western end of the trail at the Park West area
•  Approximately .75 miles from the eastern end of the trail at the public beach parking lots