There are many great locations around the area for paddleboarding. Here are a few excellent spots to check out around the Pensacola Beach and Gulf Breeze area. Remember NEVER SWIM ALONE! It's always safest to swim and paddle-board where lifeguards are present.

#1 Ft. Pickens State Park – (View on Google Maps) Battery Worth Covered picnic pavillion with electricty, grills, bathroom and outdoor showers – first come first serve basis. Fee required for State Park entrance. This site is maintained by the National Park Service. The Ft. Picken's park has full access to vehicles. The Fort itself is the most popular destination. It was originally built to defend Pensacola Harbor from invaders, but during the Civil War, it was manned by Union troops, who used it to attack the nearby Confederate-manned Fort Barrancas and Fort McRee. The fort also has some notoriety for being a prison for the captured Native American Geronimo. In addition to the fort, there are relatively uncrowded beaches here, camping, and a few nature trails. However, keep a wary eye out for bird nesting sites, which are illegal to disturb.

#2 Fort Pickens Gate Park – (View on Google Maps) This parking lot is located on the right side of Fort Picken’s Road heading west. Quiet water, man-made snorkeling reefs and hotdog stand. Restrooms and picknic tables are located just across the street on the Gulf Side. Daily 24-hours. This out of the way beach is located just before the Fort Pickens gate, and is one of the best beaches on the island. It has restrooms, lifeguard protection, ample parking, good waves on the gulf side, calm conditions on the sound side, lots of white sand and shells, and has far fewer people than the busy Casino Beach. Make sure not to cross into the Fort Pickens park boundary. Walking the shoreline further to the west will lead you into Gulf Islands National Seashore property. Beware of nesting bird areas and stay out of those areas. Free.

#3 Little Sabine Bay – (View on Google Maps) Public Parking Near Aloha Liquor, perfect place to learn on Little Sabine’s protected shallow waters.

#4 Quiet Water Beach – (View on Google Maps) Located on the sound side of the island beginning behind the Portofino Boardwalk running west/north-west along the sound. This area has covered picnic pavilions with grills and public restrooms with outdoor showers.Lifeguards in certain areas. Several restaurants and bars are with in walking distance. Free parking is available, but it does fill up fast. Get here early and stay all day. Available daily 24-hours. The beach here is narrow, and since the island blocks the waves from the Gulf of Mexico here, the water is quiet, with little to no waves or rip currents, plus with the lifeguard protection, it's a great beach to take kids to. Free.

#5 Avenida 18 – (View on Google Maps) A local’s favorite public spot. The parking is quite limited, so get there early and grab a great spot on Santa Rosa Sound. No amenities or facilities.

#6 Naval Live Oaks – (View on Google Maps) Located in Gulf Breeze on Santa Rosa Sound, this state park is free to the public with covered and uncovered picnic tables, grills, bathrooms and outdoor showers. The Naval Live Oaks Reserve, now part of Gulf Islands National Seashore, was America's first government tree farm. The Naval Live Oaks Reserve section of Gulf Islands National Seashore is open daily and features a visitor center, interpretive trail and winding nature trails that lead along the shores of both Santa Rosa Sound and Pensacola Bay.

#7 Shoreline Park – South – (View on Google Maps) Gulf Breeze’s largest park spanning 105 acres complete with picnic tables, restrooms, outdoor showers, fishing pier, swimming area, a large gazebo, boat ramp,  and nature trail.

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