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Live beach hub
Today on Pensacola Beach
Live flag, weather, tides, parking tips, and safety rules-updated automatically.
- Live flag status
- 48h tide lookahead
- Fast parking + rules
Beach flag
Live beach flag
Next tide
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Parking & tips
Arrive early
Flag basics
Know the beach flags
Low risk
Calm to moderate surf. Still swim near lifeguards.
Medium risk
Moderate surf/currents. Stay alert and keep kids close.
High risk
Strong currents/high surf. Stay shallow; avoid if unsure.
Water closed
Stay out of the Gulf. Hefty fines and danger.
Marine pests
Jellyfish or stinging life present. Be cautious.
Beach FAQ
Fast answers
Alcohol & glass
No glass. Alcohol is restricted near lifeguard towers and during events-use plastic and follow posted signs.
Pets
Dogs only on the two designated dog beaches (stations 21.5 and 24.5). Leash required; bring water and bags.
Fires & fireworks
Grills are allowed in designated areas; no open fires or personal fireworks on the sand.
When do lots fill?
On sunny weekends Casino Beach lots can fill by mid-morning. Arrive before 9:30 AM or plan for a walk from overflow areas.
Free or overflow parking?
Smaller free lots sit east toward Park East/Opal Beach and west toward Fort Pickens, but they fill early. Do not park in dunes or on Gulf Islands roads.
Trolley/ride options
In summer evenings a free island trolley usually loops the core beach areas; hours vary by season. Ride-share is fastest on busy weekends.
Lifeguards
Towers are staffed spring through early fall during daytime hours. Swim near a lifeguard and match your risk to the flag color.
Rip currents
Obey red flags. If caught, stay calm, float, and swim parallel to shore to exit the pull before heading in.
Tides & surf
Low tide often means better shelling and shallower wading; high tide brings deeper drop-offs. Watch surf height on windy days.
Water clarity & temp
Clear, calm water is most common late spring through early fall. Winter fronts can cloud the Gulf. Expect 60s F in winter, 70s in spring/fall, 80s in summer.
What to bring
Sunscreen, plenty of water, shade, snacks, and a trash bag. Cash/card for parking helps. Pack out everything you carry in.
Alcohol rules
No glass on the sand. Alcohol is restricted around some pavilions and events; use plastic containers and follow posted signs.
Dogs on the beach?
Dogs are only allowed on the two designated dog beaches (East and West) on Pensacola Beach, on leash. No pets on main swim beaches.
Fires & fireworks
Bonfires and personal fireworks are not allowed. Use park grills for cooking and leave coals fully cooled.
Tents & canopies
Pop-ups are generally fine behind the lifeguard line and must be taken down daily. Leave clear lanes for emergency vehicles.
Chair and umbrella rentals
Seasonal rentals are available near Casino Beach and the pier. You can also bring your own gear anywhere behind rental rows.
Overnight rules
No overnight camping or sleeping on Pensacola Beach or Perdido Key public areas. RV and tent camping are inside nearby parks and campgrounds only.
Driving on the sand
Vehicles are not allowed on the sand. Stay on paved lots and accesses; fines are steep for dune damage.
Blue Angels flyovers
Practice days are often Tuesday/Wednesday mornings March to November out of NAS Pensacola. You may see or hear them over the beach.
Quiet spots
Quieter stretches include Opal Beach (Gulf Islands National Seashore), Perdido Key State Park, and the western end toward Fort Pickens.
Facilities
Restrooms and showers are at the Casino Beach pavilion and several public access points. Bring a small towel for quick rinses.
Beach hours
Public access points generally follow dawn-to-dusk use. Expect enforcement after dark in parking areas.
Red tide or sea lice?
Red tide and sea lice are uncommon here but can happen seasonally. Check posted flags and advisories at access points.