Bayview Park has been a favorite of both Pensacola residents and visitors for over a century, and it continues to be the central feature of Pensacola’s Parks and Recreation Department. People young and old come here to have some fun in Florida’s great outdoors.
There are plenty of activities at Bayview Park, which has basketball courts, tennis courts, smaller playgrounds, and more. For access to the water, visitors are welcome to launch canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards from the shallow, sloping shore. A boat launch and some docks let owners of larger vessels also launch their boats.Â
Of particular note for dog owners, a 1-acre dog park provides two sizeable areas for dogs to run off-leash. One of the areas goes down to the shore so that dogs can fetch in the water and go for a swim. The other is a large space that’s all solid ground.
In addition to these main features, the park also has a pavilion, many benches, grills, and ample parking. A community center and senior community center often put on activities for people to partake in.
If you’re looking for a place that’s centrally located in Pensacola but lets you get away from the bustle of city life for a bit, come to Bayview Park. Bring whatever supplies you need, and enjoy the beautiful outdoors while being only moments away from wherever you’re headed next.
A few of our favorite features at Bayview Park include:
Boat Ramp
Because of the park’s gentle slope to the water, the boat ramp here has a nice grade that makes launching easy. The park is also located on Bayou Texar, which is protected from the larger waves of the bay or gulf.
Docks
Even if you don’t have a boat, go for a short walk on the docks. They’re a favorite place among locals for relaxing, people-watching, and having meaningful conversations.
Dog Park
If you do have a dog, make sure they get a chance to run in the shoreline dog park. Biting at the ripples is great fun for dogs, and the perimeter is fully fenced so you don’t have to worry about Fido getting too far away.
Grill
Grab some charcoal and your favorite toppings. Sometimes it simply doesn’t get better than grilling up hotdogs and burgers with friends on a pleasant afternoon.
Playground
Have little ones? Let them spend some energy climbing around the playgrounds. They’ll have fun, and everyone will appreciate a slightly more tired child later at bedtime.
Insider Tips:
– Don’t have your own paddleboard or kayak? There’s a company in the park that rents them and all necessary safety gear. Take one out for a few hours, and enjoy the water.
– While you can launch a paddleboard or kayak, there generally isn’t a designated swimming area at the park. There certainly aren’t lifeguards on duty to supervise children (or adults) in the water.