The Naval Live Oaks Area has a beautiful quick hike to a quiet bay location!

The Naval Live Oaks Trail and Nature Preserve offers a variety of trails that lead to the beautiful Pensacola Bay. It is such a great way to get out and active while still enjoying the scenic wonders of Pensacola. We loved the out-and-back trail option from the parking lot. It is called the Brackenridge Nature Trail (south of Highway 98), and is about .7 miles total. The trail itself is beautiful, and then the final location is even better, as it is a straight shot to the water access. It is a great trail for a variety of ages and fitness levels, so everyone should be able to participate fairly easily. You are truly earning your spot at the beach and making it more of an exploration adventure if you are looking to switch it up from typical beach days. The trail is stroller friendly, so bring it along to carry beach gear there and tired kiddos at the end of your fun hike and beach day. One thing that we wish we had thought of was bringing a picnic lunch along to refuel after being drained by exercise and sunshine. 

There are over 7.5 total miles of trails within the north part of Naval Live Oaks Nature Preserve (noth of Highway 98), and we can’t wait to go back to explore some of the longer hikes. Other interesting things worth noting about the preserve is that it has great facilities, including restrooms and picnic pavilions. It is part of the Gulf Shores National Seashore, so be sure to check out the happyly map to see what other family adventures in the area could be paired with this!