With fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures, the winter season is the ideal time to book your stay with Portofino Island Resort in Pensacola Beach. Enjoy the delightful array of outdoor activities on the Florida Emerald Coast, and then return to the comfort of one of our Pensacola Beach condos. Escape the winter cold to the snow-white sands of our beachfront resort, where you can indulge in our on-site spa, exquisite dining options, and take advantage of exciting Adventure Packages.
Top 5 Winter Outdoor Activities in Pensacola Beach, Florida
Shelling on the Gulf Islands National Seashore is a year-round delight for both avid collectors and casual beachgoers. Following high tide, the shoreline reveals treasures like Florida Fighting Conchs, Sand Dollars, and the rare Junonia. Early mornings, especially two hours before low tide, are prime for finding intact shells. Winter beach walks are particularly refreshing, with fewer crowds and brisk water, making it one of the best outdoor activities in Pensacola Beach.
Winter is the prime fishing season in Pensacola Beach, ideal for shore, pier, and charter outings. March marks the peak surf fishing season, with a significant pompano migration attracting anglers and tournaments. Although February is slower for saltwater fishing, freshwater options like bass and crappie are plentiful in nearby freshwater rivers or lakes. You can learn more about the local fishing charters with our Insider’s Guide to the Pensacola Fishing Scene.
One of the best outdoor activities you can enjoy in Pensacola Beach during the winter is wildlife watching. The Gulf Islands National Seashore and Pensacola area is the official gateway to the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. At Fort Pickens, you can see the federally protected piping plover foraging along the white sand beaches. The Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier, extending 1,471 feet into the Gulf of Mexico, is great for spotting Laughing Gulls and Forster’s Terns. During storms, it can also provide views of rare seabirds like Bridled Terns and Sooty Shearwaters.
In the 1800s Fort Pickens was built to protect Pensacola Bay. Fort Pickens was central to coastal defense and witnessed pivotal moments in U.S. history. It supported military operations through WWII before joining the National Park Service in 1971. Cooler winter weather makes hiking enjoyable, allowing visitors to explore the fort’s preserved ruins and scenic overlooks.
Last but certainly not least, one of the best outdoor activities you can enjoy during the winter in Pensacola Beach is to enjoy one of our dolphin cruises. Experience the Santa Rosa Sound on the Premier 1, a double-decker boat that seats up to 149 passengers. Enjoy morning wildlife watching or relax on an evening cruise as the sun sets over the Florida Emerald Coast. You can also ride the Shuttle Cruise to the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk.
Experience the magic of winter in Pensacola Beach, Florida, where a delightful array of outdoor activities await! Book your stay today at Portofino Island Resort!