Tour de Fort: Archaeology Bicycle Tour of Fort Pickens Area
DATE: Apr 18th, 2026
TIME: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
LOCATION:
Gulf Islands National Seashore Fort Pickens Area
1400 Fort Pickens Rd, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561
Join UWF and the National Park Service as we pedal, hike, and climb our way through the archaeology of Gulf Islands National Seashore! April 18, 9 a.m.
The Fort Pickens area of Gulf Islands National Seashore is a jewel of unspoiled natural beauty. In addition to providing habitat for a variety of wildlife, the Park protects some of Pensacola’s most important archaeological sites, both on land and underwater! You must RSVP through the Eventbrite link.
While the program is free, fees are required at Fort Pickens area. Expedite your entry by purchasing a pass online at Fees & Passes – Gulf Islands National Seashore (U.S. National Park Service).
Participants will rendezvous in front of the Fort Pickens Visitor Center auditorium at 9:30 am CT where a park ranger and FPAN and UWF Archaeology Institute archaeologists will greet the group. The Tour de Fort program will explore sites of local archaeological interest with a guided bike tour. Sites highlighted will include an 18th-century Spanish colonial presidio, the Civil War Battle of Santa Rosa Island site, and shipwrecks from several periods of Pensacola’s history. We will also visit several historic structures along the way.
The total bike ride is approximately four miles in length, will be held at a leisurely pace, and will last about two and a half hours (9:30am-12:00pm CT).
Participants should bring plenty of water, sunscreen, sunglasses, a bicycle, and a helmet. The tour will end at the Fort Pickens Area picnic pavilion; as the tour will end near lunchtime, participants should consider bringing snacks and/or a bag lunch.
This tour is recommended for individuals 12 years old and up. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.