Pensacola Bay Bridge
A 3-mile marvel connecting Pensacola and Gulf Breeze, featuring a dedicated pedestrian path with stunning bay views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps and fewer crowds
Pensacola Bay Bridge
Best Time
Cooler temps and fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 3-mile marvel connecting Pensacola and Gulf Breeze, featuring a dedicated pedestrian path with stunning bay views.
"The 10ft pedestrian path is awesome, I feel well protected from cars and love the lights!"
🚶♀️ Walk or Bike the MUP
Enjoy the 10ft pedestrian path, completely separate from traffic. Great for exercise and views! :athletic_shoe:
🌅 Catch a Sunset
The views from the bridge at sunset are incredible. Bring your camera! :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Multi-Use Path (MUP)
Entire length of the bridge
A 10-foot-wide path for walking, biking, and running, offering stunning bay views and a safe escape from traffic.
Pensacola Bay Views
Along the MUP
Experience breathtaking panoramic views of Pensacola Bay, the coastline, and the city skyline from this elevated vantage point.
Mariners Landing
Gulf Breeze side
A waterfront park at the foot of the bridge with a fishing dock, boat launch, and walking track, perfect for a relaxing stop.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Pedestrian Path Access
Navigating the Bridge
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk or Bike the MUP
Enjoy the 10ft pedestrian path, completely separate from traffic. Great for exercise and views! :athletic_shoe:
🌅 Catch a Sunset
The views from the bridge at sunset are incredible. Bring your camera! :camerawithflash:
🚗 Parking Available
Parking lots and facilities are conveniently located on both the Pensacola and Gulf Breeze ends. :car:
💧 Stay Hydrated
A water fountain is available on the south end under the bridge. :droplet:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk or Bike the MUP
Enjoy the 10ft pedestrian path, completely separate from traffic. Great for exercise and views! :athletic_shoe:
🌅 Catch a Sunset
The views from the bridge at sunset are incredible. Bring your camera! :camerawithflash:
🚗 Parking Available
Parking lots and facilities are conveniently located on both the Pensacola and Gulf Breeze ends. :car:
💧 Stay Hydrated
A water fountain is available on the south end under the bridge. :droplet:
🎣 Fishing Opportunities
The bridge is a popular spot for fishing, with specific tips shared online for catching local species. :fishingpoleand_line:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Pensacola Bay Bridge for its excellent multi-use path, offering a safe and scenic experience for walking, biking, and running with beautiful bay views. The separation from traffic is a major highlight, as are the stunning sunset vistas. Some minor inconveniences include the speed limit on the vehicular lanes and the need for clear signage for parking.
"Bridge has separate lanes both ways for walking, biking, and running. Path pretty wide and striped. Completely separate from traffic.
Parking lots and facilities on both ends.
Some benches and overhangs along path to rest.
Great views over Pensacola Bay."
Clinton Woods
"We went through hell getting this bridge built but it is fantastic. Three lanes in each direction with 2 break down lanes each. I particularly love the bicycle/pedestrian paths on both bridges separated from the traffic. Great views off the bridge of the bay and Pensacola as well as Gulf Breeze."
Terry Mead
"As a cyclist who braved the old bridge with no barrier between you and traffic, I think this new pedestrian bridge system is awesome. I feel well protected from cars and love the lights. It’s especially fun to ride to the top at night and coast back down the other side. You can get to the other side easily using the underpass. Enjoy!"
Ryan O'Keeley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Pensacola Bay Bridge, also known as the Three Mile Bridge, connects downtown Pensacola to Gulf Breeze, Florida. You can access it via US-98. There are parking areas available on both the Pensacola and Gulf Breeze sides for those wishing to use the pedestrian path.
While specific public transport routes directly to the bridge's pedestrian access points aren't widely detailed, driving or ride-sharing services are common ways to reach the parking areas.
Parking lots and facilities are available on both the Pensacola and Gulf Breeze ends of the bridge, making it easy to access the multi-use path.
Absolutely! The bridge features a 10-foot-wide multi-use path (MUP) specifically for pedestrians and cyclists, completely separated from vehicle traffic.
The multi-use path is generally wide and well-maintained, making it accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, access to the multi-use path on the Pensacola Bay Bridge is free for pedestrians and cyclists.
The pedestrian path is generally accessible at all times, though specific lighting conditions might vary. It's recommended to visit during daylight hours or when the path is well-lit for safety.
The Pensacola Bay Bridge does have a toll for vehicular traffic. However, the pedestrian and bicycle multi-use path is free to use.
While generally open, it's advisable to check for any temporary closures or maintenance notices. The path is designed for walking, running, and cycling.
Yes, there are parking facilities and access points on both the Pensacola and Gulf Breeze sides of the bridge, allowing you to start your walk or ride from either end.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire multi-use path offers fantastic vantage points for photos of Pensacola Bay, the city skyline, and Gulf Breeze. The top of the bridge provides panoramic views, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Yes, the pedestrian path is completely separated from traffic, allowing you to safely stop and take photos. Be mindful of other users on the path.
Early mornings and late afternoons/evenings are ideal for photography due to the softer light and stunning sunset views.
Drone usage is subject to FAA regulations and local ordinances. It's recommended to check with local authorities before flying a drone in the area.
You can capture wide-angle shots of the bay, detailed photos of the bridge's architecture, and scenic views of the surrounding coastline.
🎫 🎣 Fishing & Activities
Yes, the Pensacola Bay Bridge is a popular spot for fishing. Anglers often share tips on techniques and what to expect. +1
Common catches include various saltwater species found in Pensacola Bay. It's a great spot for inshore fishing.
While the bridge itself is a fishing spot, Mariners Landing on the Gulf Breeze side offers a fishing dock and boat launch.
Besides walking and biking, you can explore Mariners Landing for fishing and boating, or enjoy the waterfront views. +1
The bridge connects Pensacola and Gulf Breeze, both of which offer a variety of dining and shopping options. You can find places near the access points.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider starting at Mariners Landing on the Gulf Breeze side, which has a playground and fishing dock, making it a fun destination for younger children. The gentle incline of the bridge is manageable for most kids, and the open space provides plenty of room to explore.
🚴♀️ Cyclists and Runners
Many cyclists appreciate the ability to ride from Pensacola to Gulf Breeze and back, covering a significant distance with minimal risk. The path is well-lit, making it a viable option for early morning or evening exercise sessions.
🎣 Anglers
While fishing directly from the bridge is common, the Mariners Landing park on the Gulf Breeze side offers a dedicated fishing dock and boat launch, providing more structured fishing opportunities.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Pensacola Bay Bridge: A Traveler's Perspective
Travelers rave about the MUP, highlighting its separation from vehicular traffic as a major safety and enjoyment factor. It's a popular spot for morning jogs, leisurely bike rides, and even evening strolls to catch the sunset. The path is equipped with benches and overhangs for resting, and some users have noted a water fountain on the south end.
Beyond the MUP, the bridge itself is a significant landmark. Its construction and reopening were notable events, and its presence defines the connection between Pensacola and Gulf Breeze. For those interested in the maritime aspect, large vessels like the M/V Tampa can often be seen passing under the bridge, adding a dynamic element to the scenery.
+1Experiencing the Multi-Use Path (MUP)
Cyclists, in particular, appreciate the MUP, especially those who remember the older bridge where cyclists shared the road with cars. The new path provides a sense of security and allows for a more relaxed ride, with the option to coast down the other side after reaching the top. The lights on the path also make it an attractive option for evening rides.
Access to the MUP is convenient, with parking facilities available at both ends of the bridge. Mariners Landing on the Gulf Breeze side offers additional amenities like a fishing dock and boat launch, making it a great starting or ending point for an active day.
Fishing and Views from the Bridge
Beyond fishing, the elevated position of the bridge offers spectacular panoramic views. From the multi-use path, visitors can gaze out at the expansive Pensacola Bay, the city skyline of Pensacola, and the picturesque shores of Gulf Breeze. These vistas are particularly stunning during sunrise and sunset, drawing photographers and sightseers alike.
For those looking for a more complete waterfront experience, Mariners Landing on the Gulf Breeze side provides a fishing dock and boat launch, complementing the bridge's appeal as a recreational hub.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit