Things to Do in Gulf Breeze, Florida: A Local Family Guide

If you usually drive straight through Gulf Breeze on your way to Pensacola Beach or Navarre Beach, there are quite a few reasons to stop.

Gulf Breeze has waterfront parks, walking and biking trails, playgrounds, local food, ice cream, National Park Service land and family-friendly spots tucked along and just off Highway 98.

Here are some of the places to add to your Gulf Breeze list.

Mariners Landing

Located near the Gulf Breeze end of the Pensacola Bay Bridge, Mariners Landing is an easy place to get right on the water.

The recently renovated area includes waterfront access, picnic areas and a boat launch. It's also a great starting point for a walk, run or bike ride.

If you can, visit around sunset or after dark. The illuminated bridge creates a completely different view at night.

Playbook Tip

Even when the first 30 minutes of parking are free, you still need to start a parking session.

Parking rates can vary based on residency and boat-launch use, so check the current posted rates and parking instructions when you arrive.

Bathroom trailers and porta-potties are available at the park at the time of our visit.

Sun Drops

Near Mariners Landing is Sun Drops, a waterfront spot that especially caught our attention at night.

We haven't eaten or had drinks here yet, so we're holding off on an official Playbook verdict. But it's on our list for a future visit.

Explore Gulf Breeze's Parks and Trails

Gulf Breeze has far more parks, trails and waterfront access points than we could include in one Playbook.

Depending on where you go, you'll find playgrounds, walking trails, sports facilities, boat launches, waterfront areas and even a dog park.

One thing we've consistently appreciated while exploring Gulf Breeze parks is how well maintained the public bathrooms we've used have been — something parents know can make a big difference during a day out with kids.

Playbook Tip

Not every Gulf Breeze park or waterfront access point has public parking. Some areas are designed primarily for pedestrian access.

Check parking and access information before assuming you'll be able to drive directly to a location.

Shoreline Park

On Shoreline Drive, Shoreline Park is one of the larger outdoor areas visitors should know about.

You'll find waterfront access, trails, recreation areas, a boat launch and plenty of room to spend some time outside.

Sunset Kids Park and Sunset Splash Pad

Head over to Sunset Boulevard for Sunset Kids Park and Sunset Splash Pad.

Families with younger kids should bring swimsuits and a change of clothes.

As for actually turning on the splash pad? We couldn't figure that part out during our visit. If you know the secret, we need your Playbook Tip!

Ice Cream in Gulf Breeze

There are at least two Gulf Breeze ice cream stops worth knowing about: Islander Ice Cream and Coastal Chill Creamery.

We've visited Coastal Chill Creamery with our family, and it's been a hit with the kids.

We're not declaring an ice cream winner. In our family, more ice cream is usually the better answer.

Playbook Pick: Coastal Chill Creamery

Cute, family-friendly and kid-approved.

Naval Live Oaks

Naval Live Oaks is part of Gulf Islands National Seashore and is managed by the National Park Service.

It's a good Gulf Breeze stop for trails, nature and waterfront access.

For a more extensive Gulf Islands National Seashore experience, including historic Fort Pickens and additional visitor facilities, head across to the Fort Pickens area on Pensacola Beach.

Playbook Tip

Check current National Park Service entrance fees and pass requirements before your visit. Different passes may be available depending on your situation.

Gulf Breeze Proper vs. Midway

Here's something that can be confusing if you're visiting the area.

The actual City of Gulf Breeze is commonly referred to locally as Gulf Breeze proper.

Continue east along Highway 98 toward Tiger Point and Midway, and you're outside the incorporated City of Gulf Breeze — even though many addresses still use Gulf Breeze.

That's why a restaurant or attraction with a Gulf Breeze address can seem surprisingly far from the Pensacola Bay Bridge.

Breeze Donuts

If you're heading east on Highway 98 in the morning, Breeze Donuts is worth knowing about.

The donuts are great, but don't overlook the kolaches.

Playbook Pick: Breeze Donuts

At the time of our visit, Breeze Donuts closes at 2 p.m., and popular items can sell out. Go earlier in the day if there's something specific you want to try.

Sea Glass Cottage and the Art Bar

Sea Glass Cottage is one of those places you could drive past repeatedly without realizing what's tucked away nearby.

Along with shopping and local art, you'll find the Art Bar, where visitors can sit down and create something themselves.

It's exactly the kind of tucked-away local stop we love finding for the Playbook.

What About Gulf Breeze Zoo?

Keep traveling east and you'll eventually reach Gulf Breeze Zoo.

We're big fans of the zoo, but we've already created dedicated Emerald Coast Playbook content showing what families can expect there.

If Gulf Breeze Zoo is part of your plans, check out our zoo guide next.

Don't Just Drive Through Gulf Breeze

Gulf Breeze isn't simply the road connecting Pensacola to the beaches.

There are parks, trails, waterfront areas, local businesses, family activities and places to grab something good to eat along the way.

And this isn't everything.

Have a Gulf Breeze favorite we missed? Send it our way. We're always looking for the next place worth checking out.

Add it to the list.