Stretched across miles of Mississippi and Florida, Gulf Islands National Seashore promises emerald shores, stunning white beaches, lush marshlands, and rich historical landscapes. Florida locations include the Okaloosa, Perdido Key, and Santa Rosa areas—and more. Amid this treasure trove of sugar sand, Langdon Beach in the Fort Pickens area is a favorite. The entryway to Fort Pickens is located at 1400 Fort Pickens Rd, Gulf Breeze, FL 32561. 4.4 miles past it on the left (south side), you’ll find Langdon, which doesn’t have an address. Here’s a Fort Pickens Area Map. You can also access Langdon via a free tram, which operates on Fridays and Saturdays.
Vibe
Stunning, natural sugar-sand beach with amenities like restrooms and showers.
Popular but not overcrowded, Langdon is sited on a pristine, undeveloped shoreline. It has a relaxed personality, with families body-surfing the waves; pelicans diving in search of meal; and luxe boats cruising offshore.
See, feel
The drive into Langdon is a preview of what’s to come, with Fort Pickens Road carving through a sandy, white landscape that you’d swear was snow—if only you didn’t have the air conditioning on. The beach is heaped with the same white sand, bordered by exceptionally clear, emerald-tinted water, stretching as far as the eye can see in both directions. Rolling dunes and a natural landscape provide a glorious backdrop. Here, you’re likely to see beachgoers working on the perfect tan; kids digging in the sand; and epic sunsets.
The water’s usually relatively calm, but tides, winds, and offshore systems can sometimes cause rough conditions.
On or near the beach
Kick back; stroll the shoreline; swim; or bring a kayak or SUP for a paddle.
Beyond the beach, Fort Pickens invites you to discover Fort Pickens, Battery Cooper, and Battery Worth; pick up a souvenir at the store; or fish from the pier or the shores—but not in Langdon Beach. For an epic hike, explore the Florida National Scenic Trail, paralleling the Gulf of America. You can even spend the night on a camping expedition.
Accessibility
Langdon Beach offers accessible beach mats and beach wheelchairs. Ask a ranger in the campground registration office to borrow the beach wheelchair.
Facilities
Amenities at Langdon Beach include free tram stop; a picnic shelter/pavilion; picnic table; restroom; showers; trash dumpster; water-bottle-filling station; and drinking water. Concessions are only provided in the ferry plaza mine storeroom building. Here’s a Fort Pickens Area Map that includes location amenities throughout the park. Bring chairs, umbrellas, coolers, and whatever else you need, because rentals aren’t available.
Lifeguards
Langdon Beach Swim Beach has a lifeguard assigned from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Parking
Langdon Beach offers 40 parking spots. You can also access Langdon from other areas inside the park via a free tram, which operates on Fridays and Saturdays. Here’s a map with parking locations throughout the Fort Pickens area. Parking is included with park admission.
