November 2, 2026
Gulf Breeze is the last stop before Pensacola Beach, and once the summer crowds leave, the beach side of Santa Rosa Island gets quieter and simpler to visit. A few things work differently in the off-season, though. The toll is cashless, the free trolley is parked until next summer, and dogs have just two designated beach areas. Here’s what to know before you cross the Bob Sikes Bridge this November and December.
The $1 toll: no cash at the booth
The Bob Sikes Bridge from Gulf Breeze to Pensacola Beach has a toll plaza at the beach entrance. Visit Pensacola Beach says the $1 toll no longer accepts cash in person. You can pay with an electronic toll transponder, or the plaza bills SunPass toll-by-plate. If you’re in a rental car, check how your rental company handles plate tolls before you go. Questions about tolls go to Bob Sikes customer service at 850-916-5415.
Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier
The Gulf Pier runs out into the Gulf off Casino Beach, with a wide platform at the end over roughly 20 feet of water. It has an on-site bait and tackle shop with rental gear, and the pier charges separate fees for people fishing and for people who just want to walk out and look. Check with the pier for current hours and rates, since off-season schedules change.
At the foot of the pier you’ll find Casino Beach Bar and Grill and Bear Fruit Bowls and Coffee. Disabled veterans can get a lifetime Disabled Veteran Fishing Pass, but only in person at the Santa Rosa Island Authority office during business hours (850-932-2257).
The free trolley is off until Memorial Day weekend
The free Pensacola Beach trolley wrapped up its 2026 season after Labor Day. Visit Pensacola Beach lists the 2027 season as May 28 through September 6, running 4 p.m. to midnight. For now, plan to drive and park, bike, or come over by ferry.
The Pensacola Bay City Ferry offers hop-on, hop-off service between Pensacola Beach, Fort Pickens and downtown Pensacola on 149-passenger boats. Check the ferry schedule before you plan around it. Visit Pensacola’s storm update also notes a temporary Fort Pickens closure, so confirm that stop is running. Our Fort Pickens guide covers the park itself.
Dog beaches: two lots, leash on
Dogs are allowed only at two designated dog beach areas, not at Casino Beach or the other public beaches:
- West dog beach: parking lot 21E, the first lot past the last condos on the Gulf side heading west.
- East dog beach: parking lot 28B, the first lot past Portofino heading east.
Dogs must be leashed, wear a visible rabies tag, and owners must pick up waste. The areas open at 7 a.m. during sea turtle nesting season (May 1–October 31) and from sunrise to sunset the rest of the year, which means sunrise hours apply now. Escambia County Animal Control is at (850) 595-0097.
After Hurricane Isaias: check before you go
Visit Pensacola’s tropical weather page says many beach areas are open, but conditions vary by location. ECUA lifted the Pensacola Beach precautionary boil-water notice on October 14. If you’re heading to the Naval Air Station side, the NAS West Gate is open daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a REAL ID or passport. Our post-Isaias visiting guide has more on bridges and parks, and FL511 has live road conditions.
Off-season dates worth planning around
Pensacola Beach still has plenty going on as the year winds down. Look for the Lighted Boat Parade on December 4, the Surfing Santa beach parade on December 6, and the Polar Bear Plunge on New Year’s Day. On the Gulf Breeze side of the bridge, Shoreline Park and Naval Live Oaks make an easy outdoor morning before you head to the beach.
Sources: Visit Pensacola Beach – Directions & toll · Visit Pensacola Beach – Gulf Pier · Visit Pensacola Beach – Trolley · Visit Pensacola Beach – Dog Beach · Visit Pensacola – Tropical Weather Updates
Details checked November 2, 2026. Fees, hours and schedules can change, so confirm with each source before you go.