Naval Live Oaks Reservation
Naval Live Oaks Reservation
Naval Live Oaks Reservation
4
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Visitors can view wildlife and fabulous flora and fauna from one of the many nature trails in this 1,000 acres of woods.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.0
93 reviews
Excellent
41
Very good
39
Average
8
Poor
4
Terrible
1
clpayne
Las Cruces, NM1,855 contributions
Feb 2022
We visited this FREE park today and was unsure how much walking area/trails we would have available that would be dog friendly. Part of the park does in fact include the beach area (both ocean and sound side) and dogs are NOT allowed on the beach. However, there are numerous other trails within the park that dogs are allowed on if on leash. We walked several miles and didn't cover all the trails. Most of the trails are sand trails unless you walk the paved driving road leading in/out of the park. The trails are not marked, but you can't get lost. There was a map near the parking area and we took a picture of that before we began just in case.
A few miles up the road towards the bridge and beyond is also Shoreline Park. We went there afterwards. More trails AND a fenced dog park. There is a paved loop trail, numerous wooded trails and a long boardwalk/pier. There are numerous signs warning of ticks in the area and came home to find 2. FYI. LOVELY park, though, all through wooded area.
Combine both parks and you have a lovely afternoon with your best 4 paw friend!
A few miles up the road towards the bridge and beyond is also Shoreline Park. We went there afterwards. More trails AND a fenced dog park. There is a paved loop trail, numerous wooded trails and a long boardwalk/pier. There are numerous signs warning of ticks in the area and came home to find 2. FYI. LOVELY park, though, all through wooded area.
Combine both parks and you have a lovely afternoon with your best 4 paw friend!
Written February 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
maxona
Fort Walton Beach, FL556 contributions
Jan 2014 • Solo
This park is off of Hwy 98 in Gulf Breeze. The park is open 7 days a week (except big holidays), but the building for education is closed on the weekends. The park does offer a lot of education opportunities about the habitat of this part of Fl and the creatures who share it. Behind the building is a short walkway (boardwalk) through the Florida Scrub. You will see a map at the beginning of a more crude trail off this boardwalk, but I did not take it, so am unable to tell you how passable or easy to navigate (perhaps another reviewer can comment on this). I would imagine that most of the people who come to this park, do so to enjoy a picnic with family/friends and just enjoy time sitting next to the Bay. Your view is the Pensacola Bay and you can see the bridge to the Beach and some of the high rises. There are quite a few picnic tables and each one has a small barbecue next to it. I did not see any covered tables. There are bathroom facilities in the middle of the park. Parking was plentiful. They even have oversized parking spots for RV's.
You can take a walk along the shores of this park which can be a nice hike. The area is a little marshy, so how easy a walk is may depend on the level of the tide. There is NO swimming at the park. There are signs stating that this is a preserve for marine life and things like walking over the area, can destroy some of the plant life. They do not want people launching small boats from there either. So look and admire the water only please.
Some people who might be interested in this park may be birders or photography enthusiasts. The farther I got away from the picnic area, the more I heard and saw birds. And photographers may find some interesting scenery to photograph.
Bike riders: There is not anywhere to ride your bikes in this park, but there is a walking/jogging/bike trail along hwy 98 right outside this park. It runs from the Bridge to a little south of this park. This park would be a good place to park your car to use this trail. (I believe 3 miles along hwy 98 one way)
I am not sure if I would travel a long distance just for this park. And if I was on a quick vacation to the area, not sure I would include this on my top 5 list. But if you have lived or vacationed here often, you should check this park out. I enjoyed a day away from the beach and just admiring the Bay for a little while.
You can take a walk along the shores of this park which can be a nice hike. The area is a little marshy, so how easy a walk is may depend on the level of the tide. There is NO swimming at the park. There are signs stating that this is a preserve for marine life and things like walking over the area, can destroy some of the plant life. They do not want people launching small boats from there either. So look and admire the water only please.
Some people who might be interested in this park may be birders or photography enthusiasts. The farther I got away from the picnic area, the more I heard and saw birds. And photographers may find some interesting scenery to photograph.
Bike riders: There is not anywhere to ride your bikes in this park, but there is a walking/jogging/bike trail along hwy 98 right outside this park. It runs from the Bridge to a little south of this park. This park would be a good place to park your car to use this trail. (I believe 3 miles along hwy 98 one way)
I am not sure if I would travel a long distance just for this park. And if I was on a quick vacation to the area, not sure I would include this on my top 5 list. But if you have lived or vacationed here often, you should check this park out. I enjoyed a day away from the beach and just admiring the Bay for a little while.
Written January 19, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tbeebs
Columbus, OH21 contributions
Dec 2011
This was a good park that is free to visit. There is a nature center where you can learn all about the Live Oaks and their importance in ship building including hands-on activities. A wood-planked path leaves the nature center and loops around through the Live Oaks. This path was easy to push a stroller and is wheelchair accessible. Another path of sand takes you to the shoreline where we walked while the sunsetting to see the bay. Taking the shoreline will lead you to a picnic area where you can picnic in view of the water. This was a clean park with an easy hike (or walk). The sand was compact enough to even push a stroller. What I liked most about this park was the fact that it's free, it gave me a better appreciation for the Live Oaks and it also contained several picnic areas/picnic tables and even a shelter house. It was shady enough that even on a hot Florida day, it would be a nice break from the sun. Highly recommend a visit here.
Written January 4, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tracey k
Redmond, WA765 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Disappointed. I was excited to read the history, and looked forward to a good walk seeing the live oak trees. Parked at visitor center, which is closed permanently. Then tried to make sense of the posted trail map. We drove, searched for signage, drove 30 minutes more. Found a Ranger who directed us to Group Camping parking lot. Walked about, but mostly uninspiring scrub and immature oaks. Virtually no trail signage. Connected with other confused visitors, frustrated like us. We did do the accessible boardwalk behind the Center, best part of our visit and still...disappointed. limited visitor time in my opinion better used elsewhere. I include a cool picture, which was the most interesting feature of our explorations.
Written January 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
USN_Seabee_Wife
Chehalis, WA592 contributions
Apr 2018 • Couples
Walking trails provided to enjoy the wonderful Florida weather. The boardwalk outside of the visitor center habe you unobstructed views of the harbor. There is a beach there as well as clean restrooms.
Written April 25, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mbhnm
Maryville, TN319 contributions
Oct 2017 • Couples
We had driven by this reservation dozens of times in the past. This week we decided to stop in and pay a visit as we had some extra time and are glad we did.
First, Bob at the visitors center was a delight. Quite the talker and full of stories. We also watched the video about the reservation and learned from the exhibits how live oak trees were used for building ships in the 17 and 1800's.
Some of the exhibits could have used repair. Bob shared that since they don't charge at this location and are dependent on donations, they struggle to keep up the exhibits. That is a shame since there is a lot of history here.
If you like the outdoors this is a great stop. The picnic area is first rate and there are miles of trails, some even with a boardwalk to provide access for small children and the handicapped. Walkers, joggers, and hikers are welcome. There are also plenty of views of the bay at various points.
There is a pavilion you can reserve for large groups and it is right next to the only restrooms which are about 300 yards past the visitor's center. Fishing is also allowed on the reservation with the proper license.
Some live oaks -- as well as large hickory and other trees -- can be seen from the easily accessible areas close to the vistor's center and the boardwalk trail. But if you want to see the best plan for about a 3 mile round trip hike along the waterfront trail. We did not have proper foot gear for a hike through the sand the first day but came back the following day prepared to hit the trails.
Naval Live Oaks Reservation is a great way to experience the outdoors while catching some history in the process. Check it out, say "Hi" to Bob, and don't forget to leave a donation!
First, Bob at the visitors center was a delight. Quite the talker and full of stories. We also watched the video about the reservation and learned from the exhibits how live oak trees were used for building ships in the 17 and 1800's.
Some of the exhibits could have used repair. Bob shared that since they don't charge at this location and are dependent on donations, they struggle to keep up the exhibits. That is a shame since there is a lot of history here.
If you like the outdoors this is a great stop. The picnic area is first rate and there are miles of trails, some even with a boardwalk to provide access for small children and the handicapped. Walkers, joggers, and hikers are welcome. There are also plenty of views of the bay at various points.
There is a pavilion you can reserve for large groups and it is right next to the only restrooms which are about 300 yards past the visitor's center. Fishing is also allowed on the reservation with the proper license.
Some live oaks -- as well as large hickory and other trees -- can be seen from the easily accessible areas close to the vistor's center and the boardwalk trail. But if you want to see the best plan for about a 3 mile round trip hike along the waterfront trail. We did not have proper foot gear for a hike through the sand the first day but came back the following day prepared to hit the trails.
Naval Live Oaks Reservation is a great way to experience the outdoors while catching some history in the process. Check it out, say "Hi" to Bob, and don't forget to leave a donation!
Written October 11, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Renae H
Fort Walton Beach, FL213 contributions
Mar 2015 • Solo
A worthwhile stop. To the left of the visitors center there are lots of picnic tables and a restroom with beach views. No dogs allowed on the beach. To the right of the visitor center there is a little walk with informative placards. There is a very good trail off of this walk that goes on for some time (a fishing trail) that parallels the beach on which I took my dog. Saw one other hiker. A quiet and nice place to go for a gentle hike/jog. I rate this attraction good, above average.
Written March 12, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gb7ihla
Gulf Breeze, FL232 contributions
Oct 2012 • Friends
Originally set aside to preserve the majestic, live oak trees for the masts on ships, this historical area is a must see! From the beautiful sugar-white sand beaches of Navarre & Pensacola beaches along Santa Rosa Sound, the Inter-coastal waterway and Gulf to Fort Pickens historically preserved bunkers, this area is magnificent!
Written February 9, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Meg Ann
Chambersburg, PA37 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
My husband and I went there this week. Has a cute visitors center and it was a nice easy hike which was well maintained wooden path. There were two nice lookouts as well.
Written December 29, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Masque2Fer
109 contributions
Mar 2019 • Friends
- Highlights: Absolutely a must (even if you have to go on your way out to the mainland). Free parking, maps, accessible to everyone, and free, beautiful beaches and birds (especially if you go early in the morning when they open). Several picnic areas and easy hiking trails. Worth it!
- Lowlights: None that we noticed.
- Lowlights: None that we noticed.
Written March 29, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How early is the parking lot open (assuming it is gated?) I want to make an early morning (sunrise) hike. Last year I parked at the shopping center to the west and entered the preserve from there. Would like to take advantage of rest room facilities post hike next time. Thanks in advance for your assistance.
Written January 23, 2020
are small pets allowed on leash
Written February 13, 2017
I saw a no pets allowed sign today while visiting.
Written August 28, 2017
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