The best walks and hikes around Bellview

The America's First Settlement Trail offers a unique urban hiking experience, weaving through Pensacola's historic downtown. You'll stroll past Gulf Coast Creole Cottages and shotgun frame houses, particularly along East Intendencia Street, immersing yourself in centuries of architectural styles. The route is predominantly flat and paved, making it an easy 3.5-mile (5.6 km) walk with only 61 feet (19 metres) of elevation gain, perfect for a relaxed exploration.

Planning your visit is straightforward; as an urban trail, you'll find ample parking in downtown Pensacola. This easy route takes about 1 hour and 25 minutes to complete, making it a great option for a morning or afternoon outing. There are no permits or fees required, and its accessible nature means you can enjoy it year-round.

What makes this trail truly stand out is its rich historical narrative, highlighting Pensacola's claim as America's first European settlement. You'll encounter over 70 points of interest, including Plaza Ferdinand VII and St. Michael's Cemetery, showcasing Spanish, British, and French influences. It's a fantastic way to delve into the city's past while enjoying a leisurely walk.

The Navy Point Park Trail offers a delightful escape along the shores of Bayou Grande, where you'll find a mix of paved and natural dirt paths winding through shaded sections of towering pines and magnolias. The continuous waterfront views are a highlight, often revealing slender white sand beaches in shoreline restoration areas. It's an easy 2.0-mile (3.2 km) hike with just 21 feet (6 metres) of elevation gain, making it a perfect, relaxing outing that takes about 48 minutes.

For planning your visit, the Navy Point Park serves as a convenient trailhead with parking, picnic areas, and restrooms available. This multi-use path is ideal for walkers, runners, and those with strollers, and it's particularly pleasant in the cooler parts of the day. You don't need any special permits, just show up and enjoy the scenery.

This trail is notable for its family-friendly atmosphere and the unique opportunity to spot local wildlife like osprey, pelicans, and even dolphins. You'll also get glimpses of the Naval Air Station Pensacola and its bridge, sometimes hearing "Taps" drift across the water at sunset. It's a great way to experience Pensacola's natural beauty and naval history in one accessible package.

The Jones Swamp Boardwalk offers a serene and immersive journey into a vibrant wetland ecosystem, primarily along elevated wooden pathways. You'll wander through classic swamp landscapes, passing towering trees and diverse habitats like riparian communities and gum ponds. It's a truly peaceful experience, allowing you to feel deeply connected to nature without strenuous effort.

Planning your visit to the Jones Swamp Boardwalk is straightforward; it's an easy hike perfect for families and those seeking a gentle nature walk. The 0.8-mile (1.2 km) route has only 1 foot (0 metres) of elevation gain and takes about 18 minutes, making it a quick and accessible option. It's also a great choice if you're looking for a wheelchair accessible trail or a family hike near Pensacola.

This boardwalk is more than just a trail; it's a vital part of the Bayou Chico restoration project, preserving 1,300 acres within the Jones Creek Watershed. It's an excellent spot for wildlife sightings, including various birds and river otters, and educational signage enhances the experience. The trail also plays a role in a larger effort to create a southwest greenway, connecting to other parks in the region.

The Bayou Marcus Birding Trail offers a unique opportunity to explore a vibrant wetland ecosystem on an easy, accessible route. This 2.7-mile (4.3 km) out-and-back hiking trail, with a negligible 6 feet (2 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 1 hour and 5 minutes to complete. You'll mostly traverse an elevated boardwalk, winding through lush wetlands and past titi-lined areas and large ponds, providing a peaceful atmosphere and excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting.

Planning your trip is straightforward; the main entrance on Fayal Drive is open from dawn till dusk. The trail is designed for accessibility, making it suitable for families with young children, strollers, and wheelchairs. Remember to bring bug spray during warm months to ensure a comfortable experience.

This trail is a prime spot for birdwatching, being part of the Great Florida Birding & Wildlife Trail, and you might spot various species like Blue-winged Teal or Little Blue Heron. Beyond birds, the wetlands are home to diverse wildlife, including deer, frogs, and even gopher tortoises, offering a rich natural experience integrated with the ECUA wastewater treatment facility's innovative wetlands.

Embark on the Southwest Greenway Trail for a moderate 5.8 miles (9.3 km) hiking experience that showcases Florida's diverse natural beauty. This route, which typically takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes, guides you through distinct ecosystems. East of Fairfield Drive, you'll find accessible boardwalks meandering along Jones Creek, providing shaded passage through bottomland forest and wet pine flatwoods. Venture west, and the trail transforms into more rustic, unimproved footpaths winding through natural bogs and grassland forests, offering a truly immersive nature walk.

Planning your visit to the Southwest Greenway Trail is straightforward, though you should be mindful of the varied terrain. The western sections, with their natural footpaths, can be wet and feature standing water after rain, so appropriate footwear is highly recommended. With only 32 feet (10 metres) of elevation gain, the trail is accessible for most, and you can choose to explore either the boardwalks or the more rugged western paths depending on your preference and conditions.

This greenway, alongside the adjacent Jones Swamp Wetland Preserve, plays a vital role as an environmental buffer, actively improving water quality for Bayou Chico and Pensacola Bay by treating stormwater. Its rich ecosystems support a variety of wildlife, making it an excellent spot for bird watching and nature photography. Educational signage along the route further enhances the experience, highlighting wetlands, vegetation, and local ecosystems.