Naval Live Oaks
The trails located in this area offer a private nature experience with good possibilities of encountering wildlife. The natural community includes a variety of birds, reptiles, small mammals and vegetation types. Commonly seen animal residents are five-lined skunks, gray squirrels, and birds. Native plants, such as red basil and conradina, are plentiful along the trails.

Indians lived in the area five thousand years ago, close to the rich marine resources along the water's edge, and left behind middens or "trash piles" composed mostly of shell refuse. Artifacts found in midden sites include pottery shards and stone projectile points. These sites are protected by federal law.

In 1824, the first road in Florida was built and part of it crosses the north side of the area. In 1828, the USA purchased the land for ship building and president John Quincy Adams authorized the first federal tree farm on this site.With the development of the ironclad warship from 1861-1870, the live oaks lost their importance to defense. The Naval Live Oaks Area vegetation today appears to be much as it was in 1828, with live oak growing along the north (Pensacola Bay) and their hammocks extending inland from both sides to a depth of 800 to 1,000 ft.

Permit Information
No permit needed.

Directions
Located along U.S. Highway 98, the Naval Live Oaks Area is at the east end of Gulf Breeze.

Information Center
The Visitor Center and Administrative Headquarters for the Seashore are found on the south side of the highway.

Activities