inlet of the Gulf of Mexico, 13 mi (21 km) long and c.2.5 mi (4 km) wide, NW Fla.; entered through a narrow channel between Santa Rosa Island and the mainland. The Escambia River flows into the bay from the north, near the city of Pensacola. The Intracoastal Waterway passes through the bay, parts of which are included in Gulf Islands National Seashore (see National Parks and Monuments , table).
