Pensacola is a seaside city on the western tip of the Florida peninsula that offers a unique blend of coastal beauty and Southern hospitality. Although it’s known for its stunning white-sand beaches, Pensacola’s wealth of historical sites and dynamic food scene show it’s more than a beachfront enclave.
Here’s why you should visit Pensacola, Florida, including the best things to do on your trip, where to stay, and places to eat.
Tykesha Burton
Things to Do
Hit the Beaches
Once settled into your room, slip on your flip-flops and head straight to the beach. Pensacola boasts more than 50 miles of coastline, and the beaches are famed for their stunning alabaster-colored sand. The sand’s color is not its only stunning feature, it’s also so fine that it squeaks underfoot as you walk. The beaches are great for any type of vacationer, whether you plan to kayak, build sandcastles, or simply sunbathe.
Enjoy a Dolphin Cruise
Spend a morning searching for one of the ocean’s most beloved inhabitants—dolphins. Cruise along the Santa Rosa Sound while watching dolphin pods swim and play in their natural habitat. In addition to the thrill of spotting dolphins, there is also the joy of seeing the city from the water.
pensacoladolphincruise.com, 400 Quietwater Beach Rd, Pensacola, FL 32561
Stroll Through the Historic Pensacola Village
As one of America’s oldest cities, Pensacola abounds in rich history. History comes alive in the Historic Pensacola Village. This area has 30 restored 18th and 19th-century buildings. Twelve of these historic sites are open to the public. Interpreters dressed as British colonists and American pioneers captivate visitors, sharing stories about the daily lives of the early settlers.
historicpensacola.org, 205 E Zaragoza Street, Pensacola, FL 32502
Watch the U.S. Navy Blue Angels Take Flight
Pensacola is also the home of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. From March through November, the pilots practice gravity-defying maneuvers weekly for spectators at the Forrest Sherman Field. But even if you aren’t on the Naval base, these skilled airmen can be seen and heard for miles.
blueangels.navy.mil/show, Naval Air Station: 150 Hase Rd., Pensacola, FL 32508
Visit Santa Rosa Island
On the eastern tip of Santa Rosa Island is a section of the Gulf Islands National Seashore encompassing nearly 6,000 acres of preserved land; along 52 miles of Gulf and Bay shoreline, you will find sandy trails perfect for biking and hiking, shaded areas for picnics as well as ample swimming along the beach. In addition to its natural beauty, this area is home to Fort Pickens, a pre-Civil War fortress later used by Union troops. Enhance your visit by taking a guided tour of the caves and tunnels with a National Park Ranger for a rich historical experience.
nps.gov/guis/index.htm, Gulf Islands National Seashore, FL
Climb the Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
Climb 177 steps up the historic Pensacola Lighthouse for a breathtaking panoramic view of the Gulf Coast. As you ascend, there are informative placards that provide a fascinating glimpse into the lighthouse’s operational history.
pensacolalighthouse.org, 2081 Radford Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32508
Courtesy Pearl Horn
Where To Eat (and Drink)
Get Comfortable at Union Public House
If you’re hungry for delicious Southern comfort food reimagined, head over to the Union Public House. This restaurant serves up high-quality fare in a laid-back and friendly atmosphere. Try their inventive Pimento cheese pups (their spin on hush puppies), crispy pork shanks, and wild boar Sloppy Joe sandwiches. The Pub also has an impressive list of craft beers and cocktails.
unionpensacola.com, 36 E Garden St., Pensacola, FL 32502
Savor Fresh Fare at Pearl & Horn
At the Pearl & Horn, surf and turf enthusiasts will find plenty to savor. Newly opened in January 2024, the restaurant features a seafood and raw bar with fresh and locally sourced options. Indulge in seared scallops, crispy red snapper, or a Bison kabob. Meals can be complimented with a selection from their creative cocktail list, which includes playful names like Saved by the Bell and One in a Melon Martini, to ensure a memorable dining experience.
pearlandhorn.com, 1504 W Intendencia St., Pensacola, FL 32502
Dine by the Beach at Flounder’s Chowder House
Flounder’s Chowder House is an excellent choice for tasting fresh seafood right by the beach. With indoor and outdoor dining options, patrons can savor dishes like beer-boiled shrimp, hearty chowder, and fresh oysters.
flounderschowderhouse.com, 800 Quietwater Beach Rd, Gulf Breeze, FL 32561
Where to Stay
Check Out a Trendy Boutique Hotel
The Oyster Bay Boutique Hotel is a trendy hotel located close to the downtown area. If you’re interested in enjoying views of Pensacola Bay from your room, book one of the Balcony Suites for your stay.
stayoysterbay.com, 400 Bayfront Parkway, Pensacola, FL 32502
Stay on the Gulf
The Pensacola Beach Resort is a gulf-front property with views that extend over Pensacola Bay. Guests can enjoy rented lounge chairs for relaxation by the water and take advantage of various tailored vacation packages.
thepensacolabeachresort.com, 165 Fort Pickens Rd., Pensacola Beach, FL 32561
Enjoy a Family-Friendly Resort
Portofino Island Resort is an excellent choice for a family-friendly stay steps from the beach. Its private section of the beach offers rented chairs, umbrellas, and cabanas.
portofinoisland.com, 10 Portofino Drive, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561
