Looking for nice actions and sights within the Metropolis of 5 Flags? Our information to one of the best issues to do in Pensacola is all you should plan the right journey!
Having a proud navy heritage, Pensacola, Florida, is named the “Cradle of Naval Aviation,” house to the Naval Air Station and the world-famous Blue Angels, formally known as the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron. And that’s not all Pensacola is understood for!
A tropical paradise, Pensacola is a part of the Panhandle’s Emerald Coast. It’s well-known for its sprawling sandy seashores, energetic nightlife, outside leisure actions, wealthy historical past, and overflowing tradition.
The primary Spanish settlement within the Decrease 48 was settled in Pensacola earlier than a hurricane tore by way of the realm, and the colony was deserted.
Pensacola turned often known as “The Metropolis of 5 Flags” due to its institution, swapping with the Spanish, the British, the French, the US, and the Confederacy through the Civil Warfare.
Some say the primary pictures to start out the Civil Warfare occurred right here on the historic Forts, now deserted and used for historic guided excursions to coach guests on native historical past.
There’s a lot to do on this affluent oasis, and with our record of the highest issues to do in Pensacola, you possibly can expertise all of them for one of the best trip ever!
The Greatest Issues to Do in Pensacola, Florida
From outside actions within the recent air to exploring town’s historical past by way of museums and artwork galleries, this energetic Florida metropolis has so many enjoyable issues to do.
Discover one of the best of Florida’s Gulf Coast with an excitement-filled journey to Pensacola!
Remember to take a look at our brand-new, complete information to one of the best issues to do in Florida!
1) Discover The Way of life Of Downtown Pensacola
The historic waterfront of downtown Pensacola is house to Nineteenth-century buildings and plenty of Pensacola sights you mustn’t miss out on throughout your go to.
This space is infamous for its wealthy historical past and coastal life-style, and with a visit to downtown Pensacola, you may get a style!
First, step over to one of many many historic websites, like Historic Pensacola, to be taught and expertise the heritage of the primary multi-year European settlement in America.
Then, dine like royalty, or because the locals do, by grabbing a meal at one of many many informal eateries, meals vans, and fine-dining institutions downtown.
Fish Home is one such instance, an upscale dockside award-winning restaurant with Southern specialty delicacies.
2) Be taught The Impression Of The Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
After the US took over Florida from Spain in 1821, a naval yard and lighthouse have been established on Pensacola’s harbor to guard the bay. Congress approved the development of the Pensacola Lighthouse in 1823.
Nonetheless, a two-day battle erupted through the Civil Warfare after Florida seceded from the US. In consequence, the Pensacola Lighthouse fell beneath Union forces’ management. As we speak, the lighthouse stays an lively United States Coast Guard help for navigation.
Listed on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations, the Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum is an academic alternative for guests to be taught concerning the lighthouse’s position in historical past.
- Deal with: 2081 Radford Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32508, United States
- Hours: 10 am – 4 pm (Closes at 5 pm Fri-Solar)
- Price: $9.50
3) Go to The Fort Pickens Space Of Gulf Islands Nationwide Seashore
House to a set of beautiful seashores and affluent marshes, Gulf Islands Nationwide Seashore expands from Cat Island, Mississippi, to the east of Fort Walton Seaside, Florida.
It attracts tens of millions of tourists yearly due to its thriving ecosystems and the hoard of leisure exercise alternatives.
The Fort Pickens Space of Gulf Islands Nationwide Seashore in Pensacola is a historic landmark established to defend Pensacola Bay. President James Monroe ordered this fort, and others, to be inbuilt 1825 after Spain ceded their Florida territories to the US. This was to guard the US territory from any potential invasions.
All through the Fort Pickens Space Of Gulf Islands Nationwide Seashore are a number of historic constructions, together with Battery Price, Fort Pickens, and Battery Cooper. Go on a tour to be taught extra concerning the impactful historical past of those constructions.
Many individuals additionally journey to the location to remain on the Fort Pickens campground for straightforward trip entry to the seashore.
- Deal with: 1400 Fort Pickens Rd, Pensacola Seaside, FL 32561, United States
- Hours: 5 am – 9 pm
- Price: $15 per individual or $25 per car (Nationwide park entrance charges are good for 7 days)
4) Peruse Fashionable & Up to date Works At The Pensacola Museum Of Artwork
The one artwork museum in Pensacola, the Pensacola Museum of Artwork, was established by a bunch of ladies from the American Affiliation of College Ladies in 1954.
Discovered within the coronary heart of Pensacola, the museum’s constructing has been an impactful landmark and group member for greater than a century and has acted as a top-class artwork gallery for over 60 years.
The Pensacola Museum of Artwork engages the thoughts with cross-disciplinary exhibitions and boasts a rising assortment of latest and trendy artwork from the Nineteenth, twentieth, and twenty first centuries.
Flick thru every artwork gallery and acquire a brand new appreciation for creativity and historical past!
- Deal with: 407 S Jefferson St, Pensacola, FL 32502, United States
- Hours: 10 am – 4 pm (Opens at 12 pm on Sundays, Closed Mondays)
- Price: $12
Discover extra of the Florida panhandle with our record of one of the best issues to do in Destin!
5) Purchase A Ticket To A Present Or Recreation At The Pensacola Bay Middle
An indoor area, the Pensacola Bay Middle hosts varied occasions, from large hockey video games to energetic live shows.
In the event you’re a hockey fan or wish to see your first hockey sport, catch a sport of the Pensacola Ice Flyers of the Southern Skilled Hockey League as they go up in opposition to their opponents throughout the ice.
For concertgoers, don’t miss out on a efficiency right here! Huge names similar to Bon Jovi, Van Halen, and Janet Jackson carried out on the middle. KISS was the primary band that carried out right here to start out off its enigmatic status as a efficiency middle and area.
- Deal with: 201 E Gregory St, Pensacola, FL 32502, United States
6) Stroll, Store, & Dine Alongside The Pensacola Seaside Boardwalk
Pinpointed by the long-lasting Shell, an amphitheater, the Pensacola Seaside Boardwalk is among the finest issues to do in Pensacola, due to its assembly level between the seashore, eating, leisure, and procuring.
Between hitting the seashore or taking within the views from the Pensacola Seaside Boardwalk, seize a drink at Bamboo Willie’s Bar & Grill.
It’s some of the well-liked bars in Pensacola Seaside, excellent for socializing with mates and strangers whereas basking within the beachy surroundings.
Then, scour the quite a few outlets alongside the Pensacola Seaside Boardwalk. You’ll find something from eclectic outlets to top-quality boutiques to take part in much-needed retail remedy or snag a couple of souvenirs to take house.
7) Sink Your Toes Into The Sand At Pensacola Seaside
A tropical paradise, Pensacola Seaside is each traveler’s dream, with its crystalline waters, welcoming delicate temperatures, and white-sugared seashores.
There are quite a few actions to take part in at Pensacola Seaside, whether or not aiming for the last word leisure day or the highest adrenaline-pumping day of journey. First, head out on a guided dolphin tour of the waters to see these playful mammals soar out of the waters.
Then, reserve a pontoon boat to fish with mates or household for superior catches like pink drum, pompano, flounder, mackerel, and blue fish. And hold your eyes peeled for sea turtles or dolphins!
In the event you don’t have the required gear to get probably the most out of your journey to Pensacola Seaside, rental outlets are close by to avoid wasting the day. Try leases of towels, seashore chairs, umbrellas, kayaks – you title it!
Hit the water of Pensacola Seaside on this dolphin bay tour on The Frisky Mermaid, boasting one of many highest perches excellent for sighting quite a lot of marine wildlife swimming by way of the waters.
The Nationwide Naval Aviation Museum is the world’s largest aviation museum. It is usually probably the most visited museum of its form in Florida and is house to the Pensacola Naval Air Station.
Fondly known as the “The Spirit of Naval Aviation”, the museum preserves over 4,000 artifacts and greater than 150 restored plane.
The artifacts symbolize Coast Guard, Navy, and Marine Corps aviation. This fascinating museum presents an opportunity for company to expertise the adrenaline-pumping thrill of flight in Flight Simulators.
Sadly, after a terrorist assault on the NAS Pensacola in December 2019, entry is extraordinarily restricted to the Nationwide Naval Aviation Museum. Solely people who’re present Division of Protection (DoD) ID card holders or these escorted by a DoD cardholder.
- Deal with: 1750 Radford Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32508, United States
- Hours: 9 am – 4 pm
- Price: Free
Heading down Florida’s west coast? Ensure you cease within the vibrant metropolis of Tampa! Right here is our final 3-day Tampa itinerary.
9) Stroll Alongside The Scenic Trails Of Bay Bluffs Park & Protect
Bay Bluffs Park is an expansive waterfront park and preserves with picturesque views close to a scenic freeway with virtually a full mile of boardwalks.
The pure great thing about Bay Bluffs Park exhibits new views of one in every of Florida’s oldest cities. The park and protect are infamous for beautiful bluffs overlooking Escambia Bay and Pensacola Bay collide.
The historic significance of those bluffs extends to when Don Tristan De Luna first arrived in Pensacola Bay in 1559 and pinpointed a pink bluff for his anchorage level. And in 1992, a Sixteenth-century galleon was found by archaeologists close to the bluffs!
- Deal with: 3400 Scenic Hwy, Pensacola, FL 32503, United States
- Hours: 6 am – 6 pm
- Price: Free
10) Interact Younger Minds At Pensacola MESS Corridor
A hands-on, interactive science museum downtown, the Pensacola MESS Corridor strives to encourage curiosity in younger minds by way of partaking exploration of the sciences.
Not like your typical science museum, the Pensacola MESS Corridor doesn’t use displays with deliberate outcomes. As an alternative, guests can carry out as actual scientists do to develop questions, create experiments, and set up conclusions.
This is a chance for younger minds to have interaction in complicated reasoning and take a look at their hand at tinkering to resolve issues. As some of the enjoyable issues to do in Pensacola, this can be a excellent place to convey your youngsters and people with inquisitive minds.
- Deal with: 418 E Wright St, Pensacola, FL 32502, United States
- Hours: 12 pm – 5 pm Tuesday – Friday, 10 am – 5 pm Saturday, Closed Sunday/Monday)
- Price: $12
11) Step By way of Historical past At The Historic Pensacola Village
On the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations, the Historic Pensacola Village is a downtown space of historic significance that includes buildings and museums courting from the colonial to WWII period. You may expertise greater than 450 years of American historical past on this village!
Throughout the Historic Pensacola Village are 28 properties, established in varied architectural designs, together with Folks Victorian and French Creole, that lie inside what as soon as have been the unique Spanish and British forts.
Within the village, you possibly can study native west Florida historical past and go to historic buildings, such because the Outdated Christ Church, one of many oldest surviving church buildings within the state.
Typically known as Outdated Pensacola Village, exploring this stunning space is among the most enjoyable actions for historical past lovers!
- Deal with: 205 E Zaragoza St, Pensacola, FL 32502, United States
- Hours: 10 am – 4 pm Tuesday – Saturday
- Price: $12
12) See Albino Alligators At The Gulf Breeze Zoo
Solely a 30-minute drive from Pensacola, the Gulf Breeze Zoo is house to greater than 900 unique animal species sourced from throughout the globe, together with orangutans and the Western lowland gorillas.
Take the safari line practice to get distinctive viewpoints of the animals of their habitats, or get pleasure from a slow-paced stroll alongside the zoo’s boardwalk to take your time studying about these intriguing species.
Rise up shut and private with species such because the albino alligator at one of many animal encounters. Or watch the animals in all their splendor through the animal feedings. And positively don’t miss out on going by way of the Budgiery Journey Aviary!
The aviary permits guests to see colourful budgerigars, nicknamed budgies, as they flit concerning the aviary in search of snacks that may be bought on the Gulf Breeze Zoo reward store.
- Deal with: 5701 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze, FL 32563, United States
- Hours: 9 am – 5 pm
- Price: $27.95
13) Bear in mind The Fallen At The Veterans Memorial Park Of Pensacola
The Veterans Memorial Park of Pensacola has honored United States heroes for over thirty years, established as a spot of remembrance, studying, therapeutic, and celebration.
Receiving greater than 100,000 guests yearly, the Veterans Memorial Park of Pensacola options greater than 750 bricks within the stroll of honor. It hosts 12 monuments to honor the fallen heroes, together with the Minuteman Memorial, the Persian Gulf Warfare Memorial, and the World Warfare on Terror Memorial.
The Veterans Memorial Park of Pensacola is positioned downtown, scenically constructed alongside the Bayfront Parkway.
After the park, take a look at the close by Plaza De Luna or watch some minor league baseball at a Pensacola Blue Wahoos Recreation. There are many cool issues to do on this space of downtown!
- Deal with: 200 S tenth Ave, Pensacola, FL 32502, United States
- Hours: 6 am – 10 pm
- Price: Free
Learn subsequent: The 21 Greatest Issues To Do In Sarasota, Florida
14) Go For The Final Kayaking Problem At Huge Lagoon State Park
An enormous expanse of land stretching throughout the northwestern Florida coast, Huge Lagoon State Park showcases pine flatwoods and saltwater tidal marshes teeming with life.
A bunch of out of doors leisure actions are welcome at Huge Lagoon State Park, the place journey is welcome!
For a one-of-a-kind expertise, tackle the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Path. This sea kayaking journey path spans 1,515 miles throughout the water, touring round all of Florida.
Although if that doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, you possibly can nonetheless go for a mini-kayaking journey to discover the park by the water.
Huge Lagoon State Park can be house to the Nice Florida Birding and Wildlife Path. Inside the park are greater than 23 species of wood-warbler and different intriguing chook species, together with black-bellied plovers and sandpipers.
- Deal with: 12301 Gulf Seaside Hwy, Pensacola, FL 32507, United States
- Hours: 8 am till sundown
- Price: $6 per car
15) Catch A Huge One At Pensacola Seaside Pier on On line casino Seaside
The Pensacola Seaside Pier, often known as the Pensacola Seaside Gulf Pier or Fishing Pier, is among the finest issues to do in Pensacola for its family-friendly alternatives and beautiful surroundings.
Situated on On line casino Seaside, this fishing pier is the place anglers of all types flock to catch a giant one. Anticipate catches similar to noticed Seatrout, Cobia, Sheephead, Tarpon, and Redfish as you spend the day casting a line on the pier.
In the event you forgot your bait and deal with at house, Pensacola Seaside Pier has the whole lot you possibly can probably want, from rental rods to fish and drinks.
Open from dawn to sundown, heading to the pier to bask within the awe-inspiring shows of reds, pinks, and yellows makes for a cherishable second – and an amazing photo-taking alternative!
- Deal with: 41 Fort Pickens Rd #2005, Pensacola Seaside, FL 32561, United States
- Hours: 6 am – 4:45 pm
- Price: $1
16) Race To Your Coronary heart’s Content material At Quick Eddies Enjoyable Middle
Among the best issues to do in Pensacola for households, Quick Eddies Enjoyable Middle is a recreation attraction that includes a tropical-themed mini-golf and a boisterous arcade.
The recreation middle welcomes all ages and is devoted to offering an inexpensive, protected, family-friendly exercise. Quick Eddies Enjoyable Middle boasts 4 go-kart tracks to race mates, household, and strangers to your coronary heart’s content material.
For little ones, these enigmatic racers can take part within the Junior Racers to check their abilities or be part of an grownup for a double-ride go-kart on the opposite observe.
Check your gaming abilities on the Recreation Room to win tickets to trade for top-notch prizes. Or, play a spherical of Funtastic Mini-Golf at Quick Eddies Enjoyable Middle’s enjoyable, tropical-themed course. Both manner, enjoyable is assured at Quick Eddies Enjoyable Middle!
- Deal with: 505 W Michigan Ave, Pensacola, FL 32505, United States
- Hours: 3 pm – 9 pm Monday – Thursday, 3 pm – 10 pm Friday, 11 am – 10 pm Saturday, 11 am – 9 pm Sunday
- Price: Costs differ based mostly on attraction, examine the web site for more information
17) Trip On Santa Rosa Island
Situated off the coast of northwest Florida, Santa Rosa Island is a barrier island lower than 20 minutes from Pensacola.
As one of many largest barrier islands within the nation, visiting this island is hands-down among the finest issues to do in Pensacola. The island is infamous for its ultimate year-round climate, pure wonders, historic sights, and leisure.
The island is house to 3 seashore communities linked to the mainland with bridges, most of that are a part of the protected Gulf Islands Nationwide Seashore.
These embody Navarre Seaside, Pensacola Seaside, and Okaloosa Island, that are connected to Navarre, Pensacola, and Destin.
On Pensacola Seaside, you possibly can tackle a boatload of actions (pun meant!), together with this scenic boat tour throughout the turquoise waters of Pensacola Seaside as your USCG licensed captain wows with info tidbits of historic and wildlife factors of curiosity alongside the way in which.
18) Test Out The Pensacola Graffiti Bridge
In the event you’re in search of some cool, colourful road artwork, the Pensacola Grafitti Bridge is an epic location positioned downtown.
Open 24/7 and free to go to, this vibrant attraction showcases one of the best of the native artists within the space. The bridge itself was inbuilt 1888, so it’s a historic spot in addition to inventive.
You solely want a short while right here to soak up all of the paintings, however you possibly can simply match this spot into your strolling tour of Pensacola!
- Deal with: N seventeenth Ave, Pensacola, FL 32502, United States
19) Choose From A Jar Of Leisure Choices Alongside The Seville Historic District
The Seville Historic District, additionally known as the Pensacola Historic District, is a spirited neighborhood that hosts festive occasions such because the Pensacola Seafood Competition and the Pensacola JazzFest. This all happens throughout the historic Seville Sq., a 1752 Spanish outpost.
A everlasting settlement was established throughout the district from survivors who tried to choose Santa Rosa Island. Sadly, the survivor’s island was destroyed after a hurricane hit the island in 1752.
Alongside the Seville Historic District are leisure, eating, and procuring choices. An evening out right here is among the most enjoyable actions in Pensacola!
Go to Rosie O’Grady’s for his or her well-liked sing-along Duelling Piano Present. Go dancing at Phineas Phogg’s Balloon Works, a two-story dance membership. Seize meals at Lili Marlene’s, a World Warfare I Aviator’s pub that includes weekend stay music and karaoke on weekdays.
Dive into extra Florida historical past in St. Augustine, the oldest metropolis in America!
20) Go For A Swim At Perdido Key State Park
Discovered on a barrier island about 15 miles from Pensacola, Perdido Key State Park is a tropical wonderland with sprawling sand dunes speckled with sea oats.
Perdido Key State Park is a well-liked spot for vacationers and locals, which is among the finest issues to do in Pensacola for anybody who likes to soak within the solar and dip within the water. In the event you’ve ever tried your hand at surf fishing, that is one other favourite exercise on the park.
All through Perdido Key State Park are endangered and threatened species that ought to be respectfully left alone. These embody nesting sea turtles, nesting shorebirds, and the Perdido Key seashore mouse.
- Deal with: 15301 Perdido Key Dr, Pensacola, FL 32507, United States
- Hours: 8 am – 7:30 pm
- Price: $3 per car
21) View The Historic Fort Barrancas
Fort Barrancas, often known as Fort San Carlos de Barrancas, is a Nationwide Historic Landmark and historic navy fort. It’s discovered throughout the Naval Air Station, constructed across the historic fort.
The fort represents the legacy of homeland protection in early America, established strategically excessive on the bluff with optimum views of Pensacola Bay. It took six million bricks to finish the development of Fort Barrancas, which was formally accomplished in 1844.
Fort Barrancas’s function was to defend the bay from international invasion. The one motion the fort ever noticed was through the American Civil Warfare.
- Deal with: 3182 Taylor Rd, Pensacola, FL 32508, United States
- Hours: 9 am – 4:15 pm Saturdays and Sundays
- Price: $15 per individual or $25 per car (Nationwide park entrance charges are good for 7 days)
Learn subsequent: 24 Thrilling Issues To Do In Orlando, Florida
The place to Keep in Pensacola, Florida
Now that you understand one of the best issues to do in Pensacola, let’s take a look at one of the best locations to remain! There are glorious choices to go well with vacationers of all budgets.
Greatest Low cost Lodge in Pensacola
Ideally positioned on Pensacola Seaside, Surf & Sand Lodge is inside strolling distance of a number of the finest Pensacola actions. Begin the day by taking one of many complimentary kayaks on Little Sabine Bay or floating within the resort’s pool to catch some rays.
Company are in a position to make use of free kayaks, paddleboards, floats, ice, and Wi-Fi for the last word keep in Pensacola!
Greatest Mid-Vary Lodge in Pensacola
Start the day with recent breakfast each morning at Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Pensacola West I-10 earlier than heading out to discover all Pensacola has to supply.
Then, inside easy accessibility to Pensacola Seaside, you’ll be headed house with a much-needed tan and loads of cherishable recollections to recollect the journey by. There are many different Pensacola sights close by as nicely, making it a brilliant handy place to remain.
Greatest Luxurious Lodge in Pensacola
Oyster Bay Boutique Lodge, the place the world is your oyster, is positioned completely downtown close to all the highest Pensacola sights. This luxury and charming resort promotes an unequalled stick with the glowing bay to at least one aspect and the historic district of downtown Pensacola to the opposite.
DISCLAIMER: Among the hyperlinks on this article are affiliate hyperlinks, which implies in the event you e book lodging, excursions or purchase a product, we’ll obtain a small fee at no further value to you. These commissions assist us hold creating extra free journey content material to assist individuals plan their holidays and adventures. We solely advocate one of the best lodging, excursions and merchandise, and frequently overview these. Thanks in your help, form good friend!
