Pensacola: Best Things to Do

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Pensacola is a city in the western part of Florida, precisely in the Florida Panhandle.

This city has many stunning beaches with white sands, perfect to enjoy your summertime.

As a coastal city, Pensacola has rich naval heritage, one of them is the Naval Aviation Museum that is open for visitors.

Don’t forget to try the city's best seafood cuisines at nearby restaurants.

Also, try Bushwacker, Pensacola's iconic drink similar to milkshake.

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SIGHTSEEING

Coming to Pensacola without visiting its beaches will be meaningless. So, you should definitely visit at least one of the best beaches in Pensacola. Park West beach is a beautiful beach to spend your vacation. You can get tanned under the sun, build a sandcastle, or just chilling. Other than Park West, Pensacola also offers so many spots to enjoy beach life with its stunning white sand. Opal Beach and Pensacola Beach Broadwalk are just to name a few. Pensacola Beach Broadwalk has a lot of interesting things for you. You can shop, dine, relax, or just walk around on the beach feeling the warm sea breeze.

Park West

Excellent stretch of beach.

The best place to get away from the crowds at the boardwalk.

Nice place to see birds and other wildlife too since it’s near the state park.

Great place to have a fun filled day with the family.

Beautiful aqua blue water.

Address : 1340 Fort Pickens Rd, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561, United States

Pensacola Beach Broadwalk

One of the best places on earth.

Pretty beautiful and so many things to do and see.

Highly recommend Pensacola Beach.

So peaceful during the winter time.

An also super sick views.

Address : 400 Quietwater Beach Rd, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561, United States

DOWNTOWN

Fort Pickens is a must visit place in downtown Pensacola. It’s a pentagonal historical United States military fort on Santa Rosa Island. Named after American Revolutionary War hero, Andrew Pickens, this fort was completed in 1834. It was one of the few forts in the South that remained in Union hands throughout the American Civil War.

Fort Pickens

Good place to include if you are visiting Pensacola.

Its a good historic place to visit.

A really great historical fort in a unique location.

There is a small museum.

There are several areas to explore and learn and the gift shop is affordable.

Address : 1400 Fort Pickens Rd, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561, United States

SHOPPING

Known as the largest shopping center on the northwest Gulf Coast of Florida, Cordova Mall is a 928,709 square feet that is ready to spoil you, shopaholics. So many things you can enjoy, from cool clothing stores to the typical and modern foods. This is a good place to explore the modern side of the city. You can also go to Palafox Market, the best place to shop for some traditional things from Pensacola. Things you can find are fresh products like fruits and vegetables, local meat, poultry, flowers, live plants, fine arts and crafts, baked goods, and so many more. This local market is open every Saturday from 9 AM to 2 PM.

Cordova Mall

The mall is beautifully decorated for Christmas.

Great food places with a variety of choices, and make sure you check out the shoe cleaning people in center of the mall.

It is very clean and presentable with some contemporary pop music playing keeping the atmosphere light.

A good place to visit depending on what shop your looking for.

Nice food court choices, great place for children as well as safety is concerned.

Address : 5100 N 9th Ave, Pensacola, FL 32504, United States

Palafox Market

The best place to shop some traditional things from Pensacola.

Plenty of vendors and offering something for everyone.

There are so many interesting things to see.

A large variety of homemade products and collectibles, jewelry and lots of art.

Cute and scenic as well.

Address : 117 N Palafox St, Pensacola, FL 32502, United States

FOOD & DRINK

Since Florida is known for its stunning beaches, seafood becomes the most popular food in the city. You can find seafood in various restaurants or eateries. Steaks and grills are also popular. If there’s one drink you must try while you’re in Pensacola, it’s the Bushwacker. Bushwacker is basically an adult milkshake. It is made with rum, crème de cocoa, cream of coconut, and vanilla ice cream. It’s an all in one frozen cocktail .

CULTURE

Pensacola is known for its historical background, sandy white beaches, and being home to the United States Naval Air Station and the Blue Angels. This city also has rich naval heritage, from the museum to other naval attractions. As for the official language, people of Pensacola speak English to communicate.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Between mid-September to October is a good time to visit the city. This is when both spring breakers and family vacationers leave the city. The beaches, attractions, and restaurants are no more crowded during this period. Pensacola weather is also mild so it's ideal to explore the city.

HOTEL

Book your room at Holiday Inn Resort Pensacola Beach Gulf Front. This luxury resort is stood along Pensacola Beach on the Gulf of Mexico. Staying in this hotel means no googling “beaches near me,”. It's because you’re literally living beside one of the best beaches in Florida. Grab delicious dishes at the hotel’s restaurant or bar, then enjoy it with the warm breeze of Pensacola Beach weather. Other amenities like 2 hot tubs, indoor pool, a lazy river pool, and a complimentary parking are also available. The breakfast is free, also a private beach area with a bar is ready to visit. You can also book a room at Days Inn by Wyndham Pensacola - Historic Downtown. This hotel has a cozy Mexican restaurant and bar, a seasonal outdoor pool, a hot tub, along with a fitness room to keep your body in shape. Every room is equipped with Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and other excellent amenities. A patio and a BBQ area are also ready to entertain your stay.

Holiday Inn Resort Pensacola Beach Gulf Front

Staying in this hotel means no googling “beaches near me,” because you’re literally living beside one of the best beaches in Florida.

Balcony room is a must.

Boardwalk across the street.

The beach access from the property and the pool area, including fire pits are great.

Holiday Inn Resort on Pensacola Beach offers a great location within walking distance to restaurants and shops.

Address : 14 Via De Luna Dr, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561, United States

Days Inn by Wyndham Pensacola - Historic Downtown

Nicely located and near everything.

It is close to downtown, NAS Pensacola, Corry Station, and Saufley Field.

Room is amazingly nice and super clean.

Their straightforward rooms come with Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and other equipment.

A patio and a BBQ area are ready to entertain your stay.

Address : 710 N Palafox St, Pensacola, FL 32501, United States

RESTAURANT

The Oar House restaurant is welcoming you with some exciting things. It’s just minutes away from downtown and overlooking the gorgeous Bahia Mar Marina. In this restaurant, you can watch the deck and boats passing by, or observe the wildlife around it. Don't miss trying their award-winning foods such as crab cakes and other fresh menus. Jackson’s Steakhouse is another good restaurant to enjoy Southern steaks. It's a refined restaurant offering premium steaks, chops, and wine in a high-ceilinged room dating to the 1860s. Not only you’re enjoying their tasty menus, you are also surrounded by history, too. This would be an exciting experience for you!

The Oar House

Great "Tiki" bar location serving delicious fried/grilled seafood.

Great environment, great vibe, beautiful view.

Highly recommend.

The food is always fresh & of exceptional quality/taste.

The service is outstanding & the waterside view is very tranquil.

Address : 1000 S Pace Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32501, United States

Jackson’s Steakhouse

A refined restaurant that’s offering premium steaks, chops, and wine in a high-ceilinged room dating to the 1860s.

Not only you’re enjoying their tasty menus.

You are surrounded by history, too.

Nightly recommend.

Great atmosphere and superb waiter.

Address : 400 S Palafox St, Pensacola, FL 32502, United States

CAFE

Enjoy many options of pastries, cakes food, and drinks at Coffee Guy Cafe. Besides these goodies, coffee is the cafe's signature. Other good things about the cafe are the strategic location, friendly staff, good prices, and quality of service. The room is comfortably stylish, making it a good choice to spend the day in the city. Another good recommendation for cafe is Adonna’s Garden St Cafe and Bakery. The cafe has been in the business for over 40 years. Three generations of bakery and food service experience is what they offer. Warm and friendly service, great vibes, yummy pastries are some other good things are also offered. This place is a good spot to sit back, relax, and to enjoy Southern hospitality in a house-like settings.

Coffee Guy Cafe

Beside these goodies, coffee is their signature.

Other good things about the cafe are convenient location, friendly staff, good prices, and quality of service.

The room is comfortably stylish.

Their prices are great and their quality of service.

It is super clean inside and the staff is amazing.

Address : 6700 N Davis Hwy, Pensacola, FL 32504, United States

Adonna’s Garden St Cafe and Bakery

The cafe has been in the business for over 40 years.

Three generations of bakery and food service experience is what they offer.

Warm and friendly service, great vibes, yummy pastries are some other good things that’s offered.

A good spot to sit back and relax.

Adorable little bakery with delightful treats and a cozy atmosphere.

Address : 811 W Garden St, Pensacola, FL 32502, United States

BAR AND NIGHTLIFE

If you happen to throw a party, a wedding, or corporate event, Vinyl Music Hall is ready to accommodate and help you out. This funky ballroom is set for performances by either regional or national bands and acts. With the support of the high-quality sound system and its venue, we can make sure you will have the best night. Not only that, the location is right in the city center. You can also spend your night at Seville Quarter. This club has existed since 1967. It offers you great portions of Dixieland jazz. There are seven rooms with different themes and atmosphere. An outdoor concert venue, a spacious banquet, a pool hall, dance club, dining, bar options, and many other things to make your night special. Casino Beach Bar & Grill is another favorite spot for a fun day/night out. As one of the best spots in Pensacola Fl, this laid-back spot is located by a beach and pier. Beach recliners are ready for relaxation while drinking and enjoying live music.

Vinyl Music Hall

This funky ballroom is set for performances by a wide variety of regional and national bands and acts.

With the support of the phenomenal sound system and its intimate venue.

You are guaranteed to have the best night.

The location is right in the downtown of Pensacola Florida.

It also has a lot of arts.

Address : 2 S Palafox St, Pensacola, FL 32502, United States

Seville Quarter

This club has been proudly standing since 1967.

Fun place, in classic historic downtown Pensacola.

Definitely a hot spot for the weekends and gallery night.

Literally there is a bar for every type of crowd, bar tenders know how to fix a drink, and a place to laugh and hang out.

An outdoor concert venue, a spacious banquet, a pool hall, dance club, dining, bar options, and many other things to make your night special.

Address : 130 E Government St, Pensacola, FL 32502, United States

Casino Beach Bar & Grille

Great beach exterior dining on a sunny day.

As one of the best spots in Pensacola Fl, this laid-back spot is nestled by a beach and pier.

Beach recliners are ready for relaxation while drinking and enjoying live bands.

Amazing view right on the beach and outside seating.

Amazing spot to have a quick bite and a refreshing cocktail.

Address : 41 Fort Pickens Rd, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561, United States

INTERESTING PLACE

Explore what the National Naval Aviation Museum has to offer. This museum is known as the world’s largest Naval Aviation museum and one of the most visited museums in the state of Florida. Come and share the excitement of its rich history and see more than 150 beautifully restored aircraft representing Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Aviation. No admission is needed, which means you can explore freely. It is open at 9 AM to 5 PM. If you want to see life actions, dramas, comedies, or musicals performances, Pensacola Little Theater is here for you to give the best performances. This non-profit community organization is providing theatrical experiences that entertain, enrich, and educate adults and children who live in or visit Northwest Florida. Make sure to visit Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum before you leave the city. It's an old lighthouse that offers tours, beautiful views from the top, and a museum showcasing local history.

Naval Aviation Museum

Great historical exhibit of all forms of Navel Aircraft.

One of the most visited museums in the state of Florida.

Its rich history and see more than 150 beautifully restored aircraft representing Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Aviation.

It is a large place to visit.

The museum staff are friendly and helpful.

Address : 1878 S Blue Angel Pkwy, Pensacola, FL 32508, United States

Pensacola Little Theater

Such a great addition to the downtown scene for family fun, a girl's day, or date night.

This is a great location for local theatre.

Wonderful local theaters, excellent performances.

Children's theatre, adult theatre, and fun bouts of singing, dancing, and acting in well loved musicals.

Cute little theater with a gimmicky.

Address : 400 S Jefferson St, Pensacola, FL 32502, United States

Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum

This place is definitely a must-see for everyone at least once.

There are many little lessons to learn about boats.

They will teach you,how to navigate to shore from a boat, and explains how lighthouses work.

It consists of 177 stairs.

It gives you a beautiful view of the base, airfield, and the beaches.

Address : 2081 Radford Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32508, United States

INSTAGRAMMABLE SPOT

Make sure to spend family time and have fun at the Pensacola Interstate Fair. This Pensacola fair is the largest and most exciting event held on the Gulf Coast. Things you can enjoy include over 60 rides, top-name entertainers, lots of entertaining, educational exhibits, and a lot of food. The variety of lighting in this place would be a stunning object for your Instagram photos. There’s always something new to do in this fair. Another Instagrammable spot is Perdido Key State Park. It is the best place to enjoy white sand beach. Gorgeous white sand and rolling dunes covered with sea oats make this park a favorite destination for swimmers and sunbathers. This state park is open from 8 AM until sunset. You need to pay USD3 if you bring your vehicle. This park is a good spot to capture some of the best landscapes of the city.

Pensacola Interstate Fair

This Pensacola fair is the largest and most exciting event held on the Gulf Coast.

Things you can enjoy are over 60 rides, top-name entertainers.

Educational exhibits, and a lot of food.

There are a lot of exibits to see & things to do.

The variety of lightings of this place would be a stunning object for your photos.

Address : 6655 Mobile Hwy, Pensacola, FL 32526, United States

Perdido Key State Park

Perdido Key State Park is the best way to enjoy white sand beaches.

Gorgeous white sand and rolling dunes covered with sea oats make this park a favorite destination.

This park is a good spot to capture some of the best landscapes of the city.

This State Park is a beach access with bath houses.

It has two entrances approximately a mile apart on the beach Blvd.

Address : 15301 Perdido Key Dr, Pensacola, FL 32507, United States