Pensacola, a beachside Florida city, offers more than beautiful shores. In fact, this gem has many attractions for visitors. To begin with, let’s explore top spots and activities for your trip.
See also: Best places to visit in Florida USA
For instance, balance beach time with local food and exciting attractions. By the same token, this guide helps you enjoy Pensacola. We list our favorite places from our recent visit.
With this in mind, check out the best things to do in Pensacola Florida below. These ideas will help plan your Sunshine State trip. Enjoy this charming coastal city!
Top 10 Things To Do In Pensacola
1. Pensacola beach
Pensacola’s beach is a major visitor attraction. Without a doubt, its white sand stretch is breathtaking. Although popular, the vast expanse ensures you’ll never feel crowded.
The beach extends-for-miles, offering private spots. It’s a short drive from down town, perfect for a day-trip. It’s one of the best things to do in Pensacola Beach for Florida coastline explorers, rivaling even the Florida Keys.
See also: 10 things to do in Fort Lauderdale
Additionally, some of Pensacola’s best hotels are beachfront. Request a sea-facing room for beautiful sunset and sunrise views.
For a change of pace, stroll along Pensacola Beach Boardwalk. Additionally, try local restaurants like Red Fish Blue Fish, known for BBQ shrimp. This waterfront area offers relaxation and dining options.
2. National Naval Aviation Museum
Near the lighthouse, there’s this other cool spot – the Navy’s flying museum. It’s got all sorts of planes from way back when to now.
For example, they’ve crammed in over 150 old flying machines. One that’s pretty neat is this F-100 thingy. Looks like something outta Star Wars, I swear.
But it ain’t just about gawking at dusty planes. They’ve got stuff you can play with too. Wanna feel like Top Gun? Try the flight thingey – just don’t barf!
See also: 15 things to do in Miami Florida
Pro tip: If ya wanna see it all properly, reckon on spending a few hours there. Trust me, time flies when you’re having fun (pun intended, ha!).
Without a doubt, if you’re into planes and such, this is one of the best things to do in Pensacola FL. Even so, if engines and wings ain’t your thing, bet you’ll still dig it. Place is chock-full of surprises.
By the way, bring comfy shoes. Your dogs’ll be barking after all that walking around. Oh, and don’t forget to hit the gift shop – got some nifty gear there, reminiscent of the historic sites in the Florida Keys.
3. Fort Pickens National Park
West of Pensacola Beach is Fort Pickens National Park. It blends history and natural beauty. It’s one of the best things to do in Pensacola this weekend for history and coastline fans.
First, explore Fort Pickens itself. This historic site dates to the 1800s. After that, head to Langdon Beach for beach time.
In comparison to Pensacola Beach, Langdon Beach is often quieter. Fort Pickens National Park offers history and relaxation on a less crowded shore.
See also: Things to do in the Florida Keys
4. Pensacola Dolphin Cruise
So, ya ever been to Pensacola? Lemme tell ya, it’s a real gem on Florida’s coast. For a unique experience, try a dolphin and snorkeling cruise. It offers two activities in one trip.
You know what’s neat? These boat rides ain’t just about puttering around. Nah, you’re out there playing hide and seek with all sorts of critters in the water. I almost fell outta the boat when a dolphin popped up right next to us!
Generally, these outings last a couple hours or so. You’ll be zipping ’round Pensacola Bay and some islands nearby. And get this – you ain’t stuck with some random Joe steering the boat. They got a proper USCG licensed Captain showing you the ropes.
I gotta say, if you’re making a list of things to do in Pensacola FL, this dolphin tour oughta be right at the top. It’s like… what’s the word… a triple threat! You get your kicks, learn some stuff, and view nature all at once.
Oh, and don’t forget to bring a waterproof camera if ya got one. Them dolphins are real show-offs when they know you’re watching!
See also: Best places to visit in Florida USA
5. Big Lagoon State Park
Big Lagoon State Park covers 700 acres. It’s one of the top things to do in Pensacola Florida for a break from the city.
For instance, at the park, visit Grand Lagoon. You can paddle board or walk the boardwalks and viewpoints. The park offers a change from urban and beach scenes.
In addition, this natural area provides a unique experience. Its size and ecosystems attract nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The park showcases a different side of Pensacola’s appeal.
If your seeking things to do in Pensacola this week-end, consider Big Lagoon State-Park. It’s also one of the best things to do in Pensacola FL for out-door adventure-fans.
6. Seville Historic District
Fancy a trip to Pensacola’s historic areas? Visit the Seville Historic District downtown. This charming area is perfect for strolling.
While here, explore old buildings and quaint shops. Be sure to visit the History and Art museums. These spots offer escape from midday heat.
See also: 10 things to do in Fort Lauderdale
For a tasty break, try Juan’s Flying Burrito. It serves great burritos. It’s one of the delicious things to do in Pensacola this weekend for food lovers!
Similarly, Seville Historic District blends history, culture, and cuisine. It’s ideal for experiencing Pensacola’s charm beyond beaches.
7. Pensacola Lighthouse
When exploring the region, visit the 1850s Pensacola Lighthouse. It’s a historic landmark and must-see among the best things to do in Pensacola Florida.
You can visit the maritime museum and enjoy the views of the bay. What’s more, the area hosts the Pensacola Museum of Art.
If art isn’t your interest, attend a concert. To put it another way, Pensacola Bay Center and Saenger Theatre offer year-round performances.
This mix of history, art, and entertainment provides varied options. In fact, for things to do in Pensacola this weekend, these attractions are good choices. To sum up, Pensacola offers attractions for history, culture, and music fans, ranking it among the top things to do in Pensacola Florida.
See also: 15 things to do in Miami Florida
8. Sanders Beach
Sanders Beach is a charming Pensacola area worth visiting. However, it’s not for major beach experiences. Its cozy beach can’t match Pensacola Beach’s vast sands.
Nevertheless, this area is great for strolling and dining. For instance, The Oar House serves tasty tuna and spicy Bloody Marys. It’s one of the tastiest things to do in Pensacola.
Not far away, find Emerald Republic Brewing. This spot offers excellent local and seasonal ales.
Additionally, Sanders Beach compensates with food and drink offerings. Experience local flavours in a quieter Pensacola setting.
9. Pensacola Beach Ball Tower
The Pensacola Beach Ball Tower is a prominent landmark at the beach entrance. While not complex, it’s worth noting.
During summer months, look for concerts, stalls, and exhibits nearby. These events add excitement to your visit.
Without a doubt, seeing the Beach Ball Tower is one of the iconic things to do in Pensacola Beach. It’s a simple yet memorable experience.
This landmark is central for beach activities and events. It’s great for orientation and catching local entertainment. Much like the iconic sights in Miami, it’s a must-see for visitors.
See also: Things to do in the Florida Keys
10. Galvez Statue of Pensacola
If you’re interested in Galvez’s 1700s British defeat, see the Galvez Statue. However, plan a brief 5-minute visit when you’re nearby.
After your history lesson, try Five Sisters Blues Cafe for southern dishes. Their gumbo stands out. It’s one of the tastiest things to do in Pensacola FL for food fans.
Indeed by combining history and food, explore Pensacola’s past and present. This pairing balances city heritage and modern cuisine. It’s an experience that rivals the cultural offerings of Fort Lauderdale.
Travel Resources For Things to Do in Pensacola
Travel Insurance for Florida
Buying insurance is always valuable when travelling abroad. Therefore, enjoy your holiday in Florida stress-free with one of my favourite providers, Ekta Insurance
Renting a Car in Florida
Indeed, renting a car in Florida is easy and is a great way to explore Florida freely. Consequently, I recommend booking yours with Rentalcars.com – they offer a variety of operators for all budgets.
Finding the Perfect Accommodation
The best way to book your accommodation in Florida is with Booking.com. In fact, it’s my go to site to compare and reserve places to stay each night, from affordable guesthouses to luxury hotels.
Booking Flights to Florida
Lastly, for air travel, I recommend booking your flight with Omio. Moreover, it has been my favourite platform for years, as it allows me to book the cheapest flights to visit Florida.
