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Pensacola is a vibrant city perched on the Gulf of Mexico. This Florida gem offers something for every visitor, offering lush national parks, world-class shopping, eclectic dining, and some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. If you’re wondering what to do on your upcoming trip to the Florida Panhandle, here are the 16 best things to do in Pensacola, Florida.
1. Have an Outdoor Adventure at Big Lagoon State Park
Photo Credit: Krista Hardin
Big Lagoon is located between Pensacola Bay and Perdido Key and is a huge body of water offering lots to see and do. Visitors can explore beaches, flatwoods, and tidal marshes, or simply sit back and enjoy the sight of migratory birds swooping through the lush landscape. Boardwalks make it easy to explore safely on land, or you can hire a paddleboard or kayak and get out on the water for a different vantage point.
2. Watch a Race at Five Flags Speedway
Five Flags is considered one of the country’s best short tracks and has been hosting a regular racing season since 1953. Watching daredevil drivers zoom around the half-mile track is thrilling — don’t forget your earplugs, as the noise of the engines can be overwhelming. If you’re visiting in December, don’t miss the flagship NASCAR event.
3. Enjoy Some Retail Therapy
Photo Credit: Benjamin Schaefer
Pensacola is home to malls, major fashion brands, and unique boutiques, making it a great place to shop ‘til you drop. Here are some of our favorite places to splurge.
Palafox Street
This street is considered the heart of the city and boasts a charming mix of French, British, and Spanish architecture. Head here for an afternoon of shopping then stick around for an evening of fine dining and theater at one of the many great establishments on this strip.
Pensacola Beach Boardwalk
Pensacola Beach Boardwalk is lined with a fantastic array of shops, boutiques, and restaurants, and you can buy everything from beach essentials to arts and crafts. Several tour providers also operate from here and offer activities such as dolphin cruises and motorized watersports.
Palafox Market
This open-air farmers market takes place every Saturday and is where locals go to buy fruits, vegetables, flowers, and much more. Head here to soak up the vibe and pick up a souvenir or two.
4. Pensacola Children’s Museum
If you plan to visit Pensacola with kids in tow, don’t miss the Children’s Museum. Located in the Historic Pensacola Village, this museum is aimed at kids and offers fun, interactive exhibitions about the city’s rich past. Visitors can learn about 450 years of Floridian history, including colonial times and Native American history, as well as lots of interesting facts about the natural wonders of the Gulf Coast.
If you’re looking for cultural activities or need a break from the Florida sun, other notable museums in Pensacola include the Pensacola Lighthouse and Maritime Museum and the Pensacola Museum of Art.
5. Take a City Ferry Tour
For a different view of the city, take a hop-on-hop-off ferry tour. Claim your seat on the catamaran-style boat and cruise along the coastline to explore Downtown Pensacola while taking in incredible views of Pensacola Bay.
Some itineraries also head to historic Fort Pickens, situated at the western tip of Santa Rosa Island and one of the most important Gulf Islands National Seashore landmarks. Guided tours of the fort are available for those who’d like to learn more about its role in the Civil War.
6. See the Blue Angels
Photo Credit: Eliyahu Yosef Parypa
Pensacola has two annual airshows that feature the U.S. Navy Blue Angels — one in July and one in November. If you’re in town during either of the shows, be sure not to miss it. If you aren’t, try to see them practicing instead.
The National Naval Aviation Museum at the Naval Air Station has a viewing platform where visitors can watch pilots practice over the impressive Fort Barrancas perched on the bluff. Head inside the museum itself to test out your air-to-air combat skills on the flight simulators and learn about the history of the Blue Angels.
7. Walk the Perdido Key Discovery Trail
Photo Credit: Beach Images
The Perdido Key Discovery Trail is the only marked trail at Johnson Beach and is an accessible and enjoyable place for a walk among nature. The trail is made up of boardwalks and is accessible to all visitors, including those in wheelchairs.
The trail begins in a maritime pine forest and takes walkers through a magnificent live oak habitat. There are plenty of viewpoints from which the salt marshes can be seen, and birdwatchers should bring their binoculars for a chance to spot a migratory bird species or two.
8. Go Snorkeling
Pensacola has endless turquoise water and three colorful reefs to explore, so snorkeling is an extremely popular activity here. All the equipment you need can be rented locally, or you can join a tour if you’d rather not go alone. Don’t miss the reef down Via Deluna Drive — it has more than ten cylinders sticking up from the seabed, and you might even spot sea turtles here!
9. Take a Day Trip Out of the City
Photo Credit: Allard One
Being based in Pensacola provides easy access to some other fantastic U.S. cities. Here are some of the best spots for a fun day trip to remember that are a short drive away.
Mobile, Alabama
Mobile is less than an hour from Pensacola and is a rich, cultural port city with plenty to see and do. As the birthplace of Mardi Gras, there are festivals to enjoy each year that rival New Orleans’. The WWII-era USS Alabama battleship is anchored here and is a fascinating place to visit if you’re interested in America’s military history. There’s a great cafe and restaurant scene, too.
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Just 2.5 hours northwest of Florida is Hattiesburg. This small, vibrant city showcases the best of Mississippi’s rich southern culture, and there are more than enough galleries, museums, and dining establishments to make it a great day out.
Panama City
Panama City is two hours east of Pensacola and is known for its white sand beaches, fantastic surf, and unspoiled nature. Check out St Andrews State Park for hiking, snorkeling, and fishing, or head out on a cruise to spot sandy offshore islands. Don’t leave before taking a spin on the SkyWheel.
10. Catch a Game at the Blue Wahoos Stadium
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos are a Minor League baseball team, and catching a game at their 5,000-seater stadium is one of the most fun things to do in the city. The atmosphere is electrifying, and the team’s passionate fans bring the stadium to life during every game. The sweeping views of the bay behind the outfield are pretty impressive, too.
11. Go on a City Bike Tour
Discover the best of Pensacola on two wheels by taking a bike tour of the city. There are many itineraries and bike-based outdoor activities available, from quaint cruises to pretty neighborhoods and the must-see Pensacola attractions to more thrilling off-road trails through dense woodland. Bike rentals are available, or you can ride your own.
12. Go Birding at Perdido Key State Park
Photo Credit: Cheri Alguire
Perdido Key State Park is an oasis of calm and is where you’ll find some of the region’s best beaches for swimming, shelling, and surfing. It’s also a great spot for birdwatching! Expect to see various species of herons, gulls, and plovers, plus seasonal wintering birds, including loons, black skimmers, mergansers, and gannets.
13. Test Your Balance on a SUP
The calm waters of the Gulf Coast are well suited to stand-up paddleboarding, and even if you’ve never tried it before, you can give it a go safely here. Deadman’s Island is a lesser-known spot for SUP and is ideal for all ability levels. Positioned just off the shores of Gulf Breeze, it’s only accessible by boat and makes a great half-day trip.
14. Get to Know Pensacola’s Nightlife
Photo Credit: James Kirkikis
Many visitors think of Pensacola as a fun-packed daytime destination, but there’s plenty to do once the sun goes down. Whether you’re looking for world-class cocktails, theater performances, epic live music, or piano bars, you’ll find it here. These are some of the best-rated spots to let your hair down at once night falls.
Seville Quarter
The Seville Quarter was named during Spain’s control of the city in the 1700s and is the best venue for a Pensacola party to remember. There are seven themed rooms to explore, with dedicated areas for casual cocktails, electronic dance parties, and even a pool hall.
Vinyl Music Hall
Vinyl Music Hall is a great spot for live music and entertainment. Here you can expect to see everything from national and regional bands, performing arts, and stand-up comedy. Check the schedule ahead of your trip to see what’s happening while you’re in town.
Dueling Piano Show
This unique piano show is one of the best entertainment experiences in the city and is guaranteed to be a night to remember. Taking place at Rosie O’Grady’s inside the Seville Quarter, the show features singers and showmen as well as four pianists and is a whirlwind performance. Catch the show every night of the week — the extensive menu makes Rosie’s a great spot for dinner and drinks, too.
Saenger Theatre
For Broadway-standard plays, musical tribute acts, and musicals galore, Saenger Theatre is our top pick. This stunning venue has a jam-packed program of shows and events, so take a look at what’s on during your visit and be sure to book your tickets in advance.
15. Explore the Waterways in a Glowing Kayak
Kayaking is a popular pursuit in Pensacola, but did you know that you can head out in a glowing kayak after dark? These transparent kayaks light up so you can gaze at the waters below you as you cruise along the Floridian waterways. Glowing stand-up paddleboards are also available if preferred.
16. Experience Foo Foo Fest
Photo Credit: Beach Images
If you visit Pensacola in fall you’ll have the chance to take part in the city’s 12-day Foo Foo Fest celebration. Named for the 19th-century term that refers to a spontaneous band of musicians, this cultural event delivers a jam-packed program of music, arts, and cultural events that celebrate Pensacola’s rich heritage.
There’s So Much to Do in Pensacola, Florida
As you can see, you’ll never be short of wonderful things to do in Pensacola. Whether you’re looking to relax on white sand beaches, get to know Florida’s rich cultural heritage, or party after dark, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for here in Pensacola.
