Pensacola is a city in the westernmost part of Florida. It is located near the Gulf of Mexico and its beautiful beaches. Many people visit Pensacola because of its scenic nature and outdoor activities. The city also has a rich history and culture.
It is called ‘The City of the Five Flags’ because it was ruled by different nations at different times. The Seville Historic District is a great place to explore old buildings. There are also many museums and forts in the area. One of the best things to do in Pensacola is to visit the bright white beaches along the Gulf Islands National Seashore.
You can also visit the nearby resort town of Pensacola Beach, which offers many amenities and entertainment options.
12. Gulf Islands National Seashore
If you’re looking for beautiful beaches and untouched nature, you absolutely have to visit the stunning Gulf Islands National Seashore. This collection of peaceful barrier islands stretches for over 150 miles and features incredible white sand, clear water, and breathtaking views of the sea.
These islands are wonderfully untouched and undeveloped, stretching from Cat Island in Mississippi to Santa Rosa Island near Pensacola. Some parts of the seashore are protected areas for wildlife and historical sites, while others are designated for recreational activities or state parks.
Along the sparkling Gulf of Mexico, you can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and a variety of other water sports. Additionally, you can hike, bike, and camp in the picturesque coastal dunes, forests, and wetlands.
11. National Naval Aviation Museum
Just next door, you’ll find the National Naval Aviation Museum, a fantastic place with a large collection of military aircraft. You can wander around and explore not only the shiny jets and vintage planes, but also plenty of interesting artifacts and exhibits.
The museum is located at the Naval Air Station, which is the oldest and most important base of its kind in the country. This is where the US Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard officers receive their training. The famous flight demonstration squadron called the Blue Angels also practices here.
Inside the museum, you’ll see around 150 well-preserved planes that showcase the history and evolution of naval aviation. Alongside them, there are fascinating old artifacts, uniforms, and other memorabilia.
Besides exploring the exhibits, you can also have some fun with the flight simulators and even get the chance to see the Blue Angels flying overhead.
10. Fort Barrancas
Fort Barrancas, located on a hill overlooking Pensacola Bay, was built to protect the area. It has interesting views and was built by different countries over time. It was first built in 1698, but the current fort with thick walls was built in 1844.
Visitors can explore its large interior and walk along its well-preserved fortifications. The visitor center provides more information about the fort’s role in conflicts with models, maps, and memorabilia.
9. Fort Pickens
One of the interesting historic sites in Pensacola is the Fort Pickens, located at the entrance of Pensacola Bay. Built in 1834, this fort was originally meant to protect the harbor and is now open for exploration. You can take tours around the fortifications, including the old batteries and barracks.
Fort Pickens is part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore and has a unique pentagonal shape. It has a fascinating history, as it was involved in the Civil War and even held Geronimo during the Indian Wars. While it was reinforced for World War II, it never actually saw any use.
Today, Fort Pickens is a popular tourist destination where visitors can walk around the thick walls and admire the large gun turrets. There are informational plaques throughout the area that provide more details about its history.
8. Blue Wahoos Ballpark
Not far from the district, you can find the Blue Wahoos Ballpark, which is a popular attraction in the city. This beautiful open-air stadium is located by the bay and hosts minor league baseball games, concerts, and other events. The stadium is part of the Vince J. Whibbs Sr. Community Maritime Park and was built in 2012.
You can enjoy great views of the baseball field and the bay from the seats, and watch the players from the Blue Wahoos and their opponents up close. Even though it’s not a big stadium, the atmosphere is lively with enthusiastic fans supporting the Double-A affiliate team of the Miami Marlins.
During the warmer winter months, many other major league baseball teams visit Florida to play and practice before the new season starts.
7. Saenger Theatre
Located in downtown Pensacola, the Saenger Theatre is a magnificent venue for shows, concerts, and films. With its stunning Spanish Baroque-style exterior, it is easily recognizable. Since its opening in 1925, the theater has been referred to as the “Grand Dame of Palafox” and has been home to a variety of events.
Initially hosting Vaudeville-type roadshows and Broadway plays, it later featured silent screen classics before closing in 1975. Fortunately, the theater underwent renovations and reopened to the delight of locals and tourists.
Today, the Saenger Theatre showcases not only concerts and comedy nights, but also impressive plays, dance shows, and orchestra ensembles.
6. Seville Historic District
If you want to learn more about the history of Pensacola, you should definitely walk around the Seville Historic District. Besides the beautiful buildings and their attractive architecture, this area also has several museums and important landmarks.
It is also known as the Historic Pensacola Village and it covers the blocks between Plaza Ferdinand VII and Seville Square. Many cultural and community events, such as JazzFest, Seafood Festival, and Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival, happen in Seville Square.
There are about thirty historic buildings to explore in this area, and you can also visit the museums that focus on art, history, industry, and commerce. They have artifacts, exhibits, and re-enactments that show what life was like in Pensacola in the past centuries.
5. Macaw Bird Park
Just a short drive from downtown, you’ll find the Macaw Bird Park, a great place for fun family outings. This peaceful sanctuary is filled with over a hundred different kinds of exotic birds. It all started with Uncle Sandy, who began caring for injured and abandoned birds long before the park officially opened in 2013.
The park has become a home for many colorful cockatoos, parrots, peacocks, and macaws. As you explore the park’s beautiful grounds, you’ll discover each bird’s unique personality and behavior. Some of them even dance and sing, providing a delightful experience.
You’ll have the opportunity to feed and interact with the park’s friendlier birds, and capture beautiful photos of their vibrant feathers.
4. Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
Close to Fort Barrancas is another historic attraction called the Pensacola Lighthouse. The lighthouse is black and white and can be seen from far away. It also houses a Maritime Museum, and you can see incredible views from the top of its tall tower.
The lighthouse was built in 1859 and has helped guide sailors and ships in the Gulf of Mexico to Pensacola Bay. It is very tall, standing at 150 feet, and stands out among the surrounding trees. Inside the museum, you can explore the Keeper’s Quarters to learn more about the lighthouse and its illumination.
The best part is climbing the 177 steps to the observation deck, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the bay, sea, and barrier islands.
3. Perdido Key State Park
Perdido Key State Park is a beautiful place to spend time. It is located on a narrow barrier island with many outdoor activities available. The park has lovely white sand beaches that offer great views of the Gulf of Mexico. You can relax on the beach and enjoy the scenery, as well as explore the dunes and beach vegetation.
In addition to hiking and enjoying the sun, you can swim and play in the warm water. The park also offers surf fishing opportunities and you may even spot cute beach mice, nesting shorebirds, and sea turtles from time to time.
2. Pensacola Beach
Pensacola Beach, located south of its sister city on Santa Rosa Island, is known for its beautiful white sands. The city itself does not have its own beach, so most people drive to Pensacola Beach to relax along its scenic shoreline. Each beach in Pensacola Beach has its own special features and amenities, so there is something for everyone.
Fort Pickens Gate Park is a peaceful and quiet beach, while Casino Beach has shops, restaurants, and a pier that extends into the Gulf. With a variety of beaches to choose from and great seafood restaurants, beachfront bars, and even nightlife, Pensacola Beach is a fantastic destination for a vacation in the state.
1. Big Lagoon State Park
The Big Lagoon State Park offers beautiful landscapes and nature. You can enjoy activities like hiking, biking, fishing, canoeing, and boating in this scenic area. You can also watch wildlife while exploring the park.
The park is located next to a large lagoon and includes various ecosystems such as tidal marshes, wetlands, beaches, coastal scrubs, and flatwoods. Many different animals live in this park, including migratory shorebirds and gopher tortoises. In addition to hiking and kayaking, you can swim in the lagoon and relax on the beach.
The park also provides picnic areas and camping facilities. It is closer to town compared to the nearby Perdido Key State Park.