Located in the Florida Panhandle, Pensacola Beach offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of a city center with its pristine beaches and coastal atmosphere. Take a dolphin tour, enjoy free yoga in the park, or spend a leisurely day at the beach. There’s more to Pensacola than sugar-white sands. They have their own ballet company and symphony orchestra that offer performances year-round at the historical Saenger Theater. A stroll through Seville Square will take you under an expansive canopy of century-old oak trees. Downtown is where you’ll find the heart of Pensacola's palette, featuring an array of food trucks, cafes, and fine dining establishments housed in beautiful 19th-century buildings.
Located in Perdido Key on the Gulf Islands National Seashore, this designated recreational area provides lifeguards, facilities, and is ideal for water-based recreational activities and hiking. The popular feature of the area is the Discovery Nature Trail, a raised boardwalk that is about half a mile, taking visitors through dunes, pine trees, and salt marsh outlooks.
Visit websiteStretching from shore to shore, this 8.5-mile trail invites visitors to walk, bike, drive, run and even swim to the 29 stops dotted across Pensacola Beach. Each stop tells a different story about the flora and fauna of the region. Whether you want to go bird watching or take a dolphin-spotting cruise, the eco-trail offers a variety of activities for the curious beach-goer.
Visit websiteThe crystal clear waters and sugar-white sand make Pensacola Beach the defining relaxation spot in the Bay Area, and it’s considered to be one of Florida’s best beaches. Horizon Beach Service provides paddle boards, surf boards, boogie boards, and kayaks. If reading a book while listening to the waves is more your style, they offer chairs and umbrellas for rent as well.
Visit websiteLocated on a narrow strip of land stretching along the western shores of Florida and the eastern shores of Alabama, Perdido Key, “lost island”, is a natural beauty. Explore the abundant wetlands, estuaries, and wildlife to the north, or swim the Perdido Key Snorkeling Reef. The Perdido Key Reef was built in 2014 and comprises 24 modules of ecosystem.
Visit websiteConsidered a secret Northwest Florida gem, Opal Beach is a great place to fish, swim, and picnic. Parking, restrooms, pavilions, and beach showers are available both Gulf-side and sound-side. Visitors can purchase a seven-day pass at the park’s entrance.
Visit websiteLocated in Perdido Key on the Gulf Islands National Seashore, this designated recreational area provides lifeguards, facilities, and is ideal for water-based recreational activities and hiking. The popular feature of the area is the Discovery Nature Trail, a raised boardwalk that is about half a mile, taking visitors through dunes, pine trees, and salt marsh outlooks.
Visit websiteStretching from shore to shore, this 8.5-mile trail invites visitors to walk, bike, drive, run and even swim to the 29 stops dotted across Pensacola Beach. Each stop tells a different story about the flora and fauna of the region. Whether you want to go bird watching or take a dolphin-spotting cruise, the eco-trail offers a variety of activities for the curious beach-goer.
Visit websiteThe crystal clear waters and sugar-white sand make Pensacola Beach the defining relaxation spot in the Bay Area, and it’s considered to be one of Florida’s best beaches. Horizon Beach Service provides paddle boards, surf boards, boogie boards, and kayaks. If reading a book while listening to the waves is more your style, they offer chairs and umbrellas for rent as well.
Visit websiteLocated on a narrow strip of land stretching along the western shores of Florida and the eastern shores of Alabama, Perdido Key, “lost island”, is a natural beauty. Explore the abundant wetlands, estuaries, and wildlife to the north, or swim the Perdido Key Snorkeling Reef. The Perdido Key Reef was built in 2014 and comprises 24 modules of ecosystem.
Visit websiteConsidered a secret Northwest Florida gem, Opal Beach is a great place to fish, swim, and picnic. Parking, restrooms, pavilions, and beach showers are available both Gulf-side and sound-side. Visitors can purchase a seven-day pass at the park’s entrance.
Visit websiteWhat began as a memorial garden in 2003 for his wife Peggy, owner Danny has since developed the memorial into a combination garden and nursery that features a lush abundance of bamboo and other unique and hard-to-find plants suited for tropical climates. The garden’s epic display helps to sell the bamboo, showing visitors the full potential of this beautiful giant grass plant.
Visit websiteLocated in the Historic District of downtown Pensacola, Seville Square features paved walkways where you can stroll under an expansive canopy of century-old oak trees. The gazebo is the central fixture of the park, around which various festivals gather every year.
Visit websiteEmbark on a 1,515-mile kayaking journey around the entire state, or go bird watching, where you’ll find more than 23 species of wood-warbler and a variety of ducks, sandpipers and black-bellied plovers. Whether you’re biking, birding, boating, camping, or fishing–the list goes on, Big Lagoon State Park promises big outdoor adventures.
With over 4000 acres, visitors can view carnivorous white-topped pitcher plants and other rare and endangered plant species from a boardwalk that winds its way through the wetlands. This park features birding, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
Visit websiteHave a picnic in Plaza Ferdinand, a cozy garden with majestic oak trees and a fountain at its center. It’s also the site of the formal transfer of Florida to the United States in 1821.
Visit websiteWhat began as a memorial garden in 2003 for his wife Peggy, owner Danny has since developed the memorial into a combination garden and nursery that features a lush abundance of bamboo and other unique and hard-to-find plants suited for tropical climates. The garden’s epic display helps to sell the bamboo, showing visitors the full potential of this beautiful giant grass plant.
Visit websiteLocated in the Historic District of downtown Pensacola, Seville Square features paved walkways where you can stroll under an expansive canopy of century-old oak trees. The gazebo is the central fixture of the park, around which various festivals gather every year.
Visit websiteEmbark on a 1,515-mile kayaking journey around the entire state, or go bird watching, where you’ll find more than 23 species of wood-warbler and a variety of ducks, sandpipers and black-bellied plovers. Whether you’re biking, birding, boating, camping, or fishing–the list goes on, Big Lagoon State Park promises big outdoor adventures.
With over 4000 acres, visitors can view carnivorous white-topped pitcher plants and other rare and endangered plant species from a boardwalk that winds its way through the wetlands. This park features birding, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
Visit websiteHave a picnic in Plaza Ferdinand, a cozy garden with majestic oak trees and a fountain at its center. It’s also the site of the formal transfer of Florida to the United States in 1821.
Visit websiteOverlooking the Santa Rosa Sound and adorned with red and blue sun umbrellas, this beachside establishment makes fresh seafood dishes with a southern flare. Their signature dishes include seafood gumbo, fried shrimp po’boy, and braised short rib. Finish off your meal with a slice of southern pecan cheesecake.
Visit websiteWith over 80 types of tequila, this downtown taqueria serves up a delicious array of tacos. Highlights include the spicy krab tacos, chicken street tacos, and pink tacos–made with a mix of ahi tuna, spicy slaw, and avocado.
Visit websiteChef Briscione’s menu brings creative Southern touches to classic Italian cuisine. Think handmade pastas and thoughtfully prepared vegetable dishes served alongside an abundance of Gulf seafood. The dining room’s wood-fired oven lends flavor to everything from Neapolitan-style pizzas to meatballs and desserts.
Visit websiteThis downtown cafe is a brunch spot that serves breakfast wraps, omelets, build-your-own Acai bowls, alongside handcrafted coffees and teas. You can also sign up for seasonal craft and cooking classes, like a Nutcracker-themed wine dinner, or wreath-making workshop.
Visit websiteOpened in 1945, this diner is the best of classic Americana dining, replete with vinyl booths and white porcelain coffee cups. A local landmark, and beloved by its regulars, the restaurant is known for its delicious grits, especially its "Nassau" variety, which is a dish featuring a combination of grits, bacon, ham, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and seasonings.
Visit websiteOverlooking the Santa Rosa Sound and adorned with red and blue sun umbrellas, this beachside establishment makes fresh seafood dishes with a southern flare. Their signature dishes include seafood gumbo, fried shrimp po’boy, and braised short rib. Finish off your meal with a slice of southern pecan cheesecake.
Visit websiteWith over 80 types of tequila, this downtown taqueria serves up a delicious array of tacos. Highlights include the spicy krab tacos, chicken street tacos, and pink tacos–made with a mix of ahi tuna, spicy slaw, and avocado.
Visit websiteChef Briscione’s menu brings creative Southern touches to classic Italian cuisine. Think handmade pastas and thoughtfully prepared vegetable dishes served alongside an abundance of Gulf seafood. The dining room’s wood-fired oven lends flavor to everything from Neapolitan-style pizzas to meatballs and desserts.
Visit websiteThis downtown cafe is a brunch spot that serves breakfast wraps, omelets, build-your-own Acai bowls, alongside handcrafted coffees and teas. You can also sign up for seasonal craft and cooking classes, like a Nutcracker-themed wine dinner, or wreath-making workshop.
Visit websiteOpened in 1945, this diner is the best of classic Americana dining, replete with vinyl booths and white porcelain coffee cups. A local landmark, and beloved by its regulars, the restaurant is known for its delicious grits, especially its "Nassau" variety, which is a dish featuring a combination of grits, bacon, ham, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and seasonings.
Visit websiteMixing art education with immersive exhibits, the Pensacola Museum of Art has been in operation since 1954 and features a growing collection of modern and contemporary art from the 19th century to the present.
Visit websiteWith a calendar that features world-class guest artists and beloved music, there are a variety of performances to choose from. Classical programming includes Dvořák, Mozart, and Verdi. For something contemporary, the Cirque Spectacular features cirque acrobatics, classical dance, and contemporary theater.
Visit websiteAt this multi-purpose theater, you can see a popular Broadway show, like the Book of Mormon, or catch a seasonal viewing of a classic holiday movie, such as A Christmas Story.
Visit websiteBallet Pensacola presents four major productions each season: a fall show, The Nutcracker in December, a winter show, and a spring show, and is known for its fine artistic quality and innovative productions showcasing classical and contemporary choreography.
Visit websiteEvery November, Downtown Pensacola comes alive with live music, food, and art shows. Drawing more than 200 painters, potters, sculptors, graphic artists, and craftsmen year after year, Foo Foo Festival is a celebration of art and culture.
Visit websiteMixing art education with immersive exhibits, the Pensacola Museum of Art has been in operation since 1954 and features a growing collection of modern and contemporary art from the 19th century to the present.
Visit websiteWith a calendar that features world-class guest artists and beloved music, there are a variety of performances to choose from. Classical programming includes Dvořák, Mozart, and Verdi. For something contemporary, the Cirque Spectacular features cirque acrobatics, classical dance, and contemporary theater.
Visit websiteAt this multi-purpose theater, you can see a popular Broadway show, like the Book of Mormon, or catch a seasonal viewing of a classic holiday movie, such as A Christmas Story.
Visit websiteBallet Pensacola presents four major productions each season: a fall show, The Nutcracker in December, a winter show, and a spring show, and is known for its fine artistic quality and innovative productions showcasing classical and contemporary choreography.
Visit websiteEvery November, Downtown Pensacola comes alive with live music, food, and art shows. Drawing more than 200 painters, potters, sculptors, graphic artists, and craftsmen year after year, Foo Foo Festival is a celebration of art and culture.
Visit website