Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Pensacola, Florida

Summary

1. Florida Welcome Center
2. The Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum
3. Historic Pensacola Village
4. National Naval Aviation Museum
5. Pensacola Beach
6. Pensacola Museum of Art
7. Gulf Islands National Seashore
8. Fort Barrancas
9. The Historic Pensacola Museum of Commerce
10. 5 Flags Speedway
11. The Pensacola Blue Wahoos
12. Pensacola Pedal Trolley
13. Big Lagoon State Park
14. Saenger Theatre Pensacola
15. The Wharf in Orange Beach

Situated on a narrow strip of land between the Gulf of Mexico and Alabama, known as the Florida Panhandle, Pensacola is the westernmost city in Florida and serves as the county seat of Escambia County. It boasts miles of scenic coastline.

This region is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, nature aficionados, and golfers, complemented by a rich cultural scene.

Allow me to guide you through Pensacola’s historical landmarks, encompassing world-class museums, preserved forts, 18th-century neighborhoods, and a charming downtown area.

In contrast to many of Florida’s more commercial tourist destinations, Pensacola is relatively affordable and offers a family-friendly atmosphere compared to other popular locales such as Daytona and Miami Beach.

Here are my top 15 activities to explore in and around Pensacola.

1. Florida Welcome Center

For newcomers to the area, official state welcome centers serve as an excellent starting point for exploration.

They typically feature knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff members, along with engaging exhibits and a plentiful supply of complimentary travel brochures and magazines.

This venue offers valuable insights into local attractions, and you are likely to receive various coupons and special deals that can help save money.

Located conveniently just off Interstate 10, the Florida Welcome Center features clean restrooms, an impressive ‘Welcome to Florida’ sign, and a historic naval aircraft, reflecting the area’s military history.

What better introduction to the Sunshine State than a complimentary glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, which is exactly what visitors can expect here?

2. The Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum

Established in 1859, the Pensacola Lighthouse has long served as a vital beacon for mariners navigating the Gulf of Mexico’s waters in northwest Florida.

Today, the Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum are recognized on the National Register of Historic Places and are sought after by those interested in local maritime history or those wishing to burn calories by ascending this impressive structure.

The Blue Angels are based at the adjacent Naval Air Station Pensacola, which affords the opportunity to witness training sessions during a visit to the lighthouse.

The museum welcomes visitors daily and accommodates children, who must be at least 44 inches tall to ascend to the lighthouse’s pinnacle.

3. Historic Pensacola Village

Spanning eight acres and housing nearly a dozen properties open to the public, Historic Pensacola Village stands as the region’s foremost destination for those seeking a unique insight into the history of Pensacola and the panhandle region.

The village showcases several historic homes, a church, and a multicultural center. I recommend participating in a guided tour led by staff members adorned in period attire who utilize the vernacular of the era.

Admission costs less than a typical fast-food meal, and ample parking is available. The village operates from Tuesday to Saturday.

4. National Naval Aviation Museum

The Gulf Coast region has a rich tradition in naval aviation, with Naval Air Station Pensacola recognized as the country’s oldest facility of its kind, established over a century ago.

The museum features over 150 meticulously restored historic aircraft and offers one of the most comprehensive collections of memorabilia related to the renowned Blue Angels, who conduct much of their training in this vicinity.

Should the Angels be practicing, the museum presents an excellent vantage point for observation.

Additionally, it includes a captivating IMAX theater, flight simulators, and cockpit trainers, providing a full day of aeronautical excitement.

Guided tours are available at no cost, and visitors are encouraged to register at the reception desk upon arrival.

5. Pensacola Beach

In general, Florida’s Gulf Coast beaches offer calmer and warmer waters compared to those along the Atlantic coast. Thus, for travelers seeking a more tranquil experience, Pensacola Beach is an ideal alternative.

Pensacola Beach is renowned for its white sandy shores, breathtaking vistas, and relaxed atmosphere, with a multitude of recreational and entertainment opportunities nearby.

I prefer minimizing driving during vacation, and Pensacola Beach represents a fantastic all-inclusive destination, with all essential amenities in close proximity.

A boardwalk, shops, galleries, and dining establishments are all readily accessible, complemented by a range of accommodation options to suit nearly every budget. For memorable experiences, you can take surfing lessons, go paddleboarding in the crystal-clear waters, or embark on a dolphin-watching tour.

6. Pensacola Museum of Art

Located on the campus of The University of West Florida, the Pensacola Museum of Art boasts an expansive and continually developing collection of contemporary art, primarily from the last few centuries.

The museum occupies a historic jailhouse dating back to the early 20th century, representing one of the finest examples of Spanish Revival architecture in the area.

Much of the artwork exhibited was crafted by local and regional artists and encompasses themes relevant to Florida, though there are also international influences present.

During my visit, I appreciated the Depth of Field exhibit, which showcased compelling photographic selections from the university’s permanent collection, as well as the UWF Trust Archives.

More information regarding directions and hours of operation can be found on their website.

7. Gulf Islands National Seashore

Access to the Gulf Islands National Seashore is charged on a per-vehicle basis, making it a practical option for families wishing to optimize their travel budget.

Visitors arriving on foot or by bicycle will incur a modest fee, but given the stunning scenery and wide variety of outdoor pursuits available, it is sure to be perceived as a worthwhile investment.

This site features the longest stretch of federally protected seashore in the United States, and the islands are remarkably remote and pristine.

Expect to find no upscale restaurants or cafes; if you plan to spend the day, it is advisable to bring your own provisions.

Additionally, there are historic attractions in the vicinity for when you’ve had your fill of outdoor exploration.

8. Fort Barrancas

Located on Taylor Road within Gulf Islands National Seashore, the structures of Fort Barrancas were constructed during the 1840s, with the fort itself remaining active until the mid-20th century.

This fort played a significant role in the defense of the coastline and nearby communities during the Civil War. In addition to the well-preserved fortifications, a visitor center provides an excellent historical overview of the exhibits you will encounter.

From there, I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the tunnel system that supports the fort’s artillery positions.

Self-guided and ranger-led tours are available, alongside hiking trails, picnic areas, and an on-site bookstore featuring unique items not commonly found elsewhere.

9. The Historic Pensacola Museum of Commerce

Over time, Florida’s economic landscape has evolved. While it retains a robust agricultural sector, tourism has surged to dominate the economy.

First and foremost, I was captivated by the museum’s structure, a warehouse dating back to the turn of the 20th century. Inside, visitors find a meticulously reconstructed streetscape reminiscent of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The Historic Pensacola Museum of Commerce provides an enlightening experience, showcasing everyday life from a bygone era, featuring various realistic shops commonly found at that time.

Located on Zaragoza Street, the museum welcomes self-guided tours daily and is particularly popular among children and history enthusiasts. Most visitors spend approximately one hour inside.

10. 5 Flags Speedway

Operating since 1953, the 5 Flags Speedway has a racing season that typically spans from March to October, culminating in a flagship NASCAR event in December.

Regarded by many racing enthusiasts as one of the nation’s premier short tracks, this circuit features steeply banked curves designed to facilitate fast-paced races and exhilarating experiences for spectators.

A word of caution: bring ear protection, as the roar of the engines is unmistakably loud.

Situated on Pine Forest Road in Pensacola, individual tickets and season passes are available, providing access to all events throughout the year. For devoted race fans, this represents the best value.

11. The Pensacola Blue Wahoos

During the winter months, numerous Major League Baseball teams migrate to Florida to take advantage of the favorable weather conditions, allowing them to engage in pre-season training.

The Pensacola Blue Wahoos serve as a Double-A affiliate for the Cincinnati Reds, and their stadium is situated on West Cedar Street.

Visitors can enjoy high-quality baseball without the exorbitant prices typically associated with major league venues.

The scenic view of the bay from behind the outfield ranks among the most picturesque sights found in any baseball stadium.

Season tickets can be acquired for those who wish to attend every game.

12. Pensacola Pedal Trolley

Pensacola’s pedal trolleys offer a delightful avenue to explore numerous attractions while simultaneously engaging in physical activity. Being human-powered means they do not contribute to air pollution compared to traditional diesel or gasoline vehicles.

The historical downtown area is rich with shops, eateries, and galleries, and most tours last approximately 90 minutes, accommodating up to 15 participants.

There will be plentiful opportunities for photos along the route, and many local businesses provide food and drink specials for participants.

Highly popular are their pub and Sunday brunch tours, so it is advisable to make reservations in advance to secure your spots.

13. Big Lagoon State Park

Positioned between Pensacola Bay to the east and Perdido Key to the west, Big Lagoon is an expansive body of water that hosts a diverse array of natural habitats along its shores.

Visitors can explore beaches, flatwoods, tidal marshes, and more at the 700-acre Big Lagoon State Park, located at the western end of the lagoon.

Species such as least terns and snowy plovers frequent this area during migration, and facilities such as boardwalks and an observation tower provide excellent vantage points for wildlife observation.

My ideal visit involves camping, complemented by kayaking, leisurely beach days, and extensive nature watching.

While the park endured some damage during Hurricane Sally in 2020, restoration efforts were ongoing during my visit.

14. Saenger Theatre Pensacola

One of Pensacola’s most stunning landmarks is the Spanish Revival Saenger Theatre, completed in 1925. With a seating capacity of 1,641, this magnificent venue began as a movie palace but fell into disrepair as the century advanced.

The theater closed its doors in 1975, leading to a profound transformation, resulting in complete restoration and adaptation as a performing arts venue.

Over four decades and following a further major renovation, the Saenger Theatre has returned to prominence, hosting an array of events including Broadway shows, ballet performances, live comedy, concerts, and classic film screenings.

If visiting during the holiday season, I highly recommend securing tickets for The Nutcracker—a tradition cherished by generations of locals.

15. The Wharf in Orange Beach

Although traveling to the subsequent attractions may require some time behind the wheel, the drive from Pensacola to Mobile, Alabama, is picturesque, and the distance is quite manageable.

The Wharf in Orange Beach presents a family-friendly environment along the water, offering diverse entertainment options ranging from shopping and dining to movies and live music.

The majority of The Wharf’s stores and restaurants are affordably priced and operate from 10 AM to 10 PM daily.

Moreover, The Wharf is wheelchair accessible, making it a perfect destination for large groups. Ample parking is available on-site.

Spread the love