Are you planning a vacation to Florida? Pensacola is one of the most stunning and exciting destinations in the Sunshine State. From the glittering beaches and resorts to the bustling galleries, restaurants, and markets, the city of Pensacola has something for everyone and offers some of the best attractions in the Gulf Coast region. So come explore 20 of the best and most fun things to do in Pensacola, Florida!
20 Things To Do In Pensacola, Florida
| Place | Location | Opening & Closing Time | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gulf Islands National Seashore | 1801 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze | 24 hours | Free |
| Palafox Street | Palafox St, Pensacola | 24 hours | Free |
| Urban Swinery | 368 N 9th Ave, Pensacola | Mon-Sat: 11am-7pm | Varies by service |
| Admiral Fetterman Field | 200 E. Gregory St, Pensacola | Varies by event | Varies by event |
| Seville Quarter | 130 E. Government St, Pensacola | Mon-Sun: 11am-2:30am | Varies by service |
| Pensacola Beach | Santa Rosa Island | 24 hours | Free |
| Naval Aviation Museum | 1878 S Blue Angel Pkwy, Pensacola | Daily: 9am-5pm | Free |
| Pensacola Lighthouse & Museum | 2081 Radford Blvd, Pensacola NAS | Mon-Sun: 10am-5:30pm | $7.00-$10.00 |
| Fort Barrancas | 2898 N. Palafox St, Pensacola | Wed-Sun: 9am-4pm | Free |
| TopGolf Pensacola | 5110 N 9th Ave, Pensacola | Mon-Thu: 10am-11pm | Varies by activity |
| Pensacola Children’s Museum | 115 E. Zaragoza St, Pensacola | Tue-Sat: 10am-4pm | $8.00 |
| National Museum of Naval Aviation | 1750 Radford Blvd, Pensacola NAS | Daily: 9am-5pm | Free |
| Historic Pensacola Village | 120 Church St, Pensacola | Mon-Sat: 10am-4pm | $8.00 |
| Adventure Island Waterpark | 24559 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach | Daily: 10am-6pm | $19.99-$29.99 |
| Saenger Theatre Pensacola | 118 S Palafox Pl, Pensacola | Varies by event | Varies by event |
| Joe Patti’s Seafood Market | 524 S B St, Pensacola | Mon-Sat: 7am-7pm | Varies by item |
| Pensacola Dam | 4100, 13701 Gulf Beach Hwy, Pensacola | 24 hours | Free |
| Sam’s Fun City Theme Park | 6709 Pensacola Blvd, Pensacola | Varies by day/hours | $20.95-$23.95 |
| Santa Rosa Island | Gulf Islands National Seashore | 24 hours | Free |
| Flora-Bama Lounge & Oyster Bar | 17401 Perdido Key Dr, Pensacola | Sun-Thu: 10am-12am | Varies by service |
Gulf Islands National Seashore
If you’re looking for the best places to go in Pensacola, Florida, then look no further than Gulf Islands National Seashore. Stretching across thousands of miles of coastline, this seashore is renowned for its stunningly clear waters and white quartz sand beaches. And there’s plenty to do whether you’re looking to sunbathe, swim, surf, snorkel or explore the ruins of sunken battleships. The colorful fish and coral will take your breath away, and the perfect temperatures and cloudless skies will make this one of your best memories. When you’re planning a vacation to Pensacola, make sure a visit to Gulf Islands National Seashore is on top of your list.
Palafox Street
Exploring downtown Pensacola wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Palafox Street. Lined with shops, restaurants, galleries, markets, and coffeehouses, this artery of the city connects all excursions. It’s well-known for its outdoor cafes where you can enjoy soups and sandwiches while watching enthusiastic shoppers. On weekends, it hosts a farmers market where you can find fresh fruits, vegetables, breads, and more. Plus, you’ll find street performers, art shows, and other activities throughout the area. So if you’re looking for the top attractions of Pensacola, you won’t want to miss Palafox Street.
Urban Swinery
For delicious, hearty eats, you won’t want to miss out on Urban Swinery when visiting Pensacola. This down-home restaurant is housed in a red brick building, and all of the meats here are cut, cured, and smoked by hand. Expect to find a wide variety of pork dishes, from chops and tenderloins to pulled pork sandwiches and pot pies. Plus, you can enjoy the amazing atmosphere while savoring your meal. When you’re looking for great things to do in Pensacola, Florida, a stopover at Urban Swinery is a must.
Admiral Fetterman Field
One of the best tourist attractions in Pensacola is Admiral Fetterman Field. This multi-use complex contains a stadium, amphitheater, and waterfront park, and almost always has something fun going on. It’s the home of the city’s beloved baseball team, the Pensacola Blue Wahoos, but you can also attend events such as kids’ baseball clubs and summer festivals. Grab some popcorn and enjoy a game, or just wander the grounds and take in the beauty of Pensacola Bay, either way, you won’t be disappointed.
Seville Quarter
As the sun sets, there’s no better place in Pensacola than Seville Quarter. This house that never sleeps is a lively mix of bar, club, and dance floor. Here, you can find everything from live music and comedy to pool tables, sports bars, and jukeboxes. You won’t have trouble finding entertainment at all times of the day or night. Plus, you can enjoy a variety of delicious dishes and drinks. So if you’re looking for winter activities in Pensacola, Seville Quarter has you covered.
Pensacola Beach
When it comes to beaches, the Gulf Islands National Seashore in Pensacola is a paradise from which you won’t want to turn away. Endless stretches of luminous quartz sand welcome you onto its shores and the turquoise ocean wraps you in an inviting embrace. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach day, or want to get active with swimming, surfing, snorkeling, and sunbathing, this stunning beach is the perfect place to start your Pensacola explorations. Don’t forget to take in the beautiful scenery as colorful fish swim around coral and the sky is dotted with clouds. When considering all the best attractions that Pensacola has to offer, a trip to the Pensacola Beach should be at the top of your list.
Naval Aviation Museum
The Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola is a must-see for any visitors to the city. This free museum showcases over 150 restored aircrafts, simulators, and other interactive exhibits. You can also hear some amazing stories told by retired pilots as they explain their experiences in the air. There’s even a Planetarium Theatre which shows interactive movies about our history of flight. Not only is this museum educational, but its fun too, giving visitors a unique chance to see historic artifacts, explore the aircrafts, and learn about the science of aviation. Whether you’re a plane enthusiast or not, the Naval Aviation Museum should be on your list of top attractions in Pensacola.
Pensacola Lighthouse & Museum
Standing at the entrance to Pensacola Bay since 1858, the Pensacola Lighthouse & Museum is a part of the city’s illustrious past. Rich with history and beauty, this lighthouse stands at 151 feet tall, lit nightly to guide sailors safely towards shore. You can climb to the top of the lighthouse and marvel at the breathtaking views of Pensacola and its surrounding islands. Visitors to this site can also explore an old-fashioned Keeper’s House, surrounded by a lush garden, and learn more about the city’s nautical history. If you’re looking for places to go in Pensacola, the Pensacola Lighthouse & Museum is a must-visit spot.
Fort Barrancas
Built in 1839, Fort Barrancas is one of the most important historic sites in Pensacola. Strategically located on a high bluff overlooking the entrance to the bay, this fort served to protect locals against foreign attack during its many years of operation.
Nowadays, visitors can explore the well-preserved barracks, gun batteries, and trenches to gain an understanding of what life in this fort may have been like. If you’re looking for things to do in Pensacola, a visit to Fort Barrancas is a great way to get a glimpse of the city’s past.
TopGolf Pensacola
No matter the season, TopGolf Pensacola is always a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. With high tech golf games, delicious food, music, and drinks, this is the perfect place for both golfers and non-golfers to have fun. You can test your swing in one of the bays, try your luck in the arcade, or sip your favorite craft beer while you watch the game.
Whatever you decide, TopGolf Pensacola is the perfect way to enjoy an unforgettable night out. When it comes to top attractions in the city, this place is sure to provide an evening of fun, laughs, and good times.
Pensacola Children’s Museum
The Pensacola Children’s Museum is the perfect place to take the family on your trip to Pensacola. Kids of all ages can explore a world of fun and educational activities in this interactive museum, from playing in the Lego Adventure Zone to testing their engineering skills in a real-life challenge. These activities are sure to keep the little ones entertained for hours! With its interactive exhibits, structured programming, and engaging events, the Pensacola Children’s Museum does an excellent job of giving children an opportunity to explore and learn about their world.
National Museum of Naval Aviation
Travelers looking for an interesting way to explore Pensacola’s rich naval history should visit the National Museum of Naval Aviation. Housed in an impressive building located at the Naval Air Station, this museum houses more than 150 restored aircraft, including jets, autogiros, blimps, and even helicopters. Visitors can learn more about the history of naval aviation while admiring the stunning displays of vintage and modern planes. The museum also features a flight simulator, interactive exhibits, and educational programs for all ages.
Historic Pensacola Village
If you’re looking to get a unique glimpse into the history of Pensacola, head to the Historic Pensacola Village. This collection of buildings and sites, which includes the Emmanuel Point Church, the Dorr House, the Old Christ Church, and many others, offers a window into the colonial history of the area. Take a guided tour of the village and learn about the rich history of Pensacola from the time of Spanish colonization to the Civil War.
Adventure Island Waterpark
Looking for a great way to spend a hot summer day in Pensacola? Head over to the Adventure Island Waterpark! This beachfront water park offers something for all ages, from thrilling slides for the adults, to fun-filled play areas for the kids. With its giant inflatable obstacle course, pool with beach entry, and multiple slides, there’s no shortage of amusement to be found here. Be sure to check out the double FlowRider, one of the biggest surfable waves in Florida!
Saenger Theatre Pensacola
A trip to Pensacola isn’t complete without taking in a show at the Saenger Theatre. This grand, historic theatre has been entertaining residents and visitors alike since 1925, and still today serves as a venue for world-renowned performers and productions. From live music and stand-up comedy to theatrical performances and movie screenings, you’ll find something fun and memorable here.
So go ahead and grab some tickets to your favorite event and enjoy an unforgettable evening at the historic Saenger Theatre Pensacola.
Joe Patti’s Seafood Market
When you’re in Pensacola and want to experience a taste of fresh seafood, there’s no better place than Joe Patti’s Seafood Market. This iconic market has been in business since the 1950s and is widely-known for its wide selection of sustainable seafood. Whether you’re looking for something to cook up at home or just want to grab a bite to eat, you won’t be disappointed by the selection here.
With a variety of fresh oysters, shrimp, crab, fish, and more, there are something for everyone. Plus, the friendly staff make sure you have the best experience possible. Joe Patti’s Seafood Market is definitely one of the top attractions of Pensacola when it comes to seafood!
Pensacola Dam
When exploring the outdoors in Pensacola, don’t forget to check out the Pensacola Dam. This historical structure was built in 1947 and took two years to complete. Spanning across the Escambia River, the dam is a popular spot for recreational activities such as fishing, swimming, and kayaking. The lake created below the 110-feet tall dam is stunningly beautiful and provides the perfect spot for a picnic or simply just to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Winter is a great time to explore the Pensacola Dam as the scenery is especially breathtaking then.
Sam’s Fun City Theme Park
When looking for fun things to do in Pensacola during the winter months, don’t miss Sam’s Fun City Theme Park. This family-run theme park offers a variety of rides and games that provide hours of entertainment. Their signature attractions include the Hurricane vortex, bumper cars, and Gravitron. Plus, they also have a mini golf course and arcade for the younger visitors. Sam’s Fun City Theme Park is the perfect spot to spend a day packed with adventure.
Santa Rosa Island
If you’re hoping for a beach getaway, Santa Rosa Island is the perfect destination for you. This barrier island is situated east of Pensacola and covers a distance of 28km along the Gulf Coast. It’s a paradise of white sand beaches, dune grasses, and crystal clear waters that is popular amongst beachgoers. Whether you want to take a stroll down the shoreline, sunbathe, or just soak up the scenery, Santa Rosa Island provides the perfect backdrop for a peaceful winter escape.
Flora-Bama Lounge & Oyster Bar
No trip to Pensacola is complete without a visit to the legendary Flora-Bama Lounge & Oyster Bar. This unique bar is located right along the Florida/Alabama border, and has become famous for its live music and array of tasty cocktails. From Bloody Mary’s to Margaritas, you can order whatever drink you’d like before taking a seat and listening to the talented local bands. Oysters and other seafood dishes are another big draw, and Flora-Bama Lounge & Oyster Bar is definitely one of the most popular winter activities in Pensacola.
Conclusion
No trip to Pensacola is complete without a visit to the lovely Pensacola Beach. From the quirky novelty houses to the charming boardwalk, you can find all sorts of activities to enjoy along the gorgeous white sand beaches. Spend the day lounging, swimming, snacking, and relaxing. For an even more unique experience, check out the nature trails or take a walk to view some of the incredible novelty houses. Either way, spending a day at the beach is sure to be an unforgettable part of your Pensacola vacation.