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Ditch the Car! Explore Pensacola by Foot, Ferry, or Trolley

Sometimes, there is nothing you want more than to leave your car parked for the day and explore at your own pace. Luckily, Pensacola is one of those rare places where you can ditch your car and still see it all. It’s easy to slow down here and savor the journey, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local looking to see the city through fresh eyes. Here are some ways to enjoy the history and sights of the Pensacola area by foot, ferry or trolley.

Explore Palafox Street on Foot

As a local, I love walking Palafox Street; it gives Main Street U.S.A. vibes in the best way. It’s quaint on a normal weekday and begins to bustle on Saturdays with Palafox Market. The market features souvenirs, plants, fresh produce and homemade goods of all kinds! You can start on the North Palafox end and get your steps in by visiting the rest of the vendors in Plaza Ferdinand II, further down on South Palafox. There will be multiple shops to pop into along the way. I recommend stopping to grab a coffee and perhaps a beach read at Bodacious Bookstore and Café just off of Palafox. Don't forget, you can still stroll the sidewalks of Palafox even through the construction! Your favorite restaurants, shops, and bars are all still accessible.

Take a Stroll Through History

If you are a visiting history buff, you’ll want to check out America’s 1st Settlement Trail. This trail is a history lovers’ dream; it’s right around three miles and takes you past some of the most historically significant spots in the city. The trail includes artifacts dating back as far as 1559, when the Spanish settlers arrived in Pensacola. Among the other stops is Old Christ Church, completed in 1892, making it one of the oldest churches in Florida. You can look inside Old Christ Church by taking the Historic House Tour Tuesday through Saturday now at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. The tour meets at the entrance to the Museum of Industry.

Stop to Refuel

All those steps will certainly work up an appetite and you’ll be close to local favorites. Lucy’s in the Square is an easy stop off the trail. Pair one of their special Sangrias with their Yardbird Nachos and take in historic Seville Square. The Square is often host to Pensacola festivals like the Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival which happens each November. If you’re looking for local fare leaning in a more aquatic direction, I would strongly suggest The Fish House. You can get a table right on the water and enjoy fish tacos or their World-Famous Grits à Ya Ya. It’s also a close walk from the trail and nearby Historic Pensacola.

For the non-walkers in your group or those now entering a food coma, Pensacola offers other options. One way to take on downtown in a more relaxed way is through Emerald Coast Tours. They offer both Segway tours of Historic Pensacola as well as bike rentals. They offer daily and weekly rates for bikes and a wide variety of Segway tours. This means the non-walkers in your group can still have a blast taking in downtown Pensacola. Who hasn’t wanted to be one of those cool tourists on a Segway?

Explore Pensacola by Ferry

One of the best things about Pensacola is its easy access to the water. Right in the heart of downtown you can be on a ferry in moments. The Pensacola Bay City Ferry runs a hop-on/hop-off Ferry Service that runs March through October and can take you to Pensacola Beach or Fort Pickens at Gulf Islands National Seashore. If you’re here March through December, you could also take one of their Downtown Sunset Cruises. The cruise offers panoramic views of Pensacola Bay at sunset, gorgeous photo opportunities, light snacks and alcoholic beverages for purchase. It’s a great date night for locals and a perfect way for tourists to take in the natural beauty of Pensacola.

All Aboard the Beach Trolley

If your ferry journey takes you over to Pensacola Beach during March through September, you’re in luck because Pensacola Beach Island Trolley is there to help you bop all over the beach for free. You’ll land at Pensacola Beach Boardwalk, and the trolley can take you to more than 30 stops near hotels and restaurants. My preferred path is hopping on the trolley straight to stop eight so I could walk the beach back down to Peg Leg Pete’s for a bite; you can join their Yelp waitlist on the way. It’s got loads of local flavor, amazing seafood and a drink called the Shipwreck that is quite dangerous. The trolley runs 4 p.m. to midnight, but you’ll want to be sure not to miss the last ferry back to downtown at 5 p.m.

Leave the Car Parked

Take this as your sign to leave the car parked, get those steps in and hit the town! Explore Pensacola by foot, ferry or trolley. It’s a great way to experience Pensacola like a local, save some gas money for oysters and feel the ocean breeze on your face like the Spanish explorers of yesteryear! For more information to plan your adventure, stop by the Visit Pensacola Visitors Center. If you happen to see me on your stroll downtown, don’t be shy!

Hannah Pennell

Author

Hannah Pennell

Director of Marketing and Communications at Naval Aviation Museum Foundation

Hannah Pennell is a West Coast transplant who fell in love with Florida’s Gulf Coast charm. A communications professional by day and creative soul by nature, she’s passionate about exploring local gems, soaking up the sun, and sharing stories that connect. With a background in marketing and museum communications, Hannah brings a curious eye for culture, art, and history to her adventures. When she’s not wandering Pensacola’s beaches or discovering hidden spots around town, you’ll find her diving into a good book, crafting something new, or contemplating life’s big questions, preferably with good coffee and great company.

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