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Pensacola's Great Indoors

As we all know, the Pensacola Bay Area has a lot to offer in the way of outdoor activity. But, since this is Florida and we are prone to afternoon showers, it's always a good idea to have a few backup activities planned. Lucky for you, we have just as many fun things to do inside as we do outside!

Here are a few of my favorite things to do, when I'm trying to escape the rain.

Explore Indoor Fun Zones

Enjoy a Brew…Or Two

What better way to spend a rainy afternoon than checking out some of the cool breweries in the Pensacola Bay Area? Check out breweries such as Pensacola Bay Brewery, Perfect Plain Brewing Co. and Alga Beer Co. Brewery. Abound with a plethora of enticing options, the many choices promises a great experience for every beer enthusiast.

Fly Aboard NAS Pensacola

Now, this one is great for kids and adults, and there is enough going on to keep you busy all day! Wander through rows of more than 150 beautifully restored aircraft at the National Naval Aviation Museum. You will see the first aircraft that ever landed on the South Pole, aircraft from the Battle of Midway and even the first plane to ever cross the Atlantic. Catch a movie at their giant-screen theater, or fly high with our favorite flyboys (and girls) at the Blue Angels 4D Experience. Fly a Navy jet from the safety of a flight simulator, and even climb into the cockpit of a few of the planes on display. When you've built up an appetite, head over to the Cubi Bar Cafe, which is a replica of the NAS Cubi Point Officers' Club in the Philippines. P.S. – Entry to the museum is free! Outside of the National Naval Aviation Museum, the Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum is a wonderful place to see a birds-eye view of the entire area and learn about our area’s history.

Go Shopping

The Pensacola Bay Area is home to so many boutiques, beach stores, gift shops, you name it. A rainy day is a perfect way to enjoy some retail therapy. Be sure to check out all the fun places to go shopping - you never know what you might come across.

Antiquing

I love to rummage through vintage items and wonder about the stories held by each piece. If you really want to lose yourself in a day of whimsy and nostalgia, while picking up a cool piece or two along the way, Pensacola has several unique antique stores. Check out Oooodles Antique Mall or Blue Moon located on Navy Boulevard, or as locals call it, Antique Row. Other vintage finds can be found throughout Pensacola, such as: Franklin Antiques, Amanda Ann's Antiques, and T and W Flea Market.

Take In the Arts

In Downtown Pensacola, we are so fortunate to have a community that embraces the arts so fully. The next time you have to escape the rain, why not do a little gallery hopping or see a show? Did you know Pensacola is the only destination between Tampa and Mobile to boast the Big 5 – that is an accredited art museum, theatre, ballet, orchestra, and opera. We’ve also got art galleries in Pensacola waiting for you to explore.

Museums

While visitors flock to Pensacola for fun in the sun, there's a wealth of fascinating history and culture to be discovered in the community's many diverse museums. Founded in 1559, did you know Pensacola is America's 1st settlement? Experience over 460 years of history in one of our many museums. Have the kids with you? Even better! Explore hands-on fun at the Pensacola M.E.S.S Hall or Pensacola's Children's Museum for interactive fun.

Explore Museums

Brooke Fleming

Author

Brooke Fleming

Born and raised in the Pensacola Bay Area, Brooke loves to sing the praises of her hometown. Though she has lived here most of her life, she loves the fact that there is still so much to learn about this lovely town. There's always a new dish to try, a new historical fact to uncover and a new adventure waiting around every corner. Brooke has always had a deep love of the performing arts and can often be found on the stages of the Pensacola Little Theatre and the Saenger Theatre. If you need recommendations on coffee, arts and culture, or the best bread pudding in town (or any dessert, for that matter), she is your girl.

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