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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.

Museum Meetups

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 the Pensacola Children’s Museum for interactive fun.

Explore Museums

Fly High 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!

Naval Aviation Museum Visit

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 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. Antique Row as the locals call it is located on Navy Boulevard. Other vintage finds can be found throughout Pensacola, so be sure to take a look through of all the unique stores located in Pensacola below.

Explore Antique Stores

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. Whether you’re trying to find the perfect piece for your home, catch a national rotating exhibit at the Pensacola Museum of Art, or take in the arts during a show, there’s no shortage of artistic things to do.

Explore Art Galleries

Bring The Outdoor Experience Inside

If you need to be active but the weather isn't cooperating, don't go to the hotel gym! That's boring… Head to one of Pensacola’s indoor fun zones. From bowling to hands-on fun and everything in between, there’s something for everyone looking to blow off some steam. The best part about these activities? They are great rain or shine, so don't just wait for a stormy day to enjoy them!

Explore Indoor Fun Zones

Have another idea for indoor fun? Leave us your thoughts in the comments.

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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