6 Tips for the Perfect Girls Getaway on the Beaches of Pensacola
There’s nothing like a girls-only weekend getaway or vacation to relax, recharge and have fun. I have recently had my share of girls’ getaways and am currently planning my bachelorette party, so I feel like I have the inside scoop to give on the best ways to plan a girls' getaway in Pensacola. Read below for my favorite tips and tricks on the best girls’ getaway in Pensacola.
Shop Till You Drop
Whether you want to give your wallet a workout or just window shop, Pensacola’s historic downtown features an eclectic mix of specialty shops, eateries, art galleries and more. Shop for gourmet foods, fine imported goods, unique home furnishings, work from local potters, painters and glass artists, chic designer clothing and hand-made jewelry. Head to Palafox Market on Saturdays for locally-grown foods, handmade crafts, homemade baked goods and more. Outside of downtown, visitors can peruse antique stores, malls and one-of-a-kind local establishments like Joe Patti’s Seafood and J.W. Renfroe Pecan Company. On Pensacola Beach, the Portofino Boardwalk offers upscale boutiques with a water view.
Girls' Night Out
Our historic downtown lights up at night with live entertainment, sidewalk dining and cocktails. The Fish House Deck Bar offers ladies night every Wednesday with $2 drink specials and live music. Seville Quarter, located in a 19th-century building, includes seven themed entertainment venues with karaoke, live music, dueling pianists and an open-air courtyard bar. Grand Marlin’s North Drop Bar offers festive drinks and live music with views of Santa Rosa Sound. Or visit Paradise Bar & Grill on Pensacola Beach and indulge in a delicious Bushwacker, a ladies’ favorite featuring chocolate, rum, Kahlua and ice cream.
Indulge Yourself
Pamper yourselves with full-service spa treatments from Island Skye Spa, Portofino Island Resort & Spa, Beach Club and Eden Condominiums. Take private yoga lessons on the beach, available at Portofino Island. Tantalize your taste buds with everything from flip-flop-friendly seafood joints to elegant fine dining. Or explore your own culinary skills with a cooking class at So Gourmet downtown. And for those who just want to relax, there’s always sunbathing and dolphin watching on some of the world’s most beautiful beaches.
Ms. Adventures
Explore the great outdoors with camping, hiking, canoeing, tubing and fishing at Big Lagoon State Park and Adventures Unlimited. Catch a wave of fun with jet skiing, parasailing, kayaking, zip lining and more. Book a sailing trip, dolphin cruise or stand-up paddleboarding lesson. Charter a boat for some big-game or spearfishing or check out Fishin’ Chix’s annual women’s fishing tournaments. Go snorkeling or scuba diving to explore sea life, shipwrecks and coral reefs, including the world’s largest artificial reef on the retired aircraft carrier USS Oriskany.
Girls' Night Out
Pensacola has a variety of options for a variety of vibes for out-on-the-town endeavors. For the city-girl, downtown Pensacola has a wealth of options. Classic cocktail bars like The Well, The District Lounge, or The Kennedy Bar feature Instagram-worthy moments with a more luxury feel. Additionally, Downtown Pensacola has a variety of places to “be seen” like Seville Quarter for dancing and piano tunes, The Garden for outdoor affairs, and 200 South and Blend Lounge for late night eats and music. There is also a wealth of breweries each with their own different aesthetic. For the beach gals, the Flora-Bama Lounge, Package, and Oyster Bar, in Perdido Key is a destination in itself and warrants for a full night of festivities. Live music, bushwackers, and surprises are around every turn. On Pensacola Beach, there is more or less of the same, but more locations. Island Culture Tiki Bar, Flounder’s Chowder House, Paradise Bar and Grill and the Sandshaker all have beach side beverages, sand, and live music.
Girls' Night In
One of my favorite things about staying on the beach for a girl’s trip is enjoying the accommodations and view in a relaxed atmosphere. Skip the fuss of going out on the town and plan for a unique night in. Instead of barhopping, opt for a cocktail making class with Tap the Coast. The menus are super unique, and most classes include a take home bar kit. For food, there are several private chefs that will come in and cook or opt to have charcuterie delivered from Boarders and Grazers. For perfect photo ops, Pensacola Picnic Co. specializes in luxury beach picnics complete with florals, custom décor, grazing menus and more.
Relax at the Spa
You don't have to tell me twice to spend a day relaxing and being pampered. Pensacola is fortunate to have multiple spas throughout the destination. A few, like the Spa at Portofino, is exclusive to guests (a GREAT reason to stay here). Pensacola also has a few unique experiences, like sunset yoga at Island Culture Tiki Bar every Tuesday, and the Hilton Pensacola Beach does it every Sunday. If you're looking for more of a wellness approach, Next Level Oxygen Hyperbaric MedSpa brings hyperbaric therapy right to you. We have several fabulous in-office spas like Escape Wellness Spa and even have a few companies that do paddleboard yoga!
Portofino Island Resort and Spa by Premier Island Management Group
10 Portofino Drive Pensacola Beach, FL 32561 (850) 916-5000
Adventure Worth Taking
Each time I personally take a girls trip I try and get outside. There’s something about nature that calming to me and allows me to fully get into vacation mode. In Pensacola, renting a pontoon boat to enjoy a day on the island is absolutely incredible. If you’re not comfortable navigating, opt for a luxurious sailing experience with Condor Sailing or a dolphin tour of the area. Other fun options include a paddling or floating trip at Adventure’s Unlimited, renting beach chairs with Lazy Days Beach Rentals or trying out parasailing for a birds eye view of the area.
Shop Till You Drop
Whether you want to give your wallet a workout or just window shop, Pensacola’s historic downtown features an eclectic mix of specialty shops, eateries, art galleries and more. Shop for gourmet foods, fine imported goods, unique home furnishings, work from local potters, painters and glass artists, chic designer clothing and hand-made jewelry. Over the bridge, the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk has numerous boutiques and shops to pop into including Intracoastal Outfitters, Envie Boutique, and Ron Jon Surf Shop. Head to Palafox Market on Saturdays for locally-grown foods, handmade crafts, homemade baked goods and more. Outside of downtown, visitors can peruse antique stores, malls and one-of-a-kind local establishments like Joe Patti’s Seafood and J.W. Renfroe Pecan Company.
Envie Boutique
400 Quietwater Beach Road, Suite #7 Pensacola Beach, FL 32561 (850) 934-7050
Intracoastal Outfitters
400 Quietwater Beach Road, Suite 6 Pensacola Beach, FL 32561 (850) 565-4210
Joe Patti’s Seafood & Amangiati Gourmet Wine Shop
524 South B Street Pensacola, FL 32501 (850) 432-3315
Start Planning Now
I know this isn’t everything, but it should be a great start. Here are a few other resources you might enjoy to start planning your perfect girlfriends getaway to Pensacola.
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