Plan Your Trip to Pensacola

If you’ve never been to Pensacola before, what are you waiting for? Start planning today with some insider advice.

Visiting Pensacola for the first time is exciting. The anticipation may have you dreaming of beautiful beach scenes and warm breezes from the Gulf. The area is rich in sunshine, sand and outdoor opportunities, to be sure, but there is so much more – over 465 years of history, delicious dining options, museums and shopping, to name a few. You will want to plan ahead to take advantage of all that the Pensacola area has to offer.

Getting Here

All roads lead to Pensacola. Traveling by car is an option for many visitors, as you can map a route to Pensacola easily from the region’s major interstate highways – Interstate 65 and Interstate 10.

Flights

Others choose to fly into the Pensacola International Airport, which receives direct flights (depending on the time of year) from 15-18 U.S. cities on several major airlines. Rental car companies offer their services from the first floor of the airport near Baggage Claim, making it easy to rent a vehicle to drive for the duration of your stay.

Places to Stay

Beach Digs

If Pensacola Beach or Perdido Key is your chosen destination, there are hotels, condos and camping options galore. Holiday Inn Resort Pensacola Beach Gulf Front is one hotel that especially caters to families, with a 250-foot lazy river pool and on-site kids’ activities. In Perdido, choose from several condo options that make it possible to truly unwind while still being close to attractions such as Big Lagoon State Park and the National Naval Aviation Museum.

City Life

Downtown Pensacola hotels offer easy access to shopping, dining and entertainment venues along Palafox Street, as well as the Blue Wahoos Stadium and Historic Pensacola Village. You will find a few national hotel chains, but new boutique lodging has really elevated the options for guests. The Celestine is a charming bed and breakfast in the city’s North Hill neighborhood. At Oyster Bay, a boutique hotel, guests can enjoy views of Pensacola Bay from the front porch or relax among luxurious amenities just steps from popular dining and nightlife spots.

In whatever area of Pensacola you decide to stay, there are options to fit every budget. If you are flexible with the time of year you visit, you may be able to save some money. Many properties offer more affordable rates during spring and fall.

Things to Do

When you visit Pensacola, you won’t have to ask what there is to do, but you might ask how to fit in all the activities that you’ll want to do. As a local, I still haven’t figured that out, but vacation is a great time to start.

Great Outdoors

Paddle boarding, jet ski rentals, dolphin cruises are just a few of the popular options for enjoying your time on the water. Explore history and natural beauty at Gulf Islands National Seashore, a protected area maintained by the National Park Service, which encompasses Fort Pickens and the Naval Live Oaks near Pensacola Beach, and Johnson Beach in Perdido.

History and Museums

In Downtown Pensacola, learn fascinating stories of Pensacola’s past when you explore the America’s 1st Settlement Trail. Spanning three miles, the trail includes more than 70 points of interest that highlight the city’s heritage, from its 16th Century Spanish settlement to days under British rule on through early American history to today. Follow the trail via a downloadable map, or learn more under one roof at the Pensacola Museum of History. Kids love the hands-on educational experiences at Pensacola Children’s Museum and the Pensacola MESS Hall.

Retail Therapy

Shopping in Pensacola often means visiting a mix of mall and big box store favorites and sought-after local boutiques. Beach gear and souvenirs are easy to find, but so are high-end fashions and unique gifts. There’s nothing like an afternoon shopping the stores on Palafox Street after coffee or brunch at a nearby restaurant. Palafox Market offers an open-air farmer’s market with food, arts and crafts for sale every Saturday morning.

Food

Fried shrimp, oyster platters, the perfect piece of fish – For many visitors, seafood is what it’s all about when dining out in Pensacola. Experience casual dockside dining at Jaco’s in Downtown Pensacola. Whether you’ve just stepped off the beach in flip-flops to grab a burger or want to dress up for a night of award-winning cuisine, Pensacola has something to whet every appetite.

With these ideas and the trip planning resources available for your visit to Pensacola, you can look forward to a fun and memorable first-time stay.

Food and Drink

Experience the food and dining experiences in Pensacola. Explore our guide to the best restaurants, cafes, and culinary events to curate your unforgettable dining experience.

Things To Do Outdoors

Outdoor tours and exploring for the adventure seeker. Everything from dolphin cruises, to paddling, trails, fishing, and everything in between.

People canoeing down Coldwater Creek Pensacola

Shopping to Suit Your Style

From large shopping malls and major retail outlets to quaint boutiques and unique shops, Pensacola provides visitors with the ultimate shopping experience.

Play on World Famous Beaches

Are you ready for a Florida beach vacation? Make plans to vacation in the Pensacola Bay Area in northwest Florida! With its crystal clear waters, white sand beaches, and endless opportunities for outdoor activities, it’s the perfect destination for your next beach getaway.

Places to Stay

From beachfront condominiums and lavish resorts to primitive campgrounds and rustic outposts, the Pensacola Bay Area offers accommodations to suit every lifestyle and budget.

Author

Amy Minchin

Amy Minchin has vacationed in Northwest Florida since she was a young child. Despite a few sunburns and freckles picked up along the way, she’s been proud to call the Pensacola area home for the last seven years. She and her husband enjoy sharing Pensacola’s natural beauty, history and culture with their three daughters. An award-winning writer, Amy left a career in corporate communications and marketing to pursue freelance writing and consulting opportunities. Her writing has been published in the Pensacola News Journal, Pensacola Today, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Birmingham Magazine, Lakeland Ledger, UAB Magazine and UWF Connection. Amy shares her family’s adventures and helps others discover ways to enjoy all that the Gulf Coast has to offer on Instagram. Follow her at @sandinmyminivan.