An insider's guide to Pensacola
Pensacola has a vibrant and active nerd culture scene all year long, but for one weekend a year in February, it really takes over the city. That’s when pop culture fever arrives as Pensacon returns, turning a trip to Pensacola into an out-of-this-world experience.
For the serious shell enthusiasts to the casual beachcomber, shelling along Pensacola Beach, Perdido Key, and the Gulf Islands National Seashore is a time that is looked forward to all year with excited anticipation. On any given morning, after the night's high tide has come and gone, the Gulf has left a shoreline littered with gifts for the shell-seekers.
The coffee culture in Pensacola is growing and thriving, with an increasing number of specialty coffee shops, roasters, and cafes that have turned Pensacola into a vibrant coffee hub.
Traditionally, the mention of Pensacola summons images of lazy days relaxing on sugar-white sands as the emerald green waves lap at your bare feet. Pensacola summers are hard to beat, but our winters might actually have an edge. I present five pieces of evidence to support this radical claim:
Trip Ideas
Top 10 Group Activities in Pensacola
Planning a group trip can be a lot to coordinate, I get it. In Pensacola, a group trip is a breeze! With our stunning sugar-white sand beaches, Blue Angels flying overhead, and 465 years of history to explore, Pensacola offers the perfect blend of fun for any group.
Play
Wicked Ways to Explore Pensacola: From Emerald Waters to Downtown Delights
In honor of Wicked, we're celebrating all things Emerald in Pensacola! Read on to find out just how you can experience the magic for yourself in Pensacola.
Trip Ideas
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.
Taste
Courtyard Confidential: Pensacola’s Best-Kept Garden Dining Secrets
If Pensacola has perfected one thing, it’s how to savor the secrets hiding in plain sight — those green-canopied courtyards and tucked-away patios where the city’s creative flavor unfolds in the open air. And while there’s an art to al fresco, some locals like to keep their favorite go-to gardens kept behind closed doors — but I’ve never been one to keep my stories indoors. These best-kept spots are proof that flavor and fresh air make the best pairing of all, bringing the city’s culinary spirit to the table — one patio at a time.
Adventure
What to Do in Pensacola, Florida: Our Road Trip from Houston
When you think of Florida’s Gulf Coast, the first thing that probably comes to mind is its white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. And yes, Pensacola has that, but it also offers history, gastronomy, and an atmosphere that blends a quaint coastal town with colonial heritage. On our road trip from Houston, we had three days to explore the city and were surprised by everything it offers.
Adventure
Qué hacer en Pensacola, Florida: nuestro road trip desde Houston
Si piensas en la Costa Esmeralda de Florida, seguramente lo primero que te viene a la mente son sus playas de arena blanca y aguas turquesa. Y sí, Pensacola tiene eso… pero también tiene historia, gastronomía y una vibra que mezcla lo costero con lo colonial. En nuestro road trip desde Houston tuvimos 3 días para recorrer la ciudad y nos sorprendió todo lo que ofrece más allá del mar.
Local Charms
Discover 12th Avenue in Pensacola: Local Shops, Eats & Things to Do
No trip to Pensacola is complete without a drive down historic 12th Avenue in the East Hill neighborhood. This one-mile loop could be considered a microneighborhood of the area—anchored by storied landmarks, local eateries, lively bars, and picture-perfect homes shaded by sprawling oak trees. It’s the kind of street that feels like it belongs on a magazine cover. Here’s your guide to what to see, eat, sip, and do along the way.
Adventure
A Guide to Big Lagoon State Park
Tucked away in Northwest Florida lies Big Lagoon State Park. It's located near Perdido Key and serves as the gateway to the Great Florida Birding Trail, as well as the start of the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail. There are plenty of activities to do, nature to experience, and wildlife waiting for you to explore.
Taste
Your Guide to Cool, Casual Dining in Pensacola
Visiting Pensacola but looking for something a little more laid back? We've got your guide to casual dining in Pensacola. This assortment of restaurants is sure to knock your socks off with flavor, but allow for a more laid-back vibe.
Taste
Specialty Seafood Dishes to Try in Pensacola — and Snap a Pic Of
There is seafood, then there is seafood. Everybody knows that half the fun of a beach vacation is getting a great seafood meal. A platter of fried jumbo shrimp with crispy hushpuppies, or maybe a thick, grilled grouper sandwich with buttery new potatoes, is as much a part of the Pensacola Beach experience as sand in your sandals and a little too much sun on tops of your ears.
Entertain
How to Plan the Perfect Pensacola Bachelor Trip
Congratulations! You finally popped the question, and you’ve probably spent the last several months agreeing to whatever plans your fiancée has for the wedding, sight unseen and without a second thought. Reason being? You’re already checked out and ready for the bachelor trip.
Taste
Frozen Treats in Pensacola
When I was a kid, family gatherings in the summertime ended with fresh watermelon and homemade ice cream. I think this was true for many families, and it’s not a uniquely American experience either. In history, frozen desserts date back to ancient Chinese and Persian civilizations that are believed to have mixed snow with fruit and ice with fruit juices.
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