Downtown Food + Drink
From food trucks, pub fare, and down-home casual eateries to white-tablecloth establishments, downtown is the heart – and palate – of Pensacola.
Say Hello to The New Palafox: Eat, Shop, Explore
Downtown Pensacola's most iconic street is back and better than ever. After a few months of construction, Palafox Street has reopened with its first major infrastructure upgrade since 1999, bringing improvements designed to make downtown safer, more accessible, and more enjoyable for everybody.
The project includes more than 1,700 feet of new stormwater piping capable of handling up to 93,000 gallons of water, along with 46 ADA-compliant curb ramps, shorter crosswalks, and elevated pedestrian crossings that make navigating downtown easier and more accessible than ever. New benches, litter receptacles, and over 2,000 feet of the America's First Settlement Trail add even more reasons to explore.
If you're looking to do a little retail therapy, grab a coffee, snag a bite to eat, or a cocktail, there's never been a more perfect time to get out and experience Palafox! Here's your guide to experiencing the heart of downtown Pensacola.
Start With a Stroll Down Palafox
Now that Palafox is reopened, it's time to explore on foot. This is one of my favorite ways to get some fresh air and steps in. You never know what you might come across! Palafox is the city's main street, home to businesses, landmarks, history, and fun.
The recent enhancements and improvements make it even easier to get where you need to go... and the wider sidewalks don't hurt either!
While you're on your stroll, you never know what adventure it may turn into. You may hear live music, stop into an art gallery that catches your eye, or check out a boutique you've never been to. This is why Palafox is so special, there's something unique to explore at every step.
Where to Eat, Drink, and Shop
Aside from being so walkable, another reason people love Palafox so much is all that you can eat, drink, and shop for! It'll quickly become your go-to spot for a lunch on a Saturday afternoon, or your birthday celebration every year.
Supporting local businesses on Palafox helps preserve the character and charm that make it so special.
Discovery Local History and Culture
Since Palafox is in fact one of Pensacola's most iconic streets, of COURSE there's tons of history to go right along with that. Palafox dates back decades, and now today you can still go experience and uncover that history.
Take a walk along the America's First Settlement Trail. This is a three-mile marked path throughout Downtown that has twenty stops and over seventy points of interest. Scan the QR code medallions as you go to immerse yourself in the past... you may learn a thing or two you didn't know!
Also throughout Downtown you'll find historic markers, landmarks, and museums to explore as well. Stop in at the Pensacola Museum of History located just a block away from Palafox to experience the newest Road to Revolution exhibit, commemorating America's 250th birthday. Located steps away from the Museum of History lies the Historic Pensacola Village. Immerse yourself in history by seeing historic homes and hearing stories of our past told by
Looking for more arts and culture? Explore one of the several art galleries downtown, or pop into the Saenger Theatre or Pensacola Little Theatre to see a performance. Bet you didn't know Pensacola is home to The Big 5 (that would be a professional theatre, symphony, ballet and opera company, and an accredited art museum - all of which can be found within a few shorts blocks of each other)!
Plan the Perfect Day Downtown
Ease Into the Day on Palafox
A great day on Palafox starts with coffee - of course. After you grab a coffee or some breakfast, feel free to take a serene morning stroll before the street comes alive for the day.
The morning is a great time to admire historic buildings and enjoy some quiet time while taking advantage of the new pedestrian-friendly improvements.
One of our new favorite spots is the alley behind the Jefferson Street Parking Garage. If you loved Umbrella Sky during 2017's Foo Foo Festival, you're not alone. It's one of the most talked about art installations in Pensacola's history and the fun has returned! Be sure and stop by for your photo op and for some colorful umbrella fun.
Markets, Museums, and More
From there, check out some local shops and boutiques, a museum or art gallery if you're feeling it, and grab some lunch at one of the many restaurants to choose from.
If you're here on a Saturday, you can experience Palafox Market, located at MLK Plaza and Plaza Ferdinand from 9-2. There are also several festivals that take place throughout the year in the Downtown Pensacola area, so be sure and check out the event dates to see if your trip lines up.
Spend the Afternoon Exploring
After lunch, there's no need to rush. One of the best things about downtown is that it's easy to just see where the day takes you!
Pop into a few local shops, grab a sweet treat, or explore the side streets surrounding Palafox. You just may come across a fun mural to take pictures of!
This is also a great time to do some museum hopping and explore the museums and history around Palafox. Pop into the Pensacola Museum of History, Pensacola Museum of Art, Historic Pensacola Village, and walk along the America's First Settlement Trail.
End the Day with Dinner and Drinks
It's night time and Palafox comes alive with live music, cocktails, fun dinner spots, and more! Choose a restaurant to dine at for the evening. There's everything from Italian, to finer dining, seafood, tapas, and quick bites. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it!
After you've gotten your dinner in, it's time to experience the bar scene around Palafox. Some of my favorite stops include The Kennedy, Seville Quarter, O'Riley's Irish Pub, and 200 South. You really can't go wrong with any of these and they all have their own unique vibe.
With all the fun and exciting things that await, I don't think there's ever been a better time to experience Palafox Street.
Grab your friends, your appetite, and spend a day discovering all that Palafox has to offer. I have a feeling you'll be planning your next visit before this one's over!
