Pensacola Bay City Ferry
750 S. Commendencia Street Pensacola, FL 32502 (850) 466-3379
Discover The Best Ways to Experience a Pensacola Sunset
What better place than Pensacola to watch a sunset? One of the most breathtaking sights in this city is its stunning sunsets. As the sun slowly descends below the horizon, it paints the sky with a magnificent array of colors leaving onlookers mesmerized.
There are so many ways to explore the outdoors and experience a sunset in the Pensacola Bay Area.
Pensacola Beach
Beach Access
If you're looking for just a good old-fashioned sunset on the Gulf, just hop on over to Pensacola Beach. We have so many great beach areas in Pensacola.
My personal favorites would be Park West, Fort Pickens, or any of the walkovers along the coastline. The sugar-white sands and crystal-clear waters of our beaches make for an ideal spot to sit and watch the sunset. Any beach out on Pensacola Beach is a great choice, really. Browse our beach access finder and see the variety of locations you can choose from on our own slice of paradise.
Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier
You can’t go wrong with catching a sunset on the Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier. This 1,471 feet long pier is conveniently located at the heart of Pensacola Beach and is within walking distance to several shops and dining establishments. My favorite thing to do is grab a drink, head out an hour or 30 minutes before the sun sets, and grab a spot on one of the benches facing westward.
Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier is open until dusk. The pier offers views of Casino Beach, the famous beach ball, and endless emerald Gulf views. The pier is also great if you like to fish at sunset. Be sure to bring a jacket if you think it may be chilly – it can get breezy on the Gulf depending on the weather.
Sunset Cruise
Sunset Cruises are a unique experience here in Pensacola. There are several to choose from, and all will show you the beauty of the Gulf Coast as the sun sinks over the horizon. You can't go wrong with spending your evening on a boat cruising around Pensacola Bay at dusk.
There will be stunning views to enjoy during the cruise, which provides a great Instagram story if you ask me! If you're lucky, you might even see some wildlife on your cruise, so keep your eyes peeled.
A sunset cruise is a relaxing way to end (or start) your evening here, not to mention you will have memories to last a lifetime.
Cruise your way into the sunset
Condor Sailing Adventures
Pier One Marina, 655 Pensacola Beach Blvd. Pensacola Beach, FL 32561 (850) 637-7245
Frisky Mermaid Dolphin Cruises and Pontoon Boat Rentals
715 Pensacola Beach Blvd Pensacola Beach, FL 32561 (850) 910-0635
Jolly Sailing and Dolphin Cruise
655 Pensacola Beach Blvd., 715 Pensacola Beach Blvd. Pensacola Beach, FL 32561 (850) 723-6142
Premier Dolphin Cruises
400 Quietwater Beach Road Pensacola Beach, FL 32561 (850) 898-9002
Pensacola Beach Boat Charters
715 Pensacola Beach Blvd Pensacola Beach, FL 32561 (850) 405-7964
Downtown Pensacola
Pensacola Bay City Ferry
The Pensacola Bay City Ferry is another hidden gem that is right in our own backyard. You may not think of it at first but it is a fabulous way to get a great view. The ferry has two vessels and offers a ton of great things. Hop on the ferry and take a sunset cruise around Pensacola Bay. They even have imported and domestic beer, wine, soft drinks, and water available for purchase. What could be better than a glass of wine at sunset?
Plaza de Luna
The Plaza de Luna area in downtown Pensacola is a great spot to catch a good sunset. Jaco’s Bayfront Bar & Grille is right on the water here in downtown Pensacola, offering a relaxing environment to indulge and unwind. The outdoor seating is my personal favorite to take in the stunning panoramic views as you grab a bite to eat.
Located at the south end of Palafox Street, this restaurant serves fresh seafood like grilled oysters and shrimp scampi, plus non-seafood options like flatbreads, steaks, or salads. They also offer cocktails, beer, and wine—berry sangria is my go-to every time. This spot is a must for those seeking an easy dining experience where they can watch the sun go down.
Maritime Park
Overlooking Pensacola Bay, Maritime Park sits at the south end of Downtown Pensacola. This is a great spot for anyone who is looking to get outside. It also is the Pensacola Blue Wahoos Stadium home, our local minor league baseball team. This is a popular thing to do here, but even if you're not a baseball fan, you can still enjoy the beautiful scenery. Whether you're out there for a Blue Wahoos Baseball game or just enjoying the fresh air, this is a space to get outdoors and see the sunset over the bay. (Nino Mendez - photo credit)
General Chappie James Memorial Bridge
The General Chappie James Memorial Bridge connects Gulf Breeze and Pensacola. Spanning just over 3 miles, the bridge offers a unique vantage point at sunset. There are dedicated walking/biking paths headed both east and west, giving you an opportunity to get in some steps while enjoying the scenery of Pensacola Bay.
Walking or biking the bridge is a good way to stay active and can be enjoyed alone or with friends and family. If you get the opportunity, I highly recommend taking a walk across the Pensacola Bay Bridge for sunset. Don't forget to bring your water and stay hydrated! (@steveblairdesigns - photo credit)
Perdido Key
Small Islands
Watching a sunset from the small islands in Perdido Key is a breathtaking experience. A great way to get to them would be by kayak or boat. This quiet and tranquil scene is sure to leave you feeling refreshed and worry free.
Now where are the islands you may ask? There are several of them there in Perdido Pass. There is Gilchrist Island, Bird Island, Walker Island, and Robinson Island. They are all accessible by watercraft. (@delunavision - photo credit)
Flora-Bama
Hanging out at the Flora-Bama in Perdido Key is a fabulous way to spend a sunset. The Flora-Bama is unique, situated on the state line between Florida and Alabama. They offer many delicious dishes, beer, cocktails, and my favorite- the buschwacker. What says Pensacola more than sipping on a cold bushwacker at sunset?
The Flora-Bama hosts a fun atmosphere right on the beach, allowing you to take in some gorgeous views. Whether you want to listen to live music, eat delicious food, or drink, you won't regret it.
At their marina, they offer a variety of rentals, from jet skis to pontoon boats. What better way to watch a sunset than cruising by on a jet ski? Their rentals are in excellent condition and are sure to leave you feeling refreshed and exhilarated from being out on the water.
Johnson Beach
Johnson Beach is a beautiful beach located in Perdido Key. This beach gets its name from Army Private Rosamond Johnson Jr. Johnson died in combat at age 17 and was the first Escambia county resident to die in the Korean War. This beach was one of the few areas open in Pensacola to African Americans. There is a monument now at Johnson Beach in his honor.Aside from the history, this beach is a stunning spot to catch a sunset. It’s right on the Gulf. There’s even a raised Discovery Trail that covers 0.6 miles of nothing but nature. Taking a sunset stroll on this trail is a unique way to enjoy a sunset.
Big Lagoon State Park
Covering over 700 acres, Big Lagoon State Park encompasses the northern side of Big Lagoon, separating the mainland from Perdido Key and the Gulf. There are a lot of ways to experience a sunset here. You can go hiking, biking, swimming, boating, or kayaking. Big Lagoon State Park is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset. Here, you’ll find a lot of wildlife in a tranquil setting. Watching the sunset on its sandy beaches is something you’ll never forget. This Florida State Park is a must-do in the Perdido area.
There is something magical about watching the sun slowly disappear, taking with it the worries and stresses of the day, and leaving behind a sense of peace and tranquility. It's free therapy!
So, grab your seat, find a spot, and prepare to be amazed as you watch the Pensacola sky come alive.
