Explore America's First Settlement

Consider yourself a history buff? Do you revel in the smallest battle details? Maybe you know your Navy Hellcat from its brother Bearcat and Wildcat. Or you're simply a student of life – curious about local architecture, museums, and cultural influences. Since 1559 explorers have walked and lived on our shores - creating centuries of rich stories and intriguing sites for you to dig into...that's The Way to Beach.

African-American History | Archaeology | Forts & Historic Sites | Multicultural Influence

Get Your History Outdoors

Miles of ways to keep your brain (and feet) engaged.

America’s 1st Settlement Trail

This three-mile marked path through downtown Pensacola and the Pensacola Historic District highlights more than seventy points of interest over twenty stops.

Colonial Archaeological Trail

Follow these open-air archeology exhibits highlighting Pensacola's colonial past.

Alger-Sullivan Historic District

Explore the early twentieth-century sawmill town of Century. The museums include The Leach House, Boxcar Museum and a Post Office Museum.

Pensacola Maritime Heritage Trail

This 1.5 mile downtown trail tells the story of Pensacola’s waterfront shipping history.

Plaza Ferdinand

This downtown Pensacola park – named for King Ferdinand VII of Spain – is listed on the National Register of Historical Places.

St. Michael’s Cemetery

As one of Florida's two oldest extant cemeteries, this 8-acre property is on the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing property to the…

Fort Pickens

Fort Pickens is one of four forts designed to protect Pensacola in the 1800s...and home to some of the prettiest beaches in the world.

Celebrated History Museums

Naval Aviation Museum

Experience hands-on history at the National Naval Aviation Museum located on board NAS Pensacola. See more than 4,000 artifacts and over 150 beautifully restored aircraft.

Pensacola Museum of History

Historic Pensacola's flagship museum, is housed in the three-story Mediterranean Revival architecture of the former Pensacola City Hall and was built in 1907.

Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum

Climb 177 steps up this historic tower, hunt ghosts, or see the Blue Angels practice from a 164-year-old lighthouse.

Pensacola Children’s Museum

Play through Pensacola's 450-year history at this museum geared for kids, and designed to have interactive, imaginative, and educational play for all ages.

Chappie James Museum

This home, listed on the National Register of Historical Places, celebrates Daniel “Chappie” James, Jr., the first African American four-star general in the U.S. Air Force.

Voices of Pensacola Multicultural Center

Discover the city's diversity through dynamic exhibits representative of the cultural groups that have shaped Pensacola history.

Extra! Extra! Read All About It

From haunted lighthouses to five flags, find local insight and behind-the-scenes tips into all things history.

Things to Explore and Tips to Get You Aboard NAS Pensacola

Naval Air Station Pensacola – the cradle of naval aviation – offers visitors acres of world-class options.

Step Back in Time & Explore Hands-On History

Historic Pensacola: where it's perfectly normal to see a man in colonial costume carving the better part of a musket.

Historic Pensacola Hotspots

With over 460 years of history, Pensacola has countless tales to tell. Visitors seeking stories of 16th Century Spanish explorers, a prosperous English colony…

Five Historic Hikes

A local's guide to historic destinations with natural scenic beauty, perfect for an outdoor adventure.

Pirates in the Pensacola Bay Area: Fact or Fiction?

Ahoy, matey! Pensacola has a pirate history that may seem surprising... read on to learn more about our city's hidden treasure.

Eight Places to Honor and Celebrate Black History

Read along to find all the places to honor and celebrate black history in the Pensacola Bay Area.

Spots to Explore and Tips to Get You Aboard NAS Pensacola

A haunted lighthouse, the Blue Angels, a world-class aviation museum, and ways for you to see it all.

Pensacola Pays Tribute to Founder Don Tristan De Luna

In 2015 Luna's lost settlement was found, but we've always had a special place in our heart for the city's 1559 founder.

Historic Sites to Visit

Historic Pensacola

330 South Jefferson St Pensacola, FL 32502 (850) 595-5985

Fort Pickens — Gulf Islands National Seashore

1400 Fort Pickens Road Pensacola Beach, FL 32561 (850) 934-2600

Fort Barrancas (Gulf Islands National Seashore)

3182 Taylor Rd Pensacola, FL 32508 (850) 934-2600

Pensacola Lighthouse

2081 Radford Blvd Pensacola, FL 32508 (850) 393-1561

Naval Live Oaks — Gulf Islands National Seashore

1801 Gulf Breeze Pkwy. Gulf Breeze, FL 32561 (850) 934-2600

Stay Connected

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Get Your Guide!

Request your free guide by mail, view the digital version, or pick one up at one of our Visitor Information Centers.

Explore More

Historic sites are just part of the fun. Check out all that's happening...and find your way to beach.

Hit the Beaches

Miles of unbelievable sugar-white beaches make keeping your distance a breeze.

Stay the Night

From beachfront condos and resorts to campgrounds and rustic outposts, you have lots of choices.

Go Play Outside

Hiking, paddling, biking, sailing - you'll find plenty of wide open playground here.

Discover Free Fun

Don't miss Pensacola’s best 25 free events, activities, and more!

Satisfy Your Tastebuds

From fine dining to laid-back options, your flavor-filled getaway awaits.

Shop ‘Til You Drop

Our niche-boutiques, open-air markets, and vibrant beach stores make it hard to leave empty-handed.