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.

Colonial Archaeological Trail

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

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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.

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Pensacola Maritime Heritage Trail

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

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Plaza Ferdinand

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

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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 Pensacola Historic District.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Voices of Pensacola Multicultural Center

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

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Extra! Extra! Read All About It

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

Five Historic Hikes

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

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Historic Sites to Visit

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