25 Fun, Free Things to Do in Pensacola

Some of the best things in life are free, and this is certainly true in the Pensacola Bay Area. Here's a list of 25 fun, free things to do in Pensacola.

Sure, we have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Our legendary sugar-white sand and turquoise water were discovered in 1559 by Don Tristan de Luna, and Pensacola has been loved by explorers ever since. But what many don’t know is that there is a world of fun, free things to do in Pensacola after you visit our award-winning beaches.

From Perdido Key to Downtown Pensacola to Pensacola Beach, you’ll find unforgettable things to do that are free year-round. Get to know our history, culture and wildlife and have some family fun with our list of 25 of Pensacola’s best free concerts, events, activities and more.

Have a Beach Day

Enjoy public beach access points along Pensacola Beach or Perdido Key and have the perfect beach day.

Check out the Naval Aviation Museum

Located at NAS Pensacola, National Naval Aviation Museum is one of the world's largest aviation museums. See more than 4,000 artifacts and over 150 beautifully restored aircraft representing Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard aviation.

Go Birding

Explore the Florida Great Birding and Wildlife Trail and take in nature. We’re the official gateway to the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail of which we boast 10 stops.

See Palafox Market

The Palafox Market takes place every Saturday in Downtown Pensacola. Take a morning stroll through for local products, art and music.

Go on a Mural Tour

The Pensacola Bay Area is home to tons of murals waiting for you to enjoy.

Find the Pelicans

Go on a Pelican adventure and add the free Pelican Passport to your phone.

Play iSpy Pensacola

Look around and see what you can spot—pelicans, pirate clues, dolphins, and more! When you find an item, point it out, click the quiz, and answer the question.

See a Blue Angels Practice

America's favorite flight squadron takes to the skies on select days to practice its famed air shows March – November, and YOU can have a front-row seat to it.

Watch a Sunset

Head outside and catch one of Pensacola's very own sunsets. Be mesmerized as the sun sinks below the horizon and the skies turn to pink and orange hues.

Explore Edward Ball Nature Trail

Explore nature and take a hike at the Edward Ball Nature Trail on the University of West Florida campus.

Catch Bands on the Beach

On Tuesday evenings from April through October, catch free concerts at Pensacola Beach's Gulfside Pavilion.

Go to Veterans Memorial Park

Veterans Memorial Park is a place of healing, to honor and remember our fallen heroes. Visit the nation's only full-name permanent replica of Washington D.C.'s Veteran's Memorial.

Go Shelling

On any given morning, after the night's high tide has come and gone, the Gulf has left a shoreline littered with gifts for shell-seekers in Pensacola.

Play Pickleball

It's time to get outdoors and play some pickleball. Check out all the spots to go hit the court and play.

Hang out at Bruce Beach

Stroll around this bayside park. Enjoy the view from the adirondack chairs, play on the playground, and observe the history of Bruce Beach.

Take a Stroll Along Palafox

Stroll down Palafox Street and through our Historic District to find a wealth of shops, galleries and coffee shops, restaurants, and bars.

Walk the Bridge

The General Chappie James Memorial Bridge has a great multi use path to enjoy a walk or bike along. It's a fun way to get outdoors and get moving.

Discover the Americas First Settlement Trail

Dive into Pensacola's History and experience the Americas First Settlement Trail in Downtown Pensacola. Walk along the three mile long marked path and uncover over seventy points of interest.

Ride a Bike

Take a bike ride in Pensacola on one of these routes.

Explore Fort Barrancas

Open seasonally, Fort Barrancas is located at NAS Pensacola and was completed in 1844. It remains an example of military engineering and a marvel of human ingenuity.

Attend a Festival

The Pensacola Bay Area is home to several different festivals throughout the year. Art, seafood, songwriters, crawfish, bushwackers, Greek heritage - there is something for everyone!

Enjoy a Parade

Pensacola is home to several parades throughout the year. The MLK Day Parade, 3 Mardi Gras Parades, Grand Fiesta Parade, and Christmas Parade. Be sure to check them out!

Enjoy Gallery Night

Enjoy this downtown Pensacola street party. These monthly events focus on specific themes, highlight featured artists, and showcase the best creators our area has to offer.

Community Maritime Park

Go for a stroll and get some fresh air at Community Maritime Park and enjoy views of Pensacola Bay.

Take a step into History

Historic Pensacola Village - where it's perfectly normal to see a man in colonial costume carving the better part of a musket, or a costumed woman cooking over a fire.

Enjoy all Pensacola has to offer...

Frequently Asked Questions

Is parking free at Pensacola Beach?

Yes, there is a large parking lot at Pensacola Beach. For more information, use our parking app or look at our transportation page!

Is parking free downtown?

Free parking is limited downtown, but to find parking, use our parking app or look at our transportation page!

Are there free, family-friendly activities in Pensacola?

Yes! Everything listed above is both free and family-friendly, and you can find even more family-friendly recommendations here!

Are there free dog-friendly activities in Pensacola?

We sure love animals here in Pensacola! Check out this page for all kinds of local dog-friendly activities.

Do I need to make reservations for any of these activities?

No! All of these activities are ready for you to enjoy; all you need to do is show up.

What's the best time of year to enjoy these activities?

There are amazing activities during all seasons in Pensacola! Gallery Night occurs once a month, and the Palafox Market is every Saturday. Find more seasonal activities here!

What are free accessible activities in Pensacola?

Pensacola has accessible trails, museums, beaches, tours, and more! Click here for more information!

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