Itinerary: A Day Spent on Pensacola Beach

No trip to Pensacola is complete without spending some time on Pensacola Beach. Got a free day or even an afternoon? Check out this itinerary below to inspire some activities and things to do on Pensacola Beach for your next trip.

6:30 AM - Sunrise on Pensacola Beach Pier

Wakey wakey! It's time to get your day on Pensacola Beach started bright and early with a sunrise over the Gulf of course. Head to the Pensacola Beach Pier and grab a seat on one of the benches to watch the sun come up.

7:30 AM - Breakfast at Native Cafe

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and you're in luck. Native Cafe is located in the heart of Pensacola Beach and is serving up delicious breakfast favorites all day long.

9:45 AM - Jet Ski, Parasail, or Dolphin Cruise

When on Pensacola Beach, you've got to take advantage of all of the water activities there are! Jump on a jet ski for the morning and cruise around the Santa Rosa Sound. If flying high above the water sounds more like it, then maybe you'd like to try parasailing. Be sure and book ahead for these watersport experiences.

Another great way to ease into your morning is to take part in a dolphin cruise. Be sure and checkout the Frisky Mermaid to pick your tour and enjoy your time on the water. Who doesn't love looking for dolphins?

12:45 PM - Lunch at Flounder's Chowder House

It's time for lunch at a staple restaurant of Pensacola Beach - Flounder's! Try a diesel fuel drink or A Blue Angel cocktail with your lunch. You can't go wrong trying the seafood nachos, oysters, or fresh seafood. When you're done eating, you can hit the sand for some beach volleyball or take a walk out on the dock to get a view of Santa Rosa Sound.

2:00 PM - Paddleboard, Snorkel, or Set Sail

Feel free to use this time as a break, or if you're ready to keep the adventure rolling, hit the water for some paddleboarding, snorkeling, or sailing. Depending on water conditions, you might want to take your paddleboards to the Gulf. Check out the beach webcams. Don't forget to explore rentals to grab a paddleboard.

For snorkeling, you can either snorkel on your own and look for shells or there are several man made reefs in Pensacola Beach you can explore. To find out where to snorkel, tour information, and more on snorkeling, be sure to check out our snorkeling resources.

Another fun afternoon option is to set sail with Condor Sailing Adventures. They offer sailboat cruises Tuesday - Sunday at 11 AM, 2 PM, and at sunset. Hop aboard and live out your sailing dreams on the Condor racing trimaran, Dare II. Did we mention this is a rare Condor - there were only ever 21 built! Take in views of Pensacola Bay as you glide over the water. It's always uncrowded, as 6 guests go at a time. It's a phenomenal way to sit back, relax, and enjoy your afternoon.

4:30 PM - Explore Pensacola Beach Boardwalk & Shop

After your day of being out in the sun, it's time to get some retail therapy in. Head over to the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk and stop in at the different beach stores and boutiques while you're there. Grab a photo in front of the big clam shell located on the boardwalk labeled Quietwater Beach - perfect for that vacation photo!

5:15 PM - Have a Bushwacker at the Sandshaker

Did you know that The Sandshaker on Pensacola Beach is home of the Bushwacker? Well now you do! Back in 1975, Linda Taylor Murphy was exploring the Virgin Islands and discovered a tasty treat from the locals there. She brought it back to her bar - The Sandshaker. And now the bushwacker is an iconic drink all along the Gulf Coast.

All that to say - stopping in to try this chocolately boozey milkshake at The Shaker is the essence of a day on Pensacola Beach!

6:00 PM - Dinner at The Grand Marlin

It's time for some delicious fresh seafood at The Grand Marlin. With a chill atmosphere, it's the perfect way to unwind and relax with a tasty meal overlooking Santa Rosa Sound.

Their market fish changes daily, so you never know what local catch you might get to try. Stop in at their shop on your way out to snag a souvenir to remember your dinner.

8:30 PM - Glow Paddle or Mini Golf

To round off your day on Pensacola Beach, you've got to try out Glow Paddle! It's a fun and magical way to experience Pensacola Beach at night. Glow Paddle is located along the Sabine right across from Pensacola Beach Resort. Head down and choose your favorite color glow kayak and hit the water.

Another fun way to wrap up your night is to hit the golf course. UFO's Pensacola Beach is located steps away from the beach and is fun for the whole family. The cosmic course has 18 holes and you can enjoy some ice cream and arcade games as well! It's out of this world.

Now it's time to rest, relax, and recharge after your adventure filled day on Pensacola Beach!

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Like many Florida locals, I keep a go-bag in my car for emergencies. No, it’s not for leaving the country, nor is it for hurricane evacuation. But whenever I want to escape our corporate life or the hum-drum of daily errands, I evacuate to the beach. My go-bag has essentials: shorts, flip-flops and sunscreen. I find a stretch of sugar-white sand and the gentle waves wash the stress away. While I rate that blissful inactivity 10/10, there’s so much more to do than idle your afternoon away in the sand.

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