Itinerary: Downtown Pensacola - Walking Tour

Downtown Pensacola is a lovely place to walk around. With Palafox Street being the main road, there are sidewalks in the area, several parks, museums, restaurants, and more waiting for you to explore.

Check out this walking tour of Downtown Pensacola to get some walks in for your day. We've curated three different walks with different activities and things to see along the way. With everything in walking distance, Downtown Pensacola is the perfect place to get some steps in and enjoy!

A Historic Morning Walk

This walk is a relaxing one! Stroll along and grab a cup of coffee from Maker's Cafe and Espresso Bar. Then venture over to Plaza Ferdinand, a nice outdoor park - it's even on the National Register of Historic Places. Don't forget to experience the America's First Settlement Trail while you're here. Right around here, you'll find the Pensacola Museum of History and Quayside Art Gallery - feel free to stop in if you'd like. Next on the walk is Museum Plaza - another nice outdoor green space right behind the Museum of History. Check out the cubed art installations while you're there. Looking for more history? The Historic Pensacola Village is near - take a step back in time! Old Christ Church is a beautiful Church located right next to Seville Square - and one of the oldest surviving churches in Florida. Then, make your way back to the starting point and be sure to hit the Pensacola Little Theatre and the Pensacola Museum of Art.

1Maker’s Cafe and Espresso Bar

422 S Palafox St Pensacola, FL 32502 (850) 776-6050

Maker's Cafe & Espresso Bar is a local coffee shop and cafe located in Pensacola, Florida. The cafe is known for serving high-quality coffee, with a focus on espresso-based drinks such as cappuccinos, lattes, and macchiatos. In addition to their coffee, Maker's Cafe & Espresso Bar also offers a variety of freshly made pastries and baked goods, as well as sandwiches, salads, and other light fare. Many of their food items are made with locally sourced and organic ingredients. The cafe has a cozy and inviting atmosphere, with comfortable seating options both indoors and outdoors. They also offer free Wi-Fi, making it a great place to work or study. Overall, Maker's Cafe & Espresso Bar is a popular destination for coffee lovers and foodies alike, offering a unique and delicious dining experience in the heart of Pensacola.

2Plaza Ferdinand

East Government St and, S Palafox St Pensacola, FL 32502 (850) 436-5670

Plaza Ferdinand, a park with a very rich and colorful history, is listed on the National Register of Historical Places. Named for King Ferdinand VII of Spain (reign 1813-1833), the land that is now the Plaza was originally given by the Spanish throne to Don Manuel Gonzalez for his services as a farmer, rancher, businessman, military advisor, and political representative of Spain. Gonzalez would later donate the land to the City of Pensacola. In its early days, the Plaza was used as a parade ground for the British fort. The Plaza was also the center of town life during the Colonial era. The cession of Florida to the United States from Spain occurred at the Plaza on July 17, 1821. It was here that Andrew Jackson was sworn in as first Territorial Governor in the Plaza. A bust of Jackson now stands at the spot where he was inaugurated. An obelisk monument stands at the center of the Plaza in memory of William D. Chipley, who was instrumental in bringing the L & N Railroad to Pensacola and points west. A fountain thought to be a replica of one in Seville, Spain was placed on the site in 1909 after local citizens and school children raised funds to pay for it.

3Pensacola Museum of History

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

The 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. Its symmetrical design is graced with wide overhanging eaves, a red tile roof, an arched entry porch, and a second-story arcade.

The Pensacola Museum of History is a general history museum with galleries dedicated to both permanent and changing exhibits. The first floor host an exhibit on the archaeology, history and preservation of Historic Pensacola as well as the museum store and ticket desk. The second floor houses rotating exhibits, such as Trader Jon's, Home Base: Founding the Navy Yard, Textiles of the Times: Regency Era Dress Making, Innovations of Yesteryear: An Object Tour of the World's Fair, and the Story of Us: From Curiosity Cabinets to Modern Museums. The third floor is a large gallery.

Open:

Tuesday through Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Sunday: Noon- 4:00 p.m.

Admission:

Adults: $12

Seniors 65+, Active Military & Dependents, AAA Members, Pensacola Museum of Art Members, and UWF Alumni Association Members: $11

Children (3-14): $7

Members: FREE

Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Cardholder: Free for up to four individuals per EBT card

UWF Students: Free with Nautilus card.

4Quayside Art Gallery/Pensacola Artists, Inc.

17 E Zaragoza St Pensacola, FL 32502 (850) 438-2363

If you like Art Shows, then Quayside Art Gallery is the place to go. As the largest co-op gallery in the Southeast, it is the best free show in town! We have 3-D works in clay, glass, fiber, precious metals, wood and more, in addition to the oil, watercolors, photography, inks, and mixed media formats.
Nationally known Quayside Art Gallery faces Plaza Ferdinand at the corner of Zarragossa and Jefferson Streets, in the historic district of Pensacola, Florida. Constructed in 1873, one block North of the wooden quays or wharves for square rigged sailing ships, the two story building was headquarters and social center for the Germania Steam Fire Engine and Hose Company. The building remains much as it was when it housed the "Marie Louise," a 2.5 ton horse-drawn steam pumping engine.
Quayside Art Gallery was established and is maintained by Pensacola Artists, Inc.!, a cooperative organization of more than 200 Artists and Associate Members. Founded in 1973, PAI and its Quayside Gallery are dedicated to fostering and promoting original fine arts and crafts in the West Florida region.
Guided tours, free of charge, are available to interested groups and organizations upon request. Staffing is done by unpaid volunteers from PAI.

5Museum Plaza

120 Church Street Pensacola, FL 32502 (850) 595-5985

This picturesque park, located behind the Pensacola Museum of History, opened in 2019 and is the largest venue space at the Historic Trust. With over 13,000 feet of event space, the possibilities are endless on the plaza. Set the stage for your next large event in the city's newest multi-use green space. Museum Plaza includes an outdoor education center featuring a covered stage and seating area ideal for presentations, performances, lectures and other outdoor activities. It also included the Early Childhood Education Playground and the Commanding Officers Compound.

6Historic Pensacola

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

Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

We invite you to explore Historic Pensacola and experience the rich heritage of America’s first multi-year European settlement.

Historic Pensacola encompasses eight and a half acres and 28 properties located within the footprints of the original Spanish and British forts in downtown Pensacola.

Our “One Ticket, Seven Days to Explore” ticketing enables you to leisurely visit all of the museums, participate in guided and self-guided tours of historic homes and interact with period-dressed living history interpreters. Come be a part of history being brought to life!

Admission:

Adults: $12

Seniors 65+, Active Military & Dependents, AAA Members, Pensacola Museum of Art Members, and UWF Alumni Association Members: $11

Children (3-14): $7

Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Cardholder: Free for up to four individuals per EBT card

Members: FREE

UWF Students: Free with Nautilus card.

Buy Tickets here! Tickets provide admission to the Pensacola Museum of History, Historic Pensacola Village, and the Pensacola Museum of Art.

7Old Christ Church

405 S Adams St Pensacola, FL 32502 (850) 595-5985

Completed in 1832, Old Christ Church is one of the oldest surviving church buildings in Florida, serving the Pensacola community as an Episcopal Church, public library and museum. The building was also occupied by federal troops during the Civil War. Today, it is a popular stop on the guided tour and continues to serve the public as a museum, special events venue and meeting hall as well as hosting weddings. The church will accommodate up to 150 guests.

For booking information or to schedule a site visit, please contact our Event Coordinator at historicevents@uwf.edu.

8Pensacola Little Theatre

400 S. Jefferson Street Pensacola, FL 32502 (850) 432-2042

Pensacola Little Theatre has been a vibrant hub of artistic expression and community engagement since its establishment in 1936. Nestled in the heart of Pensacola, this cherished institution has continuously enchanted audiences with its exceptional theatrical productions. From classic dramas to exhilarating musicals, Pensacola Little Theatre has showcased the immense talent of local actors and artists, bringing stories to life and evoking powerful emotions within its patrons.

More than just a stage for performances, Pensacola Little Theatre fosters a sense of belonging and creativity within the community. Through its diverse range of educational programs, workshops, and outreach initiatives, the theatre empowers individuals of all ages to explore their artistic potential and develop a deep appreciation for the performing arts. Pensacola Little Theatre is a nurturing space with a warm and welcoming atmosphere where aspiring actors, directors, and technicians can thrive and cultivate their skills.

Pensacola Little Theatre stands as a testament to the enduring power of theatre and its ability to transcend time. As it celebrates over eight decades of artistic excellence, the theatre continues to evolve, adapt, and innovate, keeping pace with the ever-changing cultural landscape. From its storied past to its promising future, Pensacola Little Theatre remains a cherished cultural institution, enriching the lives of its patrons and leaving an indelible mark on the arts community of Pensacola.

9Pensacola Museum of Art

407 South Jefferson Street Pensacola, FL 32502 (850) 432-6247

The Pensacola Museum of Art presents engaging cross-disciplinary exhibitions, educational programming, and stewards a growing collection of modern and contemporary art of the nineteenth, twentieth, and twenty-first centuries. The museum aims to promote the understanding and appreciation of art and ideas to audiences in the Northwest Florida region and beyond. We endeavor to create dialogue between university and community audiences by engendering experiences of joy, discovery, and creativity through diverse perspectives, and the transdisciplinary interactions of art, culture, the humanities, science, and technology.

Click Here To View Current Exhibitions

Hours of Operation:

Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Sunday Noon -4:00 p.m.

ADMISSION:
Adults: $12

Military & Dependents, Seniors (65+), AAA Members, UWF Historic Trust Members, UWF Faculty/Staff/Alumni Association Members : $11

Children (3 - 14): $7

Children (Younger than 3): Free

Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card holders
with valid photo I.D: Free for up to four individuals per EBT card

UWF students: Free with presentation of Nautilus card

Members: Free, join today!

Buy tickets here! Tickets provide admission to the Pensacola Museum of History, Historic Pensacola Village, and the Pensacola Children's Museum.

A Waterfront Walk

Looking to get some water views in on your walk in Downtown Pensacola? Check out this map below. Start at the Palafox Pier and venture your way north and stop in at Jaco's for a delicious brunch, lunch or dinner. After that, check out Bodacious Cafe for a treat or take a break and have a seat on their upper outdoor balconies. Next, make your way over to Community Maritime Park on the sidewalks. This stadium is home to the Pensacola Blue Wahoos Baseball Team. With walkways right near the water, pretty views, and a public marina it's a great area to get some steps in. Last on this walk, you'll find newly renovated Bruce Beach. This beach area has several paved walkways as well as adirondack chairs right near the bay - perfect to end your walk!

1Palafox Pier and Yacht Harbour Marina

997 S Palafox St Pensacola, FL 32502 (850) 432-9620

Palafox Pier Yacht Harbor Marina is in the heart of the Pensacola downtown waterfront. The fifteen-foot-deep basin is a favorite for boaters at the eastern end of Pensacola Bay's channel. The marina has metered electric, water, security gates, ADA-compliant ramps, and bathroom/shower/laundry facilities. Other amenities on-site are fuel docks with non-ethanol gas, diesel, oil, pump-out services, and bagged ice for purchase. Many restaurants, watering holes, shops, museums, and entertainment venues (baseball, hockey, theater, music, etc.) are all within easy walking distance. If you need lodging for guests who may join you, please consider our Houseboats of Seville Harbour. The most unique accommodations on the Gulf Coast are just around the corner.

2Jaco’s Bayfront Bar and Grille

997 S. Palafox St. Pensacola, FL 32502 (850) 432-5226

Jaco’s Bayfront Bar & Grille stands as Pensacola’s premier waterfront destination, offering an array of unique and delectable eats and drinks for an unparalleled dining experience by the bay. But that's not all – elevate your Sundays with our delightful brunch from 10 am to 2 pm! Your complete satisfaction is our foremost concern, and our dedicated and welcoming staff is committed to ensuring your time at Jaco’s becomes an unforgettable memory. Whether you choose our inviting covered patio or the spacious indoor seating, both offering breathtaking bay views, your evening at Jaco’s promises to be extraordinary. Discover why Jaco’s will swiftly become your cherished local favorite!

3Bodacious Café

407-F S. Palafox St. Pensacola, FL 32502 (850) 433-6505

Looking for a healthy lunch in the downtown area?

Bodacious Shops is a collection of distinct shops—a café, an olive oil shop, a coffee roastery, and a kitchen wares store equipped with spaces for private events and classes—in Pensacola, Florida and Janesville, Wisconsin. In Pensacola, our in-house coffee roastery provides fresh beans for both locations.

We strive to craft unique and memorable experiences in the communities that we serve.

4Vince Whibbs Sr. Community Maritime Park

301 W Main St Pensacola, FL 32502 (850) 436-5670

The Vince J. Whibbs, Sr. Community Maritime Park is a multi-use, public-private park development on Pensacola’s waterfront. Located in Historic Downtown Pensacola, this park features beautiful views of Pensacola Bay, over 38,000 square feet of outdoor event space, an amphitheater, playground, and festival grounds. Visitors can enjoy beautiful sunrises and sunsets, fishing, and watch boats and vessels of all sizes and types as they travel along the waterfront.

Community Maritime Park is named for Pensacola Mayor Emeritus Vince Whibbs Sr. who served seven consecutive terms as mayor from 1977 to 1991, making him the longest serving Mayor in Pensacola’s history. Mayor Whibbs was known for his commitment to public service and to the community.

The Community Maritime Park is home to the Pensacola Blue Wahoos baseball team, the AA affiliate of the Miami Marlins, and were the 2017 southern League Champions. Blue Wahoos Stadium is considered one of the most premier facilities in Minor League Baseball and was named 2012 Ballpark of the Year by Baseballparks.com.

The City of Pensacola hosts the Blues Angel Music's Blues on the Bay summer concert series, the 5-2-1-0 Northwest Florida Day of Play, and Movies in the Park series here. Some of Pensacola’s largest outdoor events and festivals are held at Community Maritime Park, including the Smokin’ in the Square barbecue competition, Burger Battle By the Bay, Symphony Sparks and Stars, the Gulf Coast Summerfest Jazz Edition, Barktoberfest, as well as many runs, marathons and charity walking events.

5Bruce Beach

601 W Main St Pensacola, FL 32502 (850) 436-5670

Bruce Beach is a waterfront park located in downtown Pensacola.

A Palafox Stroll

Now this path includes a lot of points along the way - keep your eyes peeled and enjoy the heart of Downtown Pensacola along Palafox Street. First stop is Vinyl Music Hall - depending on when you catch it, there just may be a concert or event going on. Across the way is First City Bee Co., perfect for a honey sampling or unique gift. Looking for some food? 86 Forks and The Dog House are both fabulous options near each other. The historic Saengar Theatre is next on our walk! It opened back in 1925 - a Pensacola staple. Rusted Arrow Mercantile is a great shop to stop in and grab that perfect Pensacola gift. Looking for a drink along the way? Stop in at 200 South Tap House or O'Riley's Irish Pub (they've also got delicious food too!). Don't forget to pop into Scout further down Palafox for some contemporary women's fashion. End your walk at Bubba's Sweet Spot, of course, for that sweet treat as a reward.

1Vinyl Music Hall

2 S. Palafox Place Pensacola, FL 32502 (850) 607-6758

A funky ballroom setting for performances by a wide variety of regional & national bands & acts. The venue features a main dance floor, wrap-around balcony level, state-of-the-art sound, stage, and lighting. Whether you’re planning a wedding, fundraiser, corporate event, or private party Vinyl Music Hall is versatile and capable of meeting the needs of any event type.

286 Forks Bar + Table

11 Palafox Pl Ste B Pensacola, FL 32502 (850) 607-7336

Craving Asian Flavors? Dive into 86 Forks Bar + Table!

Embark on a flavor adventure at 86 Forks Bar + Table, Pensacola's downtown gem serving up delicious Asian-inspired small plates and creative noodle bowls.

We've got options for everyone! Find plenty of gluten-free, vegan, and other dietary-friendly dishes on our menu.

Ready to tantalize your taste buds? Visit 86 Forks Bar + Table and experience Pensacola's Asian-inspired haven!

3First City Bee Co.

9 S Palafox St Pensacola, FL 32502

Natalie and Kevin Blake are Ohio natives. Their love of the ocean and sandy white beaches drew them to Pensacola, making it their new home Natalie, a former Day Spa owner and Radiation Therapist, took her Love for helping people and teaching and transformed it into First City Bee Company, along with her husband, Kevin. Kevin, who is an Electrical Engineer by trade and also in the service industry of helping to light the world by providing customized lighting experience to enhance the beauty of any space. Together, they took their knowledge of working with people and wanted to bring a unique experience to the heart of Pensacola for natives and tourists alike. They took their love for wine, honey, design, and teaching to create a unique experience for every customer at First City Bee Company. They want the customer to have a relaxed and enjoyable experience while sampling on different honeys and meads from around the world and perusing the store for unique gift items. They also felt that teaching the customer about the Honeybee and honey, and its unique health benefits were very important! So please stop by and come in for a one-of-a-kind experience. We look forward to getting to know you!

4The Dog House

30 South Palafox Place Pensacola, FL 32502 (850) 432-3104

Serving Pensacola since 1977 The Dog House is a downtown institution with coastal flavors, including red beans and rice, local fresh fish, and bacon-infused smash burgers. The Dog House features classic & specialty hot dogs, sandwiches, southern sides, fries, and nachos.

5Saenger Theatre

118 South Palafox Place Pensacola, FL 32502 (850) 595-3880

The Saenger Theatre has been called the Grand Dame of Palafox, but the Saenger Theatre is much more than a Great Lady; she is a survivor. Opened in 1925, its Spanish Baroque architecture, in opulent Rococo style took nearly thirteen months to complete.

In the early years the Saenger hosted a colorful array of Vaudeville-type road shows, Broadway plays, and silent screen classics. Later years saw use as a movie house until 1975 when the aging edifice closed its doors. That same year ABC Southeastern Theatres donated the building to the City of Pensacola as a cultural affairs center.

In 1995, the Saenger Theatre underwent major renovations including doubling the size of the lobby, providing better accommodations for persons with disabilities and restoring the lobby to the grand scale of its historic past.

Located in the heart of downtown Pensacola, the Saenger Theatre can supply the equipment, trained theatre staff, and the ambiance to showcase a variety of shows such as: Pensacola Symphony Orchestra, Harry Connick Jr., David Copperfield, John Tesh, Wynton Marsalis, Ziggy Marley, CATS and Sesame Street

6Rusted Arrow Mercantile

130 Palafox Pl Pensacola, FL 32502 (850) 285-0371

Rusted Arrow Mercantile is a home decor, gift, and lifestyle boutique in downtown Pensacola, Florida. Family owned and operated since 2017, the shop is nestled on the corner of Intendencia and Palafox Place. Owners Ruth and Samantha, though not Pensacola natives, fell in love with the small town charm of Pensacola and are proud to call it home.Together, Sam and Ruth share the same mission of creating a space filled with beauty that makes you feel inspired. They have worked hard to build deep roots and connections in the community and beyond the historic brick walls of their shop.

7200 South Tap House

200 S. Palafox St. Pensacola, FL 32502 (850) 466-5918

Welcome to 200 South, where the neighborhood plays

Located in the middle of all the action, 200 South brings the beer and good vibes to downtown Pensacola.

With a selection of over 40 beers on tap and a crafted menu of everyone’s favorite bar eats, every great night starts or ends at 200 South.

8O’Riley’s Irish Pub

321 S. Palafox St. Pensacola, FL 32501 (850) 912-4001

Located in the heart of historic Pensacola on Palafox Street. Downtown's only traditional Irish Pub.

O'Riley's Irish Pub downtown opened on July 2013 in beautiful historic Pensacola. The original location in North Pensacola on Creighton Road has been a Pensacola tradition for over 40 years. This beautiful pub has a little something for everyone. Billiard tables upstairs on the second floor with a small private bar for the busy weekends, steel tip darts in the relaxing library room, main bar with the multiple HDTVs to enjoy your favorite sporting teams and the popular outdoor seating for any occasion.

Even with an elaborate beer and spirits selection and creative cocktails, our patrons always need something delicious to eat. That is where our award winning food menu takes over. O'Riley's Irish Pub is preparing exciting Irish inspired dishes and a few traditional American bites to fulfill anyone's appetite. Beautifully presented and always served with the same love as the first time the dish was originally created.

9Scout Inc

403 S Palafox St Pensacola, FL 32502 (850) 607-7105

About Scout: A Fusion of Style and Sophistication in Downtown Pensacola Scout is more than just a boutique—it's a cornerstone of contemporary women's fashion in downtown Pensacola's heart. Established in 2007 by New York fashion luminary Julia Ussery, Scout embodies the essence of cutting-edge design infused with timeless elegance. Julia's journey began in the bustling streets of New York City, where she honed her craft at the prestigious Parsons School of Design. With over two decades of experience in the fashion industry, including notable roles as Vice President of Design at Elie Tahari and Design Director at Calvin Klein, Julia brings a wealth of expertise to Scout. Her discerning eye for detail, impeccable sense of fit, and unwavering commitment to quality have left an indelible mark on every facet of Scout's offerings. Step into Scout and experience the fusion of innovation and tradition, where every garment tells a story, and every detail is crafted with intention. Whether you're a seasoned fashion aficionado or exploring your sartorial journey, Scout welcomes you to discover the artistry of contemporary women's fashion in downtown Pensacola. Monday - Friday 10:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Saturday 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Sunday Closed

10Bubba’s Sweet Spot

405 S Palafox St Pensacola, FL 32502 (850) 332-6696

Bubba’s Sweet Spot produces high quality products and delivers them with superior customer service ensuring a delightful and memorable experience for children and adults of all ages. Proudly based in Pensacola, Fla., we strive to make the world better one satisfied customer at a time.