Itinerary: Family-Friendly Vacation in Pensacola

Places to Eat

Downtown Pensacola is home to some of the best restaurants in the area with easy dining for the family. Experience an outdoor food hall at The Garden with covered outdoor seating and food trucks. At the Dog House, enjoy casual dining and anything from fresh fish to smash burgers to delicious specialty hot dogs. Lucy’s In The Square is another casual option known for shareable appetizers, drinks, and a friendly environment. For your barbecue fix, be sure to stop by the Pensacola Smoke House for some pulled pork, brisket, and all your other BBQ favorites. Searching for a water-front dining option? Visit the Fish House and enjoy a selection of fresh seafood while overlooking the gorgeous waters of Pensacola Bay. Stop by Juan’s Flying Burrito for delicious combinations of New Orleans culinary heritage with classic taqueria staples. And of course - no meal is complete without a sweet treat! Stop by Bubba’s Sweet Spot for ice cream, candy, and fudge that the kids will love.

Places to Check Out

While in Downtown Pensacola, there several spots you and your family won’t want to miss. Bruce Beach is a water-front park located downtown with walking paths, a playground for the kids, and Adirondack chairs that overlook the Bay. The Community Maritime Park and Public Marina is another great park option on the water. Right next to the Blue Wahoos Stadium, the park has a playground, outdoor fitness equipment, and walking paths to explore. Located at the south end of Palafox Pier, Plaza De Luna is best known for its children’s splash pad that’s open from mid-March through October (splash pad hours subject to change due to wind and weather). Enjoy a water-front view while the kids splash around.

Places to Eat

Pensacola Beach has tons of family-friendly dining options to choose from. Looking for excitement and adventure while you dine? Laguna’s offers not just dining with a view but also go-karts, a three-story ropes course, and even jet ski rentals. With fresh seafood options, its own beach, and a pirate ship playground, Flounder’s is another great place to dine with the kids. Red Fish Blue Fish is known as the “best backyard on the beach,” with delicious po’boys and oysters, fire pits, lawn games, and outdoor seating on the water. Located right on the Gulf with beach access, Crabs is a great water-front dining option for families known best for serving – you guessed it – crabs. In the mood for pizza? Papa’s Pizza specializes in New York style pizzas as well as many other traditional Italian favorites. If you’re craving barbecue, Water Pig is the place to go for all your tasty BBQ favorites right on the beach. For a breakfast option, the Native Café is a local favorite that serves fresh, homemade breakfast and brunch options all day.

Places to Check Out

Pensacola Beach has dozens of public beach access points across the area that families can explore - from the Sound Side to Casino Beach to Dog Beaches. Check out our page on public beach access to browse all the areas your family can enjoy. A great spot to check out at Pensacola Beach is Fort Pickens on the Gulf Islands National Seashore. One of the four military forts that protected Pensacola in the 1800s, visitors can walk through and explore the fort’s rich history, fish off the fishing pier, and hike through the fort itself.

Places to Eat

With several delicious restaurants to choose from, Perdido Key has some great family-friendly dining options. Lillian’s Pizza is a known favorite for both locals and visitors, with some of the best pizza in the area and a beachy atmosphere. The Flora-Bama Yacht Club is well-known, with an outstanding menu, waterfront dining, and live music for people of all ages to enjoy. Right next door, the Flora-Bama Ole River Grill provides a more casual and relaxing waterfront dining experience for friends and family to enjoy seafood, steak, and much more. The Crab Trap is another option right on the gulf with fresh seafood, a boardwalk to the beach, and a huge playground for the kids.

Places to Check Out

There are some must-see places to check out with the family while in Perdido Key. Innerarity Point Park is four-acre park with a dock for fishing, a kayaking launch, covered pavilions, and playgrounds for children to enjoy. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset and is a great spot to spend a morning or afternoon exploring. If you’re looking to spend some time at the beach, Perdido Key has plenty of gorgeous beach access points for families to relax, catch some rays, and enjoy the beauty of nature. Johnson Beach is located on Gulf Islands National Seashore with several boardwalks and a half mile bike/pedestrian trail. Perdido Key also has 4 Public Beach Access Points that are open for families to discover and enjoy. Check out our public beach access page for more information on these access points and how to find them.

If you’re lucky enough to be in Pensacola when they’re flying, watching the Blue Angels is an absolute must! The Blue Angels practice on select Tuesdays and Wednesdays between March and October. You can check out the practice schedule to see what dates they’ll be flying and if they line up with your trip (dates are subject to change due to weather).

The Blue Angels have two major air shows each year right here in Pensacola. The Pensacola Beach Blue Angels Airshow takes place in July and the Blue Angels Homecoming Airshow happens in early November. These air shows are truly an amazing experience, so be sure to plan in advance if you want to see one.