Dining Downtown
From food trucks, pub fare, and down-home casual eateries to white-tablecloth establishments, downtown is the heart – and palate – of Pensacola.
Downtown Pensacola
Pensacola is known for its laid-back, coastal way-of-life, its long history and diverse culture. You’ll find all that and a few surprises in the heart of the city’s downtown.
Founded by Spanish sailor Don Tristan de Luna in 1559, the Pensacola Bay Area was the first European settlement in the New World. Over the centuries, the flags of Spain, Britain, France, the Confederacy and the United States have flown over the “City of Five Flags.”
Downtown Basics
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Shopping Downtown
The downtown area is blossoming on all fronts, with an explosion of growth and quaint shops along a colorful Crepe Myrtle lined-streets.
Discover the History
Pensacola’s downtown area is full of historic sites, but the truth is that with more than 450 years of history behind it, every step you take on its brick sidewalks or city parks is a part of our country’s earliest days and memories.
Downtown Lodging
From laid-back and unpretentious to luxurious and opulent, the Pensacola Bay Area offers accommodations for every flavor — all just minutes from our world-class beaches and historic downtown.
Must-See Attractions Downtown
Downtown-focused Events
Here are a few events to experience in downtown Pensacola. Be sure to view our full calendar so you don't miss a thing!
December 1
First City Lights Festival
Downtown Pensacola
Downtown Pensacola 226 S. Palafox Place, Suite 106 Pensacola, Florida 32502 (850) 434-5371
December 1
Hot Glass Cold Brew: Holiday Pajama Party
Downtown Pensacola
Downtown Pensacola 1060 N Guillemard Street Pensacola, Florida 32501 (850) 429-1222
December 1
Sex N’ The City A (Super Unauthorized) Musical Parody
Downtown Pensacola
Downtown Pensacola 118 South Palafox Place Pensacola, Florida 32502 (850) 595-3880
December 1
YIKES Comedy presents MO ALEXANDER
Downtown Pensacola
Downtown Pensacola 2 S Palafox St Pensacola, Florida 32592 (850) 607-6758
December 2
A Whoville Christmas Caper
Downtown Pensacola
Downtown Pensacola 223 S Palafox Place Pensacola, Florida 32502 (850) 583-1365
December 2
Polar Express Tour
Downtown Pensacola
Downtown Pensacola 223 S Palafox Place Pensacola, Florida 32502 (850) 583-1365
December 2
Pensacola Winterfest
Downtown Pensacola
Downtown Pensacola 223 South Palafox Place Pensacola, Florida 32502 (850) 583-1365
December 2
Grinch Tour
Downtown Pensacola
Downtown Pensacola 223 S Palafox Place Pensacola, Florida 32502 (850) 583-1365
December 2
Holiday Market at Community Maritime Park
Downtown Pensacola
301 West Main Street Pensacola, Florida 32501 (850) 376-9350
December 2
Blue Morning Gallery Members Holiday Show
Downtown Pensacola
Downtown Pensacola 21 S. Palafox Pl Pensacola, Florida 32501 (850) 429-9100
December 2
SantaCon 2023
Downtown Pensacola
Downtown Pensacola 321 S. Palafox St. Pensacola, Florida 32501 (850) 912-4001
December 2
First City Lights Festival
Downtown Pensacola
Downtown Pensacola 226 S. Palafox Place, Suite 106 Pensacola, Florida 32502 (850) 434-5371