Glistening turquoise waters and sugar-sand beaches are just a few of the reasons visitors love the Gulf Coast city of Pensacola, located on Florida’s Panhandle west of Destin and Fort Walton Beach. In addition to 50-plus miles of coastline, Pensacola’s food and aviation festivals, expansive parks and nature preserves, and family-friendly attractions make this city a top beach vacation destination.
The pristine beaches of Pensacola Beach, Perdido Key, and Gulf Islands National Seashore offer endless opportunities for outdoor adventures, including fishing, paddling, snorkeling, and wildlife viewing. Scuba divers have an abundance of places to explore, from reefs to historic shipwrecks and the Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail, which includes 12 wrecks from Pensacola to Port St. Joe.
As the home of Naval Air Station Pensacola, known as the cradle of naval aviation, Pensacola is the place to see the famed Blue Angels practice as they fly in formation over the city and water, and the area hosts two air shows each year: Blue Angels Homecoming Airshow in November and Pensacola Beach Airshow in July.
When it comes to food, Pensacola’s variety of cuisines don’t disappoint. Food trucks, pub fare, upscale dining, and more can be found in Downtown Pensacola, where outdoor meals mean never having to step away from the water. Visitors who want to dive deeper into Pensacola’s food scene can time their trip with popular food festivals, such as the Pensacola Seafood Festival, Pensacola Crawfish Festival, and Taste of the Beach. Visitors seeking some retail therapy here will find a wide variety of choices, including malls and outlets, boutiques and beach shops, antique shops, and art galleries.
Plan your trip at Visit Pensacola.
BEACHES
Spend time on some of Florida’s most famous white-sand beaches.
FAMILY FUN
Play at the beach and visit kid-friendly attractions and restaurants.
MUSEUMS, ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Stop by the art galleries, check out cultural events, and visit the museums.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Take to the water, explore the parks, and hit the trails.
ACCESSIBILITY
Visit the area’s accessible parks and attractions.
DINING
Experience Pensacola’s culinary scene.
SHOPPING
Shop everything from boutiques and specialty stores to malls and outlets.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Unwind with a beach yoga session or spa treatment.
PET-FRIENDLY ADVENTURES
Take your pup along to the area’s dog-friendly parks, beaches, and restaurants.
GOLF
Tee off on Pensacola’s scenic golf courses all year long.
PLACES TO STAY
Choose from a wide variety of accommodations, from waterfront campgrounds to resorts to cozy bed and breakfasts.
