Are you looking for the best things in Pensacola while on your vacation? We have you all covered!

Pensacola, the westernmost city of Florida, is famous for its blend of rich history and natural beauty. This exquisite place is split up into two main areas, Pensacola Beach and downtown Pensacola. These two are linked together through a series of bridges.

Pensacola is often known as “The City Of Five Flags” because of its changing governments. We have curated a list of the best things to do.

There is just so much on the list from the gorgeous Pensacola beaches to historic Pensacola museums to other Pensacola attractions. The more you explore the place, the more you will know about the historic Pensacola.

Pensacola is one of the most popular destinations for a vacation in the Florida panhandle. This alluring coastal town is filled with endless opportunities for adventure and exploration. With a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere, Pensacola offers a plethora of activities from sports to history to arts and much more.

It has so much more to offer, from Dining delicious food to discovering history to going on a shopping spree. Here are some of the best things to do to make your vacation unforgettable.

1. Admire the Emerald Waters at Pensacola Beach

What else is better to do on a sunny afternoon than to enjoy the laidback pace, stunning views of crystal clear water, and digging your toes in the sugar-white sand at the pristine Beach? Pensacola Beach is the perfect spot if you are looking to do something relaxing and fun.

The sightings of dolphins in the winter season make it even more fun and popular since one can not keep oneself from smiling at the sight of this adorable creature. One of the best things in Pensacola, FL is to admire the beautiful white sandy beaches.

Pensacola Beach has remained to be the most popular, family-friendly destination for a beach vacation. Not only for the stunning views but also the clean, picturesque dog beaches, after all, our little family member also enjoys a pretty open space.

The stunning Pensacola Beach has the perfect balance of small locally-owned shops, restaurants, and nightlife options. The Beautiful beaches at Pensacola draw the attention of beach lovers as well as fishing enthusiasts.

2. Explore the National Naval Aviation Museum

The fascinating National Naval Aviation Museum is one of the most-visited museums in the Sunshine State of Florida. It is the world’s largest Naval Aviation Museum, which beautifully exhibits over 150 preserved aircraft and more than 4000 artifacts.

You can take home the spirit of the museum from the National Naval Aviation Museum gift shop, which has a great selection of Navy Souvenirs.

One of the best things in Pensacola is to visit the Naval Air Station since it is the home to the Blue Angels. It is also possible for you to catch the jaw-dropping Blue Angels practicing at the NAS Pensacola (Naval Air Station) since those sessions usually take place from March to November and are free to watch. For a rich historical experience, you can also take a free guided tour of the museum.

The parking at the National Naval Aviation Museum is free, and it is located on the west side of the museum. The Museum also has a parking space near the entrance for people with disabilities.

Admire Florida’s history at Fort Pickens

The construction of the fort was officially completed in the year 1834. Fort Pickens is one of the four military forts built to protect Pensacola Bay and its naval yard from foreign attacks in the 1800s.

Located west of Santa Rosa Island, Fort Pickens holds the distinction of remaining in the hands of the Union even through the Civil War. Now the remains of Fort Pickens are turned into a National Park. For history buffs, one of the best things in Pensacola is to admire the sacrifice and labor of the slaves who built this enchanting fort.

It was constructed massive to look threatening. Its five walls were designed to unleash a ring of fire. The fort is named after General Andrew Pickens, an American Revolutionary War hero. Fort Pickens is one of the most visited historical places in Pensacola and is a great spot for camping, fishing, and a picnic. Also, there is a fee to enter the park.

3. Climb up the historic Pensacola Lighthouse

Visit the historic Pensacola Lighthouse for some adventure, history, and ghost stories. Located on the Pensacola Naval Air Station, the Pensacola Lighthouse and Maritime Museum offers adventure, fascinating views, and Pensacola history.

To reach the top of the Pensacola lighthouse, one has to climb 177 steps. Sounds grueling, right? But the panoramic views of the Gulf Coast make it all worthwhile. Not only the destination but the journey is also beautiful here. As you climb up, you will also find some splendid views midway. You can also spot Fort Pickens from the top of the lighthouse.

The Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum are now listed in the National Register of Historic landmarks. At the entrance, you will find a gift shop from where you can buy your tickets.

Note: The climber must be 44″ tall or more than seven years of age to enter the lighthouse.

4. Take your kids to the Pensacola Children’s Museum

Offering various options for the kids to learn and interact, visiting this museum is one of the best things in Pensacola.

Pensacola Children’s Museum is located in downtown Pensacola near the waterfront. This is a neat little two-story museum. The first floor is aimed at younger children, offering a variety of educational and fun things to do.

The second floor is geared for slightly older children. Pensacola Children’s Museum makes kids familiar with the town’s history by immersing them in toys, photographs, stories, and artifacts – every object here tells an educational story to the kids.

Paid parking and street parking both are available near the museum. In the setting of a historical museum, there are various fun things to do while educating them, and the place is still making improvements day by day. This is the one-can’t-miss experience for your kids.

5. Have a perfect getaway at Big Lagoon State Park

The Big Lagoon State Park is located just a 30-minute drive from Pensacola, FL. It is a perfect getaway with a plethora of fun-filled activities. You are going to experience unspoiled habitat in its natural setting at the Big Lagoon State Park.

The state park features splendid natural landscapes, and picturesque beaches and offers many other fun things to do outdoors like camping, hiking, canoeing, swimming, birdwatching, fishing, and boating.

The Big Lagoon State Park is open to the public with an entrance fee. Located on County Road 292A, 10 miles southwest of Pensacola, FL. Head to the three-story observation tower to get a neat breathtaking view of nature.

6. Explore the historic Fort Barrancas

If you are a lover of historical places, then visiting Fort Barrancas is one of the best things in Pensacola. This is one of the most stunning historic forts located on the Gulf Islands National Seashore.

Fort Barrancas is one of the three forts constructed to protect the Pensacola naval base in the 1800s and was used during the American Civil War. The Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola is built around it and has been declared a National Historic landmark.

The entry fee is $25 per vehicle, or one can purchase the annual pass of $45 which will cover the entrance fees for Fort Barrancas, Johnsons Beach, and Fort Pickens for a whole year.

7. Admire the masterpieces at the Pensacola Museum of Art

One of the best things in Pensacola is to admire the masterpieces at the only art museum in Pensacola. Founded in 1954, the Pensacola Museum of Art is the only art museum in the city. Even the beautiful architecture of the museum is admirable. One can marvel for hours at the spectacular paintings and sculptures from around the world.

The Pensacola Museum of Art occasionally holds programs and workshops for those who have an eye for artwork. You can also sign up for lectures, art classes, and summer camps for kids. The Pensacola Museum of Art is one destination you can not miss if you are in town.

The Museum is closed on Mondays, and the entry fee is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 3-14, and $9 for older.

8. Relish in the goodness of Seafood

Is it even possible to miss out on seafood when you are in Pensacola? Well, we will not let you miss out on anything! Since it’s right on the waterfront, there are endless restaurants and eateries where you can get scrumptious seafood.

One of the best things in Pensacola is to try their seafood at least once. Whether you are in the mood for a fancy dinner or a local seafood shop – You’ll be able to find the best choice according to your mood in Pensacola. You may also want to try out the delicious food at the Pensacola Seafood Festival.

9. Take a trip to the Gulf Breeze Zoo

The Gulf Breeze Zoo is home to 900-plus animals from around the globe. They put people in closer contact with the animals here, and that’s what makes this zoo so popular among visitors.

The Gulf Breeze Zoo is also involved in conservation and always makes sure to put any effort into giving out the message of conserving.

One of the best things in Pensacola is to hand-feed some of the animals and have an up-close bonding experience. Every time you visit the zoo, you’ll see something new. You can go to Gulf Breeze Zoo’s website to know more about them.

10. Get the rush at Radical Rides

The daredevil in you is missing the thrill? Then you should head to Radical Rides. Parasailing and floating 600 feet over Santa Rosa sound is the ultimate fun experience you’ll have at “Pensacola’s Premier Water Sports Destination.”

It started around 1992 and has been on the list of the best things in Pensacola since. It is a family-owned and operated company. They make sure to put the customer’s safety and comfort on the topmost level in their priority list.

11. Let the kids experiment in the Pensacola Mess Hall

The Pensacola Mess Hall is a unique science museum for kids. Neither it’s a typical museum nor its name is MESS, which means Math, Engineering, Science & Stuff!

The Pensacola Mess Hall lets kids create a mess and learn science. There are some incredible pieces of equipment available for the kids, which the kids find very interesting to play with. And the games there are not only fun but also help kids to learn new stuff while playing.

Your kid will find exploring this offbeat museum one of the best things in Pensacola. The Pensacola Mess Hall allows the kids to become real scientists and perform experiments to get some practical knowledge through play. They offer a unique way to learn science that is a very fun way. The hall is not only fun for kids but also for the parents.

12. Take a stroll in Bay Bluffs Park

After the historical tours, a romantic stroll is just as important. Spanning 42 acres, Bay Bluffs Park is filled with serenity. it’s a place where you can escape the hustle-bustle of city life. Bay Bluffs Park is a place where you can take a peaceful walk in the gorgeous tranquil atmosphere or go on hiking trails to explore more scenic views.

Taking a hike on the Bay Bluffs Boardwalk Trail in Pensacola is an activity both fun and adventurous since much of the boardwalk runs parallel to the train tracks and the coastline.

13. Amuse yourselves at Sam’s Fun City

If you are searching for the best things in Pensacola, consider visiting Sam’s Fun City. Drop off your kids here, and they can enjoy arcade games, miniature golfing, laser tag, or some water rides. You don’t want your kids to miss out on one of the best things to do.

Not only the kids, but even the parents can also enjoy it since there are numerous rides like Ferris wheel, go-kart, water-based rides, and much more. It is a family-friendly amusement park, where you can have a blast with your family by enjoying different rides and having delicious food here.

14. Enjoy the mouthwatering pizzas at O’zone Pizza Pub

Ozone Pizza Pub is a quaint little eatery located a little outside of downtown Pensacola. This Pizza parlor is housed in the basement of an abandoned hospital. Although their specialty is offbeat homemade pizzas, their pies are also curated beautifully. At last, you can gulp down the delicious food with their classic craft beer.

Antique medical stuff, spooky paintings, and ghost stories might scare you if you think of taking a stroll upstairs.

15. Gulf Islands National Seashore

The Gulf Islands National Seashore stretches 160 miles. As you make your way to the Gulf Islands National Seashore, you will come across the beautiful Pensacola Bay. Capturing the beauty of Pensacola Bay is one of the best things in Pensacola.

This preserved land is one of the gems of Pensacola. You will enjoy finding sea turtles, shellfish, and sand dollars on the silky white sand beach. If you want to do something fun and relaxing, then paddleboarding will be right up your alley!

Once you start enjoying nature, you’ll get so much lost in it that you’ll forget about the time because here at the Gulf Islands National Seashore nature is at its best. You can also set up a tent and camp there.

16. Schedule your visit to watch Pensacola Blue Wahoos

If you like to watch or play baseball, then you should schedule a visit to the Pensacola Blue Wahoos Stadium for a baseball match. Even the entry of the stadium offers some stunning views of Pensacola Bay and the Pensacola skyline. There’s a playground for your little ones, and attached to it is a small exercise area.

And of course the main attraction- the stadium! Enjoying the Blue Wahoos in the stadium and Pensacola Bay as the backdrop is an experience worth having. The whole experience of catching a game at such a beautiful location is just mind-blowing.

17. Explore the preserved Historic Pensacola Village

This jewel in Pensacola, Florida, is probably hidden even from most of the local people too. People at the Historic Pensacola Village very proudly teach the wealth of knowledge and heritage to visitors and locals who are not very aware of Pensacola’s history.

Located in Jefferson Street, Pensacola, FL, the Historic Pensacola Village is probably the best-kept secret of Pensacola, Florida. Our list of the best things to do includes this gem so that more and more people can get to know the 450 years of history of this place.

Closing Thoughts

Pensacola is just an incredible experience, from the moment you walk in you get to see how the people used to live back then. Right from the moment you step into the Pensacola’s village, you get to learn about their history. They are extremely passionate about their 450 years of history, and each one of them loves their community.

So, these are the best things in Pensacola that you can try when you visit there. It can be an adventurous, full of entertainment trip for you.