Things to do in Pensacola

Things to do in  Pensacola

Too hot to (pan)handle

Set at the western tip of Florida’s Panhandle, Pensacola is the final Sunshine State city before the Alabama border. In addition to sandy beaches and plentiful outdoor activities, Pensacola is home to the National Naval Aviation Museum, the Pensacola Museum of Art, and the Pensacola Lighthouse and Maritime Museum. There are many things to do in Pensacola during a Gulf Coast getaway including kayaking, fishing, birding, surfing, and sunset cruises. Meanwhile, travelers seeking solitude are drawn to the Gulf Islands National Seashore, which offers miles of federally protected seashore on the Gulf of Mexico.

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Top 2 attractions in Pensacola

#1

Pensacola Lighthouse and Maritime Museum

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Built in 1869 as the Keeper’s Quarters of the Pensacola Light Station, the Richard C. Callaway Museum was converted into a maritime museum in 1995. The Pensacola Lighthouse, erected in 1859, is even older and is still an active U.S. Coast Guard navigation aid. U.S. Navy Blue Angels are based at NAS Pensacola, where the Lighthouse resides.More
Tours & Tickets
#2
Sam's Fun City

Sam's Fun City

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You don't need to choose between splashing down water slides and braving thrill rides at Sam's Fun City in Pensacola. With more than 20 adrenaline-fueled rides, arcade games, and the on-site water park—Sam's Surf City—this Gulf Coast destination is an ideal family-friendly, sunny day adventure.More

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Top activities in Pensacola

Hop-on Hop-off Tour in Pensacola
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Hop-on Hop-off Tour in Pensacola

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166
From
$35.35
Ghosts and Graveyard Tour of Pensacola

Ghosts and Graveyard Tour of Pensacola

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210
From
$34.00
2hr Segway Tour of Downtown
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2hr Segway Tour of Downtown

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27
From
$71.80
Walking Pub Tour

Walking Pub Tour

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18
From
$21.40
1hr Segway Tour Downtown
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1hr Segway Tour Downtown

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18
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$57.49
Pensacola Inshore Fishing Charters

Pensacola Inshore Fishing Charters

From
$824.44
per group
Learn to Surf - Pensacola Beach

Learn to Surf - Pensacola Beach

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6
From
$100.00
Private 3 Hour Powerboat Dolphin Cruise with Remote Beach Stop up to 6 guests
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Private 3 Hour Powerboat Dolphin Cruise with Remote Beach Stop up to 6 guests

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20
From
$525.00
per group
Private 3 Hour Powerboat Dolphin Cruise with Remote Beach Stop up to 15 guests
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Private 3 Hour Powerboat Dolphin Cruise with Remote Beach Stop up to 15 guests

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7
From
$775.00
per group
Learn to Surf - Navarre Beach

Learn to Surf - Navarre Beach

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7
From
$100.00
Power Boat Rental in Pensacola

Power Boat Rental in Pensacola

From
$599.00
per group
3 Hour Sandbar Adventure on Motorized Floats

3 Hour Sandbar Adventure on Motorized Floats

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3
From
$69.00
Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Destin, FL - Arrival Private Transfer

Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Destin, FL - Arrival Private Transfer

From
$70.98
Night Glow Kayak Paddle Session in Navarre Beach

Night Glow Kayak Paddle Session in Navarre Beach

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21
From
$65.00
per group
Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Pensacola - Arrival Private Transfer

Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Pensacola - Arrival Private Transfer

From
$54.60
Night Glow Kayak Paddle Session in Pensacola Beach

Night Glow Kayak Paddle Session in Pensacola Beach

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105
From
$69.00
per group
Seville Savories Palafox Trot Tour

Seville Savories Palafox Trot Tour

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36
From
$65.00
Readings By International TV Psychic Medium Ericka Boussarhane

Readings By International TV Psychic Medium Ericka Boussarhane

From
$150.00
Frisky Mermaid Dolphin Tour + Secluded Beach + Equip

Frisky Mermaid Dolphin Tour + Secluded Beach + Equip

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5
From
$545.00
per group
Celebrate with a Holiday Scavenger Hunt in Pensacola with Holly Jolly Hunt

Celebrate with a Holiday Scavenger Hunt in Pensacola with Holly Jolly Hunt

From
$20.00
per group
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All about Pensacola

When to visit

Summer is the prime time to visit any Florida city, but Pensacola’s shoulder seasons have a schedule full of unique events. Want to watch a bunch of locals throw fish across state lines? The Flora-Bama Interstate Mullet Toss is a beach party in late spring that takes place on nearby Perdido Key. The Bulls on the Beach rodeo in September ends the summer as excitedly as it begins with another unique Flora-Bama event.

Getting around

A car is invaluable for anyone who wants to explore Pensacola and the surrounding area without limits. However, anyone arriving without wheels can take advantage of other transportation—rideshare options are available, and bus service runs daily from the city to the beach. A free trolley service will help you navigate the Pensacola Beach island itself.

Traveler tips

Pensacola is home to the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels, but you don’t need to be a veteran to thoroughly enjoy a trip here. A Blue Angels aerial show is an incredible sight, and the National Naval Aviation Museum is a must for anyone who wants to hop in a flight simulator. Influencers looking for a unique backdrop that’s not the beach should head to the east end of the city where the Graffiti Bridge will add some color to your grid.

Local Currency
US Dollar ($)
Time Zone
CDT (UTC -6)
Country Code
+1
Language(s)
English
Attractions
2
Tours
53
Reviews
1,553
EN
8b54ec33-c1e9-4798-87c1-463cddfd662f
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People Also Ask

What is Pensacola known for?

If there’s one image associated with Pensacola, it’s the squad of Blue Angels fighter jets taking to the skies. This flight squadron of the United States Navy is based at Naval Air Station Pensacola. These elite pilots regularly put on stunning air shows showcasing their aerobatic skills and teamwork.

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Is there anything to do in Pensacola?

Some popular things to do in Pensacola are focused on the US Armed Forces. Pensacola is home to the National Naval Aviation Museum and the famed Blue Angels put on aerial shows throughout the year. Other popular attractions include the Pensacola Children’s Museum and the Pensacola Bay City Ferry.

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How many days is enough in Pensacola?

A long weekend is the perfect amount of time to spend in Pensacola. Three days or more gives you ample time to relax on Pensacola Beach and explore the city’s best sites. Additional days make for great day trips to other popular beach towns like Destin and Gulf Shores, Alabama.

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Does Pensacola have an aquarium?

No, there is no aquarium in Pensacola. However, there is an attraction featuring marine life about one hour away. Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park in Fort Walton Beach (east of Pensacola, on Okaloosa Island) offers sea lion shows, exhibits, and encounters with animals including dolphins and stingrays.

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Does Pensacola have good nightlife?

Yes, Pensacola does have a nightlife scene. It’s primarily situated in the area running down Palafox Street between Main Street and Garden Street. Dive bars, clubs, and cabarets are nearby. For more family-friendly establishments, look to the dueling piano bars and wholesome nightly fun at Blue Wahoos Stadium.

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Is Pensacola worth visiting?

Yes, as one of the largest cities in the Florida Panhandle, Pensacola is well worth a visit for tourists and Floridians. This city sits just east of the Alabama-Florida border and has become a popular tourist destination for families. Military history, museums, beaches, and the boardwalk are worth exploring.

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