There’re a Whole Lot of Fun Things to Do in Pensacola

Let’s take a look with Trip.com at a town that may not be on your traveler’s radar. Pensacola, in the far west of the Florida panhandle, is a city with a multicultural past – since its inception, it has found itself under Spanish, French, British, Confederate, and US rule.

Wondering what to do today in Pensacola? Asking yourself if we can still see the footprints of all of those cultures in this mysterious and often overlooked area of the world. Keep reading to find out if we can see traces of these rich cultures among the countless fun things to do in Pensacola...

Things to Do in Pensacola – Visit the National Naval Aviation Museum

Source - Trip.com user 飞猪在天

At the Naval Museum, you can witness the beauty of America-tripadvisor

With digital interactive displays, you’ll be shown the technological magic of aircraft carriers, space missions, and wars in far-flung countries.

You’ll need to check the National Naval Museum website for entry restrictions, but there’re few places in the world that will give you such insight into American military history.

Your kids can have flight simulations and even a cockpit war experience – in fact, the whole family can enjoy the immersive experience of VR war technology. The little ones will be signing up for naval experience as soon as they can.

The National Naval Museum is truly one of the most unforgettable things to do in Pensacola.

Things to Do in Pensacola – Visit the Pensacola Gulf Beach Pier

The classic view from the pier.

You’ll see surfers, fishermen and women at work, and an abundance of marine life just going about its daily business. And in the evening, the sunsets here are unequaled!

Food and refreshments are available, too, at Casino Beach Bar and Grill. And if you feel like taking a dip, you only need to pop into Sophia’s Swimwear to get kitted out! Get yourself along to the longest pier in the Gulf of Mexico!

Things to Do in Pensacola – Visit the Lighthouse and Maritime Museum

source- Pensacola lighthouse official site

After the 177 steps up to the top, you’ll get fantastic uninterrupted views over the beautiful Gulf of Mexico. This historic lighthouse was built in 1859, and is open from Monday to Thursday 10:00–16:00, and from Friday to Sunday 10:00–17:00.

Entry is US$9.50 for adults, and US$6.50 for those over 65 or under 12. If you’re under 44 inches, you’ll need to be climbing the lighthouse with a ticketed adult!

In the Keeper’s Quarters of the lighthouse, you’ll have the chance to see some fascinating exhibits on the history of lighthouse keeping. You’ll discover what life was really like for the residents of the lighthouse station, as well as gain insights into the technology behind lighthouse illumination.

Climbing the lighthouse is one of the most delightful things to do in Pensacola.

Things to Do in Pensacola – Visit Destination Archaeology Resource Center

Just some of the great exhibits at Destination Archaeology

It’s open every week from Wednesday to Saturday, between 10:00 and 16:00, and features a great range of permanent and temporary exhibits. Particularly interesting are the several exhibits recounting the efforts made to pursue marine archaeology – which is especially important for a coastal region like Florida – and to preserve archaeological sites that are under water.

Truly one of the great educational things to do in Pensacola.

Things to Do in Pensacola – Pay a Visit to Historic Pensacola Village

Step back in time at Historic Pensacola Village

Arcadia Mill is a perfectly preserved 19^th-century sawmill, located in the fragrant pine forests of Santa Rosa County. There’s also a homestead that will educate visitors on what life was like in this area during the Great Depression.

Alongside these great attractions, there’s also a range of museums – the Children’s Museum, the Museum of History, and the Museum of Art.

Admission is US$10.00 for adults, US$9.00 for seniors, active military and dependents, and AAA members, and US$5.00 for kids aged 3–14. The whole Historic Pensacola complex is open from Tuesday to Saturday 10:00–16:00, and selected museums are open on Sunday from 12:00–16:00.

Historic Pensacola is one of the unmissable things to do in Pensacola.

Things to Do in Pensacola – Have a Hoot at Uncle Sandy’s Macaw Bird Park

Get up close with these colorful and fascinating birds!

Admission is with cash only, and the prices are very reasonable – just US$5.00 for adult tickets and US$2.00 for kids aged 7 to 12.

When you participate in their public shows, you’ll really have the chance for a once-in-a-lifetime experience of handling an exotic bird! And if you want to see a whole flock, Uncle Sandy’s also possesses the largest open flight aviary in the entire Florida panhandle. It has to be seen to be believed!

One of the most interesting things to do in Pensacola!

Things to Do in Pensacola – Get Out on the Water With Key Sailing

The perfect day to catch some waves!

Popular with both locals and tourists, it’s the prime location for all manner of aquatic activities. The weather in Pensacola is glorious, the beaches are pristine, and the water is clear – after a walk along the pier, you’ll want to jump right in!

Key Sailing is open from 09:00 to 18:00 every single day of the week. You can rent pontoons, kayaks, sailboats, and more!

One of the most special activities available from Key Sailing, however, is a guided tour out to see the dolphins! On personal watercraft, you’ll leave Pensacola Beach at around 09:00 in the morning for a 25-mile round trip.

Along the way, you’ll have the chance to see the dolphins playing and hunting – they might even be curious enough to come over and take a good look at you! This is an experience you’ll never forget.

One of the most unique things to do in Pensacola.

Things to Do in Pensacola – Lock and Load at Pensacola Indoor Shooting Range

The gun range – it’s hard to miss!

You can bring your own gun along – subject to the range’s rule-book – or rent one while you’re there. The range is 25 yards long and they supply you with the targets.

The price for walk-ins is US$25.00, which is very reasonable. The range is open on Mondays between 10:00 and 19:00, from Tuesday to Friday between 09:00 and 19:00, on Saturdays between 09:00 and 17:00, and Sundays 12:00–17:00.

And it’s more than just a shooting range – you can also book classes with one of their highly-trained instructors!

Things to Do in Pensacola – Marvel at the Crystal Ice House

beautiful sunset in pensacola

You’re probably wondering what an ice house actually is! In the days before domestic refrigeration, people would come to outlets like this to buy their ice. Especially in this subtropical region of the world, ice wouldn’t be a common sight – hence the fantastic decoration of the building! Artificial icicles would let everyone know where they could find the ice house.

This is a genuine slice of 1930s Americana, and well worth keeping a lookout for if you’re driving by the North Davis Highway in Pensacola! Another example of the great and unique things to do in Pensacola.

Things to Do in Pensacola – Catch a Game at the Blue Wahoos Ballpark

There’s always a good crowd for the Wahoos

There’s no better way to while away the hours on a sunny weekend than by kicking back and enjoying a ball game – along with hot dogs and all the snacks and drinks of your choosing!

Admiral Fetterman isn’t just host to the Blue Wahoos, either – you can also catch an Argonauts football game here, as well as local concerts.

Things to Do in Pensacola – Visit the Graffiti Bridge

The Graffiti Bridge – a great local attraction

Under the railroad bridge on North 17^th Avenue, you’ll find the walls where generations of youth have left their indelible mark on the scenery. Sometimes the artwork is themed, but you can expect to see a little bit of everything.

Be sure to bring a padlock with you – there’s a local tradition of leaving a locked padlock on the nearby fence, in the name of someone or something that you love.

Things to Do in Pensacola – Stop In for a Beer at the Spahr Brewing Company

beers

With a focus on German and Belgian-style beers, you can expect some strong, heady brews on offer! If you don’t feel like a tipple, or you’re designated driver, then there’s also some quality root beer on draft as well.

It’s a father-son outfit, and the great beer selection is often accompanied by comedy nights, bluegrass acts, as well as a variety of food trucks offering up bar snacks. Not to be missed!

Things to Do in Pensacola – Take in a Show at Saenger Theatre

Another great example of American architecture – the Saenger Theatre

Coming up at the Saenger are opportunities to see the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra, as well as tribute acts to classic bands like Led Zeppelin and the Eagles. There’s also the ballet Swan Lake, and a legacy reunion of the great Earth, Wind and Fire.

A night out at Saenger Theatre is just one of the many cultural things to do in Pensacola.

Things to Do in Pensacola – Appreciate Local Art at the Blue Morning Gallery

A great spot to pick up a souvenir or two

The Blue Morning Gallery is run as a cooperative for local artists, and features works in a range of media from over 60 different artists.

It opened in 1997 and – just like the Saenger Theatre above – can be found on South Palafox Street. It’s also consistently involved in all kinds of activities going on downtown – from monthly Gallery Nights, to maintaining a presence at the local Palafox Market.

Its location on Palafox Street puts it at the heart of a great selection of stores, restaurants, and bars in downtown Pensacola. And because the gallery is run and maintained by the artists themselves, you can always count on a warm reception and some very helpful customer service.

You’ll want to come back again and again!

Things to Do in Pensacola – Go Retro on a Tour Around the Town!

source - Go Retro official site

Get around the attractions of Pensacola in retro style!

It’s a Pensacola tour guide company that offers a wide range of different tours, each of them using a vintage 1930s Ford transit van as transport. It really feels like stepping back in time!

The themes of the tours are very diverse – from a spooky haunted house, cemetery and séance tours, to the saucy and spicy tour of the former red light district – and there will certainly be something for everyone.

If you’ve already been to the Maritime Museum or the Aviation Museum, you might be thirsty for more military history. In that case, one of the military tours with Go Retro should be right up your street.

You can delve into the colonial period of British West Florida and take a look at the largest battle ever fought in Florida as well as the longest siege – when the Spanish tried to take Pensacola back from the British!

There’s also a Hop-on Hop-off service – pictured above – that takes you on a one-hour loop through 14 different locations. This not only makes a great introduction to Pensacola, but can also net you great discounts in the local shops. With your Go Retro wristband, you can save up to US$100 at local businesses and restaurants.

Things to Do in Pensacola – Let Your Hair Down at Play

source - iplaypensacols.com (official site)

It’s a cross between a bar and an arcade – a barcade?

At Play in Pensacola, there’s a Skee Ball competition on Mondays, karaoke on Tuesdays, drag queen bingo on Wednesdays, even more karaoke on Thursdays, and great DJ sets over the weekend. You’ll never run out of things to do at Play in Pensacola.

Located right in the heart of the Palafox Entertainment Corridor, you also have plenty of options if you want to stop off somewhere else before or after. Pensacola is your oyster!

Things to Do in Pensacola – Relax in From the Ground Up Community Garden

source - from the ground up community garden

Sustained entirely by volunteers, it’s an oasis of calm in downtown Pensacola. Whether you’re interested in getting involved, just want to walk around and enjoy the natural surroundings, or you’re down to enjoy some music, there’s a lot to love about this community garden.

Coming up, for example, there’s the continuing Music Under the Stars series – with folk, Americana, bluegrass, and poetry, it’s set to be a magical time in the garden. This is one of the great communal things to do in Pensacola.

Things to Do in Pensacola – Play Some Goofy Golf

source - from the goofy golf official site

After so much historical and archaeological exploration, you might be seeking something a little simpler and a little more fun. Your best bet is to get over to Goofy Golf on Navy Boulevard – it’s one of the oldest miniature golf courses in the country, and is definitely one of the goofiest things to do in Pensacola...

There are two 18-hole courses here, with features like the Mad Hatter, the Spook House, the Dinosaur King, and Koopa’s Castle. If you get a hole in one on the last hole, you get a free game redeemable any time!

At the back of the complex, there’s also a batting cage, for the baseball enthusiasts out there. Get practicing, and it could be you out there playing for the Wahoos!

Pensacola – A Genuine Slice of Americana

Hopefully, with this handy little guide, you’ll never have to wonder about what to do in Pensacola again. Northwestern Florida doesn’t have the eye-catching quality of somewhere like Times Square in New York, but if you’re looking for authentic, folksy American culture and life, this is where you’ll find it.

Filled with historical curiosities – from its origins under a Spanish land grant, to its era of British colonial rule, to its current location as an important base for the US military machine – Pensacola is rightly proud of its heritage.

Come and visit and you will be encouraged to play an active role in that heritage, too. Get involved in the community garden. Get out to visit the dolphins. Show your support to the local baseball team. This is a town that will welcome you with open arms – there’s a level of hospitality you just won’t find in the big city!

FAQ