Pensacola: home to 40 miles of white sand beaches, 460+ years of history, some of the best seafood you will ever have and endless activities at any season of the year. Whether you are only here for a weekend or staying longer than that, there is plenty to do and you will not get easily bored. First thing is first: plan your trip to maximize the time enjoying your vacation. Below recommendations will not disappoint!
Where to Stay?
If you want to stay on the beach and have the best gulf views, staying here is a must! Not going to lie: sleeping with our balcony open and falling asleep to the sound of the waves, could not have been more magical. This property is made up of many condos that are ready for short term rental. There is a decent sized indoor and outdoor pool along with a spa and gym. You have everything you need, in one building which is extremely convenient.
Where to Eat?
Let’s just say whatever you are in the mood for, the food in Pensacola will not disappoint! However, you cannot be this close to the gulf and not try some of the best seafood you will ever have. Here are some of the places you certainly need to try!
Ordering a chowder is a MUST! The food is super yummy, and the staff is extremely nice. They also have live entertainment that performs right on the beach! If you are ready to party, try their famous ‘Diesel Fuel” (2 shots of vodka, gin, rum and triple sec). When in Rome right? 😊
If you are in taste for one of a kind hot dog, definitely swing by here. You can create your own or order one of their specials such as “Frito Pie” or ‘The Holy Amole”. It’s open usually till 3pm, but on weekends it’s open till 9pm.
Certainly one of the Pensacola staples, and for the right reasons. I am not going to lie, the salmon I ate, was probably one of the best ones I ever had. Kam was amazed with tacos and how fresh the food was. Perfect place if you want to enjoy amazing food while watching fishing boats come and go.
Located in Pensacola Beach is this little café which is family owned and has the best beachy vibes. Their menu has all the breakfast favorites, and everything is made from scratch. Make sure to swing by between 7:30 and 3:30pm Tue-Sunday.
Where to Grab a Drink?
To our surprise, Pensacola is 9th in the country for breweries per capita and has over 15 breweries, and if you have been following us for a while, you know we LOVE breweries! Stop by for a beer or a drink at below spots.
Located in the heart of the historic district since 2010 with a charming feel, is one of the most known breweries in Pensacola. Stop by for a pint of beer while taking a stroll around some of the best neighborhoods.
If you like Sours, this is THE spot! Their beer selection was so on point and did not disappoint. Their beer garden is super cute and has plenty of space for everyone. I even got to enjoy some tacos from one of their featured food trucks.
Probably one of the more known breweries in Pensacola , not only because of their delicious beer, but also because of the big Pensacola mural on their building. Only couple minutes from the airport, so you can stop by as soon as you land or when you are heading back. Also had a burger from Brown Bagger food truck that was there while we stopped by.
Not a brewery, but quite an exquisite whiskey bar with most, if not all, whiskeys that you would be looking for. They even need a ladder to climb all the way up to retrieve some of them! Even if you are not a whiskey drinker, still stop by because they have something for everyone!
What to do?
As I mentioned before, Pensacola has tons of things to do so whether you are with family, your significant other, or on a bachelorette party.
Fort Pickens
Pensacola in general is full of history, however Fort Pickens used to be one of four military forts used in the 1800s, so it definitely is worth stopping by. Plus, it makes for an amazing photo opp with the tunnels running through it. In order to get here you will have to get a pass for $25 per vehicle, since it is part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Good thing is: it’s valid for 1 week!
Pensacola Beach
Most of the beaches in Pensacola are public, so grab your tanning lotion and a towel, and head over to one of the whitest beaches you will ever see. The white sand against the turquoise water, is certainly a delight to enjoy.
Pensacola Beach Pier
Whether you want to watch a sunset or fisherman doing their best, stopping at the pier is a must! The pier itself is 1471 feet, so by the time you get to the end, you may get lucky enough to see some dolphins! Going under the pier is just as fun! The columns holding the pier, make for some great photo angles.
Palaflox Street
This street being in the middle of historic district, has it all. Whether you want to shop around, grab some coffee, explore galleries, this street is perfect for it. Most shops open at 10am, so make sure you plan ahead.
Historic Pensacola Village
There is so much to learn about Pensacola’s history! We had no idea how rich and fascinating it was, but exploring some of their museums was definitely very informative. If you grab a ticket at the Museum of History, it will allow you to walk around and visit the rest of the buildings in the area and learn more. Perfect idea especially when the weather is not cooperating and you rather spend some time indoors.
Murals
We always need to snap a photo by colorful murals wherever we go. Pensacola has some amazing artists that created these and we are now able to share them with you!
Cubed: 120 Church St, Pensacola
Greetings from Pensacola: 2435 N 12th Ave, Pensacola
Wish You Were Here: 100 Palafox Pl, Pensacola
We hope you have the best time when visiting Pensacola! Fingers crossed this travel guide helps you plan out your time in this sunshine city!
If you want to more information on Pensacola make sure to visit their IG, FB, and Travel Guide!
XoXo
Adri & Kam