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