10 Best Things to do in Pensacola, Florida

Planning a trip to Pensacola? We’ve got you covered!

Pensacola might be famous for its sugar-white beaches, but this Florida Panhandle gem has SO much more to offer than sunbathing! From spotting wild dolphins in the bay to exploring historic forts and getting up close to fighter jets at one of the country’s most impressive aviation museums, there’s no shortage of fun things to do here.

Trust us, Pensacola is one of those places that makes you wish you had a few extra vacation days! We absolutely love it here, so we’ve rounded up our 10 favorite things to do to help you make the most of your visit. Let’s go!

Pensacola at a Glance

Pensacola is a fantastic destination for a Florida getaway, but a few things are worth knowing before you arrive. Here are our top tips to help you plan your visit!

Important tip: Rent a car! Downtown Pensacola is pretty walkable, but some attractions, like Pensacola Beach and Tarkiln Bayou Preserve, are spread out. Having your own wheels will make exploring much more convenient.

Pensacola and Pensacola Beach are different places: Downtown Pensacola is on the mainland, with historic buildings housing great restaurants and bars. Pensacola Beach sits across the water on Santa Rosa Island, so choose your accommodation based on what you want to spend most of your time doing!

Plan for the Naval Aviation Museum: The museum is located on an active military base, so you’ll need to follow security requirements and bring appropriate identification. Check the latest access rules before visiting.

Keep hurricane season in mind: Like the rest of Florida’s Gulf Coast, Pensacola can be affected by tropical storms and hurricanes between June and November. Keep an eye on the forecast if you’re visiting during these months.

How We Would Spend 3 Days in Pensacola

🌊Day 1: Waterfront Walks, City Tour & Dinner on Palafox Street 
Start your day with a good breakfast, explore downtown Pensacola and the waterfront, take a guided sightseeing tour, and end with a relaxing dinner and ice cream on Palafox Street. 

🐬 Day 2: Fort Pickens, Beach Time & Dolphin Cruise 
Explore historic Fort Pickens, relax on Pensacola’s white-sand beaches, spot dolphins on a bay cruise, and finish the day with dinner by the water and a walk along the Gulf Pier. 

👻 Day 3: Seville Quarter, Ghost Tour & Southern Dining 
Spend your final day exploring historic Seville Quarter, take a spooky ghost tour, and finish your Pensacola trip with a delicious dinner on Palafox Street.

Things to do in Pensacola 

1. Hop between the city’s biggest landmarks

If it’s your first time in Pensacola, we think this sightseeing tour is a fantastic way to get your bearings! Instead of figuring out where everything is yourself, a knowledgeable guide will drive you around downtown and share stories about the city’s fascinating past. And trust us, there’s a LOT of history to uncover here!

The tour lasts around two hours and follows a route featuring 14 stops and landmarks. You’ll pass sights like Blue Wahoos Stadium, Plaza Ferdinand VII, and historic St. Michael’s Cemetery, while learning about the people and events that shaped Pensacola over the centuries.

You can also hop off to explore selected attractions, including Veterans Memorial Park. Just bear in mind that this isn’t quite like the big-city hop-on, hop-off buses that run continuously throughout the day. Most of the experience is a guided sightseeing drive, with a handful of stops along the way.

But what really makes this tour worthwhile is the extra value! Your ticket includes admission to the Historic Pensacola Village Museum Complex, so you can continue exploring the city’s history afterward. You’ll also get discounts at local businesses and attractions, a welcome bonus! We definitely recommend booking this tour early in your stay, as it’s a great way to discover places you’ll want to return to later and use those discounts!

2. Cruise Pensacola Bay in search of dolphins

There’s something SO special about seeing dolphins in the wild, and Pensacola is a fantastic place to do it! If you’re a wildlife lover, this dolphin cruise around Pensacola Bay is an absolute must. You’ll get to explore the beautiful Gulf Coast waterways while searching for some of Florida’s most beloved marine animals!

Your adventure kicks off aboard the Jolly Dolphin, a spacious 42-foot (13-meter) boat with plenty of shade and comfortable seating. For the next 1.5–2 hours, you’ll cruise through the beautiful waters of Pensacola Bay, keeping your eyes peeled for dolphins swimming and playing in the waves! Luckily, your captain knows these waters like the back of their hand, including all the best spots to find these incredible animals.

And dolphins aren’t the only animals to look out for! You might also spot sea turtles, stingrays, pelicans, and ospreys along the way. The crew is super knowledgeable about the local marine ecosystem, so you’ll learn plenty about the wildlife and the beautiful scenery as you cruise around the bay.

We also love that this tour is family-friendly. The boat has an onboard restroom, bottled water, and shade to escape the Florida sunshine! And with over 980 glowing reviews, it’s clearly popular for a reason.

3. Hear Pensacola’s haunted stories over a meal

Fancy a side of ghost stories with your lunch? If you love all things spooky, this haunted history tour of Seville Quarter is definitely one for your Pensacola itinerary! It combines fascinating local history, paranormal investigations, and food. What more could you want?

Seville Quarter is one of Pensacola’s most famous entertainment venues, but many say it’s also one of the city’s most haunted buildings! During this two-hour experience, your guide will lead you through its historic rooms while sharing eerie tales of murder and mystery. Some of the stories are pretty chilling!

But here’s where things get REALLY interesting. Instead of just listening to ghost stories, you’ll get to try your hand at paranormal investigating! Your guide will provide ghost-hunting equipment and show you how to use it as you search for signs of supernatural activity. Whether you’re a firm believer or a total skeptic, we think that sounds like SO much fun!

And once you’ve worked up an appetite, there’s food to enjoy, too! Your ticket includes a $12 USD voucher toward lunch or dinner at Seville Quarter, so you can grab a bite after your spooky adventure.

We think this is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for something a little different from Pensacola’s beaches and boat trips. The guides really know how to bring the stories to life, so if you’re interested in the paranormal, this is a great way to inject a little darkness into your trip.

4. See more than 150 aircraft at the Naval Aviation Museum

If you’re interested in aviation and history, the National Naval Aviation Museum is a must-visit! It’s one of the world’s largest aviation museums, and best of all, admission is absolutely free!

Located at Naval Air Station Pensacola, the museum houses more than 150 beautifully restored aircraft and thousands of fascinating artifacts. You’ll see everything from historic military planes to modern fighter jets, while learning about the evolution of Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard aviation.

And there’s plenty more to do than just admire the aircraft. You can try flight simulators, watch a movie in the giant-screen theater, or join one of the free guided tours, often led by retired military volunteers. We recommend allowing at least 2-3 hours, though real aviation enthusiasts could probably stay all day. 

But here’s something REALLY cool. Pensacola is home to the famous Blue Angels flight demonstration team, and on selected dates, you can actually watch them practice from the museum’s viewing area. And yes, that’s free too! Just check the practice schedule before visiting.

One important thing to know is that the museum sits on an active military base, so security rules apply. Public entry is through the West Gate, and US visitors aged 18 and over need a driver’s license, state-issued ID card, or valid passport to enter.

International visitors face additional restrictions, so check the latest access requirements carefully before planning your visit. The museum is generally open daily from 9 am to 4 pm, with parking available, and yes—it’s free! 

5. Glide through downtown by Segway 

Want to explore downtown Pensacola without spending hours walking around in the Florida heat? Well, why not hop on a Segway instead? We think this two-hour guided Segway tour looks like SO much fun, and it’s a fantastic way to see the city’s historic landmarks while trying something a little different!

Don’t worry if you’ve never ridden a Segway before, either. You’ll get instructions before you set off, and reviews say most beginners pick it up pretty quickly. In fact, learning to ride is half the fun!

Once you’ve got the hang of it, you’ll set off through downtown Pensacola with your guide, stopping at landmarks like Plaza de Luna, Historic Pensacola Village, and Veterans Memorial Park. Along the way, you’ll learn about the city’s fascinating history, which dates way back to 1559.

We especially love that you can cover so much more ground than you could on foot, without missing the little details. Your guide will share stories about Pensacola’s historic buildings and point out interesting sights, with photo stops along the way.

Plus, groups are limited to just six people, so it feels much more personal than a big sightseeing tour. You’ll have plenty of chances to ask questions and pick up local recommendations, too!

6. Spend a day soaking up Pensacola Beach 

You can’t visit Pensacola without spending some time at the beach! Located on Santa Rosa Island, Pensacola Beach is famous for its powdery white sand and beautiful turquoise water. This place will make you want to spend your entire vacation with your toes in the sand!

Best of all, beach access is completely free! If it’s your first visit, we recommend heading to Casino Beach Boardwalk, one of the most convenient spots. You’ll find a huge stretch of sand, public facilities, and plenty of nearby restaurants, so you can spend the morning swimming and sunbathing before grabbing lunch.

You can also stroll along the Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier for gorgeous coastal views, though there’s a small $2.25 USD admission fee. If you’d prefer somewhere quieter, head farther from the busy central beach area for more peaceful stretches of sand.

One thing we love about Pensacola Beach is how beautiful it is in the early morning and late afternoon, especially during summer when the midday heat can be intense. Make sure you bring plenty of sunscreen and water, and find some shade if you’re planning to stay all day!

Remember to check the beach warning flags before swimming, as Gulf conditions can change quickly. It’s also important to respect any marked sea turtle or shorebird nesting areas along the beach. Otherwise, you can just kick back, relax, and do nothing for a while.

7. Turn a night out into a pedal-powered adventure 

Why walk between bars when you can pedal your way around Pensacola instead? If you’re looking for a fun way to experience the city’s nightlife, this pedal-powered pub crawl is definitely worth checking out! It’s part sightseeing tour, part bar crawl, and a whole lot of fun!

The experience lasts for two hours, and you’ll climb aboard a giant pedal trolley with your fellow passengers. Everyone gets a seat and pedals together while your driver takes care of the steering, so you can focus on having fun. Talk about teamwork!

You’ll make your way through historic downtown Pensacola, stopping at a selection of local bars and pubs along the way. It’s a fantastic opportunity to discover some of the city’s favorite watering holes and sample local craft beers or cocktails. You’ll really get a feel for Pensacola’s lively bar scene on this tour. 

And here’s another bonus: you’ll get discounts on drinks at participating bars! Alcohol isn’t included in the tour price, so you can choose what you’d like to order at each stop.

We think this would be especially fun for groups of friends, birthday celebrations, or anyone who wants to meet new people while exploring the city. The trolley seats up to 14 passengers, so there’s plenty of room for laughs along the way! Just remember to wear comfortable shoes for pedaling, and you’ll need to be at least 21 to drink alcohol.

8. Step inside Pensacola’s historic coastal fort 

History lovers, this one’s for you! Located at the western end of Santa Rosa Island, Fort Pickens is a fascinating 19th-century military fort in the beautiful Gulf Islands National Seashore. Best of all, you can explore its historic passageways and defensive structures for yourself!

Built to protect Pensacola Bay, the fort lets you wander through atmospheric brick tunnels, explore old gun batteries, and admire its impressive defensive walls. It’s like stepping back in time, and you can just imagine what life must have been like for the soldiers stationed here.

You can explore independently using the self-guided information, though ranger-led programs are sometimes available, too. We recommend allowing 2-4 hours to explore the fort and surrounding area.

But history isn’t the only reason to visit. The scenery here is absolutely gorgeous! Nearby Langdon Beach has beautiful white sand, swimming access, and picnic facilities, so why not combine your history lesson with a little beach time?

The Fort Pickens area is generally open from 8 am until sunset, and a seven-day pass costs around $25 USD per private vehicle. Just remember to bring a card, as the entrance station is cashless, and pack some water and snacks since food options are limited. We’d also recommend checking the latest opening information before you go, as storms can occasionally affect access.

9. Captain your own pontoon around Pensacola Beach

If you’re visiting Florida with a big group of friends or family, we think that this private pontoon rental is the ultimate way to explore Pensacola’s beautiful coastline! Renting your very own boat gives you the freedom to cruise around at your own pace and stop whenever you like. We can’t think of many better ways to spend a sunny Florida day!

The best part is that you get to plan your own adventure! You could cruise around the bay looking for wild dolphins and sea turtles, stop for a swim or some snorkeling, or find a beautiful spot for a picnic. And when you’re ready for lunch, you can dock at waterfront restaurants and dine in style.

The pontoon comes with a Bluetooth sound system and a built-in cooler, so you can bring some snacks, put on your favorite playlist, and really make a day of it! Navigation equipment is included, too, so you don’t need to worry about getting lost.

Now, this is definitely one we’d recommend for larger groups. The boats can accommodate up to 10 people, so splitting the rental cost between friends or family makes it much better value per person. Plus, having the boat all to yourselves sounds pretty amazing!

One important thing to know is that this is a bareboat rental, so you’ll need an experienced boater who can captain the vessel. Alternatively, the company can provide a list of captains to hire separately, so you don’t miss out if no one among you has experience.

10. Walk through the wetlands at Tarkiln Bayou Preserve

Looking for something a little different from Pensacola’s beaches and historic attractions? Then head to Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park! This beautiful nature reserve covers more than 4,000 acres (1,600 hectares) of wetlands and coastal habitats and is home to some extraordinary plants and wildlife.

And when we say extraordinary, we mean it! The park is famous for rare carnivorous pitcher plants, including the white-topped pitcher plant, found only in a small part of the Gulf Coast. These fascinating plants actually trap and digest insects, so they’re definitely worth keeping an eye out for!

The best way to explore is along the half-mile Tarkiln Bayou Trail, which takes you through the wetlands on an accessible boardwalk. Along the way, you’ll pass beautiful wet prairies and forests before reaching a lookout with lovely views over the bayou. Keep your eyes peeled for birds and other wildlife, too.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, there’s also a longer 6.5-mile trail leading toward Perdido Bay. Just be prepared for some muddy sections!

The park is normally open from 8 am until sunset, and admission costs just $3 USD per vehicle or $2 USD for pedestrians and cyclists. We’d recommend bringing plenty of water, sunscreen, and bug spray, especially during the warmer months.

It’s a fantastic choice for nature lovers and photographers, and a great reminder of just how diverse Florida’s natural landscapes really are! Check the official park website for the latest opening information before you visit.

Where to Stay in Pensacola

Now that you know all the best things to do in Pensacola, you just need a great home base! We’d recommend staying in downtown Pensacola if you want to make the most of the city’s historic attractions, restaurants, and nightlife. However, if you’re dreaming of spending your days by the water, Pensacola Beach is another fantastic option, with gorgeous white sand right on your doorstep.

Fortunately, both areas have excellent hotels! Below, we’ve picked three of our favorites for a range of budgets.

Lily Hall – A Boutique Hotel – $$$

If you want something with a little extra personality, Lily Hall – A Boutique Hotel is our luxury pick. Located in the historic Old East Hill neighborhood, just a short walk from downtown Pensacola, this gorgeous boutique hotel is housed inside a beautifully restored former church!

And it’s SO much more interesting than your typical hotel. There are just 13 individually designed rooms, each filled with quirky furnishings, bold colors, and vintage touches. You’ll even find a record player in your room, which we think is such a fun detail!

But what really makes this place special is the food and drink. Downstairs, you’ll find Brother Fox, a fantastic restaurant specializing in wood-fired cooking, and Sister Hen, an intimate speakeasy serving creative cocktails. Rooms typically start at around $190 USD per night, and we think it’s worth splurging a little for such a unique stay! Read the amazing reviews and book your stay at Lily Hall here!

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Pensacola Beach – $$

If you’d prefer to stay right by the beach, SpringHill Suites by Marriott Pensacola Beach is a fantastic choice. This beachfront hotel has direct access to Pensacola’s beautiful white sand, so you can go from your room to the Gulf in minutes!

As the name suggests, the hotel offers spacious suites rather than standard rooms. Each comes with a separate sitting area, microwave, and mini-fridge, which is especially handy for families or longer stays. Some also have private balconies with gorgeous views over the Gulf of Mexico.

And there’s plenty to enjoy outside your room, too. The hotel offers outdoor swimming pools, a hot tub, and a poolside bar, so you’ve got everything you need for a classic Florida beach vacation. Rooms start at around $190 USD per night or more, depending on the season. Check availability and book your stay at SpringHill Suites here!

Hampton Inn Pensacola Beach – $

If you’d rather save your hard-earned dollars for dolphin cruises and other activities, Hampton Inn Pensacola Beach is our budget-friendly pick. And despite being the more affordable option, you still get something pretty special: a beachfront location!

The hotel sits right on Pensacola Beach, just a short walk from the Gulf Pier and plenty of restaurants. Some rooms even have private balconies overlooking the Gulf, so you can wake up to those gorgeous ocean views without paying luxury resort prices.

The hotel has an outdoor pool and a cute little beach bar, and it serves a complimentary hot breakfast each morning. While this place isn’t super fancy, we think it’s a great choice if you want to stay right next to the beach, especially with rooms starting at around $130 USD per night! Find the best prices and book your stay at Hampton Inn Pensacola Beach here!

Need more options? Check out more listed hotels in Pensacola here!

Thanks for reading!

Pensacola has a way of making you wish your vacation was just a little bit longer! One minute you’re watching dolphins splash through the waves, the next you’re wandering through centuries-old forts or sinking your toes into some of the softest white sand around. It’s the perfect mix of adventure, history, and laid-back beach vibes, and we loved every minute. We have a feeling you will, too!

Still dreaming of your next getaway? We’ve got plenty more where that came from! Check out our other USA blogs for more incredible destinations, unforgettable experiences, and insider tips to help you plan your next adventure. Or browse some of our favorites below!

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