Long before Europeans arrived, the Pensacola area was home to Indigenous peoples, especially the Pensacola culture, part of the broader Mississippian tradition. These communities built complex societies with trade networks across the Southeast.
In 1559, Spanish explorer Tristán de Luna y Arellano established a settlement at Pensacola Bay, making it one of the earliest European settlements in North America, predating St. Augustine. But hurricanes and supply shortages devastated the colony, and it was abandoned after two years. Spain returned in 1698 and built a more permanent settlement.
Known as the “City of Five Flags,” it’s been inhabited by five different nations. Today, Pensacola includes the historic downtown and Pensacola Beach, an old-school beach community on the Gulf of Mexico. Visitors can fly directly into the airport and reach the beach by ferry.
This post contains affiliate links.
What to Do in Pensacola, Florida
Most people come to Pensacola for the beach, but there’s plenty to keep you busy while you’re here. Explore the historic landmarks and, for the adventurous, you’ll find sailing, deep-sea fishing, kayaking, and diving.
Fort Pickens– Part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, this pre-Civil War fortress offers ranger tours on its history. The fort also has hiking trails and beach access, popular with those looking for unique shells. It’s one of several forts you’ll find in Pensacola. 1400 Fort Pickens Road
Frisky Dolphin Sightseeing Bay Cruise– This tour takes you to the waterways and sandbars around Pensacola Bay, where you can expect to see dolphins and shorebirds. Some tours can be arranged around the Blue Angels‘ practices.
Historic Pensacola– The historic trust runs several downtown museums, which you can visit for one ticket price. They include museums of history, art, commerce, and industry, as well as a children’s museum and a reconstructed historic village. It’s the perfect way to spend a rainy day. 330 South Jefferson Street
Hop-on Hop-off Tour in Pensacola– Visit several landmarks in one day from the comfort of this vintage bus. Stops include beloved restaurants and historic sites, with information narrated by the guide.
National Naval Aviation Museum– This museum focuses on the history and heritage of United States naval aviation, including the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. It is one of the world’s largest aviation museums. It’s free to visit, but you need an ID to access the base. 1750 Radford Boulevard
Palafox Palete Food Tour– Palafox Street is one of the most lively streets in downtown Pensacola. This tour visits several of the area’s eateries, with bites along the way.
Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum– The Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum is a historic beacon and museum located on Naval Air Station Pensacola in Florida. Built in 1859, it remains an active U.S. Coast Guard aid to navigation and one of the best-preserved brick lighthouses in the United States. 2081 Radford Boulevard
Spirits of Seville Pensacola’s Haunted History Tour– Pensacola claims to be one of Florida’s most haunted cities, and there are several evening walking tours through the historic district. This one includes a voucher for lunch or dinner and leaves from the Palace Cafe in Seville Quarter.
Where to Eat in Pensacola, Florida
The food scene in Pensacola is a mix of Gulf Coast seafood culture and a surprisingly ambitious newer chef scene, on par with what you could expect to find in other Southern cities like Mobile or St. Augustine.
Agapi Bistro and Garden– This Mediterranean-inspired restaurant is helmed by award-winning Chef Gus Silivos, a longtime figure in the region’s culinary scene. Here, you can enjoy the chef’s blind tasting menu or dishes like blue crab moussaka and lemon marinated lamb chops. 555 Scenic Highway, (850) 813-5683
Bodacious– You can get coffee and treats at either Bodacious Bookstore & Café or the drive-thru coffee concept “Brew Thru.” Both offer sandwiches like well-made breakfast burritos and coffee drinks. It’s also part gourmet market, part bookstore, and part kitchen boutique. 407 South Palafox Street, (850) 433-6505
The Burrow- Set in the old Sacred Heart Hospital complex in the East Hill neighborhood. It’s owned by the team behind Odd Colony Brewing Company and combines craft beer culture with a chef-driven food menu with elk tartare and raclette fries. 1010 North 12th Avenue, (850) 512-7095
Five Sisters Blues Cafe– The café occupies a restored site once central to the city’s African American business and music community. The menu highlights Southern favorites, including fried chicken and barbecue ribs, paired with live music. 421 West Belmont Street, (850) 912-4856
Flounder’s Chowder House– Locals come here for the Bushwacker, but the longtime waterfront restaurant in Pensacola Beach is also known for its over-the-top decor and beach volleyball courts. The top menu item is the namesake flounder chowder. 800 Quietwater Beach Road, (850) 932-2003
The Grand Marlin– Set right between the causeway connecting the beach to downtown, this restaurant is the perfect spot to watch the sunset over a great meal. The must-order dish is the Grouper Piccata, a piece of Gulf grouper with a buttery lemon-caper sauce. 400 Pensacola Beach Boulevard, (850) 677-9153
Good Day, Darling– Located on Palafox Street downtown, it blends coastal café aesthetics with a menu that leans into brunch culture, craft cocktails, and globally influenced comfort food. Come by for the avocado toast and ricotta pancakes. 901 North 12th Avenue
Jackson’s Steakhouse– This is a long-running downtown steakhouse known for white-tablecloth service, polished Southern fine dining, and its historic location overlooking Plaza Ferdinand. Expect filet mignon, extensive wine service, and classic steakhouse sides. 400 South Palafox Street, (850) 469-9898
Maker’s Cafe & Espresso Bar– This bright, minimalist café on South Palafox has become especially popular for carefully made espresso drinks, matcha, and upscale café-style breakfasts. Try the salmon lox toast and rotating pastries with your coffee. 422 South Palafox Street, (850) 776-6050
Pearl and Horn– The polished “land + sea” concept downtown combines top-notch Gulf seafood with two separate decor concepts. The snapper collar is an appetizer, but a hearty must-try. The crudos and steaks are also popular. 1504 West Intendencia Street, (850) 332-5108
Pensacola Fish House– Set along Seville Harbor, it offers upscale dockside dining with panoramic bay views. The restaurant has been open for over two decades and showcases the best of Gulf Coast seafood. 600 South Barracks Street, (850) 470-0003
Restaurant Iron– Known for refined, locally sourced cuisine, this downtown restaurant has long been a favorite in Pensacola for special occasions. The gnocchi with escargot is a menu staple, but leave room for the Iron wings and crispy redfish. 22 North Palafox Street, (850) 476-7776
Where to Stay in Pensacola, Florida
Pensacola has a pretty wide range of hotels, depending on what kind of trip you’re planning, whether it be downtown history and nightlife, or beach relaxation on Pensacola Beach and nearby Gulf Breeze.
Fairfield Inn Pensacola Beach– The modern hotel has all the amenities you could want, including direct beach access, multiple pools with a lazy river, multiple restaurants, parking, and free daily breakfast. 16 Via De Luna Drive
Lily Hall– Set inside a restored historic church, the self-serviced boutique hotel has 15 stylish rooms, an on-site restaurant, and Sister Hen, a hidden speakeasy-style cocktail bar known for espresso drinks and candlelit atmosphere. 415 North Alcaniz Street
Oyster Bay Boutique Hotel– With rooms overlooking the water, this adult-focused hotel has daily breakfast, an espresso machine, and a boutique with locally-inspired goods. Guests also have access to the porch and patio. 400 Bayfront Parkway
Fort Pickens Campground– You’ll have to book early to grab a spot here, but there’s no better camping around, located on a barrier island surrounded by the Gulf. It has sites for RVs and tents, with electrical hookups, bathrooms, and beach access. 1463 Fort Pickens Road
PIN IT
Leave a Reply