Pensacola Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Pensacola Bay Area CVB.
Pensacola
Pensacola
Pensacola
Pensacola

This northwest Florida coastal city is famous for its beautiful beaches and for being one spot where Europeans first settled in the United States.

Pensacola is a beach city with miles of white-sand shoreline. Enjoy snorkeling, diving, swimming, sailing, sunbathing and other activities centering on the water. But Pensacola also charms with its museums, galleries, family attractions and history and traditions of its downtown area.

A 1559 Spanish outpost at this location was one of the oldest European settlements in the United States. Pensacola is known as the “City of Five Flags” because Spain, Britain, France, the Confederacy and the United States have each ruled the area at various times.

Investigate Pensacola’s diverse past with a walk through the historic downtown district. Note the mixture of building styles, including British timber cottages and stucco homes with wrought-iron balconies that reflect Spanish influences. Stand in Plaza Ferdinand where General Andrew Jackson, who would later become the president of the United States, claimed Florida from Spain in 1821.

Visit Historic Pensacola Village, comprising 27 properties and museums, including an 18th-century church and early 19th-century homes. While you are here, follow the Colonial Archeological Trail, a self-guided walking tour that takes you to colonial ruins, fortresses and other structures.

With Pensacola’s year-round sunshine and a moderately warm climate, most visitors head directly to the beach there are many to choose from. One of the most popular is Pensacola Beach, a 10-minute drive from downtown, on the western end of Santa Rosa Island. Cross the Pensacola Bay Bridge to reach this long and narrow barrier island.

Lie on the sand or choose from the many water activities: parasailing, surfing, kayaking and more. Enjoy free events and activities. Bands on the Beach concerts are held every Tuesday from April through October. One annual highlight in July is the Pensacola Beach Air Show, featuring the Blue Angels, the United States Navy's flight demonstration squadron.

Treat yourself to a great night out by heading back downtown. Watch a live performance at the Saenger Theatre and relax in the oyster bars, international restaurants and clubs.

Where to stay in Pensacola

Default Image

Downtown Pensacola

While visiting Downtown Pensacola, you might make a stop by sights like Saenger Theatre and Historic Pensacola Village.

Downtown Pensacola
Default Image

Southeast Pensacola

If you're spending some time in Southeast Pensacola, Palafox Shopping Center and Beach Road Shopping Center are top sights worth seeing.

Southeast Pensacola
Default Image

South Pensacola

While visiting South Pensacola, you might make a stop by sights like Palafox Shopping Center and Pensacola Outlet Mall.

South Pensacola
Default Image

Northeast Pensacola

While visiting Northeast Pensacola, you might make a stop by sights like Cordova Mall and Roger Scott Athletic Complex.

Northeast Pensacola
Default Image

Northwest Pensacola

4/5(1 area review)

If you're spending some time in Northwest Pensacola, Five Flags Speedway and Splash City Adventures are top sights worth seeing.

Northwest Pensacola
Default Image

Perdido Key Coves One

While Perdido Key Coves One isn't home to many top sights, Perdido Key State Park and Ono Island are some notable places to visit nearby.

Perdido Key Coves One
Extended Stay Premier Suites - Pensacola- Nas Corry Station

Extended Stay Premier Suites - Pensacola- Nas Corry Station

2.5 out of 5
4034 Barrancas Ave, Pensacola, FL
The price is AU$145 per night from 9 Nov to 10 Nov
AU$145
9 Nov - 10 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Pensacola. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions National Museum of Naval Aviation and Blackwater River ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (420 reviews)
The staff was freindly and great!

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Extended Stay Premier Suites - Pensacola- Nas Corry Station
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Pensacola Airport North – I-10 by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Pensacola Airport North – I-10 by IHG

2.5 out of 5
7827 North Davis Highway, Pensacola, FL
The price is AU$166 per night from 27 Oct to 28 Oct
AU$166
27 Oct - 28 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Pensacola. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (865 reviews)
Yes

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Pensacola Airport North – I-10 by IHG
Studio 6 Pensacola, FL - West I-10

Studio 6 Pensacola, FL - West I-10

2.5 out of 5
8690 Pine Forest Road, Pensacola, FL
The price is AU$128 per night from 11 Nov to 12 Nov
AU$128
11 Nov - 12 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Pensacola. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,015 reviews)
Stay here every time I visit …love it

Reviewed on 15 Oct 2025

Studio 6 Pensacola, FL - West I-10
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Extended Stay

Extended Stay

2.5 out of 5
6950 Pensacola Blvd., Pensacola, FL
Stay at this aparthotel in Pensacola. Enjoy free parking, laundry facilities, and cable TV channels. Popular attractions Splash City Adventures and Marcus Pointe ...
4.2/10 (335 reviews)
Great and very excellent customer service

Reviewed on 23 Aug 2025

Extended Stay
stayAPT Suites Pensacola-UWF/West Florida Hospital Area

stayAPT Suites Pensacola-UWF/West Florida Hospital Area

2.5 out of 5
9229 University Pkwy, Pensacola, FL
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Pensacola. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Archaeology Institute ...
9/10 Wonderful! (205 reviews)
Great Room for parents weekend
This is the third time we have stayed and it was perfect as always. Clean rooms, friendly front desk staff and a lot of room to move around in the room.

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

stayAPT Suites Pensacola-UWF/West Florida Hospital Area
Penthouse Unit Directly on the beach with unbelievable views. Managed by Owner.

Penthouse Unit Directly on the beach with unbelievable views. Managed by Owner.

Pensacola
Stay at this condo in Pensacola. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Ono Island and Alabama Point East are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (90 reviews)
Photos do not do it justice. Perfect rental for whole family to get together

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Penthouse Unit Directly on the beach with unbelievable views. Managed by Owner.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near Pensacola

Other places like Pensacola

Explore a world of travel with Expedia