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

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Downtown Pensacola

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

Downtown Pensacola
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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
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South Pensacola

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

South Pensacola
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Northeast Pensacola

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

Northeast Pensacola
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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
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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$134 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
AU$134
2 Nov - 3 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 Pensacola Beach ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (409 reviews)
"The place was spotless. The bed was extremely comfortable. Amanda at the desk was the best. Would definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on 29 Sept 2025

Extended Stay Premier Suites - Pensacola- Nas Corry Station
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 (327 reviews)
"Great and very excellent customer service"

Reviewed on 23 Aug 2025

Extended Stay
Sole Inn and Suites

Sole Inn and Suites

2.5 out of 5
200 North Palafox Street, Pensacola, FL
The price is AU$176 per night from 7 Oct to 8 Oct
AU$176
7 Oct - 8 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly motel in Pensacola. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"Great location, great hotel and room especially for the price, very friendly and helpful staff. Thank you!"

Reviewed on 1 Oct 2025

Sole Inn and Suites
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 (327 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! (203 reviews)
"My wife and I had a great time. We have never been to Pensacola but enjoyed our stay. This is also the first time we stayed in an apartment suite. A great experience for us. What we liked about it is, it felt like we were in a home. The kitchen area was larger than we expected. We were able to prepare ..."

Reviewed on 3 Oct 2025

stayAPT Suites Pensacola-UWF/West Florida Hospital Area
Grand Caribbean West by Southern Vacation Rentals

Grand Caribbean West by Southern Vacation Rentals

3.5 out of 5
13500 Sandy Key Drive, Pensacola, FL
Stay at this 3.5-star golf condo in Pensacola. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and balconies. Popular attractions Perdido Key Beach and Lost Key Golf Club are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (27 reviews)
"The front door would get stuck and we would have to redo the code a few times before we could get in the room but other than that it was a really nice place and close to the beach."

Reviewed on 29 July 2025

Grand Caribbean West by Southern Vacation Rentals
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.

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