Location: Pensacola
Top Things to do in Pensacola
10 Free Things to do in Pensacola That You Shouldn't Miss
If you're looking for some great Florida beaches but aren't necessarily interested in a mega-resort or theme park atmosphere, Pensacola might just be the place for your perfect weekend. Home to Gulf Islands National Seashore, the city offers some of the best fishing and boating in the area. Inland, canoeing enthusiasts won't want to miss the beauty of the Blackwater River. Closer to town, the city has a proud military heritage, which can be seen at attractions like the National Museum of Naval Aviation and the Pensacola Naval Air Station.
Restaurants in Pensacola
1. Wall South
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 67 reviews
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial on a smaller scale.
Reviewed By 215JimM - Pensacola, United States
The wall reminds me of the wall in D.C. Very sobering experience. To walk along is see all who gave there lives is sobering.
2. Quayside
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 22 reviews
Quayside offers local artists a place to display their work.
Reviewed By eliz375 - Las Vegas, United States
This is an artist's co-op, and we enjoyed looking around and seeing the different works on display for purchase. Painting and photography were the most common mediums, but there was a little bit of everything. I enjoyed it.
3. Santa Rosa Island
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 192 reviews
Pensacola Beach is the main attraction on this island.
Reviewed By JAD3RD - Pensacola, United States
The drive between Navarre Beach and Pensacola Beach is a wonderful and restful cruise along the coast. Pull over into the access points and you have miles of white sand and green water with hardly any people. If people are what you want, go to Pensacola Beach or Navarre Beach. For history.... Fort Pickens is your place. Santa Rosa Island is a great place to get away
4. National Naval Aviation Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6,454 reviews
Experience the magic of flight at the National Naval Aviation Museum! See over 4,000 artifacts and 150 aircraft representing Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Aviation. Ride the flight simulators or catch all the drama and power of amazing IMAX films. Dine in the authentic Cubi Bar Cafe and take home the spirit of Naval Aviation with a unique memento from the Flight Deck Store. Spend a cool day inside the Museum and experience Hands-on-History! New Naval Air Station Entrance: All visitors to the National Naval Aviation Museum, Fort Barrancas and Pensacola Lighthouse who do not possess a Department of Defense identification card or are unescorted by the holder of a Department of Defense identification card, will be required to enter the installation via the West Gate located off Blue Angel Parkway.
Reviewed By 763cathrynd
State of the art aviation museum for all ages! Has it all! 2 story quality museum along with a gift shop, iMax theater, restaurant in the beautiful setting at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, FL! Easy to spend anywhere from 2-5 hours there! It’s awesome! Cost? FREE!
5. Pensacola Naval Air Station
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,091 reviews
Homebase for the Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy's Flight Demonstration Squadron, Pensacola NAS is also home to the Pensacola Lighthouse, the National Museum of Naval Aviation and Fort Barrancas, an early 19th-century garrison.
Reviewed By richardsR7890HZ
Visiting parents graves,barranco national cemetery is very well maintained and the personnel are very helpful,also the naval aviation museum has so much history and is a phenomenal, a great place to enjoy your day.
6. Artworks Studio & Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By barbaracH4730XA - Petersburg, United States
I found several original watercolor cards and pieces of jewelry that I loved. So many beautiful paintings and pieces of jewelry to see! Someone told me when I came into the gallery that if I wanted something custom designed, one of the artists would sit down and work with me. I look forward to shopping there again the next time I'm in the area.
7. Joe Patti's Seafood Company
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 202 reviews
Reviewed By Chipperhigh2 - Okemos, United States
Stopped to checkout what Joe Patti had to offer. I could not believe the selection of fish and shell food they had for sale. In addition a bakery with wonderful looking deserts and a deli area with things like crab cakes. We are in the area for the entire month and plan to shop here at least once a month.
8. Beyond the Grape
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 113 reviews
Pensacola's favorite wine tasting bar. Try before you buy. A wide range of excellent, small production wines from all over the world, including the best Florida-made wines and meads. Enjoy a glass of wine, craft beer, or wine smoothie at the bar or take bottles home. More than 500 different wines on hand. Sweet to dry, local to international, exotic to classic. Join your friends for an evening of painting and wine tasting with our Onto the Canvas classes. We ship nationwide to our loyal customers.
9. St. Michael's Cemetery
10. Naval Live Oaks Reservation
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 91 reviews
Visitors can view wildlife and fabulous flora and fauna from one of the many nature trails in this 1,000 acres of woods.
Reviewed By MEA801 - Gettysburg, United States
My husband and I went there this week. Has a cute visitors center and it was a nice easy hike which was well maintained wooden path. There were two nice lookouts as well.
