Location: Pensacola Beach
Top Things to do in Pensacola Beach
10 Things to do in Pensacola Beach That You Shouldn't Miss
“Life’s a Beach” all right on Pensacola Beach where building sandcastles, body surfing and beachcombing are popular pastimes. Away from the sands, there are several don’t miss sights for the entire family, including the National Aviation Museum, which features 150 vintage aircraft, flight simulators and an IMAX Theatre, Fort Pickens, an historic military fort built in 1829, and the Pensacola Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse on the Gulf Coast and also the tallest, standing 151 feet tall on a 40 foot bluff. To immerse yourself in the history of Pensacola, stroll the historic village, a pedestrian-friendly area with furnished historic homes, unique museums and the Colonial Archeological Trail. For the white dimpled ball set, try teeing up at Lost Key Golf Club, a target golf set up designed by Arnold Palmer and Marcus Pointe Golf club, an Earl Stone design. Don’t forget, there’s also great deep-sea fishing and other water activities like sailing, kayaking, diving and snorkeling to be actively pursued on Pensacola Beach.
Restaurants in Pensacola Beach
1. Gulf Islands National Seashore
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,254 reviews
This 150-mile stretch of seashore, which runs from Cat Island in Mississippi to Santa Rosa Island in Florida, offers sparkling blue water and many beautiful beaches along the way.
Reviewed By GlennBrigan
Growing up in Pensacola and as an adult moving away I love and appreciate the beauty of the soft fluffy white sands of Santa Rosa Island when I get to return on a vacation. These beaches are the jewel of the Gulf of Mexico. Whether swimming in the gulf, walking along the shore collecting seashells, or exploring the historic past of Fort Pickens you will too love these beaches.
2. Chase-N-Fins
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 939 reviews
Come aboard Chase-N-Fins, a spacious 50 foot long Navy liberty ship that has been customized for relaxing scenic tours! On the two hour tour you will enjoy beautiful views from Pensacola Bay as we cruise the calm inland waters looking for dolphins. We stop along the way to view wild dolphins playing in their natural environment. Often, the naturally curious dolphins will swim right beside the boat! Our crew is well educated about the dolphins and will be happy to tell you about the dolphins as you watch them. In addition to dolphins, you will get a unique water view of local landmarks such as Ft. Pickens, Pensacola Lighthouse, and Naval Air Station Pensacola. Bathrooms are available on the boat. We offer water bottles for sale for $1.00 a bottle, and you are welcome to bring small coolers with drinks and snacks. (no glass please!) We also offer Blue Angels cruises and private tours!
3. Opal Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By maldenmusic - Malden, United States
Opal Beach is a gorgeous piece of white sand and clear water. The complex has pavillions, bathrooms, outside showers for rinsing off and daily lifeguards. There are no concessions or vendors. It's part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore and there's a $25 entrance fee which is good for 7 days. It's our favorite beach in Florida.
4. Pensacola Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,178 reviews
Located on Santa Rosa Island, Pensacola Beach is a popular spot for family vacations.
Reviewed By rkmcgilla - Pensacola, United States
I live on the Bay between Pensacola and NAS and we take our grandkids there every time they visit. From the Pavilion at Pensacola Beach all the way to the West end of the island at Perdido Pass it is sugar white sand and beautiful water. Several restaurants, but our favorites over there is Flounders. In Pensacola McGuire’s is tops. The views on the drive are fantastic
5. Fort Pickens Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,907 reviews
Visitors can take a self-guided tour of this authentic fort active during the Civil War and later used as a jail to hold the infamous American Indian chief Geronimo.
Reviewed By edsel13304 - Barneveld, United States
This is a wonderful place to visit at the west end of Santa Rosa Island at the Gulf Shores National Seashore, You will find this historic old fort site very interesting if you are interested in Civil War history. It is a beautiful drive to get to it along the coast with stops along the drive to enjoy views of the Gulf of Mexico and Pensacola. The Fort is a very large and interesting to see what military forts were like in the Civil War era to protect the Pensacola bay/harbor.
6. Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 544 reviews
Reviewed By Stclair1958 - Collinsville, United States
Pensacola Beach Fishing Pier is a great place for fishing and sightseeing, perfect location, awesome view, you will see lots of sea life, we saw dolphins, sea turtles, barracuda, and sharks, don’t miss it
7. Dog Park West
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By 607jayb - Fairhope, United States
We've visited this park a number of times. This location is much quieter and family oriented than other areas of Pensacola Beach, especially the often crowded and alcohol infested main public beach near the "beach ball tower". Here you will discover tons of parking spaces (including several for handicapped individuals), a rather short walk on a boardwalk to the beach, several covered pavilions with BBQ grills and clean picnic tables, and clean rest rooms. Here you are also just a short walk to the bay side of the peninsula, which offers more beach space and wonderful views. There is even an "ECO Trail" that contains educational information about the area's wildlife and eco-system. Pegleg Pete's (an iconic seafood restaurant and bar) is just a short drive or bike ride awayI highly recommend this park for a beach visit while in the Pensacola Beach area!
8. Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By FlaHarlock - Tavares, United States
Our first visit to Pensacola Beach and we stumbled upon the Visitors Information Center. The woman running the show was super friendly and informative. She knew everything about the area. Even mapped a spot for us to watch the Blue Angels practice that wasn’t on the base. Very thankful for her help. Bonus.. the center is air conditioned with clean restrooms. If you are new to the area this is an excellent starting point. Highly recommended!
9. Laguna's Beach Bar and Grill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
The best place on the island, Laguna’s Beach Bar + Grill (formerly Premier Adventure Park) serves amazing food & ice cold drinks and offers one-of-a-kind family-friendly activities like go-karts, a 3 story ropes course, splash pad, 30ft tall clip n’ climb climbing structures, zip rail, parasailing, jet ski rentals and more along 600 ft of pristine beachfront. Come relax at the tiki bar and enjoy an unbelievable view. You’ll see what sets us apart and you’ll be glad you did! The vibe at Laguna’s offers a variety of things to do, beautiful views, live entertainment, and a unique menu which makes us the go-to location for things to do on Pensacola Beach. Have some fun in the sun in an environment that welcomes you to relax and enjoy the energy of the island. HOURS OF OPERATION Watersports Daily 9a - Sunset • Restaurant Daily 11a - 10p • Bar Service Daily 11a - 12a • Land Activities Daily 10a - 10p Beach Shuttle Friday 4p-9p & Saturday 2p - 9p
Reviewed By RussB569 - Bonita Springs, United States
Went parasailing The staff is great Took my wife and daughter. We are in our 70’s and my wife had never parasailed. She loved it.
10. Pensacola Beach East Dog Park
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By bayleek33 - Conway, United States
This is a beautiful spot on the beach, being able to bring your dogs is just a plus. They do have to stay on their leashes which kinda sucks but understandable. Has poop bags at entrance.
