What to do and see in Pensacola, Florida (FL): The Best Museums

November 1, 2021 Kandra Bartel

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. Quayside

17 E Zaragoza St, Pensacola, FL 32502-5961 +1 850-438-2363 http://Www.quaysidegallery.com
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5.0 based on 22 reviews

Quayside

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.

2. National Naval Aviation Museum

1750 Radford Blvd Suite C, NAS, Pensacola, FL 32508-5400 +1 850-452-3604 [email protected] http://www.navalaviationmuseum.org
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5.0 based on 6,454 reviews

National Naval Aviation Museum

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!

13700 Perdido Key Dr, Pensacola, FL 32507-7471 +1 850-261-9617 http://artworksgalleryonperdidokey.blogspot.com/
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5.0 based on 9 reviews

Artworks Studio & Gallery

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.

4. Historic Pensacola Village

330 S Jefferson St, Pensacola, FL 32502-5943 +1 850-595-5985 http://www.historicpensacola.org
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4.5 based on 343 reviews

Historic Pensacola Village

Historic village consists of twenty properties belonging to the Pensacola National Register Historic District, including several museums and the Colonial Archaeological Trail.

Reviewed By hennybogan2017 - Toronto, Canada

When your tour guide dresses in appropriate costume, has a wealth of stories and is actually a university grad in maritime studies, then you’re in for a real treat. I loved to visit the many old houses on the tour, supplemented by guide Robbie’s subtle remarks and even subtler innuendos. Lots of intriguing contrasts between early Victorian houses and houses later in that era, plus those of wealthy families and working class people. The tour includes artifacts and such materials as a rope bed tightener and a real live chamber pot. A four block section of buildings is preserved through the joint efforts of the city and the University of West Florida. Tickets are good for one week, a helpful feature since covering everything could take all day. The tour finishes at Old Christ Church built in 1832 and the pews and stained glass windows are fascinating. And if you appear in costume, you just might merit a free one at nearby Pensacola Bay Brewery.

5. Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum

2081 Radford Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32508-5403 +1 850-393-1561 [email protected] http://www.pensacolalighthouse.org/
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4.5 based on 1,531 reviews

Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum

NOTICE TO GUESTS: We are located on Naval Air Station Pensacola. NAS Pensacola is currently open only to current DoD ID card holders and certain Veterans Health Identification Card holders. Unless sponsored through the Trusted Traveler program, no civilians will be granted access onto the base until further notice, and thus will not be able to access the Lighthouse. The Best View in Town! Climb 177 steps up the historic Pensacola Lighthouse for one of the most beautiful views on the Gulf Coast. Built in 1859, the lighthouse is located on board NAS Pensacola. The tower offers stunning views of Pensacola Bay, the Pensacola skyline, and the historic Navy Yard.

Reviewed By loring556 - Saint Louis, United States

This is a must see and do in Pensacola. The lighthouse, keeper's house, and gift shop are well worth the effort to visit. And if one has the courage, a climb to the top of the lighthouse is offered. Beware, it is 19 stories tall. The museum is quite extensive and is house in the keeper's house. This is the tallest lighthouse on Florida's Gulf Coast. It is located on the Pensacola Naval Air Station, so visitors must present two forms of ID to enter.

21 Palafox Pl, Pensacola, FL 32502-5688 +1 850-429-9100 [email protected] http://mariomejia127.github.io/search.html?
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4.5 based on 34 reviews

Blue Morning Gallery

Welcome to Blue Morning Gallery, located in Historic Downtown Pensacola, Florida. Blue Morning Gallery was founded in April of 1997 and created to showcase the work of local artists and to encourage the development of new creative talent within the community. Our colorful, cooperative fine arts gallery features over 58 local artists. Today, our members form an eclectic group, including many award-winning artists, with specialties in painting, collage, photography, ceramics, sculpture, glass, jewelry, fibers, wood, tile and more. We work in a variety of styles from classical to modern. Come browse through our unique selection of original artwork, historic photographs, journals and cards. Blue Morning Gallery...an art festival every day!

Reviewed By mlisner - Memphis, United States

What a great artist collective. Many types of art here- photography, ceramics, metal working. Some is beach themed and others not. An eclectic mix, you will find something you love.

7. Pensacola MESS Hall

116 N Tarragona St, Pensacola, FL 32502-4842 +1 877-937-6377 [email protected] http://www.pensacolamesshall.org/
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4.5 based on 84 reviews

Pensacola MESS Hall

The Pensacola MESS Hall is a hands on science museum dedicated to the need to "mess around" with math, engineering, science, and other stuff. Visitors explore science by creating their own experiments, whether at our stationary exhibits or with our "mess kits". Mess kits are individual activities for creating tools for discovery, many with take home parts for future learning. The entire family will make discoveries together.

Reviewed By 798bradleyn

The Mess Hall is an incredible destination for any visitor or native of Pensacola / Pensacola Beach or any where with in a drive. A mix of art and science - but 100% fun for all ages. It’s a great stop to burn an hour, or make it an all day trip (especially if it’s raining on your beach vacation!). There’s plenty to do and the staff is fun, helpful and engaged. Parents can easily observe or join in the fun. Plus a unique gift shop full of more fun to take home. It’s close to downtown shops and restaurants but plenty of free parking. This is a must-do!!

8. Destination Archaeology Resource Center

207 E Main St, Pensacola, FL 32502-6034 +1 850-595-0050 [email protected] http://www.destinationarchaeology.org
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4.5 based on 14 reviews

Destination Archaeology Resource Center

Located inside the Florida Public Archaeology Network headquarters in downtown Pensacola, the Destination Archaeology Resource Center is an archaeology museum open to the public. Inside you will learn about the amazing archaeological sites that you can visit and experience throughout the state. Our exhibits include displays about both land and underwater archaeology sites. We showcase heritage sites open to the public within the eight regions of the FPAN with traditional and interactive displays and artifacts. Additionally, our museum hosts a variety of free exhibits, events, and programs throughout the yea

9. T.T. Wentworth Jr. Florida State Museum

120 Church St, Pensacola, FL 32502-5941 +1 850-595-5985 http://www.historicpensacola.org/
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4.0 based on 120 reviews

T.T. Wentworth Jr. Florida State Museum

The T. T. Wentworth, Jr. Florida State Museum, the flagship museum of the Historic Pensacola complex, is a general history depicting Pensacola's history, architecture and archaeology. The three-story former Pensacola City Hall offers galleries dedicated to permanent, changing exhibits and traveling exhibits. The building, built in 1907, is an example of Mediterranean Revival architecture .

Reviewed By phelpsusa - Orlando, United States

Great three story museum that includes admission to several attractions just a fee blocks away. Check out the bar on the second floor.

126 Palafox Pl, Pensacola, FL 32502-5630 +1 850-912-4022 [email protected] http://www.martycampbellgallery.com/
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4.0 based on 1 reviews

Marty Campbell Gallery

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