The oldest European settlement in America, founded in 1559, sits on Florida's western edge. A coastal city known for its military base and Spanish colonial past.
Pensacola stretches along Florida's northwestern coast, where the Gulf of Mexico meets 40 miles of white-sand beaches. You can watch the Blue Angels practice their aerial stunts from the Naval Air Station's viewing area, walk past 1800s Spanish brick buildings on Palafox Street, or dive to the world's largest artificial reef. The city comes alive during events like the September Seafood Festival and monthly Gallery Nights, where local artists and musicians fill the streets.
Beaches and Gulf Waters
Pensacola Beach, Perdido Key, and Gulf Islands National Seashore make up the area's coastline. The water stays clear and turquoise, with fewer visitors than central and south Florida beaches. You'll often see dolphins swimming near the shore while you collect shells or swim. Take a kayak into the calm waters, or walk the preserved paths of Gulf Islands National Seashore to find secluded beach spots away from the main swimming areas.
Naval Aviation Experience
At the National Naval Aviation Museum, you can walk among 150 restored aircraft, from 1920s wooden biplanes to modern F-14 Tomcats. The Blue Angels practice their formations most Tuesday and Wednesday mornings from March through November, performing loops and rolls above the museum grounds. Try the flight simulators to experience pilot training, or watch aviation films at the Giant Screen Theater. Climb the 177 steps of Pensacola Lighthouse for views across the Naval Air Station and Pensacola Bay.
Downtown and Cultural Scene
The brick buildings along Palafox Street date back to the 1800s, now filled with independent restaurants and art galleries. During the monthly Gallery Night, local artists set up displays while musicians play on street corners. You can explore art exhibitions inside the Pensacola Museum of Art's former jail cells, or examine Spanish colonial artifacts at the T.T. Wentworth Jr. Florida State Museum. Many restaurants have set up tables outside, creating active sidewalk dining areas.
Marine Activities
The USS Oriskany, a 911-foot aircraft carrier sitting 212 feet below the surface, ranks as the world's largest artificial reef. Divers can explore its deck and tower structure, along with several other shipwrecks in the area suitable for beginner to advanced skill levels. Charter boats take you to deep-sea fishing spots where red snapper, grouper, and amberjack swim. Pensacola Bay's protected waters make it ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding, with rental shops located at Plaza de Luna and Bayview Park.
Year-Round Events
During the Pensacola Seafood Festival each September, food vendors cook fresh Gulf shrimp and fish while bands play on three stages. The Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival transforms Seville Square each November with 200 artists' booths and craft demonstrations. June's Fiesta of Five Flags includes street parades and Spanish colonial reenactments. Gallery Nights happen on the third Friday monthly, and the beach hosts regular events from volleyball tournaments to the Blue Angels air show in July.
