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10 Things to Do in Pensacola Beyond the Beach

Pensacola is synonymous with beautiful beaches. Anyone who has visited the area can attest to the enjoyment that is to be found on the area’s pristine white, sandy shores.

But don’t be afraid to pack up your sand pails and beach chairs. You can find a host of things to do once you leave the beach in Pensacola, too. It’s these activities and attractions that allow visitors to learn, play and experience local culture in a way that you might not find in other beach communities.

Here are 10 of the most popular ways to explore Pensacola away from the beach:

Visit the National Naval Aviation Museum

The National Naval Aviation Museum, located on base at Naval Air Station Pensacola, showcases over 150 restored aircraft representing U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard aviation. Free admission gives you access to walk amongst the planes and exhibits to get an up-close look at military history. On Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, you may observe the U.S. Navy Blue Angels flying overhead during their weekly practice sessions between March and November.

Uncover History

Visit the Pensacola Museum of History, where admission includes entry to several public homes that comprise Historic Pensacola Village. Step inside centuries-old structures to learn about Pensacola history, dating back to its colonization by Spain in the 16th Century. Guided tours are offered by living history interpreters who bring the past to life. The guides will help by identifying architectural styles of the area and explaining the many furnishings and artifacts, including many from the Colonial and Victorian eras to 1920s Pensacola.

Enjoy the Great Outdoors

Enjoying the great outdoors is possible throughout the Pensacola area, not just on the beach. Many hiking and birding enthusiasts like Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park, near Perdido Key. A boardwalk spans the wetlands here, offering an accessible vantage point to see wildlife and four species of native carnivorous pitcher plants. With admission as low as $3, it’s an affordable place for a family picnic, too.

Stroll through Palafox Market

On Saturday mornings, take a stroll through Palafox Market, with locations in Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza and Plaza Ferdinand. Each week, vendors set up tents and tables offering an assortment of goods. From produce to crafts, plants, jewelry, art and everything in between, you can find some truly unique items. Want a tasty souvenir? Local beverage vendors sell PensaCola soda and Sweet Jackson Tea. Come out and see why Palafox Market was named the best farmer’s market in Florida by Southern Living magazine.

Experience Arts & Entertainment

Arts & Culture

Delight in the thrills of live entertainment from Pensacola’s vibrant arts scene. For a city of its size, Pensacola is fortunate to boast a professional symphony, opera, ballet, art museum and performing arts theater. Talent is on display almost every weekend, so there is no shortage of opportunities to see a show or exhibit.

As one example, this fall the Pensacola Opera is presenting Carmen: The Traveler, a newly adapted, abridged, and re-orchestrated version of Bizet’s masterpiece. Featuring a versatile cast of singer-instrumentalists, the show’s performers will play their roles while accompanying themselves on instruments including guitars, mandolins, and accordions. The performance will take place in the Spanish atmosphere of Seville Quarter, and Spanish tapas and wine pairings will be served. Tickets are available from Pensacola Opera for the Thursday, Nov. 7, 5:30 p.m. show at Seville Quarter.

Grab a cup of coffee

Bodacious Coffee

Coffee connoisseurs need not worry about finding their next cup. Downtown Pensacola is a wealth of caffeinated options. At Maker’s Coffee Co., don’t be surprised to find gluten-free, organic, and vegan pastries and regionally sourced dairy products available with your coffee. Bodacious has an in-house roastery along with a full breakfast and lunch menu. Themed coffee flights and energy drinks will pick you up at Buzzed Brew inside The Garden. Pacific Kava Bar in the Belmont-DeVilliers neighborhood has a chill vibe with weekly open mic nights, coffee and kava drinks. North of Downtown, Black Café & Bookstore serves a full menu of drinks and eats, and features a bookstore focused on African American interests.

Or a Brew

Downtown Pensacola’s watering holes are plentiful, too. For the beer drinkers, breweries like Perfect Plain and Pensacola Bay Brewery always have a stool open for those wanting to try handcrafted local beer. If classic cocktails and modern martinis are what you’re thirsting for, head to The Kennedy. The bar has a mid-century vibe and small plates menu that are sure to please. Although not for the faint of heart, the Irish Wake cocktail at McGuire’s Irish Pub is quintessential Pensacola.

Hit the Trails

The University of West Florida nature trails are popular with hikers, cyclists, geocachers, and equestrian enthusiasts. Dogs are allowed on a leash. The Edward Ball Nature Trail features a half-mile boardwalk through Thompson Bayou. The path overlooks a hardwood swamp that is home to mammals, birds, fish and reptiles. You might even spot an American alligator! Leave the bikes at home, though, as only foot traffic is allowed on the preserve trail.

Play Like a Kid

Kids and kids at heart will enjoy Pensacola’s more sporty entertainment options and amusement centers, like Fast Eddie’s Fun Center. Fast Eddie’s has four go-kart tracks including a SuperKart Speedway for ages 16 and up with computerized scoring and timing, and a track just for kids ages 4-7. Play in the arcade and batting cages, too. DeLuna Lanes is a traditional bowling alley in North Pensacola with food and beverage offered on site. Cosmic Bowling is among the most popular events here, drawing crowds for late night, weekend bowling. At Tee It Up, all ages can enjoy the golf simulators and a kids’ room offers virtual reality games. The bar and grill make this a homey hang-out spot where your tee time will never be rained out.

Shop 'Til You Drop

Cordova Mall is Pensacola’s largest shopping destination. Anchored by Dillard’s and Belk department stores, the mall also has specialty retailers like Best Buy, Dick’s Sporting Goods, clothing and jewelry stores of all sorts, and a food court. Whether you visit to shop or dine, there is something for everyone. Perusing the mall is a great way to keep moving while you beat the heat, too.

Where will your Pensacola adventures take you?

Amy Minchin

Author

Amy Minchin

Amy Minchin has vacationed in Northwest Florida since she was a young child. Despite a few sunburns and freckles picked up along the way, she’s been proud to call the Pensacola area home for the last seven years. She and her husband enjoy sharing Pensacola’s natural beauty, history and culture with their three daughters. An award-winning writer, Amy left a career in corporate communications and marketing to pursue freelance writing and consulting opportunities. Her writing has been published in the Pensacola News Journal, Pensacola Today, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Birmingham Magazine, Lakeland Ledger, UAB Magazine and UWF Connection. Amy shares her family’s adventures and helps others discover ways to enjoy all that the Gulf Coast has to offer on Instagram. Follow her at @sandinmyminivan.

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