25 Fun, Free Things to Do in Pensacola

Some of the best things in life are free, and this is certainly true in the Pensacola Bay Area. Here's a list of 25 fun, free things to do in Pensacola.

Sure, we have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Our legendary sugar-white sand and turquoise water were discovered in 1559 by Don Tristan de Luna, and Pensacola has been loved by explorers ever since. But what many don’t know is that there is a world of fun, free things to do in Pensacola after you visit our award-winning beaches.

From Perdido Key to Downtown Pensacola to Pensacola Beach, you’ll find unforgettable things to do that are free year-round. Get to know our history, culture and wildlife and have some family fun with our list of 25 of Pensacola’s best free concerts, events, activities and more.

#1 — Naval Aviation Museum

Located at NAS Pensacola, National Naval Aviation Museum is one of the world's largest aviation museums. See more than 4,000 artifacts and over 150 beautifully restored aircraft representing Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard aviation.

#2 — Birding

Explore the Florida Great Birding and Wildlife Trail and take in nature. We’re the official gateway to the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail of which we boast 10 stops.

#3 — Palafox Market

The Palafox Market takes place every Saturday in Downtown Pensacola. Take a morning stroll through for local products, art and music.

#4 — Quayside Art

Take in the arts. Browse works from more than 200 local artists at the Southeast's largest co-op gallery.

#5 — Experience Innerarity Point Park

Looking to take a walk, picnic, or just get outside? Enjoy a nice breeze looking at the Intercoastal Waterway at this beautiful waterfront park.

#6 — Pensacola Beach Eco-Trail

This 8.5-mile Footprints in the Sand Eco-Trail showcases the unique aspects of Pensacola Beach’s island ecology.

#7 — Blue Angels Practice

America's favorite flight squadron takes to the skies on select days to practice its famed air shows March – November, and YOU can have a front-row seat to it.

#8 — Watch a Sunset

Head outside and catch one of Pensacola's very own sunsets. Be mesmerized as the sun sinks below the horizon and the skies turn to pink and orange hues.

#9 — Historic Walking Tour

Go on a free historic walking tour of Historic Downtown Pensacola with Emerald Coast Tours.

Emerald Coast Tours

#10 — Edward Ball Nature Trail

Explore nature and take a hike at the Edward Ball Nature Trail on the University of West Florida campus.

#11 — Bands on the Beach

On Tuesday evenings from May through September, catch free concerts at Pensacola Beach's Gulfside Pavilion.

#12 — Veterans Memorial Park

Veterans Memorial Park is a place of healing, to honor and remember our fallen heroes. Visit the nation's only full-name permanent replica of Washington D.C.'s Veteran's Memorial.

#13 — Uncover History

If your timing's right, you can actually participate in a dig at the Pensacola Colonial Archaeological Trail.

#14 — Bruce Beach

Stroll around this bayside park. Enjoy the view from the adirondack chairs, play on the playground, and observe the history of Bruce Beach.

#15 — Explore Downtown Parks

Enjoy green space at one of the many parks in Downtown Pensacola.

#16 — Take a Stroll Along Palafox

Stroll down Palafox Street and through our Historic District to find a wealth of shops, galleries and coffee shops, restaurants, and bars.

#17 — Visit Fort Barrancas

Open seasonally, Fort Barrancas is located at NAS Pensacola and boasts beautiful views of Pensacola Pass.

#18 — Pensacola Photo Trail

Get ready for selfies and hit the Pensacola Photo Trail.

#19 — African American Heritage

Explore the area's rich heritage by seeing the African-American Heritage Trail.

#20 — Ride a Bike

Take a bike ride in Pensacola on one of these routes.

#21 — Attend a Festival

The Pensacola Bay Area is home to several different festivals throughout the year. Art, seafood, jazz, songwriters, crawfish, bushwackers, Greek heritage - there is something for everyone!

#22 — Explore a Cemetery

Get a glimpse of the past at St. Michael's Cemetery, a burial ground since the late 18th century.

#23 — Pelican Selfies

Pelicans are located at various locations in the Pensacola Area waiting to take a selfie with you.

#24 — Gallery Night

Enjoy this downtown Pensacola street party. These monthly events focus on specific themes, highlight featured artists, and showcase the best creators our area has to offer.

#25 — Discover the Americas First Settlement Trail

Dive into Pensacola's History and experience the Americas First Settlement Trail in Downtown Pensacola. Walk along the three mile long marked path and uncover over seventy points of interest.

Looking for more?

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12 Fun Things to do in Pensacola for 12 Bucks or Less!

Who says good times have to come with a hefty price tag? In Pensacola, the best experiences are often the ones that don't cost a fortune. One barefoot walk in our squeaky white quartz sand will tell you that. But if you’ve already walked the beaches and filled your soul and have no more room for seashells in your carry-ons, you can still find fulfilling, frill-free fun.

Pensacola on $50 or Less

Pensacola is a fun place to spend your time no matter your budget. With rising costs on just about everything these days, locals and visitors can have a stress-free time enjoying natural beauty, entertainment, and eats and treats around the Pensacola area without breaking the bank.

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Coming to Pensacola for the weekend? Explore this itinerary to discover all the must do activities and experiences to make the most of your time here.

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