Roll on Down to Pensacola: Destination Proves to be Accessible for All

Sugar-white sand and emerald green water on the beaches of Pensacola are now accessible for all thanks to the installment of five Mobi-mats on Pensacola Beach.

Mobi-Mats are a non-slip matting laid down over the sand that provides grip and easy access for wheelchairs, strollers and pedestrians on unstable surfaces. To add to the ease, beach wheelchairs, both electric and traditional, are available for rent. The fun doesn’t stop there, the beach is just the beginning for an accessible vacation. Outside of the beach, there are activities aplenty for vacationers of all abilities.

Cruise the Bay

In Pensacola, everyone has the same opportunity to enjoy the waterways of Pensacola. Pensacola Bay City Ferry offers transit between Downtown Pensacola, Pensacola Beach and the Gulf Islands National Seashore. The cruising vessels accommodate up to 150 passengers and feature air conditioning, onboarding ramps and boardwalks at each destination. On select trips, National Park Service Rangers speak on a variety of subjects including wildlife and landscapes of the area.

Arts, Entertainment and History

Did you know that Pensacola is the only city from Tampa to Mobile to boast the ‘Big Five’ – that is the Pensacola Opera, the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra, Ballet Pensacola, the historic Saenger Theatre and the accredited Pensacola Museum of Art. All the buildings include accessible seating options and complimentary hearing amplification system headsets.

Also, within Pensacola’s historic core is numerous museums. Aboard NAS Pensacola, the world’s largest naval aviation museum features over 600 aircraft, an Imax theater, tours and more. A large parking area for persons with disabilities is available close to the entrance and wheelchairs may be checked out at no charge at the Information Desk for use in the main Museum and Hangar Bay One. Additionally, the National Naval Aviation Museum features elevators, accessible water fountains, a dedicated seating area in the Imax Theater, and an accessible restaurant.

Behind the museum on most Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels take to the skies. For persons with disabilities, seating is available along the flight line.

Downtown, the Pensacola Historic District features a restored colonial district as well as a multicultural center and museum. The buildings that are wheelchair accessible and that have accessible bathrooms include the Pensacola Museum of History, Voices of Pensacola, the Pensacola Children’s Museum, the Museum of Commerce, the Museum of Industry, Old Christ Church, the L & N Marine Terminal, and the Bowden Building.

Catch a Game

We saved you a seat! Both the Blue Wahoos Stadium and the Pensacola Bay Center feature accessible seating.

Overlooking Pensacola Bay at Blue Wahoos Stadium, the Minnesota Twins AA affiliate, the Pensacola Blue Wahoos are serving up major heat both on and off the field. With the addition of four restaurant-style storefronts, ticketholders can enjoy gourmet food in an award-winning park.

Credit | credit: @tonalokaphotography

Down the street at the Hangar, otherwise known as the Bay Center, the Pensacola Ice Flyers own the ice in the Southern Professional Hockey League. During the excitement of the game, spectators may enjoy concessions, music, games, and other “on ice” entertainment.

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