Fort Pickens — Gulf Islands National Seashore
1400 Fort Pickens Road Pensacola Beach, FL 32561 (850) 934-2600
Forts & Historic Sites
Here in Pensacola, we are lucky to have our own monuments to days gone past – actual structures that have witnessed the progress of history and changes in American culture.
The truth is, with over 450 years of history to lean on, naturally, Pensacola offers endless grounds to explore and stories to experience around the city that is the site of our nation’s very first settlement.
Visitors to Pensacola can explore the ruins of ancient wars at historic forts, walk in the footsteps of settlers and soldiers long past at historic sites, and stir up the occasional ghost at the lighthouse.
That’s why millions of people are drawn here every year to delve into our city’s vast and complicated history. There’s something about touring old military forts and historic homes that speak to us as humans. Sometimes, when we learn how our ancestors lived and survived, we learn something about ourselves too.
Check out these must-see Pensacola area historical sites!
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Fort Barrancas (Gulf Islands National Seashore)
3182 Taylor Rd Pensacola, FL 32508 (850) 934-2600
Insider History Insights
Five Historical Stops While Visiting Downtown Pensacola
When thinking of historic cities in Florida, many people quickly reference St. Augustine, Ybor City or Key West. Yet, locals know, one of the most historic cities in the Southeast is Pensacola. In Downtown Pensacola alone, there are more than a dozen historical sites to visit. On your next visit, here are five historic stops just to get you started.
Step Back in Time at Historic Pensacola Village & Explore Hands-On History
You're driving east on Zarragossa Street. in Downtown Pensacola, you notice that as soon as you cross Tarragona Street, it's like you are driving back in time. You officially entered Historic Pensacola Village - where it's perfectly normal to see a man in colonial costume carving the better part of a musket, or a costumed woman cooking over a fire.
The Pensacola Lighthouse – Shining a Light on Pensacola’s History
Since 1859, the Pensacola Lighthouse has been guiding ships safely through Pensacola Pass. It has survived multiple hurricanes, endured shots from a cannon during the Civil War and has even sustained an earthquake, making it almost legendary. Over the years, the lighthouse has held many keepers who made their living walking up and down the 177 steps, day in and day out, lugging heavy oil cans all the way.
Plan your historic adventure
No need to wait until you get here to start planning. Check out the options below.
