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.
Things to Do with Teens in Pensacola
Planning a trip with teenagers can be daunting for some families. The “olds” might worry that their teens’ tastes are a bit finicky, or that their schedules begin and end a little later than the rest of the family.
In Pensacola, it’s all good. There are plenty of youth-oriented activities that everyone, from young adults to the young at heart, can enjoy. To quote Gen Z slang, you can plan a vacation that leaves no crumbs!
At the National Naval Aviation Museum, located on base at Naval Air Station Pensacola, all ages can peruse over 4,000 artifacts and 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. Talk with a retired military volunteer. They are frequently available to guide guests through the museum.
For an additional ticket purchase, try out one of two flight simulators – Afterburner and MaxFlight 360 – to see and feel what it is like to fly a stunt plane. The simulators are not for the faint of heart! The museum’s Giant Screen Digital Theater shows multiple films each day, as well.
One of the most popular times to visit the museum is during the U.S. Navy Blue Angels practice sessions, when you can witness the flight demonstration squadron flying overhead, performing jaw-dropping stunts and aerial maneuvers. Practices are typically held Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 10:30 a.m. between March and November. Guests can observe “the Blues” as they are affectionately known by the locals from the flight line behind the museum. Gates open at 9:30 a.m., but arrive early as entry to the base will not be allowed once the parking lot is full.
The Pensacola Lighthouse and Maritime Museum is also located on base at NAS Pensacola. A favorite tourist stop, guests can learn the history of the lighthouse, built in 1859. Leave the sandals and flip-flops at home if you want to climb the 177 steps to the top for a stunning view of the Gulf Coast. It makes a great photo opp!
The Pensacola Bay area has unlimited options for teenagers who enjoy the great outdoors. Explore Bayview Park, where the Bayview Outdoor Pursuits Center offers affordable equipment rentals for use on Bayou Texar. During the summer, Innerlight offers surfing lessons at Pensacola Beach. Waterboyz in Pensacola rents surfboards and features an indoor skate park on site. The city’s large outdoor skate park, Blake Doyle Skatepark, is not far away located underneath I-110.
At Pensacola Beach, Glow Paddle’s clear kayaks and paddleboards are outfitted with brightly colored LED lights. Book an evening session on Little Sabine Bay to enjoy paddling under the moonlight. No experience is necessary. You must be age 18 or over to rent a paddleboard.
If it’s speed or elevation you’re after, rent a jet ski or take a parasailing excursion at Laguna’s. Prices start under $100. Teens will love the zip rails, ropes course and go karts here, too.
Disc golf aficionados can enjoy free access to the tree-covered, nine-hole course at Hitzman-Optimist Park. The University of West Florida (UWF) disc golf course is also open to the public. Both have restrooms on site and dogs are allowed, as well. At NAS Pensacola, Blue Angel Park offers three courses for those with military ID to play for $3.
Nothing says fun for teenagers quite like being locked in a room with their parents, right? At an escape room, you might be surprised. An hour-long session of clues and puzzles has a way of bringing everyone together for a mind-challenging, good time. Escape LOL and Escape Zone 60 are two options.
At Grizzly Axes, guests ages 12 and up can try their hand at axe throwing as long as they bring a parent along. If you have never tried it, you may just find it’s a good stress reliever for the grown-ups, too.
Teens and young adults who appreciate all things vintage may like browsing the vinyl collection for sale at Revolver Records, inside Jitterbug Beverage Co. Retro T-shirts, sneakers and caps are among the items available at Garden Street Vintage. Stop in when you are Downtown for events like the Palafox Market, a farmer’s and craft market held every Saturday.
Here’s to enjoying a vacation that unites the generations in Pensacola!
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