Downtown Pensacola
The walkable core of America’s First Settlement, Downtown Pensacola features local restaurants, historic attractions, shops, and more.
Itinerary: A Day Spent in Downtown Pensacola
Downtown Pensacola has all the activities, flavors, and fun waiting for you to explore. Check out this itinerary on all the best ways to make the most of your day in Downtown Pensacola.
Morning
Brunch at Jaco's Bayfront Bar & Grille (9:00 - 10:30 AM): Your adventure in Downtown Pensacola starts off with a delicious brunch. There are several brunch and breakfast spots to enjoy. Head to Jaco's at the south end of Palafox Street. Who doesn't love a mimosa, crab cakes, or a breakfast plate with a view of the water?
Explore America's First Settlement Trail, Historic Pensacola Village, & Pensacola Museum of History (10:30 AM - 12:00 PM): Ever wonder how Pensacola became the way it is today? Dive into history, take a self-guided tour, and see sites from 1756. The America's First Settlement Trail in Pensacola is a three-mile marked path in the Historic District. There are twenty stops and over seventy points of interest. While on your history adventure, head to the Historic Pensacola Village, interact with period-dressed living history interpreters, or take a guided tour of historic homes. The Pensacola Museum of History is a must-do in Downtown Pensacola. It was the former City Hall and was built in 1907. Learn about the rich history of Pensacola and stop by the Trader Jon's exhibit while you're there.
Afternoon
Lunch at The Fish House (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): The Fish House makes a perfect spot for lunch, overlooking Pensacola Bay and Seville Harbor. While you're there, grab some Grits-A-Ya-Ya - a very "Pensacola" dish!
Explore the Pensacola Museum of Art (1:00 - 2:00 PM): Time to go walk around after your delicious lunch! Hit the Pensacola Museum of Art. Browse all the exhibits and explore history. The museum has a rotating exhibition schedule, classes, artist talks, and openings.
Coffee Break at Bodacious (2:00 - 3:00 PM): What's a day in Downtown Pensacola without a coffee break? Head over to Bodacious for your favorite coffee or tea. The cafe menu is delicious, with acai bowls, wraps, salads, flatbreads, and more. Yum! Pro tip: go sit outside on the upstairs level; you won't regret it.
Shopping on Palafox Street (3:00 - 4:30 PM): Palafox Street is home to many shops, so you've got to check them out. Stop in Rusted Arrow Mercantile for that perfect Pensacola gift. Innerlight Surf Shop is home to several beach lifestyle items, ideal for your beach vacation. If you're looking to shop for some sophisticated clothing, stop by Scout.
Evening
Sweet Treat at Bubba’s Sweet Spot (4:30 - 5:00 PM): Sweet tooth? Grab some sweet treats from Bubba's Sweet Spot. There are several candy, chocolate, and ice cream options to enjoy while you're on Palafox or to take home for later!
Dinner at Jackson's Steakhouse (6:00 PM - 7:15 PM): Jackson's Steakhouse is on the menu for your dinner in Downtown Pensacola. Overlooking Plaza Ferdinand, Jackson's is rich in history and in flavor. Steak or prime beef paired with a glass of wine or cocktail sounds like the perfect dinner.
See a Show (7:15 - 9:00 PM): Stop in at the Saengar Theatre or the Pensacola Little Theatre for a live performance. Whether you're looking for a show or an orchestra, Pensacola's got it covered. Pensacola boasts the big five - that would be a professional theatre, symphony, ballet and opera company, and an accredited art museum - all of which can be found within a few shorts blocks of each other. Be sure to check the Saengar and the Pensacola Little Theatre's schedules to see what shows may line up on your day Downtown.
Enjoy Nightlife and Live Music (9:00 - 10:00 PM): The night doesn't end here. Downtown Pensacola's nightlife and live music scene are alive. Stop in at the Handlebar, Vinyl Music Hall, or Seville Quarter and dance the night away. There are also several bars along Palafox Street, so stop by Play, O'Riley's, 200 South Tap House, Old Hickory, The Kennedy, The Well, Garden and Grain, and B Side at Vinyl. Nightlife and fun are plentiful in Downtown Pensacola and it's the perfect end to your day.
Your day in Downtown Pensacola is complete! Be sure to check out more below on all the different things to do in Downtown - the options are truly endless.
More to Explore in Downtown Pensacola...
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Downtown Shopping
Amidst two-dozen historic buildings dotted with chic stores, you’ll find a relaxed Southern style that sums up the unique shopping atmosphere of Downtown Pensacola.
Downtown Dining
From food trucks, pub fare, and down-home casual eateries to white-tablecloth establishments, downtown is the heart – and palate – of Pensacola.
Itinerary: Downtown Pensacola — Walking Tour
Downtown Pensacola is a lovely place to walk around. With Palafox Street being the main road, there are sidewalks in the area, several parks, museums, restaurants, and more waiting for you to explore.
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.
Upscale in Downtown: Pensacola’s Cocktail Bar Program
Downtown Pensacola is awash in dining and imbibing options all the way across the spectrum of price and genre, but what’s a gal to do when you want to get dressed up and sip a crafted cocktail? When you don’t just want a drink, but an experience?
Outdoor Dining Delights: 10 Fresh Downtown Experiences
It’s no secret that Pensacola is The Way To Beach™ – from the sand in your toes to a picturesque downtown full of vibrant arts and culture – but that sugar-white sand isn’t the only delicious thing you’ll find outdoors.
