Pensacola is the perfect place for an unforgettable vacation with the whole family. Explore this itinerary and discover all the best family-friendly activities and experiences in the area.
Downtown Pensacola has an abundance of things to enjoy for people of all ages, and there is truly something for everyone to enjoy.
Downtown Pensacola is home to some of the best restaurants in the area with easy dining for the family. Experience an outdoor food hall at The Garden with covered outdoor seating and food trucks. At the Dog House, enjoy casual dining and anything from fresh fish to smash burgers to delicious specialty hot dogs. Lucy’s In The Square is another casual option known for shareable appetizers, drinks, and a friendly environment. For your barbecue fix, be sure to stop by the Pensacola Smoke House for some pulled pork, brisket, and all your other BBQ favorites. Searching for a water-front dining option? Visit the Fish House and enjoy a selection of fresh seafood while overlooking the gorgeous waters of Pensacola Bay. Stop by Juan’s Flying Burrito for delicious combinations of New Orleans culinary heritage with classic taqueria staples. And of course - no meal is complete without a sweet treat! Stop by Bubba’s Sweet Spot for ice cream, candy, and fudge that the kids will love.
While in Downtown Pensacola, there several spots you and your family won’t want to miss. Bruce Beach is a water-front park located downtown with walking paths, a playground for the kids, and Adirondack chairs that overlook the Bay. The Community Maritime Park and Public Marina is another great park option on the water. Right next to the Blue Wahoos Stadium, the park has a playground, outdoor fitness equipment, and walking paths to explore. Located at the south end of Palafox Pier, Plaza De Luna is best known for its children’s splash pad that’s open from mid-March through October (splash pad hours subject to change due to wind and weather). Enjoy a water-front view while the kids splash around.
Downtown Pensacola: Rated E for Everyone
If Downtown Pensacola was assigned a film rating, the result would be “Rated E for everyone.” When you visit, you quickly see why it is named one of the best small cities in the U.S. and has Oscar-winning charm.
Take a Walk Through Downtown Pensacola
With its many museums and historic sites, as well as the shops, restaurants, hotels and year-round living accommodations that have revitalized Downtown Pensacola over the last two decades, more people are setting out to explore the streets of the city by foot.
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.
Known for its sugar-white sands and crystal-clear waters, Pensacola Beach has endless experiences and things to do that make for a perfect family vacation stop.
Pensacola Beach has tons of family-friendly dining options to choose from. Looking for excitement and adventure while you dine? Laguna’s offers not just dining with a view but also go-karts, a three-story ropes course, and even jet ski rentals. With fresh seafood options, its own beach, and a pirate ship playground, Flounder’s is another great place to dine with the kids. Red Fish Blue Fish is known as the “best backyard on the beach,” with delicious po’boys and oysters, fire pits, lawn games, and outdoor seating on the water. Located right on the Gulf with beach access, Crabs is a great water-front dining option for families known best for serving – you guessed it – crabs. In the mood for pizza? Papa’s Pizza specializes in New York style pizzas as well as many other traditional Italian favorites. If you’re craving barbecue, Water Pig is the place to go for all your tasty BBQ favorites right on the beach. For a breakfast option, the Native Café is a local favorite that serves fresh, homemade breakfast and brunch options all day.
Pensacola Beach has dozens of public beach access points across the area that families can explore - from the Sound Side to Casino Beach to Dog Beaches. Check out our page on public beach access to browse all the areas your family can enjoy. A great spot to check out at Pensacola Beach is Fort Pickens on the Gulf Islands National Seashore. One of the four military forts that protected Pensacola in the 1800s, visitors can walk through and explore the fort’s rich history, fish off the fishing pier, and hike through the fort itself.
Top 11 Things to Do on Pensacola Beach
Like many Florida locals, I keep a go-bag in my car for emergencies. No, it’s not for leaving the country, nor is it for hurricane evacuation. But whenever I want to escape our corporate life or the hum-drum of daily errands, I evacuate to the beach. My go-bag has essentials: shorts, flip-flops and sunscreen. I find a stretch of sugar-white sand and the gentle waves wash the stress away. While I rate that blissful inactivity 10/10, there’s so much more to do than idle your afternoon away in the sand.
10 Kid Friendly Beach Restaurants
Spending time with your family at the beach has a way of making the responsibilities of daily life seem a million miles away. Kids (and parents) will enjoy great food and fun extras at these Pensacola Beach Area beach restaurants.
Five Fun Beach Water Activities for Families
A trip to the beach is without a doubt one of the most popular vacations for families. The sun, sand and surf all make for a stunning playground for active families in search of outdoor fun.
Perdido Key is a hidden gem in the Pensacola area where families can relax, explore, and enjoy the beauty of nature.
With several delicious restaurants to choose from, Perdido Key has some great family-friendly dining options. Lillian’s Pizza is a known favorite for both locals and visitors, with some of the best pizza in the area and a beachy atmosphere. The Flora-Bama Yacht Club is well-known, with an outstanding menu, waterfront dining, and live music for people of all ages to enjoy. Right next door, the Flora-Bama Ole River Grill provides a more casual and relaxing waterfront dining experience for friends and family to enjoy seafood, steak, and much more. The Crab Trap is another option right on the gulf with fresh seafood, a boardwalk to the beach, and a huge playground for the kids.
There are some must-see places to check out with the family while in Perdido Key. Innerarity Point Park is four-acre park with a dock for fishing, a kayaking launch, covered pavilions, and playgrounds for children to enjoy. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset and is a great spot to spend a morning or afternoon exploring. If you’re looking to spend some time at the beach, Perdido Key has plenty of gorgeous beach access points for families to relax, catch some rays, and enjoy the beauty of nature. Johnson Beach is located on Gulf Islands National Seashore with several boardwalks and a half mile bike/pedestrian trail. Perdido Key also has 4 Public Beach Access Points that are open for families to discover and enjoy. Check out our public beach access page for more information on these access points and how to find them.
Dine Perdido Key: Fine eats in your flip-flops
The best type of food can be eaten in flip-flops. In the Perdido Key area and looking for just that? Northwest Florida’s “Lost Key” has certainly kept its flavor. Check out our picks for dining in Perdido.
Top 11 Things to do in Perdido Key
Welcome to paradise! Perdido Key is nestled along Florida's Gulf Coast, offering unforgettable adventures. Whether you're a beach enthusiast, nature lover, or adventure seeker, Perdido Key has something special for everyone.
A Wetlands Experience
Where can you experience a wetland ecosystem in Perdido Key? Where can you go to experience the wetlands in the Pensacola Bay Area? Check out our take on the Northwest Florida wetlands experience.
If you’re lucky enough to be in Pensacola when they’re flying, watching the Blue Angels is an absolute must! The Blue Angels practice on select Tuesdays and Wednesdays between March and October. You can check out the practice schedule to see what dates they’ll be flying and if they line up with your trip (dates are subject to change due to weather).
The Blue Angels have two major air shows each year right here in Pensacola. The Pensacola Beach Blue Angels Airshow takes place in July and the Blue Angels Homecoming Airshow happens in early November. These air shows are truly an amazing experience, so be sure to plan in advance if you want to see one.
With endless family-friendly fun to choose from, the Pensacola Bay Area is the perfect place to visit for your next family vacation.
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