Sparkling blue waters. Sugar white sand. You don’t have to travel to the tropics to find this magical spot. Pensacola Beach, Florida, a barrier island located along the Gulf of Mexico, provides miles of pristine beaches for your next vacation getaway. This island has something for everyone, whether you’re planning a trip with the family, a romantic weekend or a girlfriend’s getaway. Since there’s so much to do in the area, we’re dividing our information among two posts; one for adults and one for families. Here’s How To Spend 48 Hours in Pensacola, Florida.
We were invited on a Fam Tour thanks to Visit Pensacola. All opinions are our own.
How to Plan a Weekend Getaway Pensacola, FL
Lying on the beach watching the waves swirl onto the shore never gets old. But, take a break from the beach to discover Pensacola’s historical past and their outdoor adventures.
Where to Visit:
Pensacola Florida Attractions For Girlfriend Getaways
Pensacola is the perfect spot for a relaxing weekend away with the girls.
Sunset Sail with Gulf Breeze Sailing– The tranquil waters of the bay provide the perfect frame for the sunset. The gentle rocking motion, the friendliness of Captain Linda and her crew, and a chilled glass of Prosecco provide the perfect backdrop for catching up with friends. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a dolphin.
Palafox Street– named for General Jose de Palafox, is known as “the gateway to Pensacola.” Located in the center of downtown Pensacola this street is a hub for finding local art, fine dining, and nightlife. First shown on the town street plan in 1812, the buildings feature a variety of architectural styles. Be sure to check out the murals located on the sides of several of the buildings.
Gulf Islands National Seashore -There are several areas of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, but if you want a secluded area on Pensacola Beach, take a short drive along the coastal highway. Either way, you’ll find Fort Pickens on one side of the island and stretches of less frequented beach on the other. Take a long walk, have a picnic, or enjoy the surf.
Pensacola Florida Attractions For History Buffs
Pensacola is steeped in history. First discovered by Europeans in 1559, Spanish explorer Tristan de Luna claimed the land for Spain. Over the past 400 years, it’s been held by the Spanish, the English, the French, the Confederate States of America, and the United States. With such a storied past it’s no surprise Pensacola is a history buff’s dream. Here are some of the top attractions.
The T.T. Wentworth, Jr. Florida State Museum was once a humble one-story building owned by T.T. Wentworth, Jr. His goal was to teach children “our most precious American heritage.” By his own admission he “never throwed nothing away.” Soon his exhibits grew to more than 150,000 objects. Today, rotating exhibits of his collections, including his “infamous” mummified cat, are on display at the 3 story Florida State Museum.
The self-guided tour includes several permanent exhibits; one on the “history, archaeology, and preservation of the City, and one on “Trader Joe”Weissman, an eccentric local bar owner known for his mismatching socks. Other exhibits are rotated on a regular basis.
Some of the items T.T. Wentworth, Jr. never “throwed” away.
Admission is charged. The ticket fee also allows entrance to the Museum of Industry, the Museum of Commerce, and Historic Pensacola Village and is good for seven days.
Historic Pensacola Village will delight history buffs with their period dressed living history interpreters. The “settlement” covers over 8 acres and has 28 original properties which once belonged to some of the movers and shakers from Pensacola’s past. You can take a self-guided tour through the homes, but I recommend that you don’t miss one of the guided tours offered at 11:00 or 1:00 PM.
These tours last approximately 1 1/2 hours and are one of the most informative tours I’ve ever experienced. Tour locations include the 1805 Lavalle House, rental properties co-owned by Carlos Lavalle and Marianna Bonifay. Although they claimed to be “just business partners” the two had several children together. Continue on to the 1871 Dorr House, where you’ll find a story about a strong, successful Victorian woman, then the 1832 Old Christ Church and finally the 1890 Lear/Rocheblave House. Admission is charged. The ticket fee also allows entrance to the Museum of Industry, the Museum of Commerce, and T.T. Wentworth, Jr. Florida State Museum and is good for seven days.
Fort Pickens- finished in 1834 to keep Pensacola safe from foreign attack, this fort was used by both the Confederate and Union Armies during the Civil War. Today visitors can explore the history of the fort through indoor exhibits and a leisurely stroll through the fort. If you’re not a history buff, Fort Pickens also offers camping, fishing, a picnic area, wildlife viewing, and beaches. Admission is charged.
National Naval Aviation Museum is the world’s largest Naval Aviation museum and home to the Blue Angels. At the museum, you’ll be able to see over 150 restored aircraft detailing the history of flight, artifacts that connect visitors to the human side of history, and historical documents. You’ll find everything from a Hellcat to a Goose. Seriously, you have to visit just to see the names of the planes. Along the way, you’ll find personal letters, uniforms, historical documents and more. Kids will enjoy the flight simulators and the theater. Admission is free.
Pensacola Lighthouse And Maritime Museum- This 177 step lighthouse provides panoramic views of the Gulf Coast. Built in 1859, this lighthouse replaced the original lighthouse which had been deemed “too short and too dim.” Located beside the lighthouse, is the former keeper’s quarters, which is now home to the Maritime Museum. Since I enjoy ghost tours, I am intrigued by the Haunted Tours. You can join in the search using real ghost hunting equipment provided by the staff! Admission is charged.
Fort Pickens Photo, Pensacola Lighthouse Photo, and National Naval Aviation Museum photo are Courtesy of Visit Pensacola.
If You Go:
Gulf Breeze Sailing is located at 715 Pensacola Beach Boulevard.
T.T. Wentworth, Jr. Florida State Museum is located at 330 South Jefferson Street.
Fort Pickens is located at 1400 Fort Pickens Rd, Pensacola Beach.
Historic Pensacola Village is located at West 24 Zaragoza Street.
The National Naval Aviation Museum is located at 1878 South Blue Angel Parkway.
The Pensacola Lighthouse is located at 2081 Radford Boulevard.
Tip: There is a $1.00 Toll Road Fee for access onto Pensacola Beach.
Have you visited the Pensacola area or Pensacola Beach? What’re your favorite activities?
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Sounds like there is plenty to do there! We have been wanting to visit Florida for ages. This would be a fun place to explore.
It seems to be a nice and relaxing place to visit where you can find a lot of beautiful things to see!
I didn’t realize that Pensacola had so many things to offer! I’ve never been there, but I’d like to visit it one day.
Never been to Pensacola, but after seeing all these fun things to see and do there, I’d definitely want to go and explore the place.
This is a perfect guide. I love all the places and activities. I’d love to see all of those!
I’ve only been to Miami, the Key West and Fort Lauderdale in Florida. Pensacola sounds like a neat place to visit this summer. Lots of great attractions!
My hubby is a history buff and would love to visit Fort Pickens, but it really sounds like it has something for everyone. I would enjoy the beach and look for wildlife in their natural habitat.
It’s been 13 years since I have been to Pensacola. I miss the weather there and feeling that I am at home because of the beach!
The stained glass looks really cool. I had no idea that there were so many pretty things to see in Pensacola.
This sounds like an amazing time. Thanks for the heads up about the toll. Florida is one of my favorite states to visit.
Keeping this post for future reference. My husband and I are talking of retiring to Florida in about three years. Thank you for the great information.
I’ve never heard of Fort Pickens before, but it seems like a very historical place to adventure and learn about history.
What a gorgeous area! I’d love to go here one day and relax by the water. My husband would be all about the aviation museum.
I really want to visit Florida, and Pensacola looks awesome. It’s a popular tourist destination for us Canadians, especially in the cold winter months!
I am always looking for places to travel to that has some history. We travel usually with some friends couple of my friends are huge history buff so this is a perfect place to explore.
This sounds like a dream vacation for me! I love Florida beaches and there seems to be so much to see and do in Pensacola.