Pensacola, FL

Travel Guide
Pensacola Beach which includes a beach, a sunset and general coastal views
This northwest Florida coastal city is famous for its beautiful beaches and for being one spot where Europeans first settled in the United States.

Pensacola is a beach city with miles of white-sand shoreline. Enjoy snorkeling, diving, swimming, sailing, sunbathing and other activities centering on the water. But Pensacola also charms with its museums, galleries, family attractions and history and traditions of its downtown area.

A 1559 Spanish outpost at this location was one of the oldest European settlements in the United States. Pensacola is known as the “City of Five Flags” because Spain, Britain, France, the Confederacy and the United States have each ruled the area at various times.

Investigate Pensacola’s diverse past with a walk through the historic downtown district. Note the mixture of building styles, including British timber cottages and stucco homes with wrought-iron balconies that reflect Spanish influences. Stand in Plaza Ferdinand where General Andrew Jackson, who would later become the president of the United States, claimed Florida from Spain in 1821.

Visit Historic Pensacola Village, comprising 27 properties and museums, including an 18th-century church and early 19th-century homes. While you are here, follow the Colonial Archeological Trail, a self-guided walking tour that takes you to colonial ruins, fortresses and other structures.

With Pensacola’s year-round sunshine and a moderately warm climate, most visitors head directly to the beach there are many to choose from. One of the most popular is Pensacola Beach, a 10-minute drive from downtown, on the western end of Santa Rosa Island. Cross the Pensacola Bay Bridge to reach this long and narrow barrier island.

Lie on the sand or choose from the many water activities: parasailing, surfing, kayaking and more. Enjoy free events and activities. Bands on the Beach concerts are held every Tuesday from April through October. One annual highlight in July is the Pensacola Beach Air Show, featuring the Blue Angels, the United States Navy's flight demonstration squadron.

Treat yourself to a great night out by heading back downtown. Watch a live performance at the Saenger Theatre and relax in the oyster bars, international restaurants and clubs.

Where to stay in Pensacola

At Home Inn & Suites
At Home Inn & Suites
2.5 out of 5
6550 Pensacola Boulevard, Pensacola, FL
The price is $102 per night from Jul 3 to Jul 4
$102
per night
Jul 3 - Jul 4
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Pensacola. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and a 24-hour business center. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,003 reviews)
Excellent & affordable!!
"Excellent place to stay! We couldn’t believe how nice of a place this is for the cost! Everything was very clean. Probably the most comfortable hotel mattress ever! Showers have excellent water pressure. Grounds are kept very clean and well-maintained. Even has a nice pool. The young man working ..."

Reviewed on Jun 1, 2023

At Home Inn & Suites
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Pensacola West, FL
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Pensacola West, FL
2.5 out of 5
2607 Wilde Lake Blvd, Pensacola, FL, 32526
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is $117 per night from Jun 4 to Jun 5
$117
per night
Jun 4 - Jun 5
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Pensacola. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Very convenient"

Reviewed on May 31, 2023

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Pensacola West, FL
Comfort Inn Pensacola - University Area
Comfort Inn Pensacola - University Area
2.5 out of 5
8080 N Davis Hwy, Pensacola, FL
The price is $144 per night from Jun 25 to Jun 26
$144
per night
Jun 25 - Jun 26
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Pensacola. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Amelia was wonderful to me."

Reviewed on May 29, 2023

Comfort Inn Pensacola - University Area
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
3rd-floor condo In Perdido Key with unforgettable Gulf-front views
3rd-floor condo In Perdido Key with unforgettable Gulf-front views
Perdido Key, FL
Stay at this condo in Pensacola. Enjoy a beach locale, a fitness center, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Lost Key Golf Club and Perdido Key State Park ...
7.8/10 Good! (20 reviews)
Great place
"Great"

Reviewed on May 30, 2023

3rd-floor condo In Perdido Key with unforgettable Gulf-front views
Extended Stay
Extended Stay
2.5 out of 5
6950 Pensacola Blvd., Pensacola, FL
Stay at this aparthotel in Pensacola. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the WiFi and the convenient parking in our reviews. ...
3.8/10 (132 reviews)
"The beds are dirty and smelly. Sheets and blankets have stains on them. We didn’t dare touching anything in the room including the restroom"

Reviewed on May 25, 2023

Extended Stay
Beach Colony beachfront condo. Great views.
Beach Colony beachfront condo. Great views.
Pensacola, FL
Stay at this condo in Pensacola. Enjoy WiFi, a fitness center, and a balcony. Popular attractions Lost Key Golf Club and Big Lagoon State Park are located nearby. ...
10/10 Exceptional! (16 reviews)
Great Trip
"Easy and enjoyable time with my family staying here for a 4 day beach trip. Great view, location, access to the beach, and plenty of places to eat around here. Would easily come back. Working with the owner was a breeze as well. Happy we found this rental property."

Reviewed on May 31, 2023

Beach Colony beachfront condo. Great views.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Getting around Pensacola

Public transportation options are not extensive in Pensacola, so car rental may be the best way to explore the city and its surroundings. There’s plenty of free parking across the city, although you may have to pay to park downtown. Cycling is another option if you plan to see a relatively small area. Bus routes in the city do not go everywhere and are of more use to commuters. Visit the Escambia County Area Transit website.Browse Pensacola rental cars.

Best time to visit

Pensacola is a very popular summer vacation spot for families in summer, so you’ll have more space to yourself if you visit in the fall instead. Temperatures at this time are also less hot and more pleasant, while there is less risk of hurricanes. Both those things are also true in spring, but at this time of year spring breakers descend on the city, making fall the perfect time for good weather and smaller crowds.

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Things to do

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