Where to stay

The beaches in Pensacola are captivating, where plenty of options for hotels and resorts are just steps from the white sand. Pensacola Beach is the most popular, with great places to stay to enjoy swimming, fishing, kayaking, or simply lazing on the sand. Perdido Key is a barrier island west of Pensacola, accessible by boat or bridge. Though more than half of it is dedicated to preservation, the remainder has great places to stay to enjoy snorkeling next to beaches that are rarely crowded. Just across the bay, Gulf Breeze is surrounded by Gulf Islands National Seashore, with charming accommodations in a natural setting.

Find a hotel in Historic Downtown Pensacola to explore the Historic Pensacola Village, featuring numerous properties from the town's past; many of these are open to the public. Visit the T.T Wentworth, Jr. Florida State Museum here, along with the Pensacola Children's Museum and the Museum of Commerce. To learn about local life, check out the Voices of Pensacola Multicultural Center. Book a hotel near the National Naval Aviation Museum to also discover panoramic views from the nearby historic Pensacola Lighthouse. Stay at Pensacola Beach, where it's easy to explore the military forts and history museum of Fort Pickens, which is particularly striking at sunset.

Downtown Pensacola is a shopping and dining hub, with restaurants ranging from steakhouses to seafood and charming cafés. Find a room near Palafox Street to be near places featuring chic boutiques, gourmet food, and unique handmade goods. In Historic Downtown Pensacola, head to the Seville Quarter for themed restaurants and bars. Plenty of hotels surrounding Pensacola International Airport are just minutes away from Cordova Mall, with more than 140 stores and food court restaurants. At Pensacola Beach, waterfront dining is very popular. Pick up casual clothing at surf wear shops.