Pensacola, FL

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Pensacola Bay Area CVB.
Pensacola Beach which includes a beach, a sunset and general coastal views
Downtown showing heritage elements and heritage architecture
Pensacola Beach showing general coastal views, a beach and a sunset
Downtown

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

Downtown showing heritage elements and heritage architecture

Downtown Pensacola

4/5(314 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Downtown Pensacola, Saenger Theatre and Historic Pensacola Village are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Pensacola
Beautiful sunset overlooking Pensacola Bay in northwest Florida. Great spot to fish or just relax. In between the beach and downtown area, just a few minutes drive from each. #colorful #pensacola #sunset #veryorange

Southeast Pensacola

4.5/5(10 area reviews)

While visiting Southeast Pensacola, you might make a stop by sights like Palafox Shopping Center and Beach Road Shopping Center.

Southeast Pensacola
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South Pensacola

3/5(29 area reviews)

While visiting South Pensacola, you might make a stop by sights like Palafox Shopping Center and Pensacola Outlet Mall.

South Pensacola
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Northeast Pensacola

4/5(465 area reviews)

While visiting Northeast Pensacola, you might make a stop by sights like Cordova Mall and Roger Scott Athletic Complex.

Northeast Pensacola
Welcome to Florida.
Travelling on I-10 from Arizona to Florida

Northwest Pensacola

3.5/5(752 area reviews)

While visiting Northwest Pensacola, you might make a stop by sights like Five Flags Speedway and Splash City Adventures.

Northwest Pensacola
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Perdido Key Coves One

While Perdido Key Coves One isn't home to many top sights, Perdido Key State Park and Ono Island are some notable places to visit nearby.

Perdido Key Coves One
Quality Inn & Suites Pensacola Bayview

Quality Inn & Suites Pensacola Bayview

2.5 out of 5
7601 Scenic Highway, Pensacola, FL
The price is $78 total per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
$78 total
per night
Aug 24 - Aug 25
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Pensacola. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
7/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"About average for me."

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2025

Quality Inn & Suites Pensacola Bayview
Extended Stay Premier Suites - Pensacola- Nas Corry Station

Extended Stay Premier Suites - Pensacola- Nas Corry Station

2.5 out of 5
4034 Barrancas Ave, Pensacola, FL
The price is $117 total per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
$117 total
per night
Sep 1 - Sep 2
Stay at this hotel in Pensacola. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions National Museum of Naval Aviation and Pensacola Beach ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (353 reviews)
"The property was clean, especially since they had dogs on the property for their customers always were clean. Bathrooms were clean ,room was clean replaced to stay, and the staff was very, very cordial and respectful."

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2025

Extended Stay Premier Suites - Pensacola- Nas Corry Station
Hotel Pensacola

Hotel Pensacola

2.5 out of 5
6703 Pensacola Blvd, Pensacola, FL
The price is $73 total per night from Aug 27 to Aug 28
$73 total
per night
Aug 27 - Aug 28
Stay at this hotel in Pensacola. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,182 reviews)
"So glad we stayed here! I was almost concerned with how affordable and cheap it was, but the reviews said it was great, and I'm glad I chose this! We just needed a quick place to stay for the night, and this was just that."

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2025

Hotel Pensacola
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.
Extended Stay

Extended Stay

2.5 out of 5
6950 Pensacola Blvd., Pensacola, FL
Stay at this aparthotel in Pensacola. Enjoy free parking, laundry facilities, and cable TV channels. Popular attractions Splash City Adventures and Marcus Pointe ...
4.2/10 (312 reviews)
"Good"

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

Extended Stay
stayAPT Suites Pensacola-UWF/West Florida Hospital Area

stayAPT Suites Pensacola-UWF/West Florida Hospital Area

2.5 out of 5
9229 University Pkwy, Pensacola, FL
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Pensacola. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Archaeology Institute ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (183 reviews)
"No complaints!"

Reviewed on Aug 17, 2025

stayAPT Suites Pensacola-UWF/West Florida Hospital Area
Palacio Condominiums

Palacio Condominiums

4 out of 5
13661 Perdido Key Drive, Pensacola, FL
Stay at this 4-star beach condo in Pensacola. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Perdido Key Beach and Lost Key Golf Club ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (129 reviews)
"The apartment, view, and accommodations were excellent. The only issue was the WiFi went out at 12 midnight the night before check out and never came back up."

Reviewed on Jun 5, 2025

Palacio Condominiums
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 TransitOpens in a new window 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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