There’s no denying that Pensacola, Florida is an amazing city with many fun and exciting things to see and do. Not only are the beaches gorgeous, but Pensacola is full of culture, history, and delectable cuisine. And Pensacola has a variety of outdoor adventures. For example, Pensacola has golf, fishing, surfing, and diving too. You may need to get ready for your new life with Pensacola, Florida boat storage! But we have that too, don’t worry! Moving to Pensacola sometime soon? If yes, chances are you’d like to know everything you can about this mid-size town in Florida’s Panhandle. Luckily, we’ve got the best things to do in Pensacola, Florida! So read on to find out more!
Pensacola Historic District
Nothing beats the Pensacola Historic District for an afternoon of history and breathtaking architecture. The kids aren’t going to beg you to see quaint buildings or learn about history. (There’s so much more fun stuff to do in Pensacola for the younger set!) That’s why this is more one of the adult-leaning things to do in Pensacola, FL. If you’re a history buff or love beautiful architecture, make this the first thing you do in Pensacola, Florida.
Pensacola, Florida Beach
Why do hundreds of thousands of folks make a bee-line for Pensacola every year? Two words; Pensacola Beach. The beach itself is gorgeous, and everything else you need for a day (or week) of fun is here. In addition, there’s the boardwalk stretching almost 1500 feet into the Gulf that offers fantastic fishing and great views. There are also quaint shops, excellent restaurants, and fun beach bars. The Gulf Coast has some fantastic beaches, it’s true, but Pensacola Beach might be the best of them.
TIP: Spring Break is popular in Pensacola. So our advice is to come in late September through October. There are fewer people, fewer hurricanes, less traffic, less noise, and, well, you get the idea.
The Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum
For a breathtaking look at the Gold Coast, nothing beats the Pensacola Lighthouse. It’s also a museum with interesting exhibits. The view is the real attraction here. It’s spectacular in all directions, especially on a sunny Florida day. Be aware that it’s 177 steps to the top, requiring a good bit of energy. However, that energy will be highly rewarded with a panoramic view of Pensacola, Florida!
TIP: Children under 7 years old or 44-inches tall aren’t allowed to climb to the top of the lighthouse. Also, there is a charge of $9.50 for adults and $6.50 for kids and seniors.
Pensacola Pedal Trolley
Riding a Pensacola Pedal Trolley is one of the most fun things you can do in the city! You and your group of friends or family can tour Pensacola under your own pedal power! Also, you can eat, drink, stop and bars along the way, and generally have a blast! It’s safe and environmentally friendly, and adult beverages are allowed! (The Trolley comes with a driver!) Seriously, pedaling a trolley with a big group while you laugh, eat, drink and be merry is a blast! After that, you may want a bite to eat. So keep reading for restaurant recommendations!
TIP: You need at least 6 people to ride, and, the more, the merrier! Also, it helps to be in decent shape because you will be getting some exercise.
Top 10 Restaurants in Pensacola, Florida
Finding a good place to eat isn’t always easy, even in Pensacola, where there are many great restaurants. Below we’ve got a quick list of fantastic eateries to help you choose one when the gang gets hungry!
- Ichiban: Sushi to die for!
- Hot Spot Barbecue: Award-winning Barbecue in Pensacola, FL? Yes, please!
- McGuire’s Irish Pub: Authentic, lively, and delicious.
- New Yorker Deli And Pizzeria: Best Pizza in Pensacola.
- Sabai on Jefferson: Genuine Thai cuisine.
- Carmen’s Lunch Bar & Tapas: The highest-rated restaurant in town.
- Jaco’s Bayfront Bar & Grille: The best on the waterfront.
- George Bistro + Bar: A great vibe and mouthwatering food.
- The Fish House: Gulf Coast fresh fish at its finest.
- Jerry’s Drive-In: A veritable Pensacola institution!
Urban Swinery
We had to give this restaurant more props! The Urban Swinery is tops for a dining experience you won’t forget! Above all, these folks are the masters of pork in its many delicious forms. Everything on the menu is made in-house, where they cure and smoke like the masters they are. Elegant dining? Nope, not here, but you won’t mind as the chops, pulled pork, platters, and BBQ are exceptional! It’s easily one of the best eateries in Pensacola, Florida!
Splash City Adventures
After a few days at the beach, you can bet the kids will want to do other stuff. (You might want to, also.) That’s a great time to head over to Splash City Adventures! Both a massive water park and an exciting amusement park, Splash City Adventures is loads of fun! They have a little of everything, from water slides to rides, games, laser tag, you name it. For kids and adults alike, it’s one of the most thrilling and fun things to do in Pensacola, Florida!
Things to Do in Pensacola, Florida Honorable Mentions
There’s so much to do we can’t go into detail on everything. However, we want to make sure you have fun, so we put together a list of honorable mentions below!
- USS Massachusetts Artificial Reef- Thrilling dives.
- Gulf Islands National Seashore– Breathtaking scenery.
- Palafox Market- Fresh produce and locally-made foods.
- Big Lagoon State Park– Very romantic.
- Seville Quarter- Top nightclub.
- Gulf Breeze Zoo- Small but well-run zoo.
- Bay Bluffs Park– An outstanding nature hike.
- Pensacola Museum of Art– For lovers of the arts.
Pensacola’s Best Brought to You by Southern Self Storage!
If you’ve just moved to Pensacola, welcome! We have clean, safe storage units in Pensacola, Florida, here at Southern Self Storage, ready to store your stuff. Our Pensacola self-storage facility is very secure with 24/7 video and an on-site manager.
If you’ve come with your boat in tow, we also offer Pensacola, Florida boat storage. With indoor, outdoor, and covered boat storage in Pensacola, your boat will be safe and sound between Gulf outings.
You can reserve a space for your own Pensacola, Florida boat storage, online before you arrive. The same goes for Pensacola storage units, and you don’t need a credit card for either one. (There’s no deposit necessary to make its stress-free storage solution.) We hope you enjoy our splendid Gulf Coast city from all of us here at Southern Self Storage! If you’ve just arrived and plan to stay, welcome to your new home, Pensacola, Florida!