11 Best Things to Do in Pensacola

At Pensacola Beach, you'll find shining white sands as well as emerald green waters that the whole family can enjoy. With nearby shops and restaurants, you'll never have to go far to find any necessities for your beach day.

One interesting feature of this beach is the prominence of novelty houses along the shore. These homes may look strange, but they're fascinating, with 1 shaped like a dome and another that has what looks like a UFO attached as a second floor.

Historic Pensacola Village is the star among the old city's many historical sites. If you truly want to embrace the town's history, there's no place quite like it. The 9 acres here feature 30 historic sites and properties that showcase a combination of Spanish and English designs, thanks to the village's multiple occupants throughout history.

With numerous museums and historical homes to visit, Pensacola has designed specialized tours that will guide you through all the best spots. Of course, you can always opt for a self-guided journey as well.

The historical Fort Pickens dates back to 1834 and remained in use until 1947. When you visit the fort today, you can walk the ramparts and explore what was considered a sturdy and reliable port military fortification for the time.

The area is a designated preserved space, so the fort has remained in great shape in the years since it was decommissioned. Not only can you learn about the fascinating history of this fort during your visit, but you can also enjoy picturesque views of the Gulf from the fort itself.

The National Naval Aviation Museum houses more than 150 aircraft and spacecraft, complete with relevant information, that you're free to explore. You'll find a Curtiss NC-4, which was the first kind of plane to cross the Atlantic, as well as the historical K-47 airship control gondola.

Seeing the planes is just the beginning, however, as you can also try your hand at the flight simulators to see how you'd fare in the cockpit. The museum is housed on a corner of the local naval air station, so you might even see some modern aircraft coming and going.

Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum is a great place to learn more about local history. Built in 1859, this lighthouse stands tall above Pensacola Bay and offers panoramic views of the surrounding areas, including the city's skyline.

You just have to climb 177 steps to reach the top. Aside from the views, the local museum shines a light on the coast's fascinating maritime history, including the role this lighthouse played in past conflicts. The museum is set in a fully restored keepers' quarters, so you can also get an idea of what a lighthouse operator's life was like.

Pensacola Museum of Art was established by the University of West Florida to collect and showcase the artistic majesty of the local people and culture. It's housed in what was once the city jail on Main Street.

This inclusive space is designed to inspire with its diverse selection of art in the museum's permanent collection. Of course, you'll also find programs running regularly, making the entire experience far more dynamic.

At the Gulf Islands National Seashore, you'll find the longest area of protected coastline in the entire country. With no construction to get in the way, the natural features are particularly appealing.

Outdoor adventurers will never be short on things to do, as you can enjoy bike trails or even kayaking opportunities. Of course, swimming is an option as well, and you won't have to deal with the crowds you'll find at the city beaches.

Dating back to 1787, Fort Barrancas is one of the oldest destinations in Pensacola. It was originally built by the Spanish and offers valuable insight into the history of the region.

Since it was converted into a museum, numerous informational signs and plaques have been placed around the fort that will take you through its fascinating timeline. Don't forget to check out the artillery battery if you want to get a feel for the sheer magnitude of the offensive power the fort once wielded.

You'll find the Pensacola Beach Pier along Casino Beach, stretching 1,471 ft out into the sea. It brings you far out offshore where you can find marine life that tends to keep to deeper waters. Because of this, the pier is a popular fishing spot in Pensacola and even offers all the equipment you need for a satisfying fishing experience nearby.

When you're fishing during the summer, you can catch a wide variety of species. While flounder, tarpon, and sheepshead are quite rare, you should have no problem getting bites from fish like bluefish, pompano, Spanish mackerel, and spotted seatrout.

Five Flags Speedway is a thrilling raceway that hosts numerous races during the regular season that you can enjoy. The speedway takes its name from Pensacola's rich history and many previous occupants, earning it the nickname "City of 5 Flags".

With vehicles approaching speeds well over 100 mph, witnessing this spectacle is an unforgettable experience. Of course, the Snowball Derby is the most famous race, and you won't want to miss out on that if you visit in December.