Pensacola

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Pensacola Bay Area CVB.
Pensacola
Pensacola
Pensacola
Pensacola
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

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

Downtown Pensacola
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South Pensacola

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

South 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

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

Southeast Pensacola
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Northeast Pensacola

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

Northeast Pensacola
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East Hill

Though East Hill might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Pensacola Bay Center and Palafox Shopping Center.

East Hill
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Seville Historic District

While visiting Seville Historic District, you might make a stop by sights like The Old Quina House Museum and Wall South.

Seville Historic District
Hotel Pensacola
Hotel Pensacola
2.5 out of 5
6703 Pensacola Blvd, Pensacola, FL
The price is P4,600 per night from 19 Mar to 20 Mar
P4,600
P5,175 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 19 - Mar 20
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. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,060 reviews)
"This is a cute little hotel!! I got the presidential suite that had the personal hot tub and my 7 year old loved it! I will be using this hotel in the future!"

Reviewed on Mar 11, 2025

Hotel Pensacola
Holiday Inn Pensacola - University Area by IHG
Holiday Inn Pensacola - University Area by IHG
3 out of 5
7813 North Davis Highway, Pensacola, FL
The price is P6,367 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
P6,367
P7,163 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 16 - Mar 17
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Pensacola. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Helpful staff. Clean/comfortable room. Several dining options nearby. Close to Interstate."

Reviewed on Mar 8, 2025

Holiday Inn Pensacola - University Area by IHG
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Pensacola
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Pensacola
2.5 out of 5
7750 N Davis Hwy, Pensacola, FL
The price is P3,144 per night from 13 Apr to 14 Apr
P3,144
P3,537 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 13 - Apr 14
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Pensacola. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions University Town Plaza and Cordova ...
5.8/10 (1,000 reviews)
"Staff is very nice…rooms are clean and neat and nice for the rate"

Reviewed on Feb 27, 2025

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham 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.
stayAPT Suites Pensacola-UWF/West Florida Hospital Area
stayAPT Suites Pensacola-UWF/West Florida Hospital Area
4 out of 5
9229 University Pkwy, Pensacola, FL
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Pensacola. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Varsity Soccer Field ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (119 reviews)
"Very clean, nice people and very PET FRIENDLY!! Nice kitchen. Nice bath. Great for longer term stays!!"

Reviewed on Mar 11, 2025

stayAPT Suites Pensacola-UWF/West Florida Hospital Area
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 ...
4.8/10 (272 reviews)
"Great"

Reviewed on Feb 27, 2025

Extended Stay
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! (126 reviews)
"Beautiful views. Had some problems about it being clean. Was able to contact property managers about it."

Reviewed on Jan 6, 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.

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