Those who have discovered the unspoiled and natural beauty of Florida’s first city have spread the word, bringing vacationers from all corners of the globe to Pensacola. Pensacola’s mild weather during the winter months is still a welcome relief from the cold found in the north.
As a favorite tourist destination, Pensacola offers easy access to miles of quiet beaches. The Gulf Islands National Seashore, a protected wildlife and beach sanctuary, stretches for over 150 miles. Commercial development here is limited, ensuring the same spectacular view for visitors to enjoy.
Within walking distance, visitors have a variety of accommodations, from luxurious high – rise hotels and condominiums to cozy beach cottages available for short – term rentals. The three main beach areas – Pensacola Beach on Santa Rosa Island, Navarre Beach on the western end of the island, and Perdido Key, west of Pensacola, are just minutes away from the city’s airport and shopping malls. All are resort areas featuring fine dining, shopping, sight – seeing and every recreational activity imaginable.
Of course, vacationers will want to swim and surf in the clear warm water of the Gulf. There is so much more the visitor can do. Rent a sailboat, catch a marlin, jet ski, go diving for treasures, and for the more adventurous person, you can try your hand at parasailing high above the water. If you prefer having fun on land instead, there is golf, tennis, horseback riding, hiking on nature trails and bicycling.
From Irish singalongs to foot stomping country music to Dixieland jazz, find your favorite kind of music to listen or dance to in one of Pensacola’s many nightspots. Dining is equally varied, with fresh seafood of all kinds being the area’s specialty.
However, it is the sandy white beaches that attract most vacationers to Pensacola. Visitors will find the beaches just as spectacular in the fall and winter months. There is also the added lure of the mild temperatures found along the Gulf Coast that keeps visitors coming back.
Glistening water so clear you can spot a school of dolphins 20 feet below the surface, miles of sugar white beaches waiting for a child’s pail and shovel to built a dream castle, a quiet haven for winter weary vacationers, it’s a fast paced vacation area, it’s a cosmopolitan city, it’s excitement, it’s Pensacola, Florida.
Southern charm is evident in the people who live in Pensacola. Pensacola has become a southern metropolis and yet still holding on to its small town traditions while keeping an eye on its prosperous future. The city’s many museums and restored buildings are evidence of a proud history heritage, while the shimmering condominiums and hotels echo in the city’s continuing prosperity.
The city’s rich history is showcased in the downtown Historic District, comprising of museums, art galleries, theaters, antique shops, restaurants and restored homes. This national historic landmark is the site of one of Florida’s earliest settlements.
Just a few blocks from here, Palafox Place offers a good look at urban renaissance, with shops, waterfront residential living and government buildings serving greater Pensacola. Located in the heart of downtown Pensacola is the historic Saenger Theatre, presenting stage and musical productions by both local and international performers. The Saenger Theatre built in the 1930’s has been restored to it’s earlier splendor and provides top entertainment year – round.
Bus tours and walking excursions are available for sightseeing in both the Historic District as well as the North Hill District, situated just north of the downtown area. Here, you will find old Southern homes built in Classical splendor. Spanish Mission style stand as another reminder of the way it was in old Pensacola.
There is even more of historic note in Pensacola, known not only as “The City of Five Flags” since it was occupied by the Spanish, British, French, the Confederacy and the United States, but also as the “Cradle of Naval Aviation.” In 1914, Pensacola became home to America’s first Naval Air Station and still stands today as the world’s largest. The base has been a military stronghold since 1825 and has remained a primary military center in the United States. The Naval Aviation Museum is a must – see with the largest aircaft display under one roof. The navy base is also home to the Blue Angels stunt – flying team. Also worth visiting, are the 16th century Fort Barrancas and Fort Pickens both part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore Park system.
Pensacola is a city of contrasts, offering old town charm with a cosmopolitan atmosphere, with stylish hotels, sand dunes dotted with sea oats, rivers for canoeing and Gulf waters for swimming and fishing. Pensacola is seeing a rebirth with new construction going on to accommodate the influx of new visitors wanting to discover Florida’s last frontier for themselves.
