Explore the best things to do in Pensacola, Florida. Enjoying the best Pensacola attractions, plan the perfect itinerary, and truly experience why this destination is a hidden gem among the beautiful places in the USA.
Here are the Top 10 Best Things to Do in Pensacola, Florida
1. Relax on Pensacola Beach
Pensacola Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Florida, known for its sugar-white sand and crystal-clear waters. Located on Santa Rosa Island, this beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
Visitors can enjoy parasailing, jet skiing, or simply strolling along the shore. The Pensacola Beach Pier is a great spot for fishing or watching breathtaking sunsets. Nearby, you’ll find beachfront restaurants serving fresh seafood, making it an ideal place to unwind.
For families, Park East offers picnic areas and playgrounds. If you’re visiting in summer, don’t miss the Pensacola Beach Air Show, a thrilling event featuring aerial performances. With its laid-back vibe and stunning scenery, Pensacola Beach is a must-visit destination.
2. Explore the National Naval Aviation Museum
One of the top attractions in Pensacola, Florida, the National Naval Aviation Museum is a paradise for aviation enthusiasts. As the world’s largest naval aviation museum, it houses over 150 restored aircraft, including vintage planes and modern jets.
Visitors can experience flight simulators, watch an IMAX movie, or even catch a Blue Angels practice show (if visiting on select days). The museum also features exhibits on naval history, including WWII and space exploration.
Best of all, admission is free, making it a fantastic family-friendly activity. Whether you’re a history buff or just curious about aviation, this museum is a must-see in Pensacola, Florida.
3. Visit Historic Pensacola Village
Step back in time at Historic Pensacola Village, a living history museum showcasing the city’s rich past. This 8-acre complex includes colonial-era homes, museums, and historic churches.
Highlights include the T.T. Wentworth Jr. Florida State Museum, which features fascinating exhibits on Pensacola’s history, and the Old Christ Church, one of the oldest churches in Florida. Guided tours provide insight into the city’s Spanish, British, and American influences.
If you love history, Historic Pensacola Village is one of the best things to do in Pensacola, Florida. Don’t forget to check out seasonal events like colonial reenactments and ghost tours!
4. Discover Gulf Islands National Seashore
For nature lovers, Gulf Islands National Seashore is a must-visit. This protected area spans 160 miles of coastline, offering pristine beaches, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing.
Popular activities include kayaking through salt marshes, birdwatching, and camping under the stars. The Fort Pickens area is a highlight, featuring a historic military fort with stunning ocean views.
Whether you’re into snorkeling, fishing, or just relaxing on secluded beaches, Gulf Islands National Seashore is one of the best outdoor adventures in Pensacola, Florida.
5. Tour the Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
The Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum is a historic landmark offering panoramic views of the Gulf Coast. Climbing its 177 steps rewards you with breathtaking vistas of Pensacola Bay and the surrounding area.
The museum showcases maritime history, including shipwrecks and lighthouse keeper stories. Ghost hunters will love the legend of the lighthouse’s haunted past—night tours are available for thrill-seekers!
A visit here is one of the most unique things to do in Pensacola, Florida, combining history, adventure, and stunning scenery.
6. Enjoy Fresh Seafood at Joe Patti’s Seafood
No trip to Pensacola, Florida, is complete without savoring fresh Gulf seafood. Joe Patti’s Seafood is a local institution, famous for its sushi-grade fish, shrimp, and oysters.
Founded in 1931, this market offers the freshest catches daily. Visitors can enjoy a seafood lunch at their onsite café or take some home to grill. Don’t miss their famous seafood platter—a true taste of Pensacola!
For foodies, Joe Patti’s Seafood is a must-visit spot in Pensacola, Florida.
7. Walk Through Pensacola’s Graffiti Bridge
A must-see for art lovers, Pensacola’s Graffiti Bridge is a vibrant, ever-changing outdoor gallery. Originally an abandoned railroad trestle, this local landmark has become a canvas for street artists, with colorful murals that shift and evolve over time. Located near Seville Square, the bridge is a hotspot for photographers, Instagrammers, and anyone who appreciates urban creativity.
What makes this attraction unique is its community-driven art—anyone can contribute, meaning no two visits are the same. The bridge has also become a symbol of Pensacola’s artistic culture, hosting occasional live painting events. Visitors love exploring the bold designs, from abstract patterns to social messages.
Best of all, it’s free to visit and open year-round. Whether you stop by for a quick photo or take time to admire the details, the Graffiti Bridge is one of the most Instagram-worthy spots in Pensacola, Florida. Don’t forget to check out nearby downtown murals for even more street art!
8. Experience Blue Wahoos Baseball at Admiral Fetterman Field
For a fun, family-friendly outing, catch a Pensacola Blue Wahoos game at Admiral Fetterman Field. As the Double-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins, this minor-league team delivers high-energy baseball with a stunning waterfront backdrop. The intimate stadium ensures great views from every seat, and tickets are affordable, making it a perfect activity for sports fans and casual visitors alike.
Beyond the game, the ballpark offers themed nights, fireworks shows, and even “Bark in the Park” events where fans can bring their dogs. The on-site food vendors serve classic ballpark snacks alongside local favorites like shrimp po’boys and craft beer from Pensacola Bay Brewery.
With its lively atmosphere and Gulf Coast sunsets, a Blue Wahoos game is one of the best ways to experience Pensacola’s local culture. Check their schedule—summer games often sell out!
9. Kayak at Big Lagoon State Park
Outdoor enthusiasts will love Big Lagoon State Park, a serene escape just minutes from downtown Pensacola. This 1,500-acre park offers kayaking, paddleboarding, and birdwatching along calm, shallow waters perfect for beginners. The 4-mile paddling trail winds through marshes, where you might spot dolphins, ospreys, or even manatees.
For hikers, the Sand Pine Trail leads to scenic overlooks with panoramic views of Perdido Key and the Intracoastal Waterway. Anglers can fish from the pier, while picnickers relax under shaded pavilions.
The park also has campgrounds with water and electric hookups, making it ideal for an overnight stay. Whether you’re kayaking at sunrise or stargazing by the lagoon, Big Lagoon State Park is one of the best nature-filled things to do in Pensacola, Florida.
10. Stroll Through Palafox Street
Palafox Street, the heart of downtown Pensacola, blends history, shopping, and nightlife into one vibrant district. Named one of America’s “10 Great Streets” by the American Planning Association, it’s lined with 19th-century architecture, boutique shops, and award-winning restaurants.
Start your visit at the Palafox Market (Saturdays only), where local vendors sell fresh produce, handmade crafts, and gourmet treats. Art lovers can explore galleries like Quayside Art Gallery, while foodies indulge at Union Public House or The District.
As night falls, the street comes alive with live music at Vinyl Music Hall and craft cocktails at The Kennedy. Don’t miss the historic Saenger Theatre, hosting concerts and Broadway shows.
With its mix of culture and entertainment, Palafox Street is a must-visit for anyone exploring Pensacola, Florida.
