Pensacola Beach Vacation Information

Pensacola Beach is famous for its white-sand beaches, emerald waters, and the Southern hospitality that makes visitors feel right at home. Located south of Pensacola and connected via bridges to the mainland, it’s part of Santa Rosa Island, a 40-mile barrier island facing the Gulf of Mexico. With approximately 343 sunny days per year and an average temperature of 77 degrees, Pensacola Beach is an ideal vacation destination year-round ­– whether your idea of a good time is lounging on the sand, shopping till you drop, or playing a leisurely round of golf.

For the athletically inclined, swimming, fishing, diving, snorkeling, and sailing are all popular options. You’ll find additional recreational opportunities at Gulf Islands National Seashore, which flanks either end of Pensacola Beach. Nature trails wind through the park’s coastal marshes and live oak forests, which host both native and migrating bird populations. Offshore, submerged lands teeming with marine life invite exploration by divers and snorkelers. The area is also home to the Pensacola Naval Air Station. The air station, which has earned Pensacola recognition as the Cradle of Naval Aviation (all Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine aviators start their training in Pensacola), is the base for the famed Blue Angels, the United States Navy’s flight demonstration squadron. Also at the air station is the National Museum of Naval Aviation and IMAX Theater, a popular stop for visitors of all ages.

With a history that dates back to 1559, the city of Pensacola offers another fascinating break from the beach. Older than St. Augustine, which was founded in 1565, and Jamestown, founded in 1607, its historic neighborhoods still hold reminders of a past when it was ruled, in turn, by Spain, France, England, the Confederacy, and the United States.

Other special events – concerts, arts and crafts shows, seafood festivals, Blue Angels air shows, and more – keep visitors entertained throughout the year.

Book a Pensacola Beach Vacation rental online, or call a friendly BeachGuide vacation planner seven days a week at 888-404-2602.


Upcoming Events

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Pensacon

This annual pop culture convention spans over three days and five venues. Celebrating all areas of pop culture from science fiction and horror to animation and video games, Pensacon has become one of the premier conventions in the Gulf Coast. Attendees can enjoy live music, film screenings, meet and greets and more.

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Feb 22 - Feb 26, 2026

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McGuire's 5K Prediction Run

Celebrate St. Patrick's day with the largest 5K prediction run in America! Attracting large numbers of enthusiastic participants and spectators alike, the nationally recognized race features a fun 3.1 mile course with an epic post-race party.

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Mar 07, 2026

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Pensacola Crawfish Festival

The Pensacola Crawfish Festival is an exciting annual event highlighting the best of boiled crawfish and other Cajun fare. Feast on classically cooked crawfish or try out everything from boudin and jumbalaya to etoufee. There will also be traditional festival food options, a variety of vendors and exciting entertainment. 

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Apr 24 - Apr 26, 2026

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Pensacola Beach Art and Wine Festival

This Mother's Day weekend, explore a wine and art-lover's paradise. With over 30+ wine selections and exciting wine tastings, this festival is a great way to spend your summer Saturday trying new wine and browsing local art selections. 

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May 09, 2026

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Pensacola Pickles and Wings Festival

Calling all pickle and wing lovers! The Pensacola Pickle and Wing Festival is a day full of pickle tasting, wings, food trucks and more. Sample a variety of dishes and flavors, enjoy live entertainment or participate in costume or pickle eating contests as you explore Seville Square. 

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May 16 - May 16, 2026

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Grand Fiesta Parade

Enjoy a Pensacola Fiesta favorite at the Grand Fiesta Parade as you admire floats, marching bands and more traveling through the downtown streets.

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May 29 - May 29, 2026

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Pensacola Beach Air Show

The annual Pensacola Beach Air Show brings out hundreds of locals and visitors alike. Featuring the city's hometown heroes, the weekend offers several Blue Angel's practice sessions leading up to Saturday's official show. 

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Jul 15 - Jul 18, 2026

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Blue Angels Practice

A few days a month, the world-famous Blue Angels can be seen practicing over the museum at NAS Pensacola. This month spectators can see the team take flight on October 15th, 21st, 22nd, 28th and 29th. Gates will open at 9:30 a.m. and the pilots are scheduled to head to the skies at 10:30 a.m. 

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Oct 15, 2026