Located in the Florida Panhandle, Pensacola is a destination that blends laid-back coastal living with the character of a historic Southern city. Just offshore, Pensacola Beach stretches along more than 50 miles of sugar-white sand bordering the Gulf of Mexico, creating an ideal setting for days spent on the water. Visitors can fill their itinerary with everything from boating and sailing to fishing along the Gulf and bay, while others may prefer a leisurely round on coastal golf courses near Pensacola Beach. And when the weather shifts or it’s time to take a break from the sun, there’s no shortage of things to explore off the beach.
One of Pensacola’s standout attractions is the National Naval Aviation Museum, the most-visited museum in Florida. Packed with family-friendly exhibits, flight simulators, an IMAX theater, and more than 150 restored aircraft, it offers an unforgettable look at aviation history. The museum sits on Pensacola Naval Air Station, home of the Blue Angels, and it’s common to spot their jets overhead as they practice for upcoming performances. Be sure to check the Pensacola Events Calendar for show dates and practice schedules.
Nature lovers will appreciate nearby Gulf Islands National Seashore, where pristine, uncrowded beaches feel worlds away from the busier coastline. Within the park sits Fort Pickens, a historic 19th-century fort that remained under Union control throughout the Civil War. Another historic site, Fort Barrancas, is located on Naval Air Station grounds, along with the Pensacola Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse on the Gulf Coast and still active today, casting a beacon visible up to 27 miles offshore.
Other highlights around the area include the sprawling Blue Lagoon State Park, the ornate Saenger Theatre - built in 1925 and still hosting live performances - and the immersive Historic Pensacola Village, a collection of preserved buildings that bring the city’s past to life. When it’s time to choose where to stay, BeachGuide offers a wide range of Pensacola Beach vacation rentals, from spacious homes near the shoreline and upscale high-end coastal residences to comfortable beachfront and bayside condos, making it easy to find the perfect home base for exploring everything the Pensacola area has to offer.