Places you should explore in Pensacola, Fla.
Date Posted: Sep 30, 2014
Foo Foo Festival has so much to offer visitors and Pensacola natives this November, but while you’re not walking around an art show or enjoying one of the bands playing, take an opportunity to explore Pensacola. Pensacola, Fla. is a city defined by its rich history. 450 years of determination and perseverance can still be found stamped into the forts, streets and hearts of the citizens. On every street, you’ll find rejuvenated old buildings that breathe new life into their community. Art and music are the blood of the city by the bay, spreading creativity like a wildfire. Home to one of America’s most popular precision flight teams, the Blue Angels Homecoming Show is a staple in the lives of Pensacola residents. The beaches are a category all their own, step on to Pensacola Beach and you’ll be blinded by the beauty of pristine, white sand complemented by the gleam of the emerald coast. No matter what you decide to explore while you’re in town this November, you won’t leave a tourist. Here are our top five must explore areas in the city.
- National Naval Aviation Museum
This museum is famous for several reasons; one being that it was the military training grounds of Senator John McCain but also because it’s the home of the world-famous Blue Angels. One of the great features of this museum is that it is free to the public! When you enter the museum you will be immediately struck with awe. As you walk around look up and feast your eyes upon decades of aviation history. There are several displays throughout the museum that give visitors the opportunity to see what things might have looked like such as a submarine, a military camp during WWI and even what it might look like on the moon. Visitors even have the opportunity view the “Magic of Flight” movie in the IMAX Theater for a charge of about $9 per person. Come see man’s achievement of flight in all its glory here at the National Aviation Museum.
- Pensacola Beach
TripAdvisor has named Pensacola Beach among the nation’s top 10 beaches. Located on Santa Rosa Island, visitors of Pensacola Beach can experience the old Florida feel on the pristine white sand beaches, in the local hangouts and restaurants, and at historic Fort Pickens. Fishermen enjoy first-rate fishing on the Pensacola Beach Pier, which is one of the longest in the Gulf of Mexico at 1,471 feet. Visitors can access Gulf Islands National Seashore, the nation’s longest stretch of protected seashore, on both sides of Pensacola Beach, making it an ideal spot for biking, snorkeling or kayaking. Come experience the Pensacola Beach difference.
- Pensacola Lighthouse & Museum
If you want to see the best view in Pensacola, Fla. climb 177 steps up the historic Pensacola Lighthouse and marvel at the breathtaking view of the Gulf Coast. At the top of the lighthouse, visitors have the opportunity to see the Pensacola Pass, three forts and the historic Navy yard. The Keeper’s Quarters has been fully restored and is now the museum and gift shop. The Pensacola Lighthouse offers two unique tours, the Blue Angels practice and the Ghost Hunt. The lighthouse boasts that it may be haunted; it has even been featured on the Travel Channel and SyFy’s Ghost Hunters. Come experience the views and the living history at the Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum.
- Historic Pensacola Village
Historic Pensacola Village consists of 20 properties in downtown Pensacola, Fla. Visitors can guide themselves through the museums in the village, seeing what early industries in the city looked like as well as commercial Pensacola. Visitors will get a real glimpse into Pensacola’s African American history and reimagine what WWI was like for citizens of Pensacola. Each of the properties has costumed interpreters that will provide you with a real life glimpse into Pensacola’s past. Tours are offered Tuesday through Saturday at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $6/adults, $5/special admission, and $3/children 4-16. Tickets are good for a week. Take a step back in time and experience a part of Pensacola’s 450 years of History.
- Saenger Theater
For generations, the Dame of Palafox street in Pensacola, Fla., has been the Saenger Theater. Residents and tourists have flocked under this iconic marquee to enjoy music, dance and drama. The Saenger Theater is located in the heart of downtown Pensacola; it’s within walking distance of local favorite hangout spots, restaurants and shops. Check out the Saegner’s line-up and plan for an evening you’ll never forget. http://www.pensacolasaenger.com/ Now that you know where to explore while you’re in town for Foo Foo Fest, make sure you’ve booked your room! Visit our hotels page of our website to see all the great offerings of places to stay in and around Pensacola.
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