The Top 11 Things to Do in Pensacola, Florida All Year Long

Pensacola, Florida

Spanish explorer Don Tristán de Luna y Arellano founded this coastal gem in 1559, making it America’s first European settlement. The city has flown five different flags – Spanish, French, British, Confederate, and American since that time.

This beautiful place remains one of the best places to visit in Florida, and here are the best things to do during your time in Pensacola.

Explore Fort Barrancas

This mighty fort from 1844 sits on top of an even older Spanish fortress from 1698. Its thick walls and clever brick design keep the inside 15 degrees cooler than outside during hot summers.

Walk through mysterious tunnels that stretch 1,800 feet underground, then climb the spiral stairs to the top. From 50 feet up, you’ll see seven miles across the sparkling bay, making for perfect photos.

Wander Through Historic Pensacola Village

Step into the past in this special neighborhood that’s like a time capsule from the 1800s. Twenty-eight old buildings, including the charming Lavalle House from 1805, show off unique building styles from long ago.

Watch as people dressed in old-time clothes show you how folks lived back then, making things by hand just like their ancestors did. Treasure hunters have found more than 150,000 old items here, from Spanish jars to British soldiers’ buttons.

Discover Maritime Heritage at the Naval Aviation Memorial

Airplane lovers will be amazed by this 37-acre space filled with 150 old aircraft and 4,000 pieces of flying history. Don’t miss the famous NC-4, which was the first plane brave enough to cross the Atlantic Ocean back in 1919.

From March to November, you can watch Navy pilots practice amazing moves at speeds up to 700 mph. For the best view, head up to the 177-foot observation deck.

Wade Through Big Lagoon State Park

This natural playground covers 705 acres and has five different types of wild spaces. Take a stroll on wooden walkways that wind through sandy hills rising 30 feet high.

Watch for colorful birds that stop here during their long journeys in spring and fall – you might spot 23 different kinds of warblers and shore birds! In the shallow waters nearby, tiny crabs and baby fish make their homes.

Explore the Pensacola Lighthouse

This tall tower has been keeping ships safe since 1859. Built with half a million bricks, it stands strong and proud at 159 feet tall. Climb 177 iron steps to reach the top, where you can see an amazing 27 miles on clear days.

Down below, the old keeper’s house looks just like it did in the 1880s, with interesting items like the original glass lens that made the light shine so bright.

Experience Gulf Islands National Seashore

Pure white sand stretches for 8.4 miles along these special islands. The sand is actually tiny pieces of crystal that traveled all the way from the Appalachian Mountains over many years.

From May to October, sea turtles come here to lay their eggs. Park rangers keep watch over 60 nests each year, making sure the baby turtles can safely make their way to the sea.

Dive into Archaeological Treasures

History lies beneath the waves here, with 45 old shipwrecks waiting to be explored. The oldest one, called Emanuel Point, is from 1559 and tells stories about the first Spanish visitors.

Old military ships now rest on the sea floor, creating homes for more than 100 types of fish. Whether you’re new to diving or an expert, you’ll find something amazing to see between 20 and 120 feet deep.

Visit the North Hill Preservation District

Beautiful old houses fill 50 blocks of this special neighborhood. Built between 1870 and 1920, these 349 homes show off the best of Victorian style in all of Florida. Every spring, 10,000 azalea bushes burst into bloom, creating a tradition that’s been going since the 1930s.

Explore Perdido Key State Park

This peaceful island park spreads across 247 acres and protects some very special residents – there are only 40 Perdido Key beach mice left in the wild. Sandy hills rise 20 feet high, covered in tough plants that can handle salty air.

Downtown’s Colonial Archaeological Trail

Take a 2.5-mile walk through time as you explore 12 underground historical sites. Special windows in the sidewalk let you peek at an old Spanish fort that’s been hiding under the city.

Scientists have found 200,000 old things here from 450 years of city life. Look at the signs with your phone to see magical pictures of how the city used to look.

Paddle the Blackwater River State Forest

This huge forest covers 190,000 acres and has 31 miles of clean rivers. The water looks like tea because of special tree sap, but stays a nice 68 degrees all year long.

Sandy beaches appear every few miles, perfect for rest stops as you float past cypress trees that are 500 years old.

The gentle water moves at just 2 mph, making it easy for anyone to enjoy paddling past limestone cliffs that rise 12 feet high.