What to do and see in Pensacola Beach, Florida (FL): The Best Budget-friendly Things to do

May 10, 2022 Vivienne Hutton

“Life’s a Beach” all right on Pensacola Beach where building sandcastles, body surfing and beachcombing are popular pastimes. Away from the sands, there are several don’t miss sights for the entire family, including the National Aviation Museum, which features 150 vintage aircraft, flight simulators and an IMAX Theatre, Fort Pickens, an historic military fort built in 1829, and the Pensacola Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse on the Gulf Coast and also the tallest, standing 151 feet tall on a 40 foot bluff. To immerse yourself in the history of Pensacola, stroll the historic village, a pedestrian-friendly area with furnished historic homes, unique museums and the Colonial Archeological Trail. For the white dimpled ball set, try teeing up at Lost Key Golf Club, a target golf set up designed by Arnold Palmer and Marcus Pointe Golf club, an Earl Stone design. Don’t forget, there’s also great deep-sea fishing and other water activities like sailing, kayaking, diving and snorkeling to be actively pursued on Pensacola Beach.
Restaurants in Pensacola Beach

1. Gulf Islands National Seashore

Pensacola Beach, FL 32561 +1 850-934-2600 https://www.nps.gov/guis/index.htm
Excellent
87%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,254 reviews

Gulf Islands National Seashore

This 150-mile stretch of seashore, which runs from Cat Island in Mississippi to Santa Rosa Island in Florida, offers sparkling blue water and many beautiful beaches along the way.

Reviewed By GlennBrigan

Growing up in Pensacola and as an adult moving away I love and appreciate the beauty of the soft fluffy white sands of Santa Rosa Island when I get to return on a vacation. These beaches are the jewel of the Gulf of Mexico. Whether swimming in the gulf, walking along the shore collecting seashells, or exploring the historic past of Fort Pickens you will too love these beaches.

2. Chase-N-Fins

Excellent
96%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 939 reviews

Chase-N-Fins

Come aboard Chase-N-Fins, a spacious 50 foot long Navy liberty ship that has been customized for relaxing scenic tours! On the two hour tour you will enjoy beautiful views from Pensacola Bay as we cruise the calm inland waters looking for dolphins. We stop along the way to view wild dolphins playing in their natural environment. Often, the naturally curious dolphins will swim right beside the boat! Our crew is well educated about the dolphins and will be happy to tell you about the dolphins as you watch them. In addition to dolphins, you will get a unique water view of local landmarks such as Ft. Pickens, Pensacola Lighthouse, and Naval Air Station Pensacola. Bathrooms are available on the boat. We offer water bottles for sale for $1.00 a bottle, and you are welcome to bring small coolers with drinks and snacks. (no glass please!) We also offer Blue Angels cruises and private tours!

3. Jolly Sailing & Dolphin Cruise

Excellent
96%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 559 reviews

Jolly Sailing & Dolphin Cruise

Choose your own adventure! Sailing, dolphin cruises, sightseeing tours, snorkeling, sunset cruises, private dinner cruises, custom adventure excursions. Our fleet includes JollyDayz, a classic 34' Pearson sailing yacht, Jolly'Ventures, a 26' powerboat tritoon, Jolly Mon, a 27' custom sailboat, all with daily cruises leaving from Sabine Marina; and Jolly Dolphin, a 42' 28 passenger power vessel, daily cruises departing from Pensacola Beach Marina. Private or shared trips. Plenty of seating in sun and shade. Safe, comfortable, and fun for all ages. Complimentary beverages (water and soda) included with all trips. Guests age 21+ may bring alcoholic beverages aboard. Use of snorkel gear, along with instruction, included with snorkeling tours. Special occasion trips such as party cruises, dinner cruises, wedding/rehearsal cruises, family reunions, church/civic/school groups, corporate excursions available. Come enjoy a memorable cruise with Jolly Sailing!

4. Bout Time Charters

Excellent
98%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 82 reviews

Bout Time Charters

Bout Time Charters is Pensacola Fishing at it's finest. We offer inshore and near shore fishing trips. If you are looking for a great family charter or a seasoned angler we can meet your fishing needs. Give us a call because it's 'Bout Time you come fishing with us!

5. Dolphin Express

Excellent
92%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 210 reviews

Dolphin Express

Dolphin Express Charters is a family oriented cruise aboard our spacious 50' retired Navy Launch Vessle.Dolphin Express Charters specializes in daily Dolphin Tours but also offer Sunset Cruises private trips for holiday weekends special events and Blue Angel Shows.Dolphin Express is a family owned and operated business so call Captain Jeff Lacour to make your reservations.

6. Innerlight Surf Shop

655 Pensacola Beach Blvd, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561-6805 +1 850-677-8911 [email protected] https://www.innerlightsurf.com/
Excellent
98%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 89 reviews

Innerlight Surf Shop

Innerlight Surf Shop has a wide selection of swim wear, sunglasses, surf boards, surf accesories, and most all of your beach needs located at our Gulf Breeze Location (203 Gulf Breeze Pkwy). Innerlight Surf Camp and Surf Lessons are a fun a unique experience. Our surf camps are perfect for kids age 8 and up. Our instructors teach the basics of surfing in a fun filled environment. Looking for a more one on one experience? Check out or surf lessons. Available for people from 6-76 and strong swimmers. Also available for private, semi-private, or group lessons.

Reviewed By LLITN - Brandon, United States

We have been coming to Pensacola for years and didn’t find this gem until this week. My daughter has been wanting to learn how to surf for a while and found this local place through google. We set up a private lesson and wish that we found them earlier. We would have gotten more lessons before leaving today! We definitely will call them again as soon as we are back in town. Highly recommend this place! Evans is wonderful with my kids!!

7. Emerald Coast Inshore Charters

Excellent
96%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 28 reviews

Emerald Coast Inshore Charters

I am captain Tony Eddins. I have been a licensed fishing captain on the Gulf Coast for 15 years. Gulf Breeze, Navarre, Pensacola Beach, and Perdido Florida are well known for some of the best salt water fishing in the world! Professional fishing experience, excellent seamanship, and a friendly attitude, are just a few of the perks you can expect when charter fishing with Capt. Tony!

8. The Shaka Bar

649B Pensacola Beach Blvd, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561-2027 +1 850-932-2411 [email protected] http://www.facebook.com/TheShakaBar
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 32 reviews

The Shaka Bar

The Shaka Bar is located on Little Sabine Bay on Pensacola Beach. This local bar is the best little Tiki bar on Pensacola beach. Nothing fancy just cheap drinks, cool peeps and awesome sunsets. Come by and grab a cold one, play some cornhole and enjoy the Reggae music. Aloha. We also rent paddle boards right here on the water.

Reviewed By amberr359 - Pensacola, United States

This little tiki-style bar is tucked away behind Aloha Wine & Liquor on Pensacola Beach. Cheapest drinks around and opens at noon. Perfect for day drinking and watching the charter boats come in. Very friendly staff and you can even rent paddleboards here!

9. Lazy Days Beach Service

14 Via de Luna Dr, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561-2004 +1 850-698-0928 [email protected] http://www.lazydaysbeachservice.com/
Excellent
98%
Good
1%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 526 reviews

Lazy Days Beach Service

Lazy Days Beach Service offers Chairs, Umbrellas, Stand-Up Paddleboards, Kayaks & more! Located on Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach & Fort Walton Beach, FL. Rental rates: · Chairs + Umbrella: STARTING at $7/hr or $30/day* (*Ask about Multi-Day Deals!) · Stand-Up Paddleboards: $25/hr · Single Kayaks: $20/hr · Double Kayaks: $25/hr · 14' & 16' Hobie Sailboats: $65/hr Bike Cruisers: $30/day

Reviewed By Coachron1960

Went back to margaritaville beach resort again and once again had a great experience!! Logan D there again and took great care of us again!! Everyone so friendly and always willing to go the extra mile for you!!!!

10. Gulf Breeze Sailing

Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 36 reviews

Gulf Breeze Sailing

Do you want to sail, or learn to sail? Call us! You can get as involved as you like when sailing with us. Want to look for dolphins and swim and snorkel? Want to just relax and enjoy the ride? You can do all that with Gulf Breeze Sailing. We provide Leisure Lessons and Captained Day Sails year round, seven days a week, early morning to evening, scheduled specifically to fit your needs. We also provide lessons on your own sailboat docked in or near the Pensacola area.

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