Location: Pensacola Beach
Top Things to do in Pensacola Beach
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What to do and see in Pensacola Beach, Florida (FL): The Best Nature & Parks
“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
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,254 reviews
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. Opal Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By maldenmusic - Malden, United States
Opal Beach is a gorgeous piece of white sand and clear water. The complex has pavillions, bathrooms, outside showers for rinsing off and daily lifeguards. There are no concessions or vendors. It's part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore and there's a $25 entrance fee which is good for 7 days. It's our favorite beach in Florida.
3. Pensacola Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,178 reviews
Located on Santa Rosa Island, Pensacola Beach is a popular spot for family vacations.
Reviewed By rkmcgilla - Pensacola, United States
I live on the Bay between Pensacola and NAS and we take our grandkids there every time they visit. From the Pavilion at Pensacola Beach all the way to the West end of the island at Perdido Pass it is sugar white sand and beautiful water. Several restaurants, but our favorites over there is Flounders. In Pensacola McGuire’s is tops. The views on the drive are fantastic
4. Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 544 reviews
Reviewed By Stclair1958 - Collinsville, United States
Pensacola Beach Fishing Pier is a great place for fishing and sightseeing, perfect location, awesome view, you will see lots of sea life, we saw dolphins, sea turtles, barracuda, and sharks, don’t miss it
5. Dog Park West
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By 607jayb - Fairhope, United States
We've visited this park a number of times. This location is much quieter and family oriented than other areas of Pensacola Beach, especially the often crowded and alcohol infested main public beach near the "beach ball tower". Here you will discover tons of parking spaces (including several for handicapped individuals), a rather short walk on a boardwalk to the beach, several covered pavilions with BBQ grills and clean picnic tables, and clean rest rooms. Here you are also just a short walk to the bay side of the peninsula, which offers more beach space and wonderful views. There is even an "ECO Trail" that contains educational information about the area's wildlife and eco-system. Pegleg Pete's (an iconic seafood restaurant and bar) is just a short drive or bike ride awayI highly recommend this park for a beach visit while in the Pensacola Beach area!
6. Pensacola Beach East Dog Park
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By bayleek33 - Conway, United States
This is a beautiful spot on the beach, being able to bring your dogs is just a plus. They do have to stay on their leashes which kinda sucks but understandable. Has poop bags at entrance.
