Anyone who’s cruised down the scenic highways along Pensacola Beach or Perdido Key has marveled at the vast expanse of emerald water on either side. These two narrow barrier islands, connected by the Gulf Islands National Seashore, offer up some of the most breathtaking coastal drives in Florida, where the road itself seems to float between the Gulf and the Intracoastal. But the view only scratches the surface of Pensacola’s natural wonders.
“We have world-class diving here,” says Brady Hale, a local conservationist and scuba enthusiast. “The marine life you encounter—the sharks, turtles, whale sharks, and manta rays—is absolutely breathtaking.” Meanwhile, on solid ground, visitors will find pristine sugar-white beaches, verdant parks, an eclectic historic downtown, and immersive nature trails that crisscross the landscape.
But first you need to set your out-of-office reply. Pensacola is famous for its easygoing atmosphere. Consider the city’s signature drink: the Bushwacker, a fun-loving frozen chocolate cocktail available up and down the shoreline. It’s an invitation to unplug, settle into the moment, and let the only call you answer be the one from the wild—whether you’re gliding along the Intracoastal in a kayak or simply claiming your patch of sand beneath a beach umbrella.
No matter where you are in Pensacola, keep an eye out for the region’s remarkable animal and plant life. Inquisitive dolphins often approach passing boats, while overhead, pelicans, ospreys, and herons trace graceful arcs across the sky, sometimes in tandem with the U.S. Navy’s famous aerialists, the Blue Angels. Venture into Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park to see a prairie of endangered pitcher plants, or dip beneath the Gulf’s brilliant blue surface on the Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail to discover sunken vessels teeming with marine life.
A terrestrial trek offers historic intrigue along with sun-drenched scenery. Founded in 1559 by Spanish conquistador Don Tristán de Luna, Pensacola marks the first European settlement in North America. (Over the centuries it has flown the flags of Spain, Britain, and France.) Step back in time at Historic Pensacola Village, a collection of twenty-eight preserved properties in the heart of downtown that offer a glimpse into eighteenth- and nineteenth-century life. Just a short drive away you’ll find the National Naval Aviation Museum, the iconic Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum, and a series of scenic waterfront forts. For a genuinely evocative experience, wander through the sprawling brick corridors and arched tunnels of Fort Pickens, a pre–Civil War stronghold nestled on the sands of Pensacola Beach.
With its historic landscapes and abundant natural beauty, Pensacola offers endless opportunities for visitors to explore, unwind, and get outside. Pack your sunscreen and set off for a slice of Florida that’s beautiful indoors and out.
Plan your Pensacola adventures at visitpensacola.com
