Pensacola
The beach is laid-back, and there are historical wonders around every corner.
Pensacola is popular with tourists because it has beautiful beaches that aren’t too busy and great restaurants on the water that serve fresh, local fish. Many people may be shocked to learn that this simple but beautiful city also has a lot to offer in the way of culture, such as opera, ballet, the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra, and the well-known Pensacola Museum of Art. Welcome to this lively beach town on the western edge of northern Florida! It has something for everyone.
Beautiful beaches on the Gulf of Mexico
People who visit Pensacola can enjoy a lot of different arts, culture, and food. But the main draw is still its turquoise seas and white-sand beaches, which are full of friendly tourists and locals alike. The Gulf Islands National Seashore is in this true American beach town. It is the longest nationally protected seashore in the country. Want to rest more than go on an adventure? Pensacola Beach or Perdido Key are great places to enjoy the beach with seafood stands and highly colored chairs set on 100% quartz sand that came down from the Appalachians.
Language, art, and naval history
Pensacola is the only place between Tampa, Florida, and Mobile, Alabama, that has what are called the “Top 5”: a historic theater, a symphony, ballet, opera, and a recognized art museum. Take a step off the beach and into the busy streets of downtown. You’ll find art galleries, live music places like Vinyl Music Hall, and coffee shops hidden behind brick walls with street art on them. Of course, you can’t talk about Pensacola’s lively arts scene without bringing up Foo Foo Fest. It lasts for 12 days in the fall and is a celebration of all things arts and culture. Live music, interactive art pieces, and even a sing-along to “Grease” are all part of the fun. The National Naval Aviation Museum is a great place to learn about military and space history. Come close to see the Blue Angels and their jets; they train on a flight line near the beach and museum. In one of the museum’s models, you can feel what it’s like to fly a jet.
Taste some of the best foods in the area
It’s fun, historic, and famous Palafox Street. Take a walk down it to get a taste of what the city’s best cooks, mixologists, and brewers have to offer. There are a number of local breweries in Pensacola, as well as famous restaurants with a Florida theme. From places that sell seafood baskets to places that serve fancy food, you’ll find it all. For breakfast, go to Ruby Slipper and get the shrimp and grits. Don’t miss the prime Delmonico at Jackson’s Steakhouse. A table at a beach restaurant with a view of the sand and water is, of course, the best thing about the trip.
In the same way, Pensacola is sometimes called the “Festival City of the South” because it hosts so many events all year long. The Great Gulf coast Arts Festival, Pensacola Mardi Gras, the Pensacola Seafood Festival, the Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival, and many more are held every month.