Time to think Pensacola,
Florida
Pensacola, Florida, is a hidden
gem and thriving coastal city along the Gulf Coast in Northwest Florida that
offers visitors a perfect blend of stunning beaches, rich history, and vibrant
culture. Whether you're a beach lover, history buff, or foodie, Pensacola has
something to offer. Plus, with its own airport and easy connectivity to the UK
through Atlanta or other US cities, Pensacola is easily accessible from the UK.
Below are some of the top five reasons to visit Pensacola:
1. Beautiful Beaches
Pensacola is renowned for over 40
miles of sugar-white sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
Pensacola has two islands – Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key which offer the
perfect setting for beach time, swimming or simply enjoying nature. The pristine and calm Gulf waters are ideal
for water sports like paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkelling. Did you know
USA Today named Pensacola Beach the best beach in Florida? We’d love for you to
come and see for yourself
2. Rich History and Culture
Pensacola is a city with a past that
stretches back more than 460 years when Spanish explorer Don Tristan de Luna y
Arellano was lured to its pristine shores in 1559, establishing Pensacola as
the first European settlement in North America. This history can be explored
today on America’s First Settlement (A1S) Trail in Downtown Pensacola which is
a three-mile historical route featuring 20 stops with QR codes and 70 points of
interest. Other historic sites include Fort Pickens, the Pensacola
Lighthouse, and the National Naval Aviation Museum, which features exhibits on
naval aviation history and the iconic Blue Angels.
3. Delicious Dining and Local
Cuisine
Families, couples, and travellers of all
ages will love the foodie scene of Pensacola with a range of restaurants, bars,
and eateries available. Enjoy seafood on the deck overlooking the Gulf Coast,
discover spicy Cajun soul food, homestyle Southern Cooking or a fusion of
everything.
Pensacola’s waters provide some of the freshest seafood along the Gulf Coast.
Discover restaurants such as Drift Modern Coastal Cuisine, serving upscale
delicious meals with local ingredients and coastal views, Bonsai a sophisticated
Japanese contemporary dining experience just off the Gulf or local favourite,
The Grand Marlin which combines breathing views with a side of the freshest
local seafood cuisine. Or if you’d rather eat with your toes in the sand, try
Casino Beach Bar & Grille offers mouthwatering grilled seafood and
sandwiches or Crabs on the Beach where crabs are an absolute must!
4. Family-Friendly Activities
Pensacola is a great destination
for families with fun to be had at a variety of attractions and activities. Why
not catch a dolphin cruise, watch a baseball game at the Blues Wahoo Stadium,
visit Splash City Adventure – an amusement and water park full of thrills and
spills. Paddling in Pensacola is also a must do for a family and it isn’t just
about dipping your toes in the water – head out to Big Lagoon State Park for an
adventure. Plus,
don’t forget to look up into the blue skies above to spot the USA equivalent of
the Red Arrows, the Blue Angels, who are based in Pensacola and practice in the
skies above on a Tuesday and Wednesday. Look up and see them for
yourselves!
5. Year-Round Festivals and
Events
Know as the Festival City of the
South, Pensacola’s calendar is packed with events that cater to all interests.
The Pensacola Seafood Festival, Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival, Frank Brown
Songwriters’ Festival, Pensacola Mardi Gras, Pensacola Beach Airshow,
Pensacon and the Blue Angels Homecoming Airshow
are just a few highlights that happen throughout the year. Whether you're
interested in art, music, food, or history, there's always something happening!