Things to Do in Pensacola Beach
Discover Your Next Adventure in Pensacola Beach
White sand, calm Gulf water, and a laid-back island feel that keeps families coming back. From world-class seafood markets to historic forts and family fun centers, here is our local guide to the best of Pensacola Beach. Use it to plan your meals, your adventures, and everything in between.
Food Scene Essentials
Where to eat, drink, and stock the kitchen during your stay.
The Grand Marlin of Pensacola Beach Sit on the deck and enjoy the view and the food.
Peg Leg Pete's Yummy fried seafood and drinks with a great kid's play area.
Papa Nalu Aloha Grill Family owned restaurant with Hawaiian food and the best grouper sandwich. Worth the drive.
Union Public House Delicious small plates, craft cocktails, and a great beer selection.
Papa's Pizza At the boardwalk immediately after you cross the bridge. Call ahead and pick up your pizza on the way into town.
McGuire's Irish Pub An institution. One the whole family will enjoy.
Buenos Dias Cafe Good breakfast. Get the Mexican coffee.
DRIFT Good food and amazing Gulf views.
Taste of India Excellent homemade Indian food.
Joe Patti's Seafood Company A world class seafood market and Pensacola institution.
Publix Supermarket Grab all the necessary groceries and personal items here. Two pro tips: One, get your temporary SunPass here and don't worry about receiving a bill in the mail later for Florida tolls. Two, order your groceries ahead on the app. When you're 10 minutes away from the Publix in Gulf Breeze, let them know on the app and they'll meet you in the parking lot with your groceries already shopped and ready to load into your car.
The Farm of Pensacola Local produce and artisan goods.
Maria's Fresh Seafood Market Fresh seafood. Get the Royal Reds.
Four Winds International grocery shopping, prepared foods, and a great beer and wine selection.
Palafox Market Weekly Saturday market in Downtown Pensacola from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Rain or shine, farm-fresh produce, plants, baked goods, and more.
Activities
From protected seashore and historic forts to museums and go-karts, there is something for everyone.
Gulf Islands National Seashore This area has the longest stretch of federally protected seashore in the United States, where there are countless opportunities for bike rides, hikes, kayaking, or just lazing away and soaking in the scenery.
Fort Pickens State Park Explore the former military fort built in 1834, stroll the many nature trails, or fish from the pier at this beautiful park. A great place for stargazing, as there is very little light pollution here.
Big Lagoon State Park Nature trails, beaches, and woodlands offer a variety of ways to experience the outdoors at this park popular for hiking, boating, swimming, and fishing. Saltwater marshes and pine flatwoods are ideal for bird watching, while crabbing abounds in the shallow waters of the park. Another ideal light pollution free spot for stargazing.
Blue Angels Pensacola Beach is home to the Blue Angels. If you can't catch their air shows in July and November, check their practice schedule to see them in action.
National Naval Aviation Museum With over 4,000 artifacts, more than 150 restored aircraft, and flight simulators, there's lots to take in at this hands-on history museum for the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard aviation divisions.
Pensacola Children's Museum A historical museum geared for kids that offers ample hands-on interactive learning.
Laguna's Adventure Park at Laguna's Beach Bar and Grill Try the zip line and climbing structure. Kids will love it.
Fast Eddy's Fun Center An ideal spot for kids, or the whole family, to get their energy out. Go-karts, mini golf, game room, and an elaborate water balloon game set up.
Lost Key Golf Club Surrounded by the beauty of Perdido Key, the par 71 course is open to non-members looking for a fantastic golf outing.
Accessibility
Mobility services and resources to help everyone enjoy the beach.
Lazy Days Beach Service Mobility item offerings include beach wheelchairs, standard wheelchairs, and knee scooters.
Sand Helper Powered sand wheelchairs delivered to your location.
Guide to Wheelchair Accessible Beaches Sportsability Alliance list of wheelchair friendly beaches in Florida.
Bicycles
Two wheels, golf carts, and more to get you around the island.
Spinway on the Gulf Spinway on the Gulf provides automated bike rental kiosks to hotels and condos throughout the Florida Panhandle.
The Fun Store Locally owned and operated for over ten years, The Fun Store has been providing the Pensacola area with, you guessed it, fun in the sun. Competitive rental prices on golf carts, scoot coupes, bikes, surfboards, paddleboards, kayaks, and beach wheelchairs.
Cycle Joint Electric vehicle tours, rentals, repairs, and sales.
Find a Vacation Home in Pensacola
Set up your stay in a boutique home base close to the sand and all the fun. Browse our Pensacola Beach homes and start planning your trip.
