Sitting on the edge of the Florida Panhandle and bordering the state of Alabama, sunny Pensacola Beach is full of great things to do. And like many places you visit, from the slopes of Colorado to the trails of Tennessee, it's good to arrive with a well-curated list of top picks for activities.
With so many options for things to do in Pensacola Beach, it can be overwhelming to choose what to do or where to go. In a hurry? Glance through our top picks:
TLDR – At-a-Glance Overview
1. Downtown Pensacola: Historic streets, colonial landmarks, local eats, and lively markets.
2. Naval Live Oaks: Shady nature trails, breezy bayfront picnics, and sunset serenity.
3. Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier: Scenic pier strolls, dolphin-spotting, and golden-hour photo ops.
4. Pensacola Beach: White-sand beaches, a buzzing boardwalk, and an educational eco trail.
5. Gulf State Park: Uncrowded beaches, family-friendly outdoor activities, and butterfly gardens.
6. Big Lagoon State Park: Salt-marsh paddling, birdwatching galore, and picnic-perfect corners.
7. Fort Pickens: 19th-century military fort with ocean views and brilliant sunsets.
8. National Naval Aviation Museum: 150 aircraft, thrilling simulators, and Blue Angels flyovers.
9. Pensacola Lighthouse: Tower-top views of the Gulf, aviation action, and maritime stories.
10. Pensacola Museum of History: A deep dive into Florida's past in a Mediterranean Revival landmark.
At Pensacola Beach Properties, we don't just offer a great selection of Pensacola Beach rentals; we've also got the kind of local tips that can seriously level up your trip.
As local experts, we're here to show you the best of what Pensacola Beach has to offer. For more insider ideas, check out our destination blog. We cover everything from top pet-friendly spots to the best places to eat, drink, and enjoy the local nightlife.
This blog will bring you a list of the top 10 attractions you can't miss in Pensacola and beyond and why they're truly worth your time.
1. Downtown Pensacola
Historic hub with foodie flair
Downtown Pensacola has it all: history, culture, and a plethora of entertainment options.
In the heart of Downtown lies Palafox Street, once elected one of the 10 Great Streets in America, a cosmopolitan thoroughfare brimming with amazing eateries, bars, boutiques, and art galleries.
Layers of history are apparent on its buildings, squares, and sidewalks: a mix of British, Spanish, and French, reminding visitors of Pensacola's colonial past. Don't skip a visit to Plaza Ferdinand VII, one of the most important landmarks of the city.
If you want to go further into exploring the area, America's First Settlement Trail is a great and fun way to explore downtown. Marked paths throughout the Historic District will lead you to several historical spots encompassing over 260 years of history.
Extra tip: if you are in town on Saturday, Palafox Market is a fun activity. You'll find lots of delicious food, art, antiques, and crafts. Also, one Friday every month, Palafox Street becomes the stage for Gallery Night. On this occasion, the street is closed to traffic, attracting locals and tourists to check out great art, music performances, and great food as well.
Why it's unmissable
- Colonial, Spanish, and French history in one stroll
- Palafox Street's cafés, galleries, and Saturday market.
- Monthly Gallery Night turns downtown into a street party
Image retrieved from www.pensacolabeach.com
2. Naval Live Oaks
Scenic trails and sunset serenity
Looking for a nature escape? The Naval Live Oaks Nature Reserve is one of the best places to embrace nature and enjoy outdoor activities. This hidden gem of natural beauty and tranquility is in Gulf Breeze, just a 13-minute drive from Downtown Pensacola.
With areas facing the Santa Rosa Sound and Pensacola Bay, the reserve has picnic areas where you can join the locals for a barbecue during the weekend and spend quality time with the entire family.
Trails go through beautiful live oak trees, a protected species of oak that was used to build wooden ships in the 19th century. People usually say that walking through the trails is an extremely peaceful experience where you can admire the exuberant diversity of the reserve's fauna and flora.
But the ultimate relaxation experience is to walk along Naval Live Oaks' pristine beaches soaking in breathtaking vistas. It's always a great idea to wait for the sunset for an extra special experience.
Why it's unmissable
- Shady trails with historic live oak groves
- Bayside picnic spots for a scenic family lunch
- Sunset views over quiet beaches just minutes from town
3. Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier
Panoramic sunsets and fishing fun
No Gulf Coast experience is complete without experiencing the amazing views and delightful atmosphere of a quintessential fishing pier.
Boasting panoramic vistas of the Gulf of Mexico, Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier is a must-go place to see fishers trying their luck (you can even join them if you want since local fishers are very welcoming), admire the scenery, and spot sea life.Take the opportunity to walk along Pensacola Beach, too, and admire the structure from below. Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier is also famous for being a sunset spot. Many locals and tourists flock to the pier, looking forward to witnessing a one-of-a-kind sunset.
Why it's unmissable
- Longest public pier on the Gulf for unbeatable 360° views
- Frequent wildlife sightings: turtles, dolphins, and pelagic fish
- Insta‑ready sunset backdrop without reservations
4. Pensacola Beach
White‑sand playground for all ages
On Santa Rosa Island, with soft white sands and crystal clear waters, Pensacola Beach offers the perfect background for you and your family. From renting a paddleboard, venturing into a surf lesson, to just relaxing on a beach chair, there's plenty to do.
Don't forget to check Pensacola Beach Boardwalk out. Lined with boutiques, restaurants, and other entertainment venues, the boardwalk is a magnificent spot to have a meal looking at the sea, take nice pictures with the family, and catch live performances happening.
Also, thanks to the proximity of the beach to Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier, you're just a few steps away from watching the sunset in an iconic spot after a day of beach fun.
Extra tip: if you're a nature lover, try the Footprints in the Sand Eco Trail. This 8.5-mile trail explains the amazing aspects of the island's ecology, and it's as fun as it is educational for kids.
Why it's unmissable
- Classic Gulf postcard: powder sand + clear water
- Boardwalk packs dining, shopping, and nightlife into one loop
- Family‑friendly Eco Trail turns kids into junior naturalists
5. Gulf State Park
Quiet Alabama shores & adventure
In Gulf Shores, less than an hour's drive from Pensacola Beach, Gulf State Park has two miles of some of the most exquisite beaches in the country. The best of it all? The shorelines are not crowded, which gives visitors privacy and a serene atmosphere to enjoy nature. For a dose of adrenaline, you can even go parasailing and see all the natural beauty from a different perspective.
In the center of the park lies the idyllic Lake Shelby, the perfect playground for water activities. Besides swimming in the lake, you can rent paddle boards, canoes, and kayaks.
Gulf State Park also offers several hiking and biking trails that give you the chance to admire nature and spot beautiful flowers and diverse wildlife. Speaking of wildlife, make sure to visit the butterfly garden. Kids love to see the wide variety of butterflies and moths flying amid colorful flowers.
That's not all! The park is also famous for geocaching, a series of hide-and-seek games, where hiders provide online clues for seekers. Using a GPS, you can engage in a real "treasure hunt."
Why it's unmissable
- Secluded beach experience away from the crowds
- Lake Shelby offers parasailing, kayaks, and SUPs in one rental hut
- Trails, butterflies, and geocaching keep the whole crew busy
Photo retrieved from www.alapark.com/parks/gulf-state-park.
Marsh paddling and birding heaven
Big Lagoon State Park is one of the best places to enjoy Pensacola Bay's natural beauty and have lots of fun in the water. Saltwater marshes, shallow bays, and beaches offer kayaking, paddling, canoeing, swimming, and fishing opportunities. Pine Flatwoods, nature trails, and open woodlands are perfect for exploring nature and wildlife.
The park is the gateway to the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, an educational and exciting adventure where you can spot a wide variety of beautiful birds. Another fun activity is crabbing in the shallow waters of Big Lagoon.
After so much activity, you can grab a table under pine and oak trees at the West Beach picnic area and have a delightful meal surrounded by some of the most untouched nature escapes in Florida.
Big Lagoon State Park is truly a can't-miss spot if you're a nature lover and want to explore the best of what Mother Nature has to offer in and around Pensacola Beach.
Why it's unmissable
- Premier bird‑watching stop on the Panhandle
- Calm, sheltered waters perfect for first‑time paddlers
- Crabbing and shaded picnic spots turn it into a full‑day outing
7. Fort Pickens
Civil War fort with Gulf vistas
Fort Pickens is an iconic landmark near Pensacola Beach that blends history and stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and Pensacola Bay. Built in 1843 with over twenty-one million bricks, this is a gorgeous piece of American history worth exploring.
You can take a guided tour or explore the fortified walls on your own. Visit the officers' and prisoners' quarters and have a glimpse of how people used to live during and after the Civil War. Most of the majestic walls and arches are intact and they are quite a sight.
For a sense of adventure, you can couple your visit with hiking trails leaving from the fort and explore the stunning surroundings. A great tip is to watch the sunset from Fort Pickens, with panoramic views of Pensacola Beach and the sun reflecting a golden glow on the fort's walls. This is a memorable way to end the day in the city.
Extra tip: for more history and grandeur, also visit Fort Barrancas. You can explore this amazing landmark through hiking trails that also offer fantastic views of the sea.
Why it's unmissable
- One of the Gulf's best‑preserved 19th‑century forts
- Combines history lesson + beach hike in a single stop
- Golden‑hour photography is off the charts
Image retrieved from www.nps.gov.
8. National Naval Aviation Museum
Where 150 aircraft tell their tales
Being the cradle of naval aviation, any visit to Pensacola Beach is only complete by checking the National Naval Aviation Museum. The museum's collection of over 4,000 artifacts and 150 restored aircraft will amaze even those who are not that much into aviation.
One highlight visitors usually love is the high-definition flight simulators where you can have a glimpse of how combat and stunt flying feel.
The museum is also home to the Cubi Bar Café, a themed restaurant serving delicious salads, sandwiches, and desserts. They also bake fresh bread daily. To end your visit, check the museum shop for some souvenirs to take home.
Also, since we mentioned aviation, most Tuesdays and Wednesdays from March to November, you can have the privilege to see the Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy's elite flight demonstration squadron, practicing above the Navy base. On selected days, visitors can even meet the team after their practice.
Why it's unmissable
- Largest naval aviation museum on the planet—and it's free
- Hands‑on simulators thrill kids and big kids alike
- Chance to watch or even meet the Blue Angels between practices
9. Pensacola Lighthouse
360° views from 177 steps up
On top of being a charming background for photos, Pensacola Lighthouse offers one of the best views in town. Next to the National Naval Aviation Museum, this historic tower is where you can climb 177 steps to the top and soak in the stunning vistas of Pensacola Bay, the city's skyline, and the Navy Yard.
Here's a secret: on the days the Blue Angels practice, you can watch them from the top of the fort — a true once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Make sure to also visit the Maritime Museum in the fully restored Keepers' Quarters, showcasing various items and exhibits telling the story of the fort.
If you're looking for a spot where you can experience the rich history of Pensacola Beach and its region while being just a few steps away from its natural beauty, make sure to add the Pensacola Lighthouse to your Pensacola Beach bucket list.
Why it's unmissable
- Highest public lookout on the Gulf Coast
- Combines maritime history with bucket‑list photos
- Watch jets roar past at eye level on practice days
Image retrieved from www.pensacolalighthouse.org.
Time travel in a Mediterranean mansion
Housed in an elegant Mediterranean Revival-style mansion, the Pensacola Museum of History at the University of West Florida is the ultimate experience for those who want to understand the history of this charming Florida gem.
On the museum's first floor, you can check out a permanent exhibition on archeology, the history of Florida, and the preservation of Pensacola Beach and the region. The second floor is designated for rotating exhibitions making every visit to the museum a unique experience. With several photos, their collection makes you travel back in time and imagine life in the old days.
One highlight of the museum is a mock-up of the old Trader John's Bar with lots of Naval information and showcasing some of his eccentricities. The Civil War History section on Pensacola is also a highlight for every visitor.
Why it's unmissable
- Beautiful historic building is an exhibit in itself
- Mix of archaeology, maritime lore, and pop culture displays
- Ever‑changing shows warrant repeat visits
Pick the perfect place to stay in Pensacola Beach & around
At Pensacola Beach Properties, we always go the extra mile to ensure you have a 5-star experience when booking one of our condos and private houses. We have a wide selection of the best short-term rentals in Pensacola Beach and Navarre Beach, including vacation rentals with pools and pet-friendly stays.
There's nothing like experiencing this piece of paradise in Florida with all the privacy and comfort you need. Staying with us, all you have to do is kick back, relax, and soak in the Gulf Coast vibes to the fullest.
