Plan your 2026 Pensacola Beach getaway with fresh dining spots, local favorites, historic highlights, and outdoor experiences, plus tips to make the most of your stay on the Gulf Coast.
Is Pensacola Beach on your radar this year? Go for it! This Florida paradise and mainland Pensacola together offer new and soon-to-be-open spots for great food and entertainment, along with classic local staples and incredible natural beauty that continue to captivate anyone visiting this must-visit destination in the Sunshine State.
Below, I've put together an updated list of what's new in Pensacola Beach and Pensacola, along with must-visit spots for eating, drinking, experiencing the best of entertainment, exploring historical gems, and, of course, enjoying the natural and outdoor activities that make this part of the country shine.
Just a quick hi before we jump in:
At Pensacola Beach Properties, we don't just offer a great selection of Pensacola Beach rentals, we've also got you covered with 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.
What's New in 2026
Baja Coastal Kitchen, Pensacola Beach
Formerly Laguna's Beach Bar & Grill, this space has been fully reimagined to make way for Baja Coastal Kitchen. The new menu features incredible creations with bold, island-inspired flavors. Dishes that have already made their way onto regular patrons' must-try lists include the chilli lime shrimp, beer-battered grouper tacos, and the Baja mahi taco bowl. The atmosphere is 100% coastal charm, with sea breezes and views of the beach.
Biscuit Belly (Coming Soon), Pensacola
Known for their delicious stacked biscuit sandwiches, hearty breakfast plates, and Southern comfort food, Biscuit Belly is coming to the Florida Panhandle, and they're set to open a branch in Pensacola soon. Besides their tasty treats, they always bring a colorful, Instagram-worthy atmosphere and enhance the mood of every visit.
Prime & Beyond Wagyu Steakhouse, Pensacola
Prime & Beyond is Pensacola's new go-to spot for premium wagyu cuts. Since its opening, it's been creating a buzz in town thanks not only to its stellar variety of cuts and a few seafood options, but also to its elegant, upscale atmosphere. Highlights? Many, but some of the absolute must-tries so far include the Crispy Fried Wagyu Cutlet, Wagyu Burger, Dry-aged Pork Chop, and the Seafood Stew.
Waldo's Chicken & Beer, Pensacola
Waldo's is a Nashville-based favorite known for its two ways of preparing chicken: Southern fried and rotisserie. They serve it on the bone, in a sandwich, piled into a basket, or built into a bowl. Add homemade sides, eight house sauces, and their signature cheese biscuits, and you've got a new must-go spot in Pensacola to satisfy your craving for fried chicken accompanied by a cold beer.
Launch Entertainment (Coming Soon), Pensacola
If you're planning to come to Pensacola Beach and Pensacola with the little ones this year, keep an eye on the soon-to-be-open Launch Entertainment, a state-of-the-art indoor family entertainment complex. Launch will be located at 8102 N. Davis Highway in the Ferry Pass Plaza and is expected to open in September 2026. Their Pensacola outpost will boast 31,000 square feet of family-friendly entertainment, including arcade games, bowling, indoor trampolines, obstacle courses, and more.
The Top 7 Local Legends You Shouldn't Skip (Food, Cocktails, & Entertainment)
Cafe Bistro
This local favorite always lifts the mood of visitors in Pensacola Beach. Boasting a charming and friendly atmosphere, Cafe Bistro serves up a diverse breakfast and lunch menu with irresistible classics like fluffy pancakes (the Nutella French toast is a must-try), biscuits & grits, perfectly cooked omelets, and indulgent pasta dishes such as fettuccine with meatballs and fettuccine chicken Alfredo.
The Grand Marlin
If you have to choose one place for seafood in Pensacola Beach, make it The Grand Marlin. Here you'll indulge in some of the freshest Gulf Coast seafood delicacies in the region, along with stunning views of the Pensacola Sound. Enjoy an incredible oyster bar and explore a menu that changes daily to highlight the freshest catches. Don't miss the oysters Rockefeller and smoky barbecued oysters, best accompanied by one of their handcrafted cocktails.
Salt
Craving Mediterranean-inspired flavors? Salt is your go-to spot. This sophisticated restaurant, located within the Hilton Pensacola Beach hotel, is home to superb seafood dishes like the colossal shrimp cocktail, crab cakes, Mediterranean shrimp & grits, seafood linguine, and lobster ravioli, all to-die-for options. Also, be sure to try some of their signature cocktails: the Bar Stool Philosopher, Oaxacan on Sunshine, and Tea Time are pure magic in a glass.
Red Fish Blue Fish
Overlooking the picturesque Santa Rosa Sound, Red Fish Blue Fish is all about blending Southern-inspired fare with fresh Gulf Coast seafood. This is an absolute must for families visiting Pensacola Beach, as the restaurant offers lawn games, fire pits, and stunning waterfront views beyond the amazing lineup of dishes. The Cajun-style oysters, blackened tacos, shrimp & chips, and steamed snow crab are unmissable. And don't forget to try the legendary Bushwacker, one of the stars of their menu and a must-try while in Pensacola Beach.
Shaggy's Pensacola Beach
A family- and dog-friendly restaurant on Little Sabine Bay, well known for its island-style atmosphere, water views from every seat, and hearty dishes, including options like the famous crab-stuffed flounder, seafood mac and cheese, and the Captain's seafood platter.
Sandshaker Lounge
Locally known as "The Shaker," Sandshaker Lounge has been around since 1973. This local treasure is none other than the birthplace of the legendary Bushwacker, a creamy, chocolatey cocktail introduced in 1975. With a Bushwacker in hand, you can enjoy live music every weekend, along with karaoke and trivia nights. The lounge boasts multiple bars, including an outdoor patio bar, and offers pool tables for extra fun.
Pensacola Beach Boardwalk
A mandatory stop for every first-time and returning visitor, the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk is the hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment, boasting stunning waterfront views of the Santa Rosa Sound. Sunsets from here are unbeatable, and if you're more into an energetic scene, there's always a venue hosting great live music performances, featuring local and special events.
Essential Stops for History Lovers
Fort Pickens
Just a short drive from Pensacola Beach, Fort Pickens stands as a testament to both military strategy and remarkable craftsmanship. Constructed using over 21 million bricks, this impressive fortress played a pivotal role in the Civil War, remaining one of the few Southern forts to stay under Union control throughout the conflict. Beyond its historical significance, the area surrounding the fort boasts scenic nature trails, unspoiled beaches, and diverse wildlife, making it an ideal destination for both history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
The 29-minute climb and 177 steps to the top of the Pensacola Lighthouse are well worth the effort because of the breathtaking panoramic views of Pensacola and the Gulf. Back on the ground, you can check out the Maritime Museum, which houses a first-order Fresnel lens—a masterpiece of optical engineering, along with artifacts from the Civil War, when the lighthouse played a crucial strategic role.
Naval Aviation Museum
If you're visiting Pensacola, Pensacola Beach, or the surrounding area, you can't skip this one. The Naval Aviation Museum showcases over 150 meticulously restored aircraft, including the legendary Curtiss NC-4, and offers immersive experiences like flight simulators and a giant-screen theater. Admission is free.
Annual Blue Angels Air Show
We cannot talk about Pensacola without mentioning the iconic Annual Blue Angels Air Show, one of the most anticipated events in the region, drawing thousands of spectators each year to witness the legendary U.S. Navy Blue Angels perform their breathtaking aerial stunts.
The show typically takes place in July, with practice runs usually held in the days leading up to the main event. The 2026 Blue Angels Pensacola Beach Air Show is scheduled for July 18.
Historic Pensacola Village
Historic Pensacola Village is a fascinating collection of 28 preserved properties that bring the city's colonial past to life. Spanning 8.5 acres, the village showcases Spanish, British, and American influences through beautifully restored buildings and immersive experiences. One of the highlights is the 1805 Lavalle House, where you can watch living history demonstrations and engage with hands-on exhibits that illustrate daily life in early Pensacola.
Nature & Outdoor Activities
Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier
This is Pensacola Beach's crown jewel. You really haven't done the Gulf Coast until you've spent some time on a proper fishing pier, taking it all in. Stretching out over those bright, clear waters, the Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier, one of the longest in the region, gives you front-row views for everything from laid-back scenery to anglers pulling in their catches (and yes, they're usually happy to chat). Keep an eye on the water too; you might spot sea turtles, barracudas, or even dolphins cruising by if you get lucky.
Pensacola Beach Eco-Trail
The Pensacola Beach Eco-Trail is a self-guided route highlighting the ecosystems and wildlife of Santa Rosa Island. Spread across the beach, it features 29 educational stops covering marine life, coastal vegetation, shorebirds, and local history. This is an absolute must-add to your itinerary if you want to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region.
Opal Beach
Located just east of Pensacola Beach, Opal Beach is one of the most pristine and tranquil stretches of coastline within the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Known for its powdery white sand, turquoise waters, and untouched natural beauty, it provides a peaceful retreat away from the busier beaches nearby.
Gulf Islands National Seashore
This protected coastal stretch spans 160 miles across Florida and Mississippi, preserving pristine beaches, barrier islands, marshes, forests, and historic forts, including Fort Pickens mentioned earlier. Established in 1971, it's one of the region's most scenic natural areas.
Explore the dunes, marshes, and maritime forests via the park's hiking and biking trails for a more immersive look at this unspoiled environment.
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Enjoy Pensacola Beach Like Never Before!
When you're in town for the Blue Angels shows, stay like a local in one of Pensacola's many stellar vacation rentals.
At Pensacola Beach Properties, we offer a wide selection of the best short-term rentals, including beachfront options on Pensacola Beach. Staying with us, all you have to do is kick back, relax, and soak in the Gulf Coast vibes to the fullest.
