Fun for the Whole Family

You won’t find any amusement parks here on Pensacola Beach, but for decades, families have visited our Caribbean-quality coastline to bask in the natural beauty of the island.

While hitting the throttle on a jet ski or soaring high in the sky by parasail are always great options, our real treasures can be found in the simple memories and quality time spent as a family. With sand that stays cool even on the hottest summer days, you’ll find the perfect respite from those hectic schedules back home.

We want families of all sizes who trek to Pensacola Beach to experience as many joy-filled moments as possible. Nearly everything there is to do can be done as a family, but this page is dedicated to “must try” activities by land, sea, and air.

By Land

When the kiddos have finally had enough sand, sun, and saltwater, check out the activities at Casino Beach and Quietwater Beach. At Laguna’s Beach Bar + Grill, you can work up an appetite racing around the go-kart track, testing your climbing skills on a three-story rope course, or flying through the air by zip rail.

Then head over to UFO’s for a round of mini golf and out-of-this-world ice cream treats. While you may or may not encounter actual aliens, the newly renovated course pokes fun at our many reported visitations from other galaxies.

For a little bit of history and unending natural discoveries, make sure to put Fort Pickens and Gulf Islands National Seashore on your list of must-do’s.

By Sea

Have you ever heard the saying “Have you ever seen anyone frowning on a jet ski?” That’s because a jet ski rental is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Luckily for everyone, jet skiing around Pensacola Beach is next level. Simply visit the good people at Radical Rides, Key Sailing, or Laguna’s Beach Bar + Grill and your rental will be taken care of from start to finish. You’ll learn important safety basics and experience the island in a whole new way hanging onto the seat of a WaveRunner.

If gliding over the water under sail or testing your paddle power sounds appealing, you can rent a catamaran, kayak, or paddleboard for the day and cruise the sound in search of dolphins, rays, and other local marine life. When you book your spot on the Pelican at Key Sailing, the only boat built for snorkeling charters, you can take in grass beds and artificial reefs while exploring the rich biodiversity on the sound side.

By Air

Everything looks different from above, including our powder-white beaches flanked by perennial grasses, colorful buildings, and signature emerald waters. You won’t want to pass on the chance to see the entire island from a helicopter’s perspective; where you’ll enjoy awe-inspiring visibility for miles. See the friendly folks at Hang Ten Helicopter Tours to book your adventure in the sky.

When you’re ready to try parasailing, check out the boats that depart regularly from Radical Rides, Key Sailing, or Laguna’s on Quietwater Beach. You may find yourself 500 feet in the air, but rest assured that our operators use vessels certified by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Conquer your fears, hold on tight, and have a blast!