Looking for places to visit in Pensacola Beach? Pensacola Beach has something for you, whether you’re a history buff, animal lover, or just want a classic Pensacola Beach experience. Read on for some of the can’t miss places to visit in Pensacola Beach!
Gulf Islands National Seashore
One of the most popular places to visit in Pensacola Beach is the Gulf Islands National Seashore. This federally-protected stretch of coastline covers over 50 miles of Gulf and bay shoreline surrounding Pensacola. Visit to see untouched wild beaches, large trees grown sideways from the coastal winds, and even the remaining structure of Fort Pickens on the western tip of the island.
Quietwater Beach
Quietwater Beach is a top location to visit in Pensacola Beach. As the name suggests, this beach is known for its gentle waves and powder-soft sand that create a tranquil beach experience. Quietwater Beach is a favorite place to visit in Pensacola Beach for low-key watersports like paddleboarding, kayaking, and swimming due to the calm water. Quietwater Beach is also a top Pensacola Beach destination for families with children.
Fort Pickens
1400 Fort Pickens Road
The historic grounds of Fort Pickens are one of the most popular places to visit in Pensacola Beach. The Fort Pickens area is home to activities and facilities available for visitors, like the Fort Pickens Discovery Center and the Battery Worth Picnic Area. You can explore Fort Pickens and the surrounding concrete batteries with a ranger, or using the self-guided tour on the National Park Service’s app.
Naval Live Oaks Nature Preserve – Gulf Breeze
1801 Gulf Breeze Pkwy., Gulf Breeze | (850) 934 – 2600
Explore over seven miles of hiking trails along the Gulf Islands National Seashore at the Naval Live Oaks Nature Preserve. Live Oak lumber was used for the interior of warship hulls and structural supports in tall wooden ships in the 1800s, leading to the establishment of the first national tree farm which is now a grove of beautiful Live Oak trees. This preserve is a monument to the historic naval shipbuilding tradition of the United States, and an awesome place to visit near Pensacola Beach.
Gulf Breeze Zoo
57 Gulf Breeze Pkwy. | (866) 620 – 1825
The Gulf Breeze Zoo is home to over 800 exotic animals and is one of the best places to visit in Pensacola Beach. This 50-acre zoo houses giraffes, hippos, gorillas, and even rhinos. Want to see the animals up close? Gulf Breeze Zoo offers animal encounters, including giraffe feedings, budgie (parakeet) adventures, and more to elevate your Pensacola Beach experience.
Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier
41 Fort Pickens Rd., #2005 | (850) 934 – 7200
A must-visit place in Pensacola Beach is the Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier. Extending 1,471 feet out into the Gulf of Mexico, this pier is a favorite among locals and visitors alike who love great fishing and unbeatable views. The Gulfside Pavilion next to the pier provides a shaded option to get out of the sun without sacrificing the gorgeous view of the Gulf!
Pensacola Beach Boardwalk
400 Quietwater Beach Rd.
The Pensacola Beach Boardwalk is located in the heart of Pensacola Beach and is one of the top places to visit in Pensacola. Home to shopping, dining, live entertainment, and more, this area is constantly buzzing with locals and vacationers taking advantage of the unique shops and delicious restaurants. Whether you’re looking for a meal, souvenirs, or something to keep you entertained, the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk is a can’t-miss destination in Pensacola Beach.
UFOs Pensacola Beach
2 Via De Luna Dr. | (850) 677 – 8830
One of Pensacola Beach’s top places to visit is UFO’s. This newly-renovated mini golf course plays on the area’s long history with alien encounters, implementing a cosmic theme throughout the course and the indoor arcade. Fuel up for this 18-hole course with ice cream, a signature shake, or shaved ice “UFO style”!
Laguna’s Beach Bar + Grill
460 Pensacola Beach Blvd. | (850) 677-3905
Laguna’s Beach Bar + Grill is much more than a place to grab a bite – even though the food is delicious! Spend the day adventuring across Laguna’s 600+ foot stretch of coastline, with activities ranging from thrilling zip line rides and rope courses to watching your favorite team on the largest waterfront screen on Pensacola Beach. When you’ve worked up an appetite, Laguna’s Beach Bar + Grill is one of the best places to eat in Pensacola Beach – their menu covers everything from crispy mozzarella cheese stick apps to sweets by the slice for dessert.
Discover more Pensacola Beach restaurants for options for every appetite.
National Naval Aviation Museum
1750 Radford Blvd., Pensacola | (850) 452-8450
The National Naval Aviation Museum is a museum in Pensacola Beach that chronicles the history of naval aviation, representing Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Aviation. This museum covers more than 350,000 square feet of exhibit space, housing over 150 restored aircrafts and other artifacts from across the nation’s history. With offerings like these, it’s hard to believe that admission to the National Naval Aviation Museum is free – but that’s what makes this museum one of the best places to visit in Pensacola Beach!
Pensacola Museum of History
330 S Jefferson St., Pensacola | (850) 595-5990
The Pensacola Museum of History is a self-guided history museum that tells the story of Pensacola Beach via artifacts, art, stories, photographs, and more. Two permanent exhibits, The City of Five Flags and Trader Jon’s, pay tribute to Pensacola’s early days and recreate one of the area’s most prized destinations, Trader Jon’s. Rotating exhibits include The Story of Us: From Curiosity Cabinets to Modern Museums, Innovations of Yesteryear: An Object Tour of the World’s Fair, and others that explore Pensacola’s rich and diverse history.
Pensacola Museum of Art
407 S Jefferson St., Pensacola | (850) 432-6247
Located in downtown Pensacola, the Pensacola Museum of Art is an arts center for the Pensacola community. This two-story museum is home to permanent collections and rotating exhibits, so this is a great place to visit in Pensacola Beach even if you vacation here frequently – the four galleries in the museum are consistently updated with new pieces and exhibits. See their current and upcoming exhibits here.
Casino Beach
Once the site of a famous area casino, Casino Beach is now one of the best places to visit in Pensacola Beach for exciting entertainment and high-energy vibes. Swim in the warm blue water, fish or watch others reel in their catches, and enjoy the delicious restaurants nearby. Look for the water tower painted like a giant beach ball and you’re there!
Flora-Bama
17401 Perdido Key Dr., Pensacola | (850) 492-0611
The legendary Flora-Bama beach bar is located on the border of Perdido Key, Florida and Orange Beach, Alabama. This iconic place to visit near Pensacola Beach features five stages for live music, an extensive menu of local seafood favorites and classic options, and delicious drinks to complement the fun beachy atmosphere. Whether you want to hear live country, dance, rock, or beach music, the stages at Flora-Bama won’t disappoint.
Seville Quarter
130 E Government St., Pensacola | (850) 434-6211
Seville Quarter has been called the Gulf Coast’s Entertainment Destination, and is without a doubt one of the best places to visit in Pensacola. This large venue features seven themed rooms, including a dance club, pool hall, restaurants, and different bar options. Check out the famous dueling piano shows at the original Rosie O’Grady’s, sing karaoke at Lili Marlene’s, and choose a delicious dinner from Seville Quarter’s extensive menu.
Fun Fact: Apple Annie’s in Seville Quarter is home to a few salvaged wooden beams from the famous casino at Casino Beach in Pensacola, another top Pensacola Beach place to visit!
James P. Morgan Park
Pensacola Beach Trail
James P. Morgan Park is a small nature preserve on the soundside of Pensacola Beach. Dedicated to long-time Pensacola Beach resident and coastal geologist James P. Morgan, who visited this spot often, the park is an ideal place to visit in Pensacola Beach to watch the waves and take in the beauty of Pensacola Beach.
Veterans Memorial Park
200 S 10th Ave. | (850) 434 – 6119
Veterans Memorial Park in Pensacola Beach is home to the famous Wall South, a monument inspired by the Moving Wall Vietnam Memorial. Though Wall South is the most well-known monument in the park, there are 12 additional monuments throughout the park that honor WWI and WWII veterans, Korean War veterans, children of parents in the armed forces, and even a monument dedicated to dogs that have served the United States.
There are plenty of places in Pensacola Beach to visit on vacation – whether it’s your first time or you’re practically a local, there’s always something new and exciting to see. From pristine beaches and protected shorelines to adventure courses and mini golf, Pensacola Beach is a treasure trove of things to do.
Ready to plan your visit? Start with these Pensacola Beach hotels.
