Families with Kids over 12 Itinerary

Planning trips for the entire family to enjoy can be challenging, especially if you’re trying to make plans with teens. Whether your teens prefer to spend their vacation in Pensacola Beach on the sand, in the water, or even up in the air: this itinerary leaves no space for “I’m bored”.

Getting Around

Walking – If you’re staying in the main Pensacola Beach area (QuietWater, and Casino Beach) walking is the easiest and fastest way to travel.

Trolley – If you’re wanting to head out further towards Fort Pickens or the Gulf Islands National Seashore, we recommend taking the FREE trolley that runs from May 27th – September 6th. Three trolleys will be there to whisk you around 7 days a week from 4:00 pm to 11:30 pm. A trolley map and tracker can be found on goecat.com

The Fun Store – It’s in the name! This is the fun way to get around. The store rents out scoot coupes (The tiny cars you’ll see zooming along Pensacola Beach), bikes, electric bikes, tandem bikes, and scooters. It’s a great way to welcome more laughs and more photo opportunities into your trip.

Local Tip

Stretching out over 1470 feet, the Pensacola Beach Fishing Pier is the best place to observe marine life and sunsets. Common sights in the sparkling emerald waters include dolphins, rays, and game fish such as tarpon. Pensacola’s surfing community catches waves on the right side of the pier and they put on a pretty cool show as well.

Stay

What does a teen friendly hotel look like? Try this aesthetic retro hotel that boasts complimentary kayaks, paddle boards, and vintage bikes. The Surf & Sand Hotel has a private sound side beach and is just across the street from Pensacola’s Casino Beach. It’s also one of the dog friendly hotels on the island.

Eat

Native Café is a beloved local restaurant dedicated to breakfast/brunch. Their pancakes are the best on the beach! Sidelines is for your teen that can’t miss the game. Catch every play on one of their 38 HD TV’s while digging in to a variety of dishes from chicken fingers to catch of the day. They have a small arcade too! Shaggy’s is a family oriented restaurant with a great atmosphere. Enjoy snapper or a cheeseburger with a view of Little Sabine Bay.

Shop

Head to the boardwalk along QuietWater beach for the best summer looks, trip mementos, and outdoor gear. You’ll find beach classics like Ron Jon Surf Shop as well as local boutiques unique to the area. You can also grab some delicious fudge from Kilwins. They serve amazing Mackinac Island Fudge so make sure to pick up some.

Top 5 Things to do with Kids Over 12

Water Sports

Enjoy spectacular views of the bay or cut through the waves with Laguna’s Beach Bar + Grill, Radical Rides, or Key Sailing. All of them offer parasailing and jet ski rentals. Children of any age can parasail with parental permission; jet skis can only be rented by 18+ but they can be driven by anyone 16+. Laguna’s Beach Bar + Grill offers many other forms of adventure as well. The highlight reel includes banana boat rides, zip-lines, clip’n’climb, Go Kart races and the longest zip rail on the Gulf Coast.

Fishing

Families have been fishing Pensacola for generations. Our waters are especially prized for Red Snapper, Amberjack, Red Fish, Pompano, and Tarpon. This activity can be as easy as strolling onto the Pensacola Beach Fishing Pier where you can rent tackle, buy bait and get a fishing license. If you prefer a guided experience, Saltwater Mercs offers land-based (surf fishing) charters. Book boat charters with Deep Thrills Fishing (inshore/nearshore), Pensacola Fishing Co. (inshore/offshore/shark), Bloodline Fishing Charters (deep drop/bottom fishing) and Rooster Tail Pensacola Fishing (nearshore/offshore/shark/custom). We have a variety of options for your teen to hook a perfect memory.

Snorkeling

If you’d rather just admire the fish, snorkeling is the way to go. Park East Snorkel Reef is an artificial reef located 500 meters offshore with 40 oyster trees to explore. It is known to host sea turtles, juvenile flounder, snapper, octopus, and butterfly fish. A blue and yellow marker in the dunes will help you line up with the reef. Forget your mask at home? Pick up your gear at Alvin’s Island beach shop. Note: Snorkeling in green flag conditions with a buoyancy aid is highly recommended. Florida law requires a diver down flag for snorkelers. Locate the reef with this map!

Luxury Picnic

If you’ve heard your teen using the words “boujee” or “material girl” there’s a good chance this is the experience for them. Treat your family to a decadent spread with views of sparkling emerald waters – It’s snapchat and Instagram friendly! Check out the sunset picnics by Grocery Concierge, Posh Picnics, or Pensacola Picnic Co. to book something unforgettable.

Lazy Days Beach Services

Spend less time packing and more time relaxing with this rental service. Lazy Days will reserve a spot on the beach for you and your family when you book their beach chairs, loungers, or umbrellas. They also rent out kayaks, catamarans, paddle boards, and beach cruisers! Have some fun without lifting a finger!