From beautiful beaches and iconic bars to museums and nature preserves, there is no shortage of interesting things to do in Pensacola Beach. This resort town bordered by the Gulf of Mexico and the Santa Rosa Sound has something for everyone, from family vacationers to outdoor enthusiasts and more.
Casino Beach
Named for the famous casino that once stood in this location, Casino Beach is still hailed as one of the best places in Pensacola Beach to visit if you want a high energy fun experience. The white sand is great for playing games like cornhole and beach volleyball, with gorgeous blue water serving as the perfect place to cool off. Work up an appetite and visit one of the delicious nearby restaurants, like Casino Beach Bar and Grille, where you’ll find menus offering everything from fresh local seafood to flavorful salads.
Quietwater Beach
Another location true to its name, Quietwater Beach is known for its gentle waves and powder soft sand. Quietwater Beach is a top place to visit in Pensacola Beach for families and those seeking a relaxed beach experience. Vacationers and locals also love Quietwater Beach for watersports like kayaking, paddle boarding, and swimming.
Gulf Islands National Seashore
One of the most popular things to do near Pensacola Beach is visit the Gulf Islands National Seashore. This 50 mile stretch of federally-protected coastline covers Gulf and bay shorelines, offering pristine beaches to explore, landscapes perfect for photography and wildlife viewing, and even the remaining structure of Fort Pickens, built by the Navy to protect the natural bay in 1834, on the western tip of the island.
Fort Pickens
1400 Fort Pickens Rd., Pensacola Beach
The historic grounds of Fort Pickens attract thousands of visitors annually, making it one of the most popular attractions in Pensacola Beach. In addition to the remaining structures, which you can tour yourself or with a guide, visitors can check out the Fort Pickens Discovery Center and stay a while at the Battery Worth Picnic Area. Find out more with the National Park Service’s app!
Pensacola Beach Boardwalk
400 Quietwater Beach Road
Located in the heart of Pensacola Beach, the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk is a top attraction in the area for good reason. This boardwalk is home to shopping, unbeatable local cuisine, live entertainment, and more to keep locals and vacationers alike entertained. Whether you’re looking for fresh seafood and fun drinks, a souvenir, or a place to pass some time, the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk is the place to find what you’re looking for.
Pick from these Pensacola Beach Boardwalk hotels so you’re within walking distance to all the fun!
Pensacola Gulf Pier
41 Fort Pickens Rd., #2005 | (850) 934 – 7200
Visit the Pensacola Gulf Pier, the longest and friendliest pier on the Gulf of Mexico, for a classic fishing pier experience in Pensacola Beach. Extending over 1,470 feet into the Gulf, this pier provides some of the best sights and fishing that Pensacola Beach offers – and there is no fishing license required to fish from the Pensacola Gulf Pier. The pier shop has everything you need to fish, from bait and tackle to rods and coolers, plus snacks and drinks. Locals love this pier for watching the sunset!
Learn more about Pensacola Beach fishing opportunities!
Gulf Breeze Zoo
57 Gulf Breeze Pkwy. | (866) 620 – 1825
Get to know native and exotic animals at the Gulf Breeze Zoo. This zoo in Pensacola Beach is great for a family outing, with over 800 exotic animals to see and learn about. Gulf Breeze Zoo covers 50 acres and houses giraffes, rhinos, gorillas, and more. Take your zoo experience to the next level with animal encounters like giraffe feedings and parakeet adventures.
Laguna’s Beach Bar + Grille
460 Pensacola Beach Blvd., Pensacola Beach | (850) 677 – 3905
One of the most popular restaurants in the Pensacola Beach area, Laguna’s, is much more than a restaurant. The food is unbeatable, but this waterfront attraction also offers activities like zipline rides and rope courses, a go kart track, splash pad, clip and climb towers, and more. Laguna’s Beach Bar + Grille is home to the longest ziprail in northwest Florida – a can’t miss thing to do in Pensacola Beach.
Flora-Bama
17401 Perdido Key Dr., Pensacola | (850) 492-0611
Visit the iconic Flora-Bama bar near Pensacola for the chance to have fun in two states at once! Flora-Bama is located on the border of Florida and Alabama, and makes their location part of the party. This awesome attraction features five stages for various genres of live music, an impressive menu with classic favorites and fresh seafood options, and an extensive list of beverages.
UFO’s Pensacola Beach
2 Via De Luna Dr. | (850) 677- 8830
This newly renovated mini golf course and arcade near Pensacola Beach is hiding a sweet secret! UFO’s of Pensacola Beach is home to an alien-themed mini golf course, arcade, and famous ice cream bar. Cool down from your round with an ice cream, signature shake, or a shaved ice served “UFO style” for out-of-this-world flavor.
Seville Quarter
130 E Government St., Pensacola | (850) 434-6211
Seville Quarter is one of the most interesting things to do near Pensacola Beach. This classically-southern venue features seven themed rooms, including dance club, pool hall, restaurants, and different bar options. Pull up a chair and listen to the famous dueling piano shows at the original Rosie O’Grady’s, belt it out at karaoke at Lili Marlene’s, and have a delicious dinner from Seville Quarter’s extensive menu.
Learn more about the nightlife, dining, museums, and more in downtown Pensacola!
Pensacola Museum of History
330 S Jefferson St., Pensacola | (850) 595 – 5990
This self-guided history museum holds exhibits, memorabilia, photographs and video, and other elements from Pensacola’s interesting past. The Pensacola Museum of History is home to two permanent exhibits, The City of Five Flags and Trader Jon’s, that honor Pensacola’s early days and recreate one of the area’s prized original tourist attractions, Trader Jon’s.
From relaxing on the sugar white sands to soaring above them on a zip line, there is an exciting range of things to do in Pensacola Beach. Every member of the family is sure to find something to love in this famous beach town – the only thing left to do is book your trip. Check out these Pensacola Beach hotels!
