Things to do in Pensacola Florida: Our Top Picks for 2025

Pensacola, Florida, is a city that’s full of things to do. From its beautiful natural spots to its rich historical sites, there’s something for everyone. This guide will give you all the details about the top attractions and activities in Pensacola.

Whether you’re into history, nature, or food, you’ll find plenty of options to explore. So, let’s dive in and discover all that Pensacola has to offer.

Key Takeaways

• Things to Do in Pensacola: Enjoy a mix of amusement at Splash City Adventures, historical exploration at Historic Pensacola Village, and beachside fun at Pensacola Beach.
• Family Activities: Engage kids with interactive learning at the Pensacola Children’s Museum and outdoor sports at Veteran’s Memorial Park.
• Shopping and Dining: Shop for the latest trends at Cordova Mall and savor diverse cuisine in Downtown Pensacola’s restaurants.

Splash City Adventures

Splash City Adventures, located in the heart of Pensacola, is the city’s only amusement and water park with over 20 rides and attractions for kids of every age. This popular venue is an amusement park and waterpark all in one, sprawling across over 20 acres right along Pensacola Boulevard in Florida.

The park offers a variety of attractions, including water slides, go-karts, bumper boats, mini-golf, and arcade games. For those looking to cool off, the water park features a lazy river, numerous water slides, and a wave pool.

In addition to the fun and games, Splash City Adventures also offers a variety of food options at their Bullwinkle’s Restaurant. From pizza and burgers to ice cream and funnel cakes, there’s something to satisfy every craving.

Historic Pensacola Village

Historic Pensacola Village is a living museum that spans 8.5 acres and vividly narrates 450 years of history. The village includes self-guided and guided museums as well as living history programming. The self-guided museums include the Museum of Commerce, Museum of Industry, the Julee Cottage, the Manuel Barrios Cottage, and the John Appleyard Cottage. Tours include a 1920s Tour of the Lear/Rocheblave House, a Tour of Old Christ Church and the Dorr House, and a Tour of the Lavalle House.

Pensacola Children’s Museum

The Pensacola Children’s Museum is an interactive, hands-on children’s museum for ages up to 8. The first floor Discovery Gallery is a miniature version of Historic Pensacola Village geared for younger children to explore Pensacola’s 450 years of history. The second floor exhibits include a Colonial Classroom, Brik Makerspace, Public SuperMarket, Land and Sea: Wonders of the Gulf Coast, and Indigenous People.

Downtown Pensacola

Downtown Pensacola is a vibrant neighbourhood that’s full of charm. It’s known for its unique architecture, eclectic shops, and award-winning restaurants. One of the highlights of Downtown Pensacola is Palafox Street, named one of the “10 Great Streets in America.” Here you’ll find a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as the famous Palafox Market, where local vendors sell everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts.

Fort Pickens

Fort Pickens is a historic United States military fort located on Santa Rosa Island in the Pensacola, Florida, area. It is named after American Revolutionary War hero Andrew Pickens. It is the largest of four forts built to defend Pensacola Bay and its navy yard. The fort was completed in 1834 and was one of the few forts in the South that remained in Union hands throughout the American Civil War.

Pensacola Beach

Pensacola Beach, situated off the coast of Pensacola on Santa Rosa Island in Northwest Florida, is known for its lively atmosphere, emerald-green waters, and white-sand beaches. Whether you want to soak up the sun, swim in the clear waters, or try your hand at paddleboarding, this beach has it all.

Veterans Memorial Park

Veterans Memorial Park stands as a living tribute to the brave troops from Delaware and New Jersey who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. It is open year-round to the public. The park is situated on 35 acres and includes a marina and boat launch site, a playground, bicycle, and jogging paths, basketball courts, soccer, hockey, and football fields, baseball diamonds, visitor docks with full power available, a boating center and marina.

Cordova Mall

Cordova Mall is the largest and most upscale shopping center in the Pensacola area. Anchored by Belk, Dillard’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Best Buy and World Market, Cordova Mall also features more than 120 specialty stores including H&M, Carter’s/Osh Kosh B’Gosh, LOFT, Chico’s, Sephora, and The Buckle.

Whether you’re looking for the latest fashion trends, searching for a unique gift, or simply window shopping, Cordova Mall offers a diverse range of shopping options. After a day of shopping, you can enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants located within the mall. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a sit-down meal, there’s a dining option to suit every taste.

Final Word

We hope this guide has provided you with valuable information about the top attractions in Pensacola, Florida. Whether you’re planning a trip or just curious about what the city has to offer, we believe this information will be helpful. Remember, each of these places offers a unique experience that contributes to the charm and appeal of Pensacola.

FAQs

What are the best beaches in Pensacola?

Pensacola Beach, Perdido Key State Park, Fort Pickens National Seashore, Navarre Beach, and Gulf Islands National Seashore are some of the best beaches in Pensacola.

What water sports are popular in Pensacola?

Surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, diving, snorkelling, fishing, and parasailing are some of the popular water sports in Pensacola.

Are there any scenic hikes or trails in Pensacola?

Yes, there are several scenic hikes and trails in Pensacola. Some of them include Perdido Key State Park, Blackwater River State Park, Gulf Islands National Seashore, and Escambia River Canoe Trail.

Where can I see dolphins in Pensacola?

You can see dolphins in Pensacola during Dolphin Cruises from Pensacola Bay, at Fort Pickens National Seashore, and at Perdido Key.

What are the must-see historical sites in Pensacola?

The must-see historical sites in Pensacola include the National Museum of Naval Aviation, Fort Barrancas Military Reservation, Pensacola Lighthouse, Historic Pensacola Village, and Seville Square.

What unique museums are there in Pensacola?

Some unique museums in Pensacola include the Saenger Theatre, Pensacola Museum of Art, Pensacola Children’s Museum, and Blue Angels Museum.

What festivals and events are popular in Pensacola?

Some popular festivals and events in Pensacola include the Pensacola Seafood Festival, Mardi Gras, Pensacola Jazz Fest, Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show, and Gulf Coast Arts Fest.

What is the local cuisine in Pensacola?

The local cuisine in Pensacola includes fresh seafood, barbecue, gumbo, po’boys, grits, and Southern comfort food.

Where can I find the best seafood in Pensacola?

You can find the best seafood in Pensacola at Joe Patti’s Seafood, McGuire’s Irish Pub, Pensacola Bay Seafood, and Fisherman’s Wharf.

What are some fun things to do with kids in Pensacola?

Some fun things to do with kids in Pensacola include visiting the Pensacola Children’s Museum, Gulf Breeze Zoo, Pensacola Beach Boardwalk, Fort Pickens National Seashore, and watching a Blue Wahoos Baseball Game.