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You are here: Travel Guides » Pensacola

Travel Guides: Pensacola

General Information

Pensacola

Pensacola, close to the Alabama state border on the Gulf coast, is yet another of Florida's resort Meccas; but instead of theme parks and excitement, the city relies on real history and natural attractions to draw the crowds and the ambience is relaxed and laid-back among fountains and parks.

Ancient Native Americans left their mark here around the natural deep-water harbour, before European settlement arrived in 1559, in the form of a group of Spanish colonists. It was the start of a long rivalry for control of the port, with France, Great Britain, the United States and the Confederacy battling it out over the years, leaving the city with a blended architectural legacy ranging from Spanish brickwork and French wrought-iron balconies to Victorian mansions. Pensacola also now boasts the Seville Historic District to showcase its heritage, containing treasures such as Florida's oldest church. With plenty of interesting history, the city also has a noteworthy Historical Museum.

Apart from ancient history, Pensacola is known for its current stars, the Blue Angels precision flying team of the US Navy, who are based here and hold thrilling exhibitions. The US Naval Air Station is situated to the west of the city and also boasts the National Museum of Naval Aviation.

In and around Pensacola powdery white sandy beaches abound along the coastline and on the Gulf Islands, particularly at Perdido Key and Pensacola Beach with their luxury resorts. The coast and islands are a paradise for fishermen, and 'foodies' will enjoy the plentiful local oysters.

Getting Around

The best way to see the sights in the centre of Pensacola is to board the Five Flags Trolley, run by the Escambia County Area Transit System; it departs frequently from the Pensacola Visitor Center. The route passes through the historic Pensacola Village every weekday, with two lines serving the downtown area, Palafox Street, the waterfront and North Hill Preservation District. Another trolley service, the Tiki Trolley, runs along Pensacola Beach on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend. Escambia also runs public buses around the city daily except Sundays, but these do not access the beach. There are bicycles and scooters for hire, and taxis can be ordered by telephone from various companies.

Activities

Tallahassee, Pensacola

The capital city of Florida, Tallahassee is located 191 miles (308km) east of Pensacola on the 'Big Bend', close to the border with Georgia, 14 miles (23km) to the north. The city is set in rolling hills and sports moss-draped oaks, fragrant magnolia trees and grand old plantation houses more reminiscent of the Deep South than the Florida sunshine scene. Tallahassee hosts the Florida State University at the state's new Capitol Building, which towers 22 storeys above the downtown area. The city's five Canopy Roads, where trees form virtual tunnels, are lined with interesting sites such as plantations, ancient Native American settlements and mounds, gorgeous gardens and scenic picnic spots. There is also a Museum of Natural History and Science combined with a natural habitat zoo of indigenous wildlife.

Civil War Soldiers Museum, Pensacola

A store-front museum in Pensacola's business district houses a fascinating collection of Civil War artefacts gathered by a local physician, Dr Norman W. Haines Jr, throughout his lifetime. The exhibits have been arranged to give visitors an insight into what life as a civil war soldier was like. Particularly interesting are the medical exhibits. The collection also includes the handmade First National Confederate flag captured by Wilson's New York Zopuaves during the Battle of Santa Rosa Island in October 1861.

Opening Times:
Tuesday to Saturday 10am-4pm.

Admission:
$6 (adults), $5 (military), $2.50 (children 6-12). Group tours are available

Pensacola Historical Museum, Pensacola

The museum is a good place to learn about the city's diverse history and understand why Pensacola is known as the 'city of five flags'. The museum is housed in the Arbona Building, built in 1882, and the site includes an archaeological dig dating back to the Spanish colonial era, which visitors can view from a boardwalk with explanatory signs.

Opening Times:
Tuesday to Saturday 10am-4pm.

Admission:
$6 (adults), $3 (children 4-16). Tickets may be purchased at the Tivoli High House Gift Shop, located at 205 E. Zaragoza Street in downtown Pensacola.

National Museum of Naval Aviation, Pensacola

The museum on site at the sprawling US Naval Air Station west of Pensacola is regarded as one of the largest and most remarkable air and space museums in the world, with more than 170 aircraft on display dating from the 1920s to the space age. In addition the museum boasts a very realistic recreation of a World War II aircraft carrier and a wartime Pacific airbase. Between March and November visitors might catch a practise session of the Navy's Blue Angels flight demonstration team soaring through the skies. If not the team can be seen in action on one of two Imax films shown at the museum, or keen would-be aviators can have a go at doing it themselves on the flight simulator.

Opening Times:
Daily 9am-5pm; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.

Admission:
Free admission to the museum. Ticket prices for IMAX shows vary.

Amelia Island, Pensacola

Located off the coast of Jacksonville on Florida's northern Atlantic Coast, Amelia Island is the southernmost of the Sea Island, which extend north along the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina. Amelia Island is a popular weekend excursion from Jacksonville, drawing tourists with its excellent golf and tennis resorts, stunning natural scenery in Fort Clinch State Park, and the lovely town of Fernandina Beach, which boasts beautiful Victorian mansions and a number of shops and restaurants.

Panama City, Pensacola

Located near Pensacola on the gulf coast of the Florida panhandle, Panama City is a popular travel destination. Set along 27 miles (43km) of white sand beaches, the town is a great place for families on holiday in Florida with plenty of outdoor activities available in St Andrews State Park and Pine Log State Forest, and city attractions like the Panama City Visual Arts Center and Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum.

Panama City is usually a fairly quiet town, but comes alive each spring as thousands of students flock to the town for Spring Break. Concerts, parades and other events are regular occurrences during this period, and travellers looking for peace and quiet should remember to avoid Panama City at this time.

Gulf Islands National Seashore, Pensacola

Located on the western end of the Florida panhandle, Gulf Islands National Seashore is a 150-mile (241km) stretch of undeveloped beach. What it lacks in tourist traps it makes up for in sheer beauty, and camping, hiking and bicycling in the isolated in the protected regions is a treat for travellers looking to get away from the crowded resorts of southern Florida. The park includes several islands, including Santa Rosa Island (home to the popular Fort Pickens Campground), Perdido Key, Horn Island, and West Ship Island (home of Fort Massachusetts). There are no restaurants or shops in Gulf Islands National Seashore, though most camping sites are near enough to coastal beach communities that visitors don't need to bring everything with them.

Opening Times:
Operating hours vary by season, check the website for details.

Admission:
$3 per person or $8 per vehicle, valid for up to seven days.