Pensacola: The Way to the Beach

Pensacola: The Way to the Beach

There’s so much to discover in Pensacola 

Words by Paige Townley

Small town meets big opportunities in Pensacola, a picturesque coastal city in the panhandle of Northwest Florida. From sugar white sand beaches to a charming downtown to a 500-plus year history—not to mention luxury amenities, family-friendly activities, and culinary offerings to rival anywhere else—Pensacola is a destination that is brimming with fun and adventure for visits and vacations of all types. So when you find yourself in Pensacola, you’re sure to find whatever it is you’re looking for.

Health & Wellness

Relaxation starts immediately upon arrival in Pensacola. The cool coastal breeze, white-sandy beaches, and sun-drenched shores provide the perfect backdrop for slowing down, pondering life, and simply enjoying the day. That day should most certainly include exploration of or relaxation on two of the area’s most pristine beaches: Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key, the longest stretch of the national seashore from Mississippi to Florida.

An area known for its natural beauty, Pensacola also offers a wide variety of nature activities and experiences as well. Connect with nature on a dolphin cruise, snorkeling and diving, paddle boarding, fishing, hiking, or birding. Explore its unique beauty at one of Pensacola’s natural national seashores. Or for those looking for more health and wellness focused activities, plan a morning or afternoon for some paddleboard yoga or self-reflection and meditation in nature with Sound Baths with Swan Michelle. Many local boutique and other unique hotel properties offer health and wellness offerings as well with state-of-the-art spas and amenities, such as Oyster Bay Boutique Hotel, Lily Hall, Hilton Pensacola Beach, and Portofino Island Resort.

Gifts & Goods

Exploring all that Pensacola has to offer includes hitting the sidewalks to check out its many locally-owned boutiques and shops. Supporting the local community is easy with these sorts of offerings, that range from handcrafted home goods to art galleries, antiques, and the latest fashion and accessories. The Bodacious Shops is a locally owned boutique that features more than 50 varieties of olive oils and balsamic vinegars. Rusted Arrow Mercantile is the go-to for all things home, while Artesana is a longstanding local favorite for specialty homeware and gifts. A shopping experience that can’t be overlooked is the Palafox Market, which features fresh produce, live plants, baked goods, fine art, antiques, and so much more every Saturday morning in downtown Pensacola.

Downtown Discovery

When in Pensacola, it’s easy to focus on its beautiful beach and natural attractions, but one of the many things that make the city unique is its charming—and historic—downtown. Pensacola’s history goes back to the 1500s—making it the first European settlement in the New World—and the city’s downtown area continues to display many of Pensacola’s 450-plus year history today. Many of the area’s historic structures today house some of downtown’s most unique shops and boutiques. In addition to this unique history, downtown Pensacola is home to a wide variety of dining options, from casual eateries and food trucks to fine dining and pub fare.

With so much to see, do, and experience in Pensacola is a coastal destination you’ll want to find yourself in again and again. For more information, visit www.visitpensacola.com.