Kara's Sights and Bites: Paradise? Yes. But Pensacola is much more than its mesmerizing gulf waters and sugar-sand beaches
- Kara Kimbrough
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
By Kara Kimbrough
An eight-mile island of multi-colored water in brilliant tones of blue and emerald green surrounded by sugar-like sand beaches attracts visitors from around the globe to Pensacola. Upon arrival, most head to Pensacola Beach located on Santa Rosa Island. After settling into this true island paradise, there’s much more to enjoy in the fascinating city dating back to 1559, including a U.S. Naval Air Station, home of the world- famous Blue Angels, a breathtakingly-beautiful national park, an historic, walkable downtown and outstanding cuisine.
Pensacola Beach is decidedly different from regular waterfront destinations.
Instead of a single beachfront, this unique area is surrounded by the Gulf of America (formerly Mexico) to the south, Santa Rosa Sound and Pensacola Bay to the north and the Gulf Islands National Seashore to the east and west. In short, shimmering water and, in some areas, white sandy shores are present as far as the eye can see.
Additionally, Pensacola Beach is part of a nearly 40-mile stretch of breathtaking beaches that includes Perdido Key Beach and the Gulf Islands National Seashore.
And here’s another important factor to consider when planning a beach trip:
Unlike an increasing number of coastal cities that charge parking and admission fees in exchange for beach access, Pensacola Beach offers free parking along the beachfront. Free access to the area’s greatest natural treasure is something city officials don’t anticipate changing.
Visitors have free access to covered beach pavilions as well as showers and restrooms at specific locations. Pensacola Beach Pier charges a minimal daily fee for those desiring to walk or fish along the pier.
Stay at the water’s edge
Planning on staying awhile in a beachfront property? Walking out to the beach in the morning for a peaceful stroll highlighted by cool breezes, gentle waves rolling in and the sight of delicate yellow rays slowly rising above the horizon is the perfect start to the day. At the end of the day, enjoying a cool drink on the balcony of your hotel or other accommodations (more on that below) as a giant orange sun sinks beneath the water is a peaceful scene no camera can fully capture.
The perfect vacation can be enjoyed in Pensacola at a variety of accommodations, ranging from nationally-known hotels, beachfront condominiums and lavish resorts to campgrounds and rustic outposts. There is literally an accommodation to suit every preference and budget.
Located just a few feet from the gulf, Pensacola Beach’s SpringHill Suites by Marriot provides the perfect getaway. Reality is left behind as guests drive up the resort's palm-tree lined drive and entered the soothing oasis. Ensconced within the cocoon-like complex are comfortable, modern suites, pools, hot tubs, on-site dining options and the piece de resistance, the magnificent Emerald Coast a few steps away.
Spend a day at the Naval Air Station; watch the Blue Angels perform
While many are aware a Naval Air Station is located in Pensacola, less known is the fact that entire sections of the nearly 6,000-acre (not counting training areas) base are open to the public to explore.
Perhaps the most visited site is the National Naval Aviation Museum onboard the NAS. The sprawling facility is the largest aviation museum in the world, boasting a vast collection of 4,000-plus artifacts and 150 meticulously-restored aircraft. Of special interest are the original plane in which Pres. George H.W. Bush trained during World War II and the actual aircraft flown by the world-famous Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy’s flight demonstration squadron based at NAS.
Additionally, the museum includes a theater, flight simulators, museum store and café and the Blue Angels 4-D Experience. The highly-skilled Blue Angels team of active-duty sailors is one of the oldest flying acrobatic teams in the world. Visitors can watch the Blue Angels practice on the flight line behind the museum on select days.
The culmination of months of practice can be enjoyed July 9-12 during the Blue Angels’ annual Pensacola Beach Air Show. Several events, including practice runs and dress rehearsals, lead up to the main show on July 12.
Back on the base – a couple more can’t miss things to see and do including touring historic Fort Barrancas, built in 1844 and later serving as the site of a Civil War battle and the 160-year-old Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum. Climb to the top of the 177-step lighthouse for unparalleled views of the gulf and other sites.
After taking in the view, explore the adjacent museum filled with artifacts and exhibits from a bygone era.
While there is no admission fee to enter the NAS Museum, there is a fee to tour the lighthouse and museum. All visitors to the NAS are required to possess either a REAL I.D. or valid passport before entering the grounds.
Private paradise…
To enjoy even more beautiful, private beaches, natural beauty and historic sites, take a short drive west and enter another world: the Gulf Islands National Seashore. This nationally-protected wonderland encompasses pristine beaches and maritime forests and forts, with each element offering a variety of sight-seeing, exploration and recreational opportunities surrounded by natural beauty in all directions.
Visitors can enjoy sunbathing on the beach, swimming, kayaking, boating, fishing, hiking and exploring historic Fort Pickens. The cavernous fort, constructed in 1834, was occupied by Union troops throughout the Civil War to prevent the Confederacy from using the port of Pensacola Bay for naval operations.
Interspersed throughout the park are scenic lookout points, areas for hiking and designated spots for picnics and cookouts. Operated by the National Park Service, there is an admission fee of $25 per vehicle (good for 7 days) to enter the park.
More treasures await downtown
Unlike many cities’ downtown areas that go dark after 5 p.m., the opposite is true in Pensacola. As the first European settlement in the U.S. courtesy of Spain landing on its shores in 1559, restoring and maintaining Pensacola’s numerous historical sites, green spaces and streets for both day and evening enjoyment is a priority for city and civic leaders.
Pensacola’s thriving downtown is filled with both historic and modern areas.
One of the most notable is Palafox Street, named one of “10 Great Streets in America.” The bustling street is composed of a variety of dining options, art and culture, live music and theatrical venues, along with historical architectural features.
Pensacola’s historical district encompasses over eight acres and 30 properties (12 are open to the public) located within the footprint of the original Spanish and British encampments during the city’s earliest days. Major highlights of my time spent exploring downtown Pensacola include:
Historic Pensacola Village: An authentic collection of restored homes and buildings showcasing artifacts, period dress and demonstrations of daily living activities of Pensacola’s earliest residents;
Pensacola Museum of History: An outstanding collection of artifacts and exhibits offering a vivid view of Pensacola’s early years. One of the most memorable is the exhibit of the “City of 5 Flags” designation due to serving under the Spanish, British, French, Confederate and U.S. flags.
Plaza Ferdinand VII: The scenic plaza filled with trees, fountains and statutes is the site of the cession of Florida to the U.S. from Spanish control in 1821. President Andrew Jackson was also sworn in as first Territorial Governor in the plaza.
Fresh gulf-to-table cuisine…and so much more
Adequately describing the extraordinary cuisine offered throughout the city, ranging from small locally-owned restaurants to fine dining establishments, requires more time and space. Next week, I’ll share more on the delicious meals I enjoyed on Pensacola Beach and in the historic downtown area, along with a few recipes from the area’s best restaurants and chefs.
Meanwhile, start planning your trip to this slice of paradise offering the most beautiful beach combined with a plethora of exciting adventures and activities.
If You Go:
For information on visiting the National Naval Aviation Museum, including the Blue Angels’ practice and event schedules, visit: https://navalaviationmuseum.org/
Check out the Gulf Islands National Seashore Park’s website: https://www.nps.gov/guis/index.htm
For “all things Pensacola, including the historic downtown area, explore Visit Pensacola’s website at: https://www.visitpensacola.com/
Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.
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