ensacola, Fla. is The Way to Beach™ for every type of traveler looking for an unforgettable getaway in 2023. Nestled in the Northwestern-most part of the state, the thriving coastal city has long been beloved for its stunning sugar-white sand beaches, glittering emerald waters and undeniable charm, and now there's more to experience than ever before.  

The Way to Beach™ for the History Buff  

Founded by the Spanish in 1559 and revered as America's First Settlement, Pensacola's changing ownership over its 462 plus-year history has made the destination a cultural cocktail of Spanish, French, Creole and British influence. History lovers can discover the origin story of the city by immersing themselves on the America's First Settlement Trail, a free and publicly-accessible three-mile pedestrian trail with 20 stops including over 70 points of interest, encompassing descriptive landmarks, images and details on the surrounding area. Scenic nature trails wind through the Gulf Island National Seashore (GINS), the longest stretch of federally protected seashore in the U.S., and along its shoreline path sits Fort Pickens, a military fort constructed in the 1800s. Visitors can walk amongst the expansive fort grounds and learn about the park's history and the fort's origins at the Discovery Center. The park also welcomes guests to take part in other available amenities like fishing, swimming, kayaking, hiking, cycling, camping, bird watching and other outdoor activities, offering several beach access points throughout the grounds.  

Johnson Beach in Perdido Key is named in honor of Private Rosamond Johnson, a Purple Heart recipient. The eastern end of Perdido Key was historically a refuge where Black citizens could enjoy the beauty and recreational opportunities on the beach. Following the Korean conflict, to commemorate Private Johnson for his sacrifice and to honor the beach's importance within the community, the beach was named Rosamond Johnson beach. Each May, an annual commemoration is held to remember the service and sacrifice of Private Johnson and his family. 

Museums like the General Daniel Chappie James Museum of Pensacola, Inc., dedicated to Gen. Daniel "Chappie" James – the first Black officer in the history of the U.S. military to attain a 4-star full general rank – and the National Naval Aviation Museum (NNAM), one of the world's largest Naval Aviation museum exhibiting more than 150 beautifully restored, one-of-a-kind aircraft representing Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Aviation, are perfect activities to add to any history buff's itinerary. Guests visiting the NNAM this Fall can catch the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels, the Navy's flight demonstration squadron, practicing their fearless maneuvers and thrilling visuals high overhead.  

The history of Pensacola also beats proudly throughout the destination, including in the heart of the historic and culturally significant Belmont-Devilliers Neighborhood. Here, visitors can learn more about the rich Black culture that has shaped Pensacola, including visits to local institutions like Blue Dot Barbecue and Five Sisters Blues Cafe, as well as the Kukua Institute – where visitors can learn more about the history behind the “Blocks.”   

The Way to Beach™ for the Foodie 

The gem-colored waters of Pensacola offer more than just a stunning view, they also provide some of the freshest seafood along the Gulf Coast. Foodies with refined palettes and taste-testing beginners can enjoy fresh culinary experiences with Pensacola's wide array of appetizing offerings like DRIFT Modern Coastal Cuisine, serving upscale delicious meals with local ingredients and coastal views, Bonsai – offering a sophisticated Japanese contemporary dining experience just off the Gulf – and a local favorite, The Grand Marlin, delivering views of the Santa Rosa Sound with a side of the the freshest local seafood cuisine.  
 
For more family-friendly, Gulf-side dining, look no further than favorites like Casino Beach Bar & Grille offering mouthwatering grilled seafood and sandwiches, crab cakes and more, which even can be served right on the sand! For patio-side views of the Gulf and Santa Rosa Sound, Crabs on the Beach and Flounder's Chowder House offer freshly-prepared sushi, seafood tacos, pasta and more.  
 
Seville Savories Food Tours allows visitors to sample several culinary hot spots in a short period of time, with a guided tour to five local establishments throughout downtown Pensacola, offering the opportunity to indulge in dishes that are both diverse and eclectic, with lunch and dinner tours available to book, as well as a coffee tour. Pair the taste of Pensacola with sips at one of the city's several unique watering holes such as The Well Floridan Lounge, delivering ambiance with delectable appetizers, a national-caliber cocktail menu and a funky beer program. The Kennedy, where classic cocktails are served with innovative twists, pays homage to modern pop culture with drinks like “Crazy in Love,” “Little Red Corvette,” “Thank U, Next” and “Neon Moon.” The iconic Flora-Bama Lounge & Package in Perdido Key serves fresh seafood, grilled favorites and live music alongside its Gulf-front views; it's also home to Pensacola's signature beverage, the Bushwacker – a frozen cocktail featuring Kahlua. 

The recently opened Lily Hall, a 15-room boutique lodging house located within the former historic Old Mount Olive Baptist Church, is home to Brother Fox – where a Spanish-inspired menu pays homage to Pensacola's original settlers. Guests can enjoy signature dishes including sharable prime skirt steak, wood-fired seafood and several varieties of tartar. Guests in-the-know and looking for a thrilling cocktail experience can also visit Sister Hen, the on-site (and first-ever in Pensacola!) speakeasy with a password-protected entrance that delivers an intimate candlelit setting and inventive cocktails with innovative presentations.  

Annual events like the Pensacola Seafood Festival, Taste of the Beach and Pensacola Eggfest are signature culinary happenings that bring local and traveling food lovers together each year.  

The Way to Beach™ for the Adventurer  

While the sunny city of Pensacola offers plenty of ways to unwind, the thrill-seeking traveler can stay busy with exciting adventures available throughout the destination. Pensacola offers an array of diving experiences ranging from first-timer excursions to professional dives. Pro divers can descend about 200 feet into the Gulf to view the USS Oriskany, aka “The Mighty O,” and explore the depths along the Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail. This shipwrecked 872-foot aircraft carrier now acts as the world's largest artificial reef, hosting an entire marine ecosystem. Affectionately nicknamed the “Great Carrier Reef,” divers can swim among goliath grouper, sea turtles, sunfish, eagle rays, tuna, amberjack and tropical fish. Pensacola's plentiful marine life can also be seen during a session with Glow Paddle. Named for the LED lights that illuminate the kayaks during nighttime tours, the tour company also offers daytime tours with both crystal-clear kayaks and paddle boards, allowing visitors a close look at the marine life that thrives below.  

For those who would prefer to join the adventure from aboard or on-shore, Pensacola offers a multitude of private and group fishing charters and fishing spots, such as the Pensacola Beach fishing pier – one of the Gulf's longest piers! Between the Gulf of Mexico, three bays and a river – Pensacola is an angler's paradise, providing a diverse freshwater fish population that will have any angler hooked.  

Take to the skies with parasailing at Laguna's Beach Bar + Grill to take in the sights of sunny Pensacola from above, including panoramic views of the sparkling Gulf waters and perhaps a dolphin or two! Laguna's Beach Bar + Grill also features activities like go-karting, jetski and boat rentals, and most recently, the addition of the longest zip rail in Northwest Florida! Aside from all the fun and adventure, Laguna's also houses live entertainment, brick-oven pizzas, and Fat Tuesday frozen drinks. 

In Perdido Key, adventurers can traverse the Gulf with jet ski and pontoon rentals and private charters at the Flora-Bama Marina & Watersports, or book private fishing charters for off-shore exploration. Visitors looking to stay on land can explore Perdido Key State Park, a 290-acre state park boasting a boardwalk to explore the dunes, wildlife and much more. 

The Way to Beach™ for the Luxe Traveler 

The traveler looking to indulge in luxury can check in at luxury resorts like Portofino Island Resort and Spa. The upscale, full-service resort offers the perfect combination of premium amenities and a pristine island environment, with views of the Gulf of Mexico and Santa Rosa Sound. The Spa at Portofino offers the ideal place to unwind with spa packages like the “Sea Escape” which includes a rejuvenating 50-minute custom facial, 50-minute therapeutic massage and a choice of remineralizing or firming body treatment. Quietly situated off-the-beaten-path is the elegant Oyster Bay Boutique Hotel. Located steps away from Historic Downtown Pensacola, the intimate two-story waterfront property is devoted to hospitality and guest experience with a focus on local authenticity, modest luxury and contemporary, natural design. Founded in 2020, the environmentally conscious is the destination's first and only fully sustainable property, boasting sophisticated amenities and with just eight rooms, this adults only property guarantees a private getaway.   

New accommodations such as Celestine Bed and Breakfast, a historic 1880s family-owned home in Pensacola's North Hill neighborhood recently repurposed into a luxe bed & breakfast offers four rooms blending luxury, storytelling and hospitality, and a brilliant way to live amongst history –  boasting a warm environment for every guest, while honoring the integrity of the building and the Harrison family's rich history in the destination.   

Condor Sailing Adventures perfectly encapsulates a unique luxury experience with sunset views, and passengers can peacefully dangle their feet in the water while sailing across the Santa Rosa Sound or Pensacola Bay. With only 21 ever built in the world, sailing upon a rare 40 foot Condor racing catamaran is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 
 
For those looking for the ultimate beach-going experience, guests can reserve their spot in the sugar-white sands on Pensacola Beach with private luxury beachside setups through local companies like Pensacola Picnic Co. and Lazy Days, offering luxe seating and umbrellas, charcuterie, fresh flowers and more to make a day in the sun even more special.  

The Way to Beach™ for the Local Wanderer 
Pensacola is praised for its walkability, especially in its Historic Downtown district. Home to the iconic Palafox St. – named one of the most beautiful streets in the U.S. – visitors can immerse themselves in local fare by perusing locally-owned shops and restaurants such as Bodacious Shops and Carmen's Lunch Bar, live entertainment venues such as Vinyl Music Hall, the Clark Family Cultural Center and Saenger Theatre, local galleries and markets such as Blue Morning Gallery and Palafox Market, and even the city's Minor League Baseball stadium for a Blue Wahoos game overlooking Pensacola Bay! Guests can also choose from walkable accommodations such as Holiday Inn Express Downtown, located in the downtown city-center, and Oyster Bay among others.  

Getting to the Beach  

When planning a visit to the destination, getting to Pensacola has never been easier, with direct flights from major hubs like Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and Nashville. Those living in neighboring states such as Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi, the destination can also be accessed via road trip in five hours or less - making a sunny beach trip all the more convenient.  

For more information on what makes Pensacola The Way to Beach™ for every traveler type, visit VisitPensacola.com.