While the city of Pensacola FL may be known primarily for the nearby Pensacola naval air station that has been located there for over a century; but did you know that it’s a great vacation destination as well? Well, it is! The city of Pensacola offers vacation-goers a plethora of fun things to see and do, and tourists who chance a visit to this historic city will soon find that it makes for a great vacation destination.
Despite its no-nonsense appearance, which can be attributed to the large military presence in the area due to the air station, this town boasts a number of fantastic activities and amenities that are enough to satisfy even the most demanding tourist. From its immaculate white sandy beaches to its educational attractions, there’s plenty to see here. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at 5 of the many things to do in Pensacola!
The National Naval Aviation Museum
For the history buffs among you, the first thing you’ll want to see in Pensacola is the National Naval Aviation Museum. This fascinating place memorializes the key moments in naval aviation history with carefully curated exhibits featuring some of the most fascinating and influential aircraft of the 20th and 21st centuries.
With a collection of over 150 aircraft, the exhibits are fascinating to say the least. Among their collection are A4 Skyhawk fighter jets that served with the Blue Angels from 1974 to 1986, a Sikorsky SH-3 anti-submarine helicopter, and a selection of WWII carrier-based fighters, just to name a few.
There are other exhibits, of course; a gondola from a decommissioned dirigible, a plane used by George H. W. Bush to train during WWII and a myriad of other fascinating aircraft, but to list them all would take more space than we have here. Suffice it to say that, if you visit the Naval Aviation Museum, you’re going to leave smiling ear to ear!
The Beach
If you prefer a more passive, relaxing vacation activity, then Pensacola’s beaches have just what you’re looking for. These immaculate white sandy beaches boast pristine emerald water, simple but functional facilities and ample parking, making them ideal for a relaxing dip in the water or a sunbathing session on the shore. Grab a lawn chair, your sunglasses and a margarita and you’ll be on your way to having a good time!
If you want to kick it up a notch, Pensacola’s beaches have several beach volleyball courts where you’ll often find pick up volleyball games in progress. These are usually a casual, low-stress affair, so don’t hesitate to say hello and join in on the fun! Before long you’ll be leaping high into the air and dishing out perfect blocks and spikes to the cheers of your teammates.
Fishing and Boating
Perhaps your dream vacation doesn’t involve beaches and lawn chairs. Maybe it centers on the visceral struggle between you and a 40lb mackerel on the end of a line you’ve been holding steady for hours. If this sounds like you, you’re probably an angler; if you are, then boy have we got good news for you!
Pensacola is home to a plethora of great fishing spots, both on land and on water, so you can make your dream fishing trip a reality! For those who prefer to reel in their catch with both feet on dry land, there are many beautiful piers where you can do just that. If you favor deep-sea fishing, there are a number of reputable boat rental services in the area, as well as numerous ramps where you can launch small to medium-sized vessels.
Art and Culture
With its storied history and active artistic community, it comes as no surprise that Pensacola is home to a large variety of attractions centered around its rich past and vibrant cultural scene. With a number of fascinating and elucidating museums, art galleries, and historical landmarks, those who seek a more intellectual experience are sure to find it here.
Take art for instance; Pensacola is home to dozens of creative thinkers, each with their own unique view of the world that they are able to turn into inspiring art pieces. Art galleries like the Blue Morning gallery and the Quayside gallery offer a unique opportunity to explore local culture and immerse yourself in the artistic scene of this beautiful city.
There’s also no shortage of interesting things to see and do for those with an inclination to history and innovation; with numerous museums and historical sites, you won’t find yourself short on things to occupy your time. There are a number of museums, such as the Pensacola Museum of Fine Art and the T. T. Wentworth Jr Museum, as well as historical sites like the Pensacola Veterans Memorial Park and Seville Historic District.
Natural Preserves and Parks
Want to rekindle your love of nature, and get back in touch with your inner self? In Pensacola, you’ll find plenty of great places to do just that. With an abundance of natural preserves and parks, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in a variety of different natural settings, from swampy wetlands to watery river deltas.
Perhaps the best place to start is the Tarkiln Bayou Preserve Park. This beautifully maintained natural preserve is the perfect way to experience the beauty of the Florida wetlands, with an extensive network of elevated walkways and scenic observation points. The park is home to hundreds of species of flora and fauna, including rare carnivorous plants and massive alligator snapping turtles.
Conclusion
After taking a look at all the amazing things to see and do in Pensacola FL, we think it’s safe to say that a vacation spent here is at no risk of being boring. From beautiful beaches and nature preserves to fascinating museums and uplifting and inspirational art galleries, there’s enough here to keep even the most demanding tourist satisfied!
If the last day of your vacation comes and you don’t want to go home, we don’t blame you! Fortunately, the city of Pensacola is a great place to live, so you can’t go wrong moving here. If you want to find out more about making this city your home, you should contact one of the top real estate agents in Pensacola FL. These experienced real estate agents will find you a home that suits your needs, at the lowest price possible. Before you know it, you might just be calling Pensacola home!
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