The westernmost city in the Florida Panhandle, Pensacola is home to amazing waterfront homes and condos, several pristine beaches, wonderful parks and campgrounds, and many world famous golfcourses. And, it is fast becoming one of the most popular destinations for many other sports, like fishing and boating. as well as vacations and tourism. Famous for its barrier islands, where you’ll find Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key and known for it’s laid-back, coastal way of life, the “City of 5 Flags” has something for everyone. It is a melting pot of people, culture, cuisine and more. With a burgeoning downtown rich in the new…restaurants, music and art; and the past…historical sites and important buildings of the early settlers, there seems to always be something to do, a new place to explore or a new experience just around the corner in this fabulous city.
Pensacola is also home to it’s very own baseball team, the Blue Wahoos, named after a tough hometown fish, renowned for the explosive way they pull out of the water. Come watch them play at their very own stadium, located downtown. Nearby, you’ll find the historic Pensacola Saenger Theatre. And, of course, almost every season brings a festival to Pensacola. From the Pensacola Seafood Festival to the Great Gulf Coast Art Festival and the FooFoo Festival. And with a Farmer’s Market practically every weekend, it’s apparent that is a town that knows how to have fun!
And, of course, there is the world famous Blue Angels, a flight demonstration squadron of the United States Navy. Formed in 1946, the unit is the second oldest formal aerobatic team in the world. They stage aerobatic performances at air shows a couple times a year, which are open to the public. With the base, NAS, located right here in west Pensacola, you can often spot them during their weekly practice sessions flying high above in formation.
Seafood Reigns Supreme and Shopping Abounds
Some of the best waterfront restaurants in Florida are right here in Pensacola.
Need to take a small break and get a delicious bite to eat? One of Pensacola’s many downtown restaurants are sure to satisfy even the most discerning appetite. From waterfront bistros, like Nick’s Boathouse, with seafood delights and a giant aquarium, to local breweries, like The 5 Barrel, there is something for everyone – even a new food truck plaza at The Garden! Pensacola is friendly, vibrant and conducive to a casual lifestyle and relaxation. The sun and the sea help a body to heal and rest. A couple of the more popular restaurants are The Fish House, Jaco’s Bayfront Bar and Grille and The Jellyfish bar on Perdido Key. And don’t forget about the puppies. Pensacola has a couple of dog-friendly restaurants, like Hub Stacey’s, as well as beaches and parks, like Bayview Park, for your furry friend’s fun and recreation.
Amongst the many historic buildings in Downtown Pensacola, you’ll find unique shops to wander in and enjoy the relaxed Southern style we are known for. Strolling down the colorful Crepe Myrtle lined main street, Palafox Street, visitors will understand why it holds the title of the “10 Great Streets in America.” Shoppers can spend hours, searching out hand-made jewelry, fine art, eclectic home furnishings, gourmet treats and trendy clothing. Shops on Palafox include: Rock Hard Designs Jewelry, Sparkle A Girls Boutique, Don Alans, The Bodacious Shops, LLC, Bubba’s Sweet Spot, and Indigeaux Denim Bar to name just a few.
And if antiquing is more your style, Navy Blvd, just west of downtown, is the “can’t miss” place to go. Starting out with just a few flea-market style stores, this street has grown to well over a dozen shops and is becoming know as antique row. Be sure to visit the Blue Moon Antique Mall, Rusty Relic, Oooodles Antiques, and Rosie’s Antique Emporium to name a few. Many have individual booths selling everything from homemade soaps and candles to shabby chic furnishing, artwork, toys and more.