Pensacola Beach

Getting to Pensacola Beach is simple and scenic. A short drive across the Pensacola Bay Bridge and Pensacola Bay Boulevard transports you from the mainland to miles of sugar-white sands and clear turquoise waters. Whether you want to unwind with a peaceful sunset walk or dive into water sports, there’s something to satisfy your craving.

Take advantage of pontoon rentals and fishing boat charters to experience the waters at your own pace. Dolphin cruises add a touch of excitement, letting visitors get close to the playful creatures in their natural habitat. Paddleboarding is popular on calmer waters, offering a tranquil way to enjoy the coast, while kayaking invites explorers to wind through scenic inlets and discover hidden parts of the shoreline.

Pensacola Beach welcomes furry friends too, with several designated dog-friendly spots. Pensacola Dog Beach East and Pensacola Dog Beach West are beachfront spaces where pets can roam the sand and splash in the waves.

A short drive inland offers dog-friendly green spaces, like Bayview Park and Ashton Brosnaham Athletic Park, both perfect for shaded walks with your four legged friends.

• Diving

  Among the most famous dive sites in Pensacola is the USS Oriskany, an aircraft carrier-turned-artificial reef. Often called the “Great Carrier Reef,” this massive structure attracts advanced divers seeking a challenging underwater adventure.

  For a unique historical dive, San Pablo—also known as the Russian Freighter—presents fascinating underwater views and plenty of marine life. Other popular sites include the Tug Ocean Wind and Joe Patti Barge, both thriving with colorful corals and a variety of fish. Beyond wreck diving, natural bottom sites around Pensacola showcase rich marine ecosystems ideal for divers of all experience levels.

• Sailing

  From catamaran lessons perfect for beginners to relaxed sunset charters, sailing options abound in Pensacola Beach. The Bay’s mild conditions cater to a range of skill levels, and for those simply wanting a serene way to end to the day, a sunset charter on the Bay is the perfect activity.

• Fishing

  Pensacola Beach offers a mix of saltwater and surf fishing options. The Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier is a popular spot for saltwater fishing, where bait and tackle shops and rentable gear offers a convenient experience. Other prime fishing spots include the Fort Pickens Fishing Pier and Pensacola’s Catwalk, which offer unique settings and views.

• Surfing

  While Pensacola Beach isn’t known for its surf, locals and visitors can still enjoy 150 to 200 rideable days a year. Dubbed a “drop and go” surf spot, Pensacola Beach’s conditions can be unpredictable but thrilling; when the surf cam shows good waves, it’s the signal to head straight to the shore, as quality waves may not last long. Surf conditions typically peak in winter and early spring.

Gulf Islands National Seashore

The Gulf Islands National Seashore is a beautifully preserved coastal area that stretches across Florida and Mississippi, offering diverse experiences in a pristine environment. The area around Pensacola Beach includes miles of white-sand beaches, maritime forests, and protected wildlife habitats. Visitors can explore scenic trails, observe unique ecosystems, and relax on tranquil shores that are largely untouched by development.

Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts will find a range of wildlife here, including rare species like the least tern and loggerhead sea turtles, as well as larger mammals such as dolphins and deer.

For those looking for water-based activities, kayaking, fishing, and snorkeling are popular choices, offering an up-close experience with the area’s rich marine life. Throughout the preserve, interpretive programs and ranger-led tours are available, providing insights into the history and ecology of the Gulf Coast.

Fort Pickens

Fort Pickens provides a unique opportunity to step into history while enjoying the natural beauty of Pensacola Beach. Its granite walls and cannons contain remnants of a past when it served as a Union stronghold.

Today, visitors can explore the fort’s historic structures, including Battery Cooper and Battery Worth. As part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, the Fort is a popular spot for beachgoers and history enthusiasts alike.

Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier

The Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier stretches over 1,400 feet into the Gulf, designed with durability in mind after Hurricane Opal destroyed the original structure in 1995. This reconstruction includes heavy-duty 500-pound wooden panels engineered to detach under extreme winds, preserving the pier’s core structure during hurricanes.

Beyond its robust design, the Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier remains a gathering place for visitors who come to fish, stroll, and enjoy views stretching deep into the Gulf. Anglers of all skill levels appreciate the pier’s ample space and vantage points for casting lines, with chances to catch a variety of local fish. The pier is also ideal for observing marine life, from dolphins to sea turtles gliding in the clear water below.

Pensacola Beach offers a range of dining options, from casual waterfront eateries to refined coastal cuisine.

• Red Fish Blue Fish

  With its casual, open-air setting and colorful decor, Red Fish Blue Fish captures Pensacola Beach’s laid-back charm. Known for its Gulf-to-table approach, this spot features fresh, locally sourced seafood and offers plenty of outdoor seating, including cozy beach chairs and fire pits overlooking the water. Menu highlights include Gulf fish tacos and their popular shrimp basket.

• The Grand Marlin

  Another favorite for fresh seafood is The Grand Marlin Restaurant and Oyster Bar along Pensacola Beach. Led by award-winning chef Gregg McCarthy, this restaurant features a frequently-changing seafood menu that takes advantage of the day’s catch. It also boasts a fun cocktail menu and gorgeous views of the water.

• The Fish House

  Located a short drive from Pensacola Beach, The Fish House is a longstanding favorite known for its waterfront dining and lively atmosphere. The menu leans heavily on seafood, with specialties like Grits à Ya Ya — a creamy grits dish with shrimp — and fresh Florida oysters. The Fish House also boasts a large outdoor deck that overlooks the bay, ideal for watching the sunset with a cold drink in hand.

• Bonsai

  Bonsai, situated in the Hilton Pensacola Beach, offers a unique fusion of Japanese and Gulf Coast cuisine, served in an elegant, modern setting. Known for its sushi, sashimi, and inventive rolls, Bonsai provides an upscale dining experience with dishes like spicy tuna rolls and Gulf-inspired nigiri. The restaurant’s stylish decor and attention to detail make it a perfect spot for a more refined evening out.

• Drift Modern Coastal Cuisine

  Drift offers a modern take on coastal dining with an upscale yet relaxed ambiance. The menu focuses on seasonal, local ingredients, with a mix of seafood, steaks, and creative small plates. Drift’s dishes, like the roasted sorrel snapper and ahi tuna steak, are designed to celebrate the flavors of the Gulf with a contemporary twist. Large windows and soft lighting add to the restaurant’s airy, sophisticated atmosphere.

Whether you’re after a relaxed morning coffee or a lively evening drink, Pensacola Beach’s cafes and bars reflect the island’s coastal character. Native Cafe kicks off the day with hearty breakfast favorites and a welcoming, beachy atmosphere, while Cafe Bistro provides a more low-key spot for light bites and coffee. If you’re craving a tropical twist, Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii offers Kona coffee and unique lattes, while Cafe Single Fin embraces the local surf culture, making it a great spot to hang out after hitting the waves.

As the sun dips lower, the beach’s bar scene comes alive. Bamboo Willie’s Beachside Bar and Paradise Bar & Grill offer live music and sweeping Gulf views, perfect for enjoying frozen cocktails by the water.

For a more classic Pensacola vibe, Sandshaker Lounge serves up its signature Bushwacker and a casual crowd, while Sneaky Tiki Bar provides a cozy, tiki-inspired escape just steps from the shore.