Taking a vacation to Pensacola? Or maybe you’re just passing through and looking for something to do. No matter what your reason, there is lots to do in this city. Whether it’s exploring a fort or scuba diving, you’re sure to have a great time. Listed below are the top ten best things to do in this town.
1. Sam’s Fun City
Sam’s Fun City is the only waterpark located in Pensacola. They have four main slides, and several other smaller ones for children to play on. Also included is the area is an amusement park with several rides, an arcade, restaurant, build-a-bear shop, and a bounce room that children can play in. If you’re looking to kill some time in the spring or summer, the waterpark is a great for children. During the colder months, it does close down, but the rest of the rides and games remain open year round. You can read my full review of Sam’s Fun City here.
2. Pensacola Interstate Fair
If you’re in Pensacola during late October, the Interstate Fair is a must. There are dozens of different rides for children and adults of all ages. Even if you’re not a fan of roller coasters, the fair offers a huge variety of things to do. You can play games, eat tasty fair food, attend one of the fairs many concerts, sing karaoke, get henna or airbrush tattoos, enter raffles, view the petting zoo, and much more. If you would like to read more about the Pensacola Interstate Fair and all the different events it offers, you can do so here.
3. Blue Angel show
If you haven’t heard of the Blue Angels, you’re missing out. These six jets preform amazing aerial stunts together that will leave you speechless. They usually preform with several other airplanes, but the Blue Angels are always the star of the show. They preform several times a year, and you can view the show at Pensacola beach. There you’ll also be able to buy food, drinks, ice cream, and many other items to help keep your day fun.
4. Pensacola Beach
This beach is the main attraction of Pensacola. The sand is snow white and the ocean is a beautiful emerald green. If you’ve never seen sand and water like that, you’re missing out. The sand is so soft that it actually squeaks when you walk on it, and it’s so white that it’s not uncommon to see young children creating snowmen out of it. If you get bored of the beach, you can take a break in the many restaurants or bars located along the shore. Or, if you’d rather do something more adventurous, you can rent equipment for just about any water sport imaginable.
5. Johnson Beach
Similar to Pensacola beach, this beach is also beautiful. What makes it different is that it’s located on a wildlife preserve, meaning there are no buildings along the shore. While some people might find this a bad thing, if you’re looking to just get away from it all and enjoy nature, Johnson Beach is the best place to go. Since it is located on a wildlife preserve, it’s not at all uncommon to see dolphins, turtles, stingrays, birds, and many other animals enjoying the beach with you. Since some of these animals are endangered, it’s quite an amazing sight. You can see pictures of this beautiful beach here.
6. Pensacola Civic Center
The Pensacola Civic Center has just about everything. Concerts are preformed here, as well as monster truck shows, and in the winter, hockey and ice skating. Because the Civic Center changes so much, be sure to check the schedule ahead of time so you know what will be going on when you visit.
7. Fort Pickens
A military fort built in 1834, this is a great place for history buffs to go, or people who just like to explore. The road going to the fort was damaged during Hurricane Ivan, but it has recently reopened, allowing the public to view it once more. There have also been a few reports of ghosts being seen in the fort, which makes visiting it all the more exciting.
8. Cordova Mall
If you enjoy shopping, this is the place to go. Cordova Mall is the largest shopping mall on the northwest coast of Florida. There are many stores, restaurants, and things to do inside this mall. Whether you’re looking to spend some money, or just enjoy some great food, this is a great place to go.
9. Scuba Dive
If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary to do, scuba diving is a must. The YMCA offers a scuba program that will let you do just that. This vacation, why not dive into the water and experience a whole new world?
10. Zoo
The Pensacola zoo use to be a very run down place without many animals. However, recently a new company bought it and completely turned that around. There is now several fun things to do and see, including petting zoos, feeding animals, and much more.
No matter what you decide to do, you’re sure to have a great time. Enjoy your vacation, but be sure to come back soon. This city is always adding new attractions for you to try.
