Pensacola. One of the largest metropolitan areas in the gulf coast, located in the Florida Panhandle. Once was known as a Navy town because of the US Naval station and home of the Blue Angels. Many people come and go, many stay here permanently and call it home. This is a melting pot of different cultures, different religions, people from all nationalities are here. After all, it is a beautiful city surrounded by beautiful beaches and places to explore. My husband was born here and spent most of his childhood years here but like many others, left. This is my second home in the United States and so far I am loving it, for now I will definitely call this home but who knows, the future is uncertain and life does come along with changes, decisions and events that can change in a heartbeat.
Pensacola is BEAUTIFUL. Aside from the many things you can do and see, the beautiful beaches and the historical places that surrounds us, the people are nice too. Just like some what others would say, "I live where you vacation." Here are some of the places I never get tired of going to in Pensacola.
1. Pensacola beach
Of the main reasons tourist flock to Pensacola during spring/summer break. Also one of the places locals are proud to have. The clear blue water and powdery white sands is why this is a top place to visit on many traveller's list. The stretch of restaurants and gift shops along the main road is what will greet you first once you pass the toll plaza. There has been changes on the way you pay to get in, it use to be you can pay with cash or card at the tolls, many locals also use sunpass which is a device you can preload funds into and it automatically deducts it when you pass by the toll booths, no need for stopping. I am thinking because of the congestion that stop and go traffic caused by the visitors paying with cash or card, they now do what is called, pay by plate. No need to stop, just drive through and a bill will be mailed out to your registered address for your vehicle.
The parking lot inside is huge and can accomodate alot of vehicles but on busy days or "event" days, you will find it hard to search for a parking space, if you are willing to sacrifice a little walk time, there are multiple parking areas scattered around the beach. Picture Pensacola beach as one huuuge stretch of beach, aside from the main Pensacola beach, to the left you will see Fort Pickens, and inside this area there is yet, another long stretch of beach area and fishing areas, to the right a few miles down the road, you will be at Portofino, where the popular Portofino Hotel is located at and beyond that, yes, miles and miles of beach.
2. Fort Pickens
I do not know the whole history of Fort Pickens so I have plenty of reading to do about it, but what I do know is this is another beautiful area in Pensacola that you will enjoy. This is part of Gulf islands National seashore so it is not free to get in, if I am not mistaken it is $15 per person or $25 per vehicle with less that 15 capacity. if you don't have an annual pass. Military gets in for free and annual passes will run you about $45 which will let you into all National seashore parks in Florida. One thing I heard about this place is this is where Geronimo was jailed. The main fort is very solemn and amazing, somewhat eerie too when you're walking through it by yourself. Im positive there are alot of things that happened at this fort and if only the walls could talk, I bet it will have alot of stories to tell. There are some camping grounds throughout the park, some for RV's and some areas for primitive camping. This is our go to place for fishing, towards the end of the fort is a little fishing pier where red snappers can be caught.
Some bunkers in the background.
3. Portofino
This is the location of Portofino island resort, a very nice and luxurious hotel in Pensacola. This is our normal spot when we want to spend a day at the beach and avoid the crowded areas. There is about 5 or 6 parking areas along the stretch of beach past the hotel so you have choices on where to be at where it's not going to be as packed as Pensacola beach. This long stretch of road beyond the beaches will also take you to Navarre beach. Beautiful white sands and sand dunes is located on both left and right sides of the road so it is a nice and slow scenic ride if you enjoy cruising with the windows down and the wind and sun touching your face.
Beautiful white sand along Portofino resorts
4. Johnsons beach
Also part of the gulf islands national seashore, your annual park pass will also get you into here. Day passes are still the same as Fort Pickens which is $15 per person or $25 per vehicle with less than 15 capacity. This is usually our first on the list when we want to spend a day at the beach, it's not too far from where we live and there is hardly any traffic or congestion on the trip there. Inside there is a Nature trail if you want to have a walk through nature and put in your daily dose of exercise, The right side of johnsons beach is the gulf side where you can enjoy your beautiful florida sand and water, on the left side is the sound side where people usually go boating and fishing. This is we would enjoy fishing, we can spend all afternoon until evening just fishing and talking. Towards the end of the road inside the park , if you dare to brave the long walk towards the end of the island, Fort Mcree is located there. I havent been there yet but one of these days we will.
5. Downtown Pensacola
Here is where most of the night life is, restaurants, bars line up the whole area, from the main street and also the side streets. More known as Palafox street and towards the end of the road is Palafox pier. People usually hang out there, fishing, feeding the pigeons or just playing on the grass with their kids. Towards the right side of downtown you will also find the well loved home of the blue Wahoos. This is the area where most events take place as well. On saturdays you can enjoy the Palafox market, where vendors set up shop selling items that range from food, fruits, plants, artwork and other homemade items. Every third saturday of the month they have gallery night, where music and art fills the night, not to mention food and drinks. Once a year, this is also where the Pensacola seafood festival is held. An event where you can enjoy a day eating seafood! They also sell other food but seafood is the main star in this festival.
A little kid enjoying her time feeding some pigeons.
6. The Naval museum
Located on NAS, the cradle of naval aviation. This is where the initial training of military personal who seek to become aviators. The Naval museum showcases historical ships and aircrafts and are proudly on display within and around the complex. Entrance is free and it definitely is a delight to be able to walk through it and learn more about the history of the Navy. There are some hands on exhibits like planes and helicopters that you can sit in, some virtual flight simulators are also on display where you can enjoy the feeling of being a pilot. This area is very special to me because this is where i took my oath of citizenship, proudly becoming a United States citizen.
Experiencing the Navy life.
7. Pensacola lighthouse.
This lighthouse has been guiding ships through the Pensacola pass since 1859. Now this lighthouse has history. Up until the current day, it is beautiful as ever. This has been through wars, natural disasters and yet it is still standing. This is now a tourist destination, being visited by tourists and locals year round. It does have an entrance fee which is $8 for adults, $4 for children 12 and under, and also $4 for senior citizens. The walkthrough inside the main lighthouse quarters is also a educational trip. Rooms are decorated like it was back in the 1800's. The walk up to the top of the tower is not that bad, the steps are a little narrow so I suggest you hug the walls on the way up. If you are afraid of heights I wouldn't suggest going to the top, the walk up is not so bad, but if you're afraid of heights, the walk down is going to be a challenge. One fun fact about the lighthouse, it has been told that people claim to see and hear ghosts when inside. A lady's voice can be heard towards the upper part of the lighthouse and footsteps can also be heard. So if you're into ghost hunting, this should be on your list, after all, this has been around since the 1800's.
Happiness after climbing all the way to the top of the lighthouse, it was a beautiful view up there, it was tiring but worth every step.
8. Graffiti Bridge
Located on 17th avenue, graffiti bridge is an always changing work of art, everyone can just go ahead and spray paint whatever they want here. There are days when we pass by where a beautiful mural will be but of course it doesn't last that long because it will be painted over within a few hours by somebody else.
It's still an active railroad as you can see.
9. Bay Bluffs
The bluffs are overlooking Pensacola bay, pretty popular with those who walk their dogs and also work out. A brisk walk to the bottom of the bluffs will take you to a little solemn beach area and their is also an active railroad along the shores. I have only been here once or twice so really didn't get to explore the area. Still worth a visit when in Pensacola.
10. Blue Wahoos
Blue Wahoos stadium of course is the home of the Pensacola Blue Wahoos. This area gets pretty busy during baseball season, You can call yourself lucky if you can find a parking spot nearby during peak season. Off peak days is another story. The surrounding park is where we usually spend afternoons either playing soccer or enjoying some time at the playgrounds. Me and my hubby also walk around the whole park 3 or 4 times for exercise. There's also a Fitness court here where you can also do some cardio workout. Some fishing piers are located here to if you love to fish. We love this area because of the beautiful sunsets.
Pensacola still has alot to explore, I basically just covered those that we enjoy visiting. There are plenty other events, festivals that take place in Pensacola but I wanted to cover those within driving distance that won't require you to spend a fortune to see. I can proudly call Pensacola home, you will never run out of things to do, and if just in case you do get tired of it, there are plenty of nearby cities and also states you can discover in just a day trip.
Till next time, Lovely.
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