This is the place to hear the roar and view the amazing feats of the famous U.S. Navy Blue Angels flying overhead.   Visitors to Pensacola, Florida will experience this and a host of other things to do and see from history and shopping to sports, natural beauty, and attractions.  

Conveniently located and easily accessible at the western end of the Florida Panhandle, Pensacola lies only five miles inland from the beautiful beaches of the Gulf of Mexico.

With a  moderate climate year round due to its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and its western Florida location, any time of year is suitable for a visit.  Even in January the temperature averages a comfortable 52, with highs in the mid 60’s.  It’s the time of year the Polar Bear Club holds its annual Polar Bear Dip.  If you are lucky enough to be visiting in November, the famous U.S. Navy Blue Angels, who are based in Pensacola, return home for their annual homecoming air show.  Regardless of the time of year, there is something worth seeing and doing. 

For a taste of the city, be sure to visit Flounder’s Restaurant. Known for its kid-friendly atmosphere, complete with a jungle-gym boat outside in the sand area, surrounded by dining tables along Santa Rosa sound and filled with antiques from around the globe, this is no ordinary restaurant. 

A must see attraction in the area is the National Museum of Aviation with its IMAX Theater.

The Museum displays over 170 vintage aircraft and spans 300,000 square feet. Combine this with a movie at the IMAX and it makes for a perfect day of recreation with a historical flare.

No visit to the area is complete without  spending some time at an amusement park.   Sam’s Fun City is conveniently located and features over 20 rides, go-karts, bumper boats, and mini golf, as well as an arcade and water park.

Pensacola also is home to many beautiful parks with fountains, play areas and water access. Feed the ducks at Bayview Park or watch an osprey return to its nest with a freshly caught fish at Big Lagoon State Park.  And speaking of fishing, the old Pensacola Bay Bridge is one of the longest fishing piers in the US and for just a small charge; you can fish right in the middle of the bay.

Downtown is a  place for a leisurely walk and for terrific shopping. Stop at one of the coffee shops, cafes or eateries for lunch, or for an afternoon latte. The downtown area showcases art galleries featuring both local and regional art, as well as the traveling exhibits found in the Pensacola Museum of Art. If antique shopping entices you, antique stores and flea markets pepper the area from the elegant to the eclectic.

The city has been given many nicknames over the years; The Cradle of Naval Aviation, The Western Gate to the Sunshine State, America’s First Settlement, and the City of Five Flags.  All such monikers are fitting in their descriptions of this vibrant and beautiful place.

Spend some time in Pensacola - you'll see why they say it's where thousands live the way millions wish they could.

Population:            56,255

Elevation:            32 feet above sea level

Land Area:            22.7 square miles

Location:         Located at the western end of the Florida Panhandle, on the northern bank of Pensacola Bay and five miles inland from the beach.

Time Zone:      Located in the Central Time Zone.  When it’s noon in Pensacola, it’s 1:00pm in New York City and 10:00am in Los Angeles

Weather:

Climate:

Local Seasons:

Pensacola has a very moderate climate year round due to its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and its western Florida location.  Winter and summer are the two busiest times of year.  In the winter, people from the north enjoy coming south for the warmer temperatures and numerous activities the city has to offer.  Even in January the temperature averages a comfortable 52 F, with highs in the mid 60’s F.  It’s the time for the Polar Bear Club to hold its annual Polar Bear Dip.  Summer is busy as many people visit the area for its relaxing atmosphere, entertainment, and proximity to the beach, not to mention temperatures averaging in the low 80’s F.  It’s ideal for watching the annual boat races held during this time while sipping a cool drink at the beach and working on that perfect tan.  The Spring and Fall are less crowded and offer a great opportunity to enjoy a little more serenity.  Spring is also time for the annual “Mullet Toss”, a must see local event.  Fall is still warm enough for a nice day at the beach with a good book or a run in the sand.  November is when the Blue Angels, who are based in Pensacola, return home for their annual homecoming air show.  No matter what time of year you are visiting, this warm Florida city is alive with a multitude of things to do and see. 

How to get there:

By Air:

Pensacola Regional Airport

2430 Airport Boulevard

Pensacola, FL 32504

850-436-5000

Served by many of the national airlines as well as regional carriers, the airport is located just three miles northeast of the central business district of the City of Pensacola.

By Car:

Pensacola is easily reached via I-10 from the west (New Orleans, Mobile), as well as from the east (Tallahassee).  From the north take I-65 to state highway 29.

By Train:

Amtrak

80 East Heinberg Street
Pensacola, FL 32502

800-USA-RAIL

Offers wonderful vistas as you travel on the Sunset Limited.

By Bus:

Greyhound

505 West Burgess Road

Pensacola, Florida 32503

850-476-4800

Getting Around:

With so many things to see and do, the best way to get around Pensacola is by personal or rental car.  Rental cars are available at both the airport and downtown. 

Additional Transportation:

Escambia County Area Transit (ECAT)

1515 West Fairfield Drive

Pensacola, Florida 32501

850-395-3228

Included in the mass transportation system is fixed-route bus service, ADA paratransit service, seasonal Pensacola Beach trolley service for the Santa Rosa Island Authority, and University of West Florida (UWF) on-campus trolley service. All vehicles are ADA lift-equipped and all buses and trolleys are equipped with bicycle racks.

Yellow Cab Company

850-433-3333

National Holidays:

New Year's Day: Jan. 1

Martin Luther King, Jr., Day: 3rd Mon. in Jan.

President's Day:  3rd Mon. in Feb.

Memorial Day: last Mon. in May

Independence Day: July 4

Labor Day: 1st Mon. in Sept.

Thanksgiving Day:  4th Thurs. in Nov.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: Dec. 24 and 25

New Year's Eve: Dec. 31