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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.
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. 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 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
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