5 Fool-Proof Reasons to Visit Pensacola, FL
Pensacola, FL, lies on the far west side of the Emerald Coast, just a stone’s-throw away from Alabama. This big city with a small town feel is packed full of fun things to do. If you’re having trouble deciding where to travel, let me fill you in on 5 Fool-Proof Reasons to Visit Pensacola, FL.
Table of Contents
- History
- Nature
- Watersports
- Big City With a Small Town Feel
- The Dolphins
History
History tours are a great way to see the city and understand its past
Pensacola, Florida, offers a rich dose of history. The city itself has been claimed by five countries since the 16th century, and is the oldest European settlement in mainland America. Visit landmarks dating back over 150 years, like the Pensacola Lighthouse, and while you’re at it, check out more stunning markers like the South Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall and the Crystal Ice Company Building!
The Pensacola Historic District is an official U.S. Historic District containing 20 historic buildings, 2 structures, and excellent shops and restaurants. A strong military history is part of Pensacola’s legacy, and multiple military-based tours highlight that proud history.
Learn about Pensacola’s famous visitors and residents from Andrew Jackson to Daniel “Chappie” James Jr., and hear expert accounts on local battles that shaped the future of our country and world. Whether grabbing a map and hitting the town on a self-guided history tour, or booking a guided Pensacola city tour, bicycle tour, or segway tour, you’re sure to enjoy the experience!
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Nature
Pictured above is Big Lagoon State Park.
Think Pensacola is just another big city? Well you’d be wrong! If you’re looking for [fun outdoor adventures (https://www.tripshock.com/blog/pensacola-florida-outdoor-adventures-you-never-forget/ “fun outdoor adventures”), you’re in the right place. Pensacola is situated on the stunning Gulf Coast, surrounded by centuries-old forests and bodies of water, protected by publicly accessible parks. The beach is the main attraction for many Pensacola visitors, but if you look a little deeper, you’ll find a treasure trove of nature’s finest displays.
Neighboring Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key offer all the frills and thrills of the nation’s best beach destinations, but with a bit less congestion than Panama City Beach or Destin, Florida. When staying in Pensacola, you will not need to go far for an outdoor adventure.
Plenty of parks like Big Lagoon State Park (for more information about Big Lagoon State Park, click here: https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/big-lagoon-state-park), offer scenic hiking trails, historical monuments, and majestic wildlife. These parks and reserves are scattered through the area, giving adventure-seekers and nature-lovers the chance to inject a bit of extreme into an otherwise relaxing trip!
Watersports
One traveler explains how memorable their Pensacola jet ski rentals were in a recent TripShock Traveler Story
Boating is one of the top reasons to visit Pensacola, FL, with in-town marinas offering sailing excursions and boat rentals. But if you’re in the mood for something different, just a short drive from your Pensacola hotel is Pensacola Beach, FL. As one of the Gulf Coast’s hottest stops, Pensacola Beach offers all the exciting activities and attractions of the biggest coastal towns, but with a more laid-back atmosphere.
Jet ski rentals, deep sea fishing tours, and parasailing are just a few of the family-fun tours you’ll find, but it doesn’t end there! Book a Pensacola Beach dolphin cruise from TripShock.com for a relaxing boat ride aboard a 63’ covered catamaran, or strap on a snorkel and dive deep for a first-hand view of Gulf marine life! Almost any beach activity you can imagine is up for grabs in Pensacola Beach, but just in case you’re looking for more, Gulf Shores, AL, and Destin, FL, are just down the road with even more watersports and activities for your enjoyment!
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Big City With a Small Town Feel
Image of downtown Pensacola by James Willamor via Flickr
There aren’t many vacation spots where one can hit the beach, fish in the deep sea, explore a historic village, and scream for the home team at a baseball game all in the same day! Getting the best of both worlds is one of the many reasons to visit Pensacola, FL. Pensacola is a big southern city with a small town feel. Travelers are given the opportunity to coordinate their Emerald Coast beach vacation with a concert at the convention center, Blue Wahoos baseball game, Pensacola Ice Flyers hockey match, or countless other attractions and events only found in larger cities.
Families can revel in the kid-friendly parks, beach-based activities, and stunning Pensacola Historic District, while romance awaits couples at night time destinations like Seville Quarter, a massive 7-sectioned venue offering dining, dancing, and games. Pensacola makes it easy to plan a trip in advance, or to be spontaneous!
The Dolphins
Pictured above are dolphins jumping through the waters.
There are many reasons to visit Pensacola, FL, and seeing the dolphins is one of them. One of the best ways to see dolphins is to go on a dolphin tour. On the waters of Pensacola Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, the tours will take you on an adventure to see dolphins and other wildlife. These tours often include a captain who is knowledgeable about the area and knows where the best spots are for seeing these wonderful creatures of nature!
{Read Reviews & Book Pensacola Dolphin Cruises Online}