Pensacola Beach Things To Do in Winter
Pensacola Beach, FL, is known for its warm-weather activities. The hot, Florida sun makes extreme adventures like swimming, boating, and snorkeling easy and enjoyable. But what happens when the temperatures cool down? Though the water is too cold for swimming, Pensacola Beach travelers can still enjoy an Emerald Coast vacation!
Travelers turn to the surrounding area for exciting tours and attractions featuring the history and nature of Northwest Florida. Keep reading for the top Pensacola Beach Things To Do in Winter!
Table of Contents
- Segway Tours
- Fishing
- Escape Rooms
- City Tours
- Explore the Local Nature
- Museums
- Try the Local Cuisine
Segway Tours
Glide through gorgeous Pensacola Beach on a segway tour and take in the beautiful scenery and sunshine
Learn about the fascinating city of Pensacola while gliding effortlessly through downtown. You will visit numerous historical sites, landmarks, and monuments, including:
- Belmont-Devilliers Neighborhood
- Fort George
- The Crowne Plaza Pensacola Grand Hotel (Former L and N Train Depot)
- Aragon Neighborhood
- Veteran’s Memorial Park
- Plaza de Luna
- And MORE!
And let’s not forget to mention the spot where Florida was officially handed over from the Spanish to the United States. You’ll learn interesting facts while experiencing the exhilaration that is segway gliding!
Fishing
Two anglers show off their catch of the day after fishing.
While fishing is something that can be enjoyed all, year-round, it’s also one of the top things to do in winter in Pensacola Beach and is an essential component of any Florida vacation. Even though you may have to trade in the bathing suit for a light jacket, there is still plenty of fun to be had and fish to be caught when in Pensacola Beach this winter. With offshore (deep sea) fishing or inshore (bay) fishing available in the area, choosing the best charter for you has never been easier! If the excitement of an offshore fishing adventure has you itching for some fishing, check out the species of fish you’re expected to catch and get your rods and reels ready:
- Snapper
- Grouper
- Amberjack
- Triggerfish
- Mackerel
- And MORE!
Most charters will fillet the fish that you catch, as well, meaning there might just be a delicious fish fry in your near future. Other inclusions on an unforgettable Pensacola Beach fishing charter include bait, tackle, fishing license, and instruction, meaning all you need to do is pack a cooler, grab the essentials like sunglasses and sunscreen (yes, even during the winter months), and catch yourself a keeper! Speaking of keepers, below are fish species you will target on an inshore fishing charter:
- Sheepshead
- Redfish
- Flounder
- Trout
- And MORE!
Whichever fabulous fishing charter in Pensacola Beach you choose, you’re guaranteed to reel in good times, lifelong memories, and of course, some tasty fish. With a charter for all ages and skill levels, experience this Florida staple for yourself, today!
{Read Reviews & Book Pensacola Beach-Navarre Fishing Charters Online}
Escape Rooms
*This family escaped their Pensacola escape room in 59 minutes and 29 seconds, with just minutes to spare. Image by Escape Room LOL Facebook Page. *
Escape the winter blues with a Pensacola Beach escape room! This fun and unique activity is a race against the clock to see if you and your crew can escape from a locked room. Using hints, clues, teamwork, and problem solving, this activity is a great way to collaborate with your loved ones towards a common goal. See if you and your favorite people have what it takes to escape!
{Read Reviews & Book Pensacola Beach-Navarre Escape Rooms Online}
City Tours
*A Pensacola bus tour is an exciting and informative way to see the city. *
Explore Pensacola beyond its beautiful beaches on a fun and informative city tour! City tours are a great way to see the area from a different perspective, and possibly shed some light on how the area turned into the city you know and love today. Historic Pensacola tours come in all shapes and sizes, and below are a few of the popular city tours offered in the area:
- Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour
- Landmark City Tour
- Pensacola Architecture Tour
- Civil War History Tour
- Red Light District Tour
Not only are the topics they cover different, ranging from history to architecture, but the tour types vary, as well. Ranging from 1 hour to 6 hours in duration, and with public and private tours available, there’s a Pensacola city tour that’s sure to fit your wants and needs. Hop aboard a city tour, ride in style, and explore this historic city, today!
Explore the Local Nature
Image of the Gulf Islands National Seashore by faungg via Flickr
While searching for the best Pensacola Beach things to do in winter, many people instinctively will consider the beach. While taking a dip in the beautiful emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico may prove to be just a bit too chilly for most during the winter months, visiting the beach in the off-season still has some perks.
With lower temperatures, for one, taking a stroll down the beach doesn’t feel as if you’re training for the Olympics. Not only that, colder weather typically means fewer crowds, which is perfect for finding a secluded spot on the beach to set up shop. Enjoy a picnic, throw a frisbee, or just sit back, relax, and listen to the waves, the options are practically endless!
Another great thing about exploring the local nature is that Pensacola Beach is home to the Gulf Island National Seashore, and scenic beauty isn’t the only thing besides seashells you’ll find at the seashore! This area is actually home to Fort Pickens which was built in the 1800s, and is perfect for the history lovers out there. Other ways to escape into nature when in Pensacola include visiting one (or all) of the following:
- Tarklin Bayou State Park
- Naval Live Oaks Nature Preserve
- Bay Bluffs Park
- Blackwater River and Coldwater Creek in Milton
- Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail
- Big Lagoon State Park
Museums
Pictured above is the main entrance of the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida
When it comes to Pensacola Beach things to do in winter, one of the best places to start is at the local museums. A great indoor activity to beat the cold weather, and even rainy days, museums are a fun and informative way to spend the day. Pensacola is rich in history, culture, and military presence, meaning there are a ton of great museums to choose from. Below are a few of our favorites:
- National Naval Aviation Museum: If you get the chance to visit the National Naval Aviation Museum, you should definitely go. As the largest Naval Aviation museum in the world, this attraction boasts more than 150 restored aircrafts, and more! For more information, please call 1-800-327-5002 or visit https://www.navalaviationmuseum.org/.
- Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum: Built in 1859, the Pensacola Lighthouse is the perfect attraction for history buffs. Not only that, climbing up the 177 steps to the top of the lighthouse yields some of the best views on the Emerald Coast! For more information, please call 850-393-1561 or visit https://www.pensacolalighthouse.org/.
- Pensacola Children’s Museum: One of the best activities for kids in Pensacola, visiting the Pensacola Children’s Museum is a must when looking for things to do in winter with the little ones in tow. This historical museum is geared towards children and focuses on hands-on learning with multiple exhibits, artifacts, educational play, and interactive learning. For more information, please call 850-595-1559.
Try the Local Cuisine
From creative and colossal burgers, to succulent and savory seafood, there’s a plate for every palate in Pensacola Beach
With so many fun activities to enjoy when in Pensacola Beach, it’s important to remember to stop for a bite to eat. Not only will this provide you with the energy you need for your next adventure, but it will also give you a chance to try the area’s tasty, local cuisine. Between the beach and the city itself, there are plenty of options to choose from. Below are some of the top places to eat in the Pensacola area, for your dining pleasure:
- Union Public House
- Captain Joey Patti’s Seafood Restaurant
- McGuire’s Irish Pub
- Jackson’s Steakhouse
- Five Sisters Blue Cafe
- Peg Leg Pete’s
- The Grand Marlin of Pensacola Beach
And those are just to name a few! From fine dining to fish houses on the bay, there’s a dining experience to appease even the hardest to please taste buds.
As you can see, even though the beach may not be what comes to mind when you think of winter vacation, there are still plenty of Pensacola Beach things to do in winter to please even the pickiest of travelers! Ditch the snow for the white rolling dunes of Pensacola Beach, and take in the local history, city sights, and breathtaking nature. From visiting the National Naval Aviation Museum, to reeling in the biggest fish on your private fishing charter, there is something for everyone when visiting Pensacola Beach in the winter.