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The original "True" bushwacker that came out of Pensacola has three different rum's (Myer's dark, Bacardi, & Malibu)then topped with 151. Creme de cocoa because you are suppose to taste the hint of chocolate, (some use a bit of kalua too), and of course made with vanilla ice cream make the best. Two scoops of vanilla & one scoop of chocolate for a cheaper version. U can use coconut cream instead of malibu for a cheaper version, and most bars don't put all the rum's because of the cost.
Pensacola Bushwacker
4.0 oz Coconut Cream
2.0 oz Coffee Liqueur
4.0 oz half-and-half Cream
1.0 oz Creme de Cacao
1.0 Vanilla Ice Cream
1.0 oz Black Rum
2 cups ice
Original Bushwacker
1 shot Meyer's Dark Rum
1 shot Bacardi Rum
1 shot Malibu Coconut Rum
1 shot Creme de Cacao
1 splash Bacardi 151
6 oz half-and-half
1 scoop vanilla ice cream
2 cups ice
<eat name="Joe Patti's Seafood" alt="" address="524 S B St" directions="intersection of Main St and B St" phone="+1 850 432-3315" email="" fax="" url="http://www.joepattis.com/" hours="S-Th 7AM-6:30PM, F-Sa 7AM-7PM" price="">This seafood market is so popular, customers are expected to take a number, and the wait can be up to a half hour! It's easy to see why; they offer fresh local seafood brought in straight from the docks, along with high-quality imported seafood, at startlingly low prices. While waiting, try an order of sushi from their sushi bar, visit Anna's Wine Shop in the back, or browse the imported foods and knick-knacks at Amangiari's Shop.</eat>
<eat name="Maria's Fresh Seafood" alt="" address="621 E Cervantes St" directions="" phone="+1 850 432-4999" email="" fax="" url="http://www.mariasfreshseafoodmarket.com/" hours="" price="">Unlike Joe Patti's, Maria's is a quiet seafood market, without all the bells and whistles. It's a well-kept secret to Pensacola seafood restaurants; most of them buy their seafood through here.</eat>
Opal Beach was created after Hurricane Opal wiped out the sand dunes there in 1995, so it makes sense that the beach was named for the storm. Casino Beach is named for the Casino Resort, the first tourist destination on the island, which opened on June 13, 1931, the same day the first bridge to the island opened. With a bar, tennis courts, bath houses, and a restaurant, it was a popular resort until it eventually closed in the 1960s. At Chicken Bone Beach, fishermen use chicken bones to capture the blue crabs that thrive in the sound, hence the name. Langdon Beach is named after the World War I-era Langdon Battery, and which in turn was named for Lieutenant Loomis S. Langdon, a soldier stationed at Fort Pickens during the Civil War who eventually became commander of the fort.
In the community of Pensacola Beach, there are quite a few stretches of shoreline to choose from, depending on your tastes. Just a short drive takes you from a rowdy party beach, to a calm kid-friendly one, to sand-dune protected solitude. The most popular beaches are on the south side of the island, facing the Gulf of Mexico, usually called Gulfside; these beaches have powdery white sand, clean water, and moderate waves, but there is a danger of rip tides and marine life. The north side faces Santa Rosa Sound, and is called Soundside; there are few waves here, and no rip current, but the sand isn't as nice, and the water is more polluted due to boats and runoff.
<do name="Casino Beach" alt="" address="Via de Luna Dr" directions="south of intersection of Via de Luna and Fort Pickens Rd" phone="" email="" fax="" url="" hours="Daily 24-hours" price="Free">This is the most popular beach in all of Pensacola, and has the most amenities. Restrooms and changing rooms are available, there's a large lifeguard presence, police, vendors, umbrellas, a large fishing pier, and surfer-free areas. Portofino Boardwalk, with food and shopping, is within walking distance. During the summer and on weekends, the local radio station is often here, broadcasting music for the beachgoers. Volleyball courts are available here. The further you travel from the pier, the fewer crowds there are. You can even drive down Ft. Pickens Road and use one of the entry points on the left-hand side of the road to find less popular areas, although these areas may not have changing rooms.</do>
<do name="Chicken Bone Beach, Soundside" alt="" address="Fort Pickens Rd" directions="north of Fort Pickens Rd, at Fort Pickens Area gate entrance" phone="" email="" fax="" url="" hours="Daily 24-hours" price="Free">isn't terribly popular; with no waves, and no people, it's pretty lonely out here. The funky smell doesn't help its popularity either. It lies on the north side of the island, facing Santa Rosa Sound. The parking lot here is mostly underwater, with a few chunks of it poking out of the sand, so use the other parking lot, across the road. Although there are tons of interesting shells, shell-collecting here is a bad idea, since almost all the best finds are already inhabited by hermit crabs. There are rarely lifeguards at this beach, but you may run into students from Pensacola Christian College, who are only allowed to swim here, away from the temptations of Casino Beach. </do>
<do name="Chicken Bone Beach, Gulfside" alt="" address="Fort Pickens Rd" directions="south of Fort Pickens Rd, at Fort Pickens Area gate entrance" phone="" email="" fax="" url="" hours="Daily 24-hours" price="Free">This out of the way beach is located just before the Fort Pickens gate, and is one of the best beaches on the island. It has restrooms, lifeguard protection, ample parking, good waves, lots of white sand and shells, and has far fewer people than the busy Casino Beach. Make sure not to cross into the Fort Pickens park boundary; the shoreline there is off limits due to nesting shorebirds.</do>
<do name="East Park" alt="" address="Via de Luna Dr" directions="follow road east until barricade" phone="" email="" fax="" url="" hours="Daily 24-hours" price="Free.">Across from the Portofino Resort and Spa, this is the last beach on the island before you reach the Opal Beach barricade. There's a restroom and changing room here, as well as picnic pavilions and a lifeguard station. It tends to be less crowded here than other beaches.</do>
<do name="Langdon Beach" alt="" address="Fort Pickens Rd" directions="inside Fort Pickens Area" phone="" email="" fax="" url="" hours="8AM-sunset" price="Free (until repairs are complete.)">Langdon Beach is one of the beaches open to the public in the Fort Pickens Area; most other beaches in the park are closed for shorebird nesting. There are no amenities, and no lifeguards. Like the rest of the Fort Pickens Area, there is no automobile access, so you'll have to hike, bike, or boat here. Since it's so hard to get here, the area is isolated, with very few people: just sea grass, sun, sand and waves.</do>
<do name="Opal Beach" alt="" address="Via de Luna Dr" directions="past East Park barricade" phone="" email="" fax="" url="" hours="8AM-sunset" price="Free (until repairs are complete.)">Further east than East Park is the hurricane-damaged Opal Beach, part of the National Park Service. The road through Opal Beach is currently closed for construction, but you can still walk or bicycle down the beach or along the broken road, if you want some space from the people at East Park. There are no amenities here, and no lifeguards until summer of 2009. Road repairs should be complete by winter of 2008.</do>
<do name="Quietwater Beach" alt="" address="Quietwater Beach Rd" directions="from Portofino Boardwalk to Pensacola Beach bridge toll booth" phone="" email="" fax="" url="" hours="Daily 24-hours" price="Free">Located on the sound side of the island, behind the Portofino Boardwalk. The beach here is narrow, and since the island blocks the waves from the Gulf of Mexico here, the water is quiet, with no waves. With no waves, no rip currents, and lifeguard protection, it's a great beach to take kids to.</do>
Pensacola Beach has avoided the glut of fast food restaurants that most of northwest Florida is known for. Food on the island is more expensive than on the mainland, and since they cater to tourists, the food generally isn't authentic, but there are still some good eating options.
<eat name="Bagelheads" alt="" address="5 Via de Luna Dr" directions="" phone="+1 850 916-3287" email="" fax="" hours="M-Sa 8AM-5PM, Closed Su" price="" url="">A small Pensacola-based chain of shops featuring fresh-baked, from scratch bagels, Bagelheads has a popular location on Pensacola Beach. Try their veggie cream cheese, made with freshly cut, crisp vegetables for an awesome (but still not healthy) breakfast. Skip the coffee though, unless you like rubber-tasting Community Cup brews; instead, try their cinnamon-y House Latte, or their excellent cappuccinos.</eat>
<eat name="Crabs We Got Em" alt="" address="6 Casino Beach Blvd" directions="" phone="+1 850 932-0700" email="info@crabswegotem.com" fax="" url="http://www.crabswegotem.com/" hours="" price="">The Gulf of Mexico isn't home to many crabs, other than the blue crab, and oddly enough, that's one of the few varieties this restaurant doesn't serve. But that hasn't stopped Crabs from becoming a trendy and popular restaurant, serving crabs from all over the country. If you want to try locally fished food, eat somewhere else. If you want a great view from their deck, overlooking the Gulf, with some massive king crab legs, give them a try.</eat>
<eat name="Hemingway's" alt="" address="400 Quietwater Beach Rd" directions="" phone="+1 850 934-4747" email="" fax="+1 850 934-4720" url="http://www.ernestheminwaycollection.com/" hours="" price="$20-30.">Hemingway's, a Cuban-themed steakhouse, is the most upscale restaurant on the island, but is hampered by a reputation for mediocre food and spotty service. Avoid the overpriced meals here. Instead, take a seat on their rundown roof patio, order a slice of their perfect key lime pie and a cup of coffee, and enjoy the best view of the sunset on the entire island. $13-35, $9 for pie and coffee.</eat>
<eat name="Surf Burger" alt="" address="500 Quietwater Beach Rd" directions="" phone="+1 850 932-1417" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price="">Their burgers are often called 'Cheeseburgers in Paradise,' but then, what beachside burger joint isn't compared to that? This joint, built above an innertube shop, serves made-to-order hamburgers and cheeseburgers from fresh ground beef, along with fries and shakes.</eat>
<eat name="Tiffany's" alt="" address="3 Casino Beach Boardwalk" directions="" phone="+1 850 932-3663" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price="">Despite numerous attempts by the county to evict it and resell the land, this scrappy hamburger shack on the Casino Beach Boardwalk has managed to stay in business. You can walk up from the beach, order a burger and a milkshake, or a cold beer, and head back to the sand to enjoy. And yes, they have heard the 'Cheeseburger in Paradise' line a million times.</eat>
The beaches at Pensacola are a popular draw for visitors, but tragically, many swimmers get killed in drowning accidents. Following a few safety tips can keep you safe in case something goes wrong. At the toll booth onto the island, and at the lifeguard stations, color coded flags are flown that tell how safe the water is for swimming.
Low hazard, calm water, swim with caution.
Medium hazard, moderate surf and/or currents. Rip tides may be present. Weak swimmers shouldn't go deeper than waist-height.
High hazard, high surf and/or strong currents. Rip tides are highly likely. No one should be swimming, but occasionally, surfers take advantage of the high waves during red flag conditions. Expect to be warned about dangerous conditions by lifeguards and police.
Water closed to public. Usually flown during hurricanes. You can be arrested for swimming during double red flag conditions.
Dangerous marine life, typically jellyfish, or occasionally red tide. Usually flown along with another color flag.
Rip tides are powerful currents that occur when water trapped near the shoreline escapes back into the ocean through a break in an underwater sandbar. They can drag even powerful swimmers out to sea for a very long distance. To escape a rip tide, do not panic! If you are near a lifeguard station, you can wave your arms and shout for help. Wait until the rip tide is no longer carrying you out further from land, then swim parallel to the shoreline to escape the current. Then, you can swim back towards shore. To avoid rip tides, don't swim between the shoreline and underwater sand bars, don't swim during low tide, and pay attention to the color-coded flags.
Diving opportunities here are mostly sunken ships, which are not only historically interesting, but provide homes for entire ecosystems. The most popular dive is the newly "reefed" aircraft carrier Oriskany approximately 24 miles southeast of Pensacola Pass; the wreck is nearly a thousand feet long! Another dive includes the USS Massachusetts that was used as a target for artillery fire after being decommissioned in 1919. She sits in 30 feet of water near Pensacola Pass and is known to be an unpredictable dive. For spearfishers, the Russian Freighter is a popular dive, with grouper, snapper, and lobster available. Travelers interested in diving should check with local dive shops for more information and for boat charters.
<do name="Dive Pros" alt="" address="7203 W Hwy 98" directions="" phone="+1 850 456-8845" email="merrick@florida-divepros.com" fax="+1 850 456-0025" url="http://www.florida-divepros.com/" hours="Summer M-F 9AM-7PM, Sa 7AM-7PM, Su 9AM-5PM; Winter M-F 10AM-6PM, Sa 8AM-6PM, Su 9AM-5PM" price=""></do>
Most hotels in Pensacola are on the I-10 corridor, especially at the Davis Hwy and Pensacola Blvd exits. With plenty of competition keeping the prices down, this is the most budget-friendly place to stay, but most of the attractions of Pensacola are a twenty minute drive away. Unless you're on an extreme budget, avoid the motels along the portion of Hwy 90 known as Mobile Hwy; this is a high crime area, and the motels here are rundown and unsavory. Since Pensacola often has a large influx of evacuees from other cities during the hurricane season, there are a large number of extended-stay hotels and suites available in the city. You can often find a great deal on these rooms outside of hurricane season.
<sleep name="America's Best Value Inn" alt="" address="7194 Pensacola Blvd" directions="" phone="+1 850 479-8600" email="" fax="+1 850 479-8488" url="http://www.bestvalueinn.com/" checkin="" checkout="" price="">This no-frills motel comes at a great price, is clean, new, and has all the basics. $70.</sleep>
<sleep name="Extended Stay America" alt="" address="809 Bloodworth Ln" directions="behind Fazoli's restaurant" phone="+1 850 473-9323" email="pum@extendedstay.com" fax="+1 850 473-9324" url="http://www.extendedstayamerica.com/" checkin="" checkout="" price="">A hotel room with a kitchen, and on-site laundry, Extended Stay America caters largely to hurricane victims, so expect prices here to rise in the event of a storm. At other times of the year, their room rates are pretty low. Wi-Fi available, for a $5 fee. $75.</sleep>
<sleep name="Residence Inn, by Marriott" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" email="" fax="" url="http://www.residenceinn.com/" checkin="" checkout="" price="">With comfortable suites, complete with dens and kitchenettes, Residence Inns are intended for travellers who will be staying put for a while.</sleep>
<sleep name="" alt="" address="7230 Plantation Rd" directions="" phone="+1 850 479-1000" email="" fax="+1 850 477-3399" url="" checkin="" checkout="" price="">Pets are allowed at this location, and the beds are more comfortable than their downtown location. Wi-Fi available. $130.</sleep>
<sleep name="" alt="" address="601 E Chase St" directions="" phone="+1 850 432-0202" email="" fax="+1 850 438-7965" url="" checkin="" checkout="" price="">Their suites offer a home-away-from-home experience with surprisingly comfortable living rooms, and surprisingly uncomfortable beds. They offer complimentary grocery delivery service and room service from the steakhouse next door. Currently under renovation until November 30, 2008. Wi-Fi available. $130.</sleep>
<sleep name="Holiday Inn" alt="" address="7813 N Davis Hwy" directions="" phone="+1 850 472-1400" email="" fax="+1 850 472-1410" url="http://www.holidayinn.com/" checkin="3PM" checkout="11AM" price="">Caters to businessmen arriving from Pensacola Regional Airport, and weary travellers from I-10. Newly rebuilt from the ground up with luxurious rooms and all the amenities. Wi-Fi available. $110.</sleep>
<sleep name="Baymont Inn & Suites" alt="" address="7330 Plantation Rd" directions="" phone="+1 850 477-3333" email="" fax="+1 850 477-8163" url="http://www.baymontinns.com/" checkin="3PM" checkout="noon" price="">Near I-10 and Davis Hwy intersection, offers complimentary continental breakfast. Old, but clean. $90.</sleep>
<sleep name="Lee House Bed and Breakfast Inn" alt="" address="400 Bayfront Pkwy" directions="" phone="+1 850 525-3765" email="" fax="" url="http://leehousepensacola.com/" checkin="3PM" checkout="11AM" price="">Built from the ashes of the historic Lee House and reopened in 2008, this new bed and breakfast overlooks Pensacola Bay, in the heart of the historic district. The rooms are thoroughly modernized, elegantly appointed, and starting in 2009, gourmet meals will be added to their services. $175.</sleep>
<sleep name="Springhill Guesthouse" alt="" address="903 N Spring St" directions="" phone="+1 850 438-6887" email="" fax="" url="http://www.springhillguesthouse.com/" checkin="3PM" checkout="11AM" price="">A quaintly decorated bed and breakfast that makes you feel like you're back in the 1950s. With high-speed Internet. $115.</sleep>
La Quinta Inn
X Extended Stay Hotels
X Holiday Inn
Knights Inn
X Red Roof Inn
X Baymont Inn
Fairfield Inn
Courtyard Pensacola
Another cheap motel near I-10. $70.
Americas Best Value Inn $70.
Pensacola Blvd
Howard Johnson Inn
Quality Inn
Travelodge
<sleep name="Holiday Inn Express" alt="" address="130 Loblolly Ln" directions="" phone="1 850" email="" fax="+1 850" url="http://www.hiexpress.com/" checkin="3PM" checkout=11AM" price="">Fewer amenities, no free breakfast, and a little further from Pensacola attractions, but the hotel is still brand new, and yet, more expensive. (?) </sleep>
<do name="Sunsets at de Luna" alt="" address="Plaza de Luna" directions="south end of Palafox St" phone="" email="" fax="" url="" hours="Th 5:30PM" price="">Watch the sun set at Pensacola's new waterfront park, while listening to musicians play. Free.</do>
Yard sales are very popular in Pensacola on Saturdays, and it's common to see a half-dozen fluorescent signs fighting for space on an electric pole. Start early, around 7 AM, before the best buys are snatched up! Popular yard-sale destinations include the affluent homes on Scenic Hwy, the old neighborhood of East Hill, the subdivisions of Nine Mile Rd, and the city of Gulf Breeze, just south of Pensacola.
<buy name="Cordova Mall" alt="" address="5100 N 9th Ave" directions="" phone="+1 850 477-5355" email="" fax="" url="http://www.cordova-mall.com" hours="M-Sa 10AM-9PM, Su noon-6PM" price="">A large indoor shopping mall located at the intersection of 9th Avenue and Bayou Boulevard. It is surrounded by many small shopping areas and provides a great place to wander around on a rainy day.</buy>
<buy name="Downtown Pensacola" alt="" address="Palafox Pl" directions="south of Cervantes St" phone="+1 850 434-5371" email="dib@downtownpensacola.com" fax="" url="http://www.downtownpensacola.com" hours="" price="">Offers an eclectic shopping experience, mainly on Palafox Street and the surrounding area. Popular shops include Distinctive Kitchens, a kitchen accessories store with chef-led cooking classes, Running Wild, a specialty store for runners and joggers, and Dollarhide's, an upscale music store. Most businesses are open until 5PM on weekdays, until 2PM on Saturdays, and closed Sundays.</buy>
<buy name="duh" alt="" address=""501 N 9th Ave" directions="" phone="+1 850 439-0640" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price="">This garden and design center provides outdoor and indoor ideas for your home. The environment of the store is a sight to see and they spend a lot of energy finding pieces from the around the world to enhance their stock, including importing from Italy twice a year. Prices range from $5 to $8000, so there's something for every budget!</buy>
<buy name="J.W. Renfroe Pecan Company" alt="" address="2400 W Fairfield Dr" directions="" phone="+1 800 874-4929" email="" fax="" url="http://www.renfroepecan.com" hours="" price="">This rustic store has built a thriving business off the humble pecan, which you can still buy here in a traditional burlap sack, shelled or unshelled. Besides plain nuts, they also sell them in candies and conserves alongside a wide selection of traditional Southern food. Try their fudge or praline; they're always generous with the free samples!</buy>
<buy name="Palafox Farmer's Market" alt="" address="Martin Luther King Plaza, Palafox St" directions="" phone="+1 850 434-5371" email="" fax="" url="https://www.downtownpensacola.com/market.asp" hours="Jun-Oct, Sa 8AM-1PM" price="">As the only farmer's market in Pensacola, this Saturday summertime event attracts farmers, cooks and artists.</buy>
<buy name="Pensacola Hardware" alt="" address="20 E Gregory St" directions="" phone="+1 850 438-3186" email="" fax="" url="http://www.pensacolahardware.com/" hours="M-F 7AM-5PM, Sa 7:30AM-noon">First opened in 1852, Pensacola Hardware is the oldest continually running business in Pensacola. In addition to hardware, it now sells kitchen supplies and folk art.</buy>
<buy name="T&W Flea Market" alt="" address="1717 N T St" directions="" phone="+1 850 433-4315" email="" fax="" url="" hours="W, Sa-Su 6AM-5PM" price="">This large flea market is a great place to scrounge for antiques, good deals, and unique knick-knacks. The best shopping is Saturday before noon; the other days have much fewer vendors. </buy>
<buy name="University Mall" alt="" address="7171 N Davis Hwy" directions="" phone="+1 850 478-3600" email="" fax="" url="http://www.simon.com/" hours="M-Sa 10AM-9PM, Su noon-6PM" price="">Located directly off Interstate 10 on Davis Hwy, it is the second mall in the Pensacola area; beginning in 2008, major renovations to the mall will convert it to an outdoor shopping center. Until then, enjoy the anchor stores Belk, Sears, and JCPenney, and the collection of small, mostly local shops inside.</buy>
Pensacola Beach Shopping is great for all beach needs and souvenirs. Check out the large souvenir stores on the beach to get t-shirts, beach towels, hats, magnets, sunglasses. Other shops have more special items, like snow globes, artwork, shells and surfboards. Check out the local favorite Waterboyz Surf Shop[1] for surfboards, boogie boards, skim boards, skateboards and all sorts of great beach gear. Plus they also have an indoor skatepark.
Eden Garden Supply 5044 N Palafox St, (850) 439-1299, Hydroponic and Organic gardening shop. Learn how to grow your own fruits, vegetables and flowers year round or how to get a jump on the growing season every year. Indoor and outdoor growing systems, check with our staff for anything from prebuilt beginner systems to help in building your own special growing areas. Only hydroponics shop between New Orleans, Gainseville and Atlanta.
<drink name="Bad Ass Coffee Company" alt="" address="1014 Underwood Ave" directions="" phone="+1 850 478-0634 " email="baccp@aol.com" fax="" url="http://www.badasscoffeeflorida.com/" hours="M-F 7AM-6PM, Sa 8AM-2PM, Su closed" price="">A bit overpriced, charging as high as five dollars for a latte, Bad Ass nevertheless does decent business serving students from Pensacola Junior College. Try their smoky Kona drip coffee, made from 100% Hawaiian Kona coffee beans; no blends. Wi-Fi available.</drink>
<drink name="Breaktime Cafe" alt="" address="34 Palafox Pl" directions="" phone="+1 850 438-7788" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price="">Serving the workers of downtown Pensacola, Breaktime Cafe has a quirky staff and a constantly changing list of seasonal specials. Great place to people watch.</drink>
<drink name="Crema" alt="" address="1124 Garden St" directions="" phone="+1 850 470-5512" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price="">For a while, it had far and away the best coffee in Pensacola, but a renewed focus on breakfast and lunch customers has made the coffee hit and miss here. If the owner, Dave, makes your coffee, expect a nirvana-inducing cappuccino; otherwise, stick with their amazing eggs benedict and a cup of brewed joe.</drink>
<drink name="The Drowsy Poet" alt="" address="86 Brent Ln" directions="west end of overpass" phone="+1 850 434-7638" email="" fax="" url="" hours="M-F 5AM-10PM, Sa 8AM-10PM, Su closed" price="">Everything about this poetry-themed independent cafe screams Starbucks, from the green-circle logo to the drive-thru to the frappuccino-like drinks. Unlike Starbucks though, all their beans are roasted in store, they know how to use their espresso machine, and they take pride in every drink they make.</drink>
<drink name="The End of the Line Cafe" alt="" address="610 Wright St" directions="" phone="+1 850 429-0336" email="eotlvegans@hotmail.com" fax="" url="" hours="Tu-Sa 10AM-10PM, Su 11AM-5PM, M closed" price="">A bohemian, vegan cafe staffed entirely by volunteers, where you can expect poetry readings up front and Tolstoy books in the back. Their coffee here is good, and made with soy by default; they offer a wide selection of vegan food, and their Sunday brunch, at $7.50, is a great deal. Make sure to tip the workers, since otherwise, they don't get paid for this! Wi-Fi available, and a small internet cafe in the corner.</drink>
<drink name="Et Cafe" alt="" address="1010 12th Ave" directions="" phone="+1 850 433-2630" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price="">Located in trendy East Hill, in the basement of the old Sacred Heart Hospital, Et Cafe is popular with late night patrons of O'zone Pizza next door. They're the only coffee shop in town with a liquor license; try their mocha with orange liqueur, a boozy take on the traditional mocha valencia. Wi-Fi available.</drink>
<drink name="Starbucks" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" email="" fax="" url="http://www.starbucks.com/" hours="" price="">Starbucks came to Pensacola in 1997 with the Barnes and Noble Bookstore, and Pensacolians took a liking to it; there's now ten locations, all in the north part of the city.</drink>
[[Image:Pensacola-Wall-South.jpg|right|thumb|In lieu of another Blue Angels photo in a Pensacola article, here is a photo of Wall South.]]
<see name="Naval Air Station Pensacola" alt="" address="S. end of Navy Blvd" directions="" phone="+1 850 452-3100" email="" fax="" url="http://www.naspensacola.navy.mil/" hours="" price="">The Naval Air Station is the single largest employer in Pensacola, and is the driving force of the city's economy. Pensacola holds a high degree of respect for its military base, and NAS Pensacola returns the favor by offering attractions for the public and allowing public access. First built in 1826 as a Navy Yard, the location was chosen due to Pensacola Bay's deep waters and importance as a naval port on the Gulf of Mexico. In 1913, following the invention of the airplane, Pensacola was chosen to become the first naval aviation station in the country, and today, still remains the primary training base for all Navy and Marine flight officers. Visitors to the base can get a brief glimpse of a military base in person, and can visit the many historic attractions. When you first drive into the base, a guard will ask which attractions you wish to see, and will issue you a vehicle hangtag for those destinations. Most of these attractions are on Radford Boulevard or Taylor Road; if you stray too far off the beaten path, prepare to be interrogated by a very inquisitive military police officer.</see>
<see name="The Blue Angels" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" email="" fax="" url="http://www.blueangels.navy.mil" hours="" price="">The elite jet-fighter pilots of the U.S. Navy are stationed at NAS Pensacola for part of the year, and if you're in the west portion of Pensacola at 8:30 AM when they practice, you may be able to see them performing flight maneuvers overhead. Typically, the Blue Angels perform two public air shows a year for Pensacola; one at the beach, and one at NAS Pensacola, and these air shows are massively attended. However, locals in the know skip the air shows, and go to the Naval Aviation museum for their Tuesday 8:30AM practices instead; a few times a month, the Blue Angels practice just above the museum. The museum even has a special viewing area for you to do this, and afterwards, the Blue Angels will sign autographs and answer questions for spectators. Try that at the air show! Free.</see>
<see name="Fort Barrancas" alt="" address="Taylor Rd" directions="" phone="+1 850 455-5167" email="" fax="" url="http://www.nps.gov/guis/planyourvisit/fort-barrancas.htm" hours="" price="">Meaning 'bluffs' in Spanish, Barrancas has been a popular site for military forts; the British, the Spanish, and the U.S. have built forts here to protect Pensacola Bay. One of three military forts built around Pensacola Bay by the United States, Fort Barrancas is still in extraordinary condition, and easily accessible, unlike its sister forts Mcree and Pickens. Tours of the main fort are offered daily at 2PM, and tours of the advanced redoubt are available Saturdays at 11AM. The remainder of the time, the fort is relatively abandoned, and you can oftentimes get free reign of the ruins to explore. Free.</see>
<see name="National Museum of Naval Aviation" alt="" address="1750 Radford Blvd" directions="" phone="+1 850 452-3604" email="" fax="" url="http://www.navalaviationmuseum.org/" hours="9AM-5PM" price="">The Naval Aviation Museum is the most popular tourist destination in Pensacola, and it offers a comprehensive look at the history of flight in the Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps. The 150 beautifully restored aircraft are the biggest draw here; make sure to check out the Blue Angels jets hanging in the atrium! Kids will enjoy the flight simulator, and the IMAX theater shows a visually stunning documentary, the History of Flight. Free, but donations welcome. $8 for IMAX tickets.</see>
<see name="Pensacola Lighthouse" alt="" address="190 Radford Blvd" directions="" phone="" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price="">Lighthouse lovers may want to check out the black-and-white Pensacola Lighthouse. Built in 1858 to replace an earlier, inferior lighthouse, it became a target during the Civil War for Union soldiers at Fort Pickens, aiming for the Confederate-held Fort Barrancas. Due to safety concerns, tours are no longer available, but access to the grounds is still available. Free.</see>
<see name="Historic Downtown Pensacola" alt="" address="205 E Zaragoza St" directions="" phone="+1 850 595-5985" email="" fax="" url="http://www.historicpensacola.org/" hours="M-Sa 10AM-4PM, Su closed" price=""> This group of historic buildings, called the Pensacola Historic Village includes many museums such as the T.T. Wentworth Jr. Museum, a museum of history, The Museum of Commerce and the Museum of Industry. The Old Christ Church built in 1832 is also included in this group of buildings and has been recently refurbished. Guided walking tours are available at 11AM, 1PM, and 2:30PM of the historic homes in the quaint, shady area around Seville Square. $6, $3 for children. Free admission to T.T. Wentworth Jr. Museum.</see>
<see name="Pensacola Museum of Art" alt="" address="407 S Jefferson St" directions="" phone=+1 850 432-6247" email="" fax="" url="http://www.pensacolamuseumofart.org/" hours="Tu-F 10AM-5PM, Sa-Su Noon-5PM, M closed" price=""> This museum is housed in the Old City Jail, a Spanish revival structure in downtown Pensacola. The collection focuses mainly on art from the 20th and 21st century and has many well known artists represented in their collection including Alexander Calder, Miriam Schapiro and Louis Comfort Tiffany. They present many special exhibitions throughout the years, and have previously hosted exhibitions of art by Picasso, and Andy Warhol. $5 admission, $2 for students and military, free on Tuesdays.</see>
<see name="St. Michael's Cemetery" alt="" address="6 N Alcaniz St" directions="" phone="+1 850 436-4643" email="" fax="" url="http://www.stmichaelscemetery.org/" hours="9AM-5PM" price=""> Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this cemetery is located on eight acres across the street from the Pensacola Civic Center, on the edge of the historic district. It is one of the oldest cemeteries in Florida, officially designated by the Spanish in 1807. Free.</see>
<see name="Veterans Memorial and Wall South" alt="" address="" directions="intersection of Romana St and Bayfront Pkwy " phone="" email="" fax=+1 850 436-4490" url="http://www.pensacolawallsouth.org/" hours="" price=""> A large park along the Pensacola bayfront honoring Veterans of all of America's Wars, the memorial was built as a place to honor America's veterans without needing to make the trip to Washington D.C. Includes a one-half scale version of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C. and other monuments dedicated to World War I and II. Free.</see>
Fort Pickens A historic pentagonal fort with the distinction of being the only southern fort to remain under Union control during the Civil War. Due to damage from Hurricane Ivan in 2004, and further damage by Hurricane Dennis a year later, the road leading to the fort is closed to vehicular traffic. Interested visitors can access the fort by boat, or overland on the damaged road on foot or bicycle; visitors attempting the trip overland should be prepared for a long, fourteen mile round trip. [5]
/*Sleep*/ Removed Pensacola Beach hotels; will move to new entry about Pensacola Beach. MoS. Added more hotels.
Pensacola offers dozens of hotels, from small weathered motels to full service resorts. Vacation rentals are also a popular option for large groups or extended stays.
If you're looking to spend a lot of time on the beach, you may want to look at hotels in Pensacola Beach or Perdido Key, which will save you a lot of driving.
Bay Beach Inn, 51 Gulf Breeze Parkway, 932-2214.
Best Western Pensacola Beach Resort Standard motel on the beach. Small pool. Breakfast included. $160 queen/two doubles.
Courtyard by Marriott Pensacola, 700 E Chase St., Toll Free: 800-321-2211 Phone: 850-439-3330, Fax:850-439-3338, [6]
Crowne Plaza - Pensacola Grand Hotel, 200 East Gregory, 433-3336, [7]. Across the street from the Pensacola Civic Center this high-rise hotel offers newly renovated rooms (completed after various hurricanes swept through the area). The lobby and meeting rooms are housed in the historic L&N train depot attached to the glass atrium of the high-rise hotel.
Hilton Pensacola Beach Gulf Front, 12 Via de Luna Dr., Toll Free: 866-916-2999,Phone: 850-916-2999, Fax: 850-934-0891, [8]
Microtel Inn & Suites Pensacola, 8001 Lavelle Way, 941-8902, [9].
New World Inn, 600 S. Palafox St., [10]. A lovely location in downtown Pensacola, each room is historically themed to reflect Pensacola's long history.
Noble Manor B&B, 110 W. Strong St.
Pensacola Victorian, 203 W. Gregory Street (at corner of Spring Street) tel 434-2818 [11] Bed & Breakfast offering a few rooms in a beautiful wooden Victorian house. Price very reasonable for such elegant surroundings. Wi-fi internet, though it may be unreliable in some rooms.
Some of the local restaurants facing Seville Square
Located on the Gulf Coast, with good harbors, Pensacola has access to a wide variety of fresh seafood, and many local restaurants proudly use fresh-caught fish and shellfish in their meals. Red snapper is bountiful in the waters here, but good luck finding it; most of it is shipped to New York City, where it can fetch a higher price. Locals in the know often hit the docks when the fishing ships come in, when a small bribe can net you a beautiful snapper at bargain prices. Gulf shrimp are cheap and plentiful here, and most dining establishments have it on the menu in some form or another. Mullet fish are an oily, strong-flavored species of fish, popular only because of its dirt-cheap price. It can be bought for a dollar a pound, and is always served deep-fried, like catfish; locals often eat the tails like they eat potato chips. And although Pensacola is a little late to the raw fish party, incredible sushi can be found here, made with fish caught from the local docks.
Being in the southern United States, Pensacola also features many restaurants that specialize in traditional southern cooking; having grits, a ground corn porridge, for breakfast is a source of pride for many locals. Pecans and peanuts are grown by many farmers in the Florida panhandle, and Pensacolians put them to good use in pecan pie, pecan ice cream, roasted peanuts, and especially cajun-spiced boiled peanuts. And all this southern food is washed down with sweet iced tea; the best places boil sugar and water into a syrup, and add this to their brewed iced tea, along with oranges or lemons to make a true Southern-style sweet tea.
Offered at convenience stores, country fairs, high school football concession stands and farmer's markets, boiled peanuts are an ubiquitous snack food in Pensacola. Usually using fresh peanuts from farms in the north part of the county, the raw nuts are boiled in salted water until soft in the middle. Both spicy and plain varieties are available, and are usually just a dollar or two for a bag. If you've never had them before, expect your first reaction to be "slimy."
Grits are offered anywhere breakfast is served; even the fast food chain Whataburger has them in the mornings. Expect to pay just a dollar or so for plain, buttered grits, and more if you want any fancy ingredients added, like cheese or bacon. Hominy grits, made from lye-soaked corn kernels, popular in other parts of the south, are hard to find in Pensacola.
If you're lucky, you might find yourself invited to a southern fish fry. Do not turn down this invitation. An important part of southern food tradition, fish fries can be used as fundraisers, as celebrations, or just a cheap way to bring friends and family together. Traditionally, catfish is the main course, but in Pensacola, mullet fish is popular too. Fried fish is usually served with hush puppies, and coleslaw, french fries, baked beans, and grits can all make an appearance. Plates usually run $5 or less at fundraising events, but unless you have really cheap friends, it's free at fish fry parties.
<eat name="Bagelheads" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" email="" fax="" hours="M-Sa 8AM-5PM, Closed Su" price="" url="">A local chain featuring fresh-baked, from scratch bagels, Bagelheads has become a hip morning hangout for college students. Try their veggie cream cheese, made with freshly cut, crisp vegetables for an awesome (but still not healthy) breakfast. Skip the coffee though, unless you like rubber-tasting Community Cup brews; stick with their cinnamon-y House Latte, or their excellent cappuccinos. $1-5.</eat>
<eat name="The Coffee Cup" alt="" address="520 E Cervantes St" directions="" phone="+1 850 432-7060" email="" fax="" hours="" price="" url="">"No Grits, No Glory" is the motto of this Southern diner, and it's a good slogan for how to eat here; if you aren't going to order the grits, don't bother. First opened in 1945, this greasy-spoon diner hasn't changed anything other than its prices ever since. The Nassau grits, served with ham, tomatoes, peppers, and onions, were mentioned in Saveur magazine, and are worth an order. The locals, who love the cheap food here, tend to stick with eggs, biscuits, and bacon or a smoked pork chop, with a bottomless cup of thin coffee. A must-visit, especially for road food lovers. $4-8.</eat>
<eat name="J's Bakery" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" email="" fax="" hours="" price="" url="">In the trendy East Hill district of Pensacola, there's only one place to go for a hungry traveler on a budget, and that's J's Bakery. A little run down, and hard to find in its small brick building, it nevertheless has a faithful following among pastry lovers in the area. They speak in awed, hushed tones about cheese danishes the size of your head. You will too, once you try one. $1-3.</eat>
<eat name="Krispy Kreme Donuts" alt="" address="E Cervantes St" directions="" phone="" email="" fax="" hours="" price="" url="http://www.krispykreme.com/"> Eating a fresh, hot Krispy Kreme donut proves that you're a Pensacola tourist 'in the know.' Although the donuts from this factory are no different than any other in the South, Pensacolians harbor a strange attachment to the sticky sweet pastry. When the building reopened after a three month renovation, it made front page news in the local paper; truly, a bastion of Southern culture. $0.50-$1.50 per donut. $2-4 for specialty coffee.</eat>
<eat name="O'Zone Pizza Pub" alt="" address="1010 N 12th Ave" directions"located in Old Sacred Heart Hospital, in basement, on the north side" phone="+1 850 433-7336" email="" fax="" hours="Su-M 11AM-9PM" price="" url="">Built in the basement of the old Sacred Heart Hospital, inside the morgue, O'Zone Pizza offers more than just fresh pizza and beer; it offers an experience that borders on terrifying. Expect it to be crowded, loud, fun, and to have an, ah, interesting crowd. $10-20 per pizza.</eat>
<eat name="Reverie Bakery Cafe" alt="" address="101 S Jefferson St" directions="" phone="+1 850 432-6026" email="" fax="" hours="M-F 7AM-2PM, Sa 8AM-11AM, Su closed" price="" url="http://www.reveriebakerycafe.com">Formerly known as Pitzmann's Bakery, and before that, Napoleon Bakery, Reverie may have a constantly changing name, but they also have constantly incredible baked goods. Their artisan breads are featured at many restaurants throughout the city, their fresh croissants are soft and buttery, and their quiches make a perfect lunch. Try their dark-chocolate enrobed coconut macaroons for a light afternoon snack, or grab a fresh croissant and cappuccino for a buttery, caffeine-fueled breakfast. $1-8.</eat>
<eat name="Whataburger" alt="" address="Multiple locations, mostly in north part of city" directions="" phone="" email="" fax="" hours="Open 24-hours" price="" url="http://www.whataburger.com">A chain popular across the south, Whataburger has endeared itself to the local student population with good prices, good burgers, heart-clogging portions, free Wi-fi, and 2-for-1 hamburger deals on Wednesdays. Bacon, jalapeño, and cheddar are popular additions to their burgers. Don't order the 'large size' unless you know what you're getting yourself into. $5-8.</eat>
You can find chain restaurants, like Applebee's and Olive Garden in the Cordova Mall area, near the intersection of Bayou Blvd and 9th Ave. Local restaurants are more scattered, but you can find a few hotspots downtown, and along Scenic Hwy.
<eat name="Chet's Seafood" alt="" address="3708 Navy Blvd" directions="" phone="+1 850 456-0165" email="" fax="" hours="" price="" url="">Chet’s specializes in simple Southern seafood, and most of their food is served fried or broiled, with coleslaw, french fries and iced sweet tea. The house specialty is fried mullet, and indeed, it's almost a waste to order anything else here! $10-15.</eat>
<eat name="Jerry's Cajun Cafe & Market" alt="" address="6205 N 9th Ave" directions="" phone="+1 850 484-6836" email="" fax="" hours="M-Th 11AM-8:30PM, F-Sa 11AM-9:30PM, closed" price="" url="http://www.jerryscajun.com">A local favorite, Jerry's is the only authentic Cajun restaurant in Pensacola! Its relaxed dining environment serves up Louisiana favorites like gumbo, crawfish tails, boudin (a specialty sausage), etouffee, and jambalaya. It also has a small market that sells hot sauce, cajun mixes, cajun seasonings and coffee. Damaged by a kitchen fire in February 2007, the restaurant reopened in late October the same year. $10-20.</eat>
<eat name="McGuire's Pub and Restaurant" alt="" address="600 E Gregory St" directions="" phone="+1 800 22-IRISH" email="" fax="" hours="11AM-2AM" price="" url="http://www.mcguiresirishpub.com">If you ask a local where to go for dinner in Pensacola, McGuire's will be their answer! A popular Irish-themed pub and restaurant, it's the most well-known restaurant among locals, and is loved for its quirky sense of humor, incredible hamburgers grilled with a special spice blend, and in-house beer brewery. During evenings, live entertainment and music can get rowdy. First-time visitors are expected to pin a dollar bill to the wall with their name on it, a tradition that has resulted in over a half-million dollars papering the walls and ceiling. $12-25.</eat>
<eat name="The Tuscan Oven" alt="" address="4801 N 9th Ave" directions="" phone="+1 850 484-6836" email="" fax="" hours="Tu-Th 11AM-9PM, F-Sa 11AM-10PM, Closed Su-M" price="" url="http://www.thetuscanoven.com"> Their Italian-built, imported, wood-fired oven is the draw at this mom-and-pop pizzeria. Try their Pizza Margherita for the best pizza you'll find in Pensacola, or try their house special, the Danato, topped with chicken, rosemary, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes and garlic. $13-18 per pizza.</eat>
What seems expensive to the average Pensacola eater may seem pretty cheap to out of towners. Even the best meals in town rarely top $30 a person, and seafood in Pensacola is dirt cheap compared with some parts of the country. Take advantage of this; there is incredible seafood to be found at the finer establishments in town.
<eat name="Angus Seafood, Meats and Spirits" alt="" address="1101 Scenic Hwy" directions="" phone="+1 850 432-0539" email="" fax="" hours="" price="" url="http://www.anguspensacola.com/">An American Steakhouse, with a full bar and lounge, 'the Angus' has an upscale atmosphere. Although it used to be dark, and a bit stuffy, it's been given a modern facelift to bring it into the 21st century. They take their service very seriously, and feature juicy steaks and local seafood. $15-40.</eat>
<eat name="Dharma Blue" alt="" address="300 S Alcaniz St" directions="at Seville Square" phone="+1 850 433-1275" email="" fax="" hours="M-Th 5PM-10PM, F-Sa 5PM-11PM, Su 5PM-10PM, lunch M-Sa 11AM-4PM" url="http://www.dharmablue.com/">Originally started as an upscale American food restaurant, Dharma Blue has truly found its niche serving the best, freshest sushi in Pensacola. Bring your non fish-loving friends here so they can enjoy the blackberry sauced duck breast or filet mignon while you dine on grouper, meaty dauphin, or an expert-made rainbow roll. Lunch $8-15, dinner $10-30, sushi $6-13 per roll.</eat>
<eat name="eat!" alt="" address="286 N Palafox St" directions="" phone="+1 850 433-6905" email="" fax="" hours="" price="" url="http://www.eatmorefood.com/"> Recently opened, eat! is a trendy, metropolitan restaurant in downtown Pensacola, run by Chef Alphonse "Lee" Lucier IV. The menu features traditional Southern style foods, prepared in a new, modern way. The restaurant is often packed during the busy downtown lunch period, and there may be a wait during dinner service; place a reservation to guarantee a seat. $10-25.</eat>
<eat name="The Fish House" alt="" address="600 S Barracks St" directions="" phone="+1 850 470-0003" email="" fax="" hours="Su-M 11AM-until, brunch Su 11AM-2PM" url="http://fishhouse.goodgrits.com/">This is the height of 'fancy eats' for locals, with its unique take on southern seafood, beautiful views of Pensacola Bay, and high (for Pensacola) prices. The restaurant's signature dish, the 'Grits a Ya Ya,' features grits with smoked gouda cheese, applewood smoked bacon, and Gulf shrimp, but it can't top the chef's excellent key lime pie. $15-30.</eat>
<eat name="The Global Grill" alt="" address="27 S Palafox Pl" directions="" phone="+1 850 469-9966" email="" fax="" hours="Tu-Sa 5PM-until, Su-M closed" price="" url="http://www.dineglobalgrill.com"> The Global Grill is an eclectic restaurant, serving cuisines from around the world, located in the heart of downtown Pensacola. The upscale restaurant features tapas, which are small appetizers ranging from $4-20, and diners are encouraged to order multiple tapas and share with their companions; ordering an entree isn't required. The decor is its most memorable feature; both elegant and eclectic, the Global Grill has a modern, chic feel, with eye-catching local art on the walls and unique table settings for each table. The globally-inspired food, the communal aspect of sharing tapas, and the modern atmosphere have made the restaurant popular for couples and elegant group get-togethers. Make sure to place a reservation. $10-30.</eat>
<eat name="Jackson's Steakhouse" alt="" address="400 S Palafox Pl" directions="" phone="+1 850 469-9898" email="" fax="" hours="Lunch M-F 11AM-2PM, dinner M-Sa 5PM-until" price="" url="http://jacksons.goodgrits.com/">One of the best restaurants in Florida, and that isn't an empty boast; they have the Golden Spoon award from Florida Trend Magazine to prove it. Chef Irv Miller is proud of his restaurant, and only serves grain-fed, Midwestern, wet-aged beef and Pensacola-caught fresh seafood. $30-50.</eat>
<eat name="Skopelos on the Bay" alt="" address="670 Scenic Hwy" directions="" phone="+1 850 432-6565" email="" fax="" hours="Lunch Fr 11:30AM-2:30PM, Dinner Tu-Sa 5PM-till, Brunch Su 10:30AM-2PM" price="" url="http://www.myskopelos.com">A romantic, fine dining restaurant overlooking Pensacola Bay, it specializes in fresh local seafood and steaks. The Sunday morning brunch is the best you'll find in town, and the view makes this a perfect meal. $10-30.</eat>
Flounder's Chowder and Ale House, 800 Quietwater Beach Rd, 850 932-2003. Enjoy great seafood, wonderful service, and fun entertainment for the whole family on Pensacola beach.
For most visitors to Pensacola, the biggest draw is the world famous sugar-sand beaches. However, while the city of Pensacola is surrounded entirely by water, there are few opportunities for sun, sand and surf in the city proper. Instead, you'll have to travel to one of the beachside communities, which are a short drive away.
Pensacola Beach, accessible via the Pensacola Bay Bridge, is actually the name of a small town on Santa Rosa island, and is the most popular destination for beachgoers in Pensacola. With hotels, restaurants, bars, shopping, and access to a large number of beaches, many visitors to Pensacola stay here for their entire visit, and never actually see the city on the mainland! If you plan to spend most of your trip to Pensacola on the beach, save yourself money and travel time by choosing a hotel in Pensacola Beach. Alcohol is allowed on all beaches here, except for Ft. Pickens beaches, which are maintained by the federal government.
Casino Beach is the most popular beach in all of Pensacola, and has the most amenities. Restrooms and changing rooms are available, there's a large lifeguard presence, police, vendors, umbrellas, a large fishing pier, and surfer-free areas. Quietwater Boardwalk, with food and shopping, is within walking distance. During the summer and on weekends, the local radio station is often here, broadcasting music for the beachgoers. The further you travel from the pier, the fewer crowds there are. You can even drive down Ft. Pickens Road and use one of the entry points on the left-hand side of the road to find less popular areas, although these areas may not have changing rooms.
Quietwater Beach, along the bay on the north side of the island, is perfect if you hate crowds and don't plan on much swimming. The bayside has few waves, lots of hermit crabs, and the water sometimes smells funny, but you'll have the sand all to yourself! Although there are tons of interesting shells, shell-collecting here is a bad idea, since almost all the interesting finds are already inhabited by crabs. There are rarely lifeguards at this beach.
Opal Beach, located east of Casino Beach, features smaller crowds, ample parking, large sand dunes, restrooms, and picnic pavilions. Due to road damage from Hurricane Ivan in 2005, not all parts of Opal Beach are accessible from Pensacola; some are only accessible from Navarre. Road repairs should be complete by Fall of 2008. There are lifeguards here, but not as many as on Casino Beach.
Ft. Pickens, Gulf Island National Seashore, located just west of Pensacola Beach on the same island; this park is maintained by the National Park Service. Due to hurricane damage from Ivan in 2005, the road into Fort Pickens is not accessible by car. Gates block the road entrance into the park, but the park is still open to cyclists, hikers and boaters. Adventurous souls who don't mind a walk can still visit the park and find themselves on a refreshingly empty beach. For shell collectors, Fort Pickens is a treasure trove when the tides fall. Some of the parks beaches may be closed in spring due to nesting shorebirds; signs will warn you when a particular stretch of shoreline is closed, if the screaming, kamikaze seagulls don't warn you first.
Perdido Key is a gem for beachgoers who dislike crowds and development. Located on a different island from Pensacola Beach, it is hard to find and not often frequented by tourists; the easiest route is to follow Hwy 292, which is variously known as Barrancas Avenue, Gulf Beach Highway, and Sorrento Road, until you pass over the bridge to the island. Alcohol is not allowed on Johnson Beach or Perdido Key State Park, but may be allowed at beaches by the condominiums.
Johnson Beach is located on the east side of the key; when the road on the island curves to the right, take a left instead to enter the park. This beach is maintained by the National Park Service, and at the main swimming area, there is parking, a picnic pavilion, a restroom and lifeguards. If you prefer fewer crowds, continue driving and park along the side of the road at any point, and walk to the beach. Primitive camping is available here at any spot between the end of the road and the end of the island.
Perdido Key State Park is a hidden gem. It's not very well signed, and is hidden behind dunes. While driving along Perdido Key Drive, you'll see boardwalks that provide entry to the beach. Parking is available at the Perdido Key fire department, or at any spot along the side of the road. There is a suggested entrance fee of two dollars per person, which you can choose to pay or not; a small donation box is located at the boardwalks. These beaches have no amenities of any sort, and no lifeguard protection, but are wonderfully pristine.
Barrancas Beach is accessible to the public, even though it is located on NAS Pensacola; this is especially convenient for visitors to the Naval Aviation museum who still want to visit the beach the same day. To access the beach, when entering the Naval base, tell the guard at the gate that you want to go swimming at Barrancas, and he'll issue you a window hangtag. This beach is only open when lifeguards are present, from 10 AM to 6 PM, Memorial Day through Labor Day.
In early fall enjoy some tasty seafood and good entertainment at the Pensacola Seafood Festival.[14]
Fiesta of Five Flags[15] celebrates Pensacola's long and colorful history with a local treasure hunt, downtown parade, a boat parade, and a reenactment of the landing of Don Tristan DeLuna, the Spanish conquistador who first set foot in Pensacola in 1559. Usually occurs in early June.
The Pensacola Civic Center[16], featuring many well known bands and live concerts.
The Pensacola Ice Pilots[17]. The Pilots are a minor league hockey team located out of 'The Hangar' at the Pensacola Civic Center.
Net Strike Arena[18], the area's premier computer gaming facility and internet cafe. If you are looking to game this is the place for you.
Big Lagoon State Park[19] 10 miles southwest of Pensacola. A coastal state park that sits between Perdido Key and the Gulf of Mexico. It has hiking trails, boat ramps, day-use facilities and camping areas.
Diving opportunities include the newly "reefed" aircraft carrier Oriskany approximately 24 miles southeast of Pensacola Pass. Another dive includes the USS Massachusetts that was used as a target for artillery fire after being decommissioned in 1919. She sits in 30 feet of water near Pensacola Pass and is known to be an unpredictable dive.
