Pensacola Beach is a community on Santa Rosa Island in the state of Florida. You’ll find this beach epitomizes Florida’s “Sunshine State” nickname, with its beautiful weather, stunning beaches and friendly locals.
After being hit hard by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, the city has returned to normal and coming to Pensacola Beach for holiday is as good as ever. Pay a small fee to walk along the pier and watch the local fishermen at work or go snorkeling with the family in the calm waters.
Across Via De Luna Drive is Quietwater Beach Road. This lively boulevard is home to street performers, restaurants and nightclubs, and cultural events are held here throughout the year. Among them is Bamboo Willie’s Jamaican Festival. It’s held at the end of summer and is famous for its bathtub races.
Learn about the history of the area during a free ranger tour at Fort Pickens. While here, check out the 10-foot (3-metre) tall concrete Island Cross. Erected in 1959 by the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic organization, it remains unscathed despite numerous violent hurricanes.
Away from the beach, golfers will appreciate the range of international-class courses. Tiger Point Golf Club is situated just across Pensacola Beach Boulevard in Gulf Breeze. The Pensacola Open, which was part of the PGA Tour until 1988, was played here.
The cuisine of Pensacola is characterized by its oceanfront location. Sample oysters, crab and shrimp caught in the Gulf of Mexico and brought directly to your plate. Make sure to try a Bushwacker: This rum, coffee and chocolate cocktail was first served here in 1975 and has inspired the yearly Bushwacker Festival in August.
The tollroad Pensacola Beach Boulevard connects the city to Gulf Breeze on the mainland and there is plenty of free parking in the lots near the two main avenues: Fort Pickens Road to the west, and Via De Luna Drive to the east. You can easily see the main attractions on foot. Alternatively, rent a bike or jump on the free trolley, which operates in the high season.
Visit Pensacola Beach
Where to stay in Pensacola Beach
Villa Sabine
While visiting Villa Sabine, you might make a stop by sights like Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier and Casino Beach.
Toilla Segunda
Though Toilla Segunda may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Pensacola Beach Boardwalk and Quietwater Beach.
Villa Segunda
If you're spending some time in Villa Segunda, Opal Beach and Santa Rosa Sound are top sights worth seeing.
Villa Primera
If you're spending some time in Villa Primera, Pensacola Beach Beaches and Santa Rosa Sound are top sights worth seeing.
Plaza Primera
If you're spending some time in Plaza Primera, Pensacola Beach Boardwalk and Quietwater Beach are top sights worth seeing.
White Sands
When in White Sands, you can plan a visit to Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier and Casino Beach, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
Surf & Sand Hotel
Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025
The Pensacola Beach Resort
Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025
Hampton Inn Pensacola Beach
Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025
Emerald Isle by Southern Vacation Rentals
Reviewed on 9 Jun 2025
Portofino Island Resort
Reviewed on 2 May 2025
Regency Towers by Southern Vacation Rentals
Reviewed on 9 Jul 2025
Popular places to visit
Pensacola Beach Beaches
Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Pensacola Beach Beaches during your trip to Pensacola Beach? Stroll along the area's seaside or simply savour its top-notch restaurants.
Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier
You can find out about the history of Pensacola Beach when you stop by Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or experience the great live music in this family-friendly area.
Fort Pickens
You can find out about the history of Pensacola Beach with a stop at Fort Pickens. Experience the great live music or attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.
Opal Beach
Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Opal Beach during your trip to Pensacola Beach? Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.
Casino Beach
Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Casino Beach during your trip to Pensacola Beach? Stroll along the area's beautiful beaches or simply savour its top-notch restaurants.
Quietwater Beach
Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Quietwater Beach during your trip to Pensacola Beach? Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.
