Pensacola Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Pensacola Travel & Tourism, Free Pensacola Travel Guide Online
Pensacola Travel Guide: Discount & Cheap Pensacola Travel & Tourism, Free Pensacola Travel Guide OnlineThis 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.
Pensacola also is home to many beautiful parks with fountains, play areas and water access. Feed the ducks at Bayview Park or watch an osprey return to its nest with a freshly caught fish at Big Lagoon State Park. And speaking of fishing, the old Pensacola Bay Bridge is one of the longest fishing piers in the US and for just a small charge; you can fish right in the middle of the bay.
Downtown is a place for a leisurely walk and for terrific shopping. Stop at one of the coffee shops, cafes or eateries for lunch, or for an afternoon latte. The downtown area showcases art galleries featuring both local and regional art, as well as the traveling exhibits found in the Pensacola Museum of Art. If antique shopping entices you, antique stores and flea markets pepper the area from the elegant to the eclectic.
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.
Spend some time in Pensacola - you'll see why they say it's where thousands live the way millions wish they could. Pensacola Attractions: Pensacola Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Pensacola Travel & Tourism, Free Pensacola Travel Guide OnlineNational Museum of Naval Aviation and IMAX Theater 1750 Radford Blvd # 3465 Pensacola,FL32508 850-453-2389 Open daily 9am-5pm. The IMAX Theater features two films daily, call for additional information. Admission Free for museum, charge for IMAX Theater The National Museum of Naval Aviation and IMAX Theater displays over 170 vintage aircraft and spans 300,000 square feet. The ZOO 5701 Gulf Breeze Pkwy Pensacola,FL32508 850-932-2229 Open daily 9am-5pm in the summer and 9am-4pm in the winter Admission Charged Catch a ride on the Safari Line train for an up-close, fun-filled excursion through 30 acres of free-roaming animals in their natural habitat. T.T. Wentworth Jr. Florida State Museum 830 S. Jefferson St. Plaza Pensacola, FL 32502 904-444-8905 Hours: 10am - 4pm, Monday through Saturday and Sundays Easter through Labor Day. Admission Charged Offers a Discovery Gallery, which recreates old-time Pensacola, complete with a child-sized schoolhouse, hospital and jail, and even some oddities like a shrunken head. Pensacola Museum of Art 407 South Jefferson Street Pensacola, Florida 32501
850-432-6247 Hours: Tuesday – Friday 10am – 5pm, Saturday – Sunday, Noon – 5pm, Closed Mondays and major holidays. Admission Charged The focus of the permanent collection of the Museum is 19th, 20th and 21st century works on paper including works by noted artist, John Marin, Salvador Dali, Miriam Scharpiro, Fairfield Porter, Thomas Hart Benton, Alex Katz, Lynda Benglis, Milton Avery and Alexander Calder. Additionally, the Museum has superb decorative art collections of European and American glass as well as African tribal art. Wayside Park At the foot of Three-Mile Bridge across Pensacola Bay. Save some bread to feed the birds at Wayside Park. Pensacola Junior College Planetarium 1000 College Boulevard
Pensacola, FL 32504 850-484-1956 Hours: Box office opens 6:30pm one Saturday each month, year round Admission Charged Pensacola Junior College Planetarium and Theater has a three-dimensional DIGISTAR computer graphic system that projects the heavens onto a 40 foot full dome. Fast Eddie's Fun Center 505 W. Michigan Avenue Pensacola, FL 32505 850-433-7735 Admission Charged Whether you're young or old, short or tall, Fast Eddie's is the place for fun! If you are looking for a fast, wild and fun spot, Fast Eddies is the place to be! Dedicated to providing affordable, safe, family fun in an atmosphere everyone is sure to enjoy. With four exciting tracks, there's excitement at every turn. Sam's Fun City 6709 Pensacola Blvd. Pensacola, FL 32505 Just south of I-10 on Hwy. 29 850-505-0800 Open daily, call for hours of operation Admission Charged Sam's Fun City features over 20 rides, go-karts, bumper boats, and mini golf, with an arcade and water park in the works. Nearby attraction Flounder's Restaurant 800 Quietwater Beach Rd Gulf Breeze, FL 32561 850-932-2003 Located on Pensacola Beach Hours: Call for days and hours of operation Admission Charged 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. Fun for the whole family. Museums Pensacola Junior College Art Museum Anna Lamar Switzer for Visual Arts
Pensacola Junior College
1000 College Blvd
Pensacola, FL 32504 850-484-2550 Hours: 8am-9pm Monday through Thursday; 8am-3:30pm Fridays; closed weekends and holidays. Admission Free The Visual Arts Gallery has a national reputation for quality exhibitions, a strong contemporary collection, plus noteworthy publications and events such as workshops and visiting artists. Pensacola Museum of Art 407 South Jefferson Street Pensacola, Florida 32501
850-432-6247 Call for days and hours of operation Admission Charged The mission of the Pensacola Museum of Art is to be a bridge to the visual arts for the diverse populations of Pensacola and the surrounding communities. Pensacola Events: Pensacola Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Pensacola Travel & Tourism, Free Pensacola Travel Guide Online
Events
January
Polar Bear Dip
Held New Year's Day 850-492-6838 The Flora-Bama Lounge on the Florida-Alabama state line on Perdido Key hosts this popular, annual splash-around in the Gulf of Mexico. Afterwards, everyone joins in a Southern tradition of eating black-eyed peas on New Year's Day and warms up with good music and beverages.
Mardi Gras
Held early January until Fat Tuesday 850-434-6211 or 800-874-1299 Call for a complete schedule of events One of the country's original celebration sites, Pensacola hosts family-oriented Mardi Gras fun at numerous parades, where crowds catch beads and moon pies tossed from floats, as well as various contests and culinary festivals.
February
Black History Month
Held throughout February 850-474-2405 Celebrate the evolution of African-American history at several area events including a black history recital and concert at the University of West Florida with music performed by the UWF Gospel Choir.
March
Pensacola Bay International Film & Television Festival
Usually held mid-March 850-435-6851 Call for exact dates and schedule Four days of great films, symposiums, parties, awards, and plenty of glitz and glamour.
Gallery Night
Usually held in mid-March 850-432-9906 Admission Free Enjoy an evening of arts and culture by touring downtown art galleries open late for this quarterly event, sponsored by the Arts Council of Northwest Florida. Trolley stops along the way provide free transportation.
April
Pensacola JazzFest
Usually held in early April 850-433-8382 Admission Free Pensacola's historic Seville Square hosts this event filled with great jazz music performed by local and national talents.
Blue Angels Classic Senior PGA Tournament
Usually held in mid-April 850-995-3300 The best players on the senior tour congregate at The Moors, a par-70 Scottish links-style course in Milton, Fla., five minutes east of Pensacola on Interstate 10.
Interstate Mullet Toss
Usually held the third week of April 850-492-6838 Call for additional information The Flora-Bama Lounge on the Florida-Alabama state line hosts this wacky annual tournament that has participants compete in an actual mullet toss. Live music, food, and drinks accompany this weekend.
June
The Florida Springfest
Usually held mid-June 800-874-1234 Call for additional information This two-day musical celebration draws national headliner musical groups and thousands of people to downtown Pensacola.
Fiesta Days Celebration and Boat Parade
Usually held early June 850-433-6512 Admission Free The Fiesta of Five Flags is an annual celebration of the founding of Pensacola, the first European settlement in the United States in 1559 by Spanish Conquistador, Don Tristan de Luna.
Bud Light King Mackeral/Cobia Tournament
Usually held the later part of June 850-932-5726 Catch some of the largest King Mackerel and Cobia in the gulf. With over 1,200 anglers, this is a very large two-day boat event taking place in the Gulf of Mexico. Prize money and gifts are awarded.
July
Red, White, and Blues Week
Held around the 4th of July for one full week 850-932-1500 Admission Free A big event held during Pensacola's summer festivities; Red, White, and Blues week starts with a fireworks display on the Fourth of July. There is live music on the boardwalk each day and most nights. Festivities conclude with the world-famous Blue Angels flight show. Supported by civilian and military performers, the show is a must-see event.
Gallery Night
Usually held in mid-July 850-432-9906 Admission Free Enjoy an evening of arts and culture by touring downtown art galleries open late for this quarterly event, sponsored by the Arts Council of Northwest Florida. Trolley stops along the way provide free transportation.
August
Thunder On the Gulf Power Boat Races
Usually held in mid-August Annual Super Boat Grand Prix on the Gulf Coast is held in the Perdido Key area. See over 40 boats compete at speeds up to 170 mph.
September
Pensacola Seafood Festival
Usually held around the third week of September 850-434-6211 Held in the Seville Square area of historic downtown Pensacola, the festival features delicious fare and live entertainment.
October
Pensacola Interstate Fair Pensacola Fairgrounds U.S. Highway 90 West Held each October 850-944-4500 Admission Charged Pensacola Interstate Fair offers entertainment, rides, food and exhibits for 11 days every October. Fun for the family. The Pensacola Interstate Fair is a star-spangled parade of exhibits and features arranged and planned for everyone's supreme satisfaction!
Haunted House Walking Tours and Trolley Tours
Usually held in late October 850-433-1559 Admission Charged Narrated tours led by costumed guides visit 39 sites around the Seville and North Hill historic districts where ghostly sightings are researched and documented by the Pensacola Historical Society.
November
Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show
Pensacola Naval Air Station Usually held the second week of November 850-452-BLUE Admission Free With Pensacola as its home base, the Navy's precision flight-demonstration team, the Blue Angels, performs two air shows in the area each year.
Gallery Night
Usually held in mid-November 850-432-9906 Admission Free Enjoy an evening of arts and culture by touring downtown art galleries open late for this quarterly event, sponsored by the Arts Council of Northwest Florida. Trolley stops along the way provide free transportation.
Great Gulf Coast Arts Festival
Usually held in early November 850-432-9906 Admission Free The Great Gulf Coast Arts Festival hosts more than 200 fine art and craft exhibitors from around the country and attracts 150,000 art fans to Pensacola's historic Seville Square. Also features activity-packed children's arts area and live entertainment on several stages.
The Frank Brown International Songwriter's Festival
Usually held in mid-November 850-492-7664 This annual event held at several Perdido Key and Pensacola venues, features songwriters from throughout the country who showcase their talent in a competition atmosphere.
December
St. Anne's Christmas Lights
Held Thanksgiving through New Year's Day 850-456-5966 Admission Free, Donation for Parking Over a million lights illuminate the church grounds in a spectacular display that also features free refreshments.
ZOOLights
Held Thanksgiving throughout New Year's Day 850-932-2229 Admission Charged The ZOO in Gulf Breeze hosts this event with holiday and animal scenes decorated with more than a million lights. Nightly entertainment rounds out the fun.
Christmas on the Island
Usually held early December 800-635-4803 Celebrate Pensacola Beach's holiday spirit with a land parade followed by a boat parade along Santa Rosa Sound. Arts and Entertainment The Pensacola Opera 75 South Tarragona Street Pensacola, FL 32501 850-433-6737
Hours
: Mon - Fri 9 AM - 5 PM
The Pensacola Symphony
205 E. Zaragoza Street Pensacola, FL 32502 850-435-2533 Season runs October – May, call for additional information
Theater
Center for the Fine and Performing Arts
University of West Florida 11000 University Parkway Pensacola, FL 32514 850-474-2000 Season runs October – April, call for additional information
Pensacola Little Theatre
400 South Jefferson Street Pensacola, Florida 32502 850-432-2042 Season begins in September, call for additional information
Saenger Theatre
118 South Palafox Place
Pensacola, Florida 32501
850-444-7699 Call for additional information Since 1925, the theatre has had a major presence in Pensacola. From Vaudeville to Broadway, it has hosted it all. Whether its music, a Broadway play or an individual performance, this "grand dame" has it all.
Sports
Five Flags Speedway 7451 Pine Forest Road Pensacola, FL 32526 850-944-8400 Pensacola Greyhound Track offers live racing excitement and simulcast horse racing events. Catch the thrill of high-speed action-packed greyhound racing. Join the fun in the fully-enclosed, climate-controlled Kennel Club, Lounge, or Grandstand-- or enjoy rail side seating outdoors for a close-up look at the excitement!
The
Pensacola Ice Pilots (East Coast Hockey League) Play in the Pensacola Civic Center Season is fall and winter 201 East Gregory Street - Rear
Pensacola, FL 32502-4956 850-432-PUCK (7825)
The
Pensacola Pelicans Play at the University of West Florida Season is from June through August 850-934-8444 The Pensacola Power is part of the National Women's Football Association. The Power have won multiple championships. Pensacola Facts: Pensacola Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Pensacola Travel & Tourism, Free Pensacola Travel Guide Online
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:
| | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | | Averagetemp.(°F) | 52.0 | 54.9 | 61.0 | 66.9 | 74.6 | 80.6 | 82.6 | 82.2 | 78.7 | 69.5 | 60.7 | 54.1 | | Hightemperature(°F) | 61.2 | 64.4 | 70.2 | 76.2 | 83.4 | 89.0 | 90.7 | 90.1 | 87.0 | 79.3 | 70.3 | 63.4 | | Lowtemperature(°F) | 42.6 | 45.3 | 51.6 | 57.5 | 65.7 | 72.0 | 74.4 | 74.1 | 70.3 | 59.5 | 51.0 | 44.6 | | Precipitation(in) | 5.4 | 4.7 | 6.4 | 3.9 | 4.4 | 6.4 | 8.0 | 6.8 | 5.8 | 4.1 | 4.5 | 4.0 |
Climate:
| | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | | Dayswithprecip. | 10 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 14 | 13 | 9 | 5 | 8 | 9 | | Windspeed(mph) | 9.0 | 9.3 | 9.8 | 9.5 | 8.6 | 7.6 | 6.9 | 6.7 | 7.6 | 7.9 | 8.2 | 8.8 | | Morninghumidity(%) | 82 | 82 | 84 | 86 | 87 | 84 | 86 | 87 | 85 | 82 | 82 | 81 | | Afternoonhumidity(%) | 65 | 61 | 62 | 60 | 62 | 61 | 65 | 66 | 63 | 57 | 61 | 65 | | Sunshine(%) | 48 | 53 | 61 | 63 | 67 | 67 | 57 | 58 | 60 | 71 | 64 | 49 | | Daysclearofclouds | 8 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 6 | 10 | 13 | 11 | 9 | | Partlycloudydays | 7 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 15 | 17 | 15 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 7 | | Cloudydays | 16 | 13 | 14 | 11 | 11 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 16 | | Snowfall(in) | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | | | | | | | | |
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
Pensacola, FL 32502 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 Pensacola Kids Activities: Pensacola Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Pensacola Travel & Tourism, Free Pensacola Travel Guide OnlineWayside Park At the foot of Three-Mile Bridge across Pensacola Bay. Save some bread to feed the birds at Wayside Park. Fast Eddie's Fun Center 505 W. Michigan Avenue Pensacola, FL 32505 850-433-7735 Admission Charged Whether you're young or old, short or tall, Fast Eddie's is the place for fun! If you are looking for a fast, wild and fun spot, Fast Eddie's is the place to be! Dedicated to providing affordable, safe, family fun in an atmosphere everyone is sure to enjoy. With four exciting tracks, there's excitement at every turn. Sam's Fun City 6709 Pensacola Blvd. Pensacola, FL 32505 Just south of I-10 on Hwy. 29 850-505-0800 Open daily, call for hours of operation Admission Charged Sam's Fun City features over 20 rides, go-karts, bumper boats, and mini golf, with an arcade and water park in the works. Flounder's Restaurant 800 Quietwater Beach Rd, Gulf Breeze, FL 32561 850-932-2003 Located on Pensacola Beach Hours: Call for days and hours of operation Admission Charged 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. Fun for the whole family. The ZOO 5701 Gulf Breeze Pkwy Pensacola,FL32508 850-932-2229 Open daily 9 am-5 pm in the summer and 9 am-4 pm in the winter Admission Charge Catch a ride on the Safari Line train for an up-close, fun-filled excursion through 30 acres of free-roaming animals in their natural habitat. T.T. Wentworth Jr. Florida State Museum 830 S. Jefferson St. Plaza Pensacola, FL 32502 904-444-8905 Hours: 10am - 4pm, Monday through Saturday and Sundays Easter through Labor Day. Admission Charged Offers a Discovery Gallery, which recreates old-time Pensacola, complete with a child-sized schoolhouse, hospital and jail, and even some oddities like a shrunken head. National Museum of Naval Aviation and IMAX Theater 1750 Radford Blvd # 3465 Pensacola,FL32508 850-453-2389 Open daily 9am-5pm. The IMAX Theater features two films daily, call for additional information. Admission Free for museum, charge for IMAX Theater The National Museum of Naval Aviation and IMAX Theater displays over 170 vintage aircraft and spans 300,000 square feet. Ithaca Travel Guide |Springfield Travel Guide |Irving Travel Guide |Florence Travel Guide |Regina Travel Guide |Kansas City Travel Guide |Ocean City Travel Guide |Hershey Travel Guide |Saskatoon Travel Guide |Grand Rapids Travel Guide |Topeka Travel Guide |Mississauga Travel Guide |Fort Walton Beach Travel Guide |Bridgetown Travel Guide |Rome Travel Guide |Tampa St. Petersburg Travel Guide |Tokyo Travel Guide |Raleigh Travel Guide |Montreal Travel Guide |New York Travel Guide |Jasper Travel Guide |Greenville Travel Guide |Kauai Travel Guide |Salt Lake City Travel Guide |Rosemont Travel Guide |Palm Springs Travel Guide |Lake Tahoe Travel Guide |Tempe Travel Guide |Geneva Travel Guide |Miami Beach Travel Guide |
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