The Way to Beach: Your Ultimate Pensacola Itinerary + Getaway Guide
If sunshine, good eats, and a little adventure sound like your kind of weekend, Pensacola is calling, and we’ve got the perfect way to do it. Whether you’re road tripping in with your rig, flying in for a long weekend, or just dreaming of your next salty escape, this little slice of Florida paradise is a whole vibe.
We’re breaking down exactly how we did it: from where to park downtown (yes, we’re practical 👑) to glow-in-the-dark kayaks, let’s go live our best Gulf Coast life in @visitpensacola.
Stay: Pensacola Beach RV Resort
@pensacolabeachrvresort
Let’s start with the digs, we loved our stay at Pensacola Beach RV Resort. It’s perfectly nestled on Santa Rosa Island with walkable access to white-sand beaches on one side and the calm waters of the Sound on the other. Palm trees line the property (hello, paradise), and the vibe is chill, friendly, and fun.
Bonus? Sneaky Tiki Bar is literally right on-site, more on that magic below.
🍹 Nightlife + Hangouts
Sneaky Tiki Bar
@islandculturesneakytiki
Casual tiki vibes, string lights, and breezy cocktails just steps from your site? Say less. This is the place to kick off your night with a fruity drink in hand and live music drifting through the palms. We got major island energy here; it’s like a mini vacation within your vacation.
The Sandshaker Lounge & Package
@thesandshaker
Home of the original Bushwacker aka Pensacola’s boozy, chocolatey, frozen claim to fame. It's like if a milkshake got a glow-up and went to college. 😎 Grab one (maybe two), post up at the bar, and soak up that retro, no-frills beach bar atmosphere. This place is iconic.
O’Riley’s Irish Pub Downtown
@orileysirishpub
Need a change of pace? O’Riley’s brings the high-energy pub vibes with pool tables, darts, Guinness, and maybe a spontaneous singalong if the crowd’s right.
🚗 Parking Like a Local
Downtown Pensacola is adorable, but parking can be tricky if you don’t know where to look.
Free Parking - There is lots of free parking. We parked on side streets and never paid for parking. City of Pensacola public parking is free on Sundays, including the Jefferson St. Garage! (Excluding boat ramps)
You can also park for free in the following locations:
Community Maritime Park - Surface lot (Excluding special events)
Bayfront Parkway - Surface lot
Belmont-DeVilliers - Surface lot
South Palafox Marina - Surface lot (During select hours)
601 Commendencia - Surface lot (Excluding special events)Use the ParkMobile App (green signs!) — these are the cheapest city run spots and super easy to use.
Avoid the red Premium Parking signs — they’re privately owned and can charge triple what the city does.
📍Tip: If you’re headed to Palafox Street or checking out museums, we recommend parking near Plaza Ferdinand and strolling from there.
🎶 Bands on the Beach – Tuesday Nights
Need a reason to love Tuesdays? Boom. Bands on the Beach is your answer. Every week from April to October, locals and visitors gather at the Gulfside Pavilion for live music, sunset skies, and toes-in-the-sand good times. The lineup rotates but always slaps, from funky cover bands to beachy rock.
Bring your beach chairs, a blanket, and your dance moves. Just leave the glass bottles and pups at home.
🏖️ Explore the Gulf Islands National Seashore + Fort Pickens
Calling all history buffs and nature lovers, this place is a must. For just $25 (or FREE with your National Parks Pass 🙌), you get access to miles of pristine shoreline, coastal trails, and the epic Fort Pickens, a pre-Civil War fortress that’s just begging to be explored.
📍Insider Tip: Bring your electric bikes and cruise the trails from the fort through the campgrounds. It’s one of our fave ways to soak it all in. Don’t miss Langdon Beach nearby for a quieter stretch of sand perfect for golden hour hangs.
Ranger-led tours happen daily; you’ll find loads of incredible stories woven into these old walls.
🐟 Pensacola Beach Pier
Stretching nearly 1,500 feet into the Gulf, this pier is where locals go to fish, wander, or just watch the sun melt into the sea. You will see people pulling in pompano, mahi, or mackerel right off the side, but even if you’re not here to fish, it’s the kind of walk that just makes you appreciate the ocean breeze.
🍽️ Dinner Plans That Hit Every Time
Agapi Bistro + Garden
@agapipensacola
This spot is the definition of intentional. Led by award-winning Chef Gus Silivos, the menu is Mediterranean-inspired and absolutely mouthwatering. Think roasted lamb, fresh seafood, dreamy wine pairings, and cozy outdoor seating under the twinkle lights. Yes, please. They have so many vegan and gluten-free meals too, we are talking “Chicken Parm” 🤯!
📍555 Scenic Hwy | Make a resy, it’s worth it.
Alga Beer Co. + The Florida Room
@thefloridaroom.at.alga @algabeerco
One part brewery, one part funky throwback bar, and totally our vibe. Get a locally brewed pint at Alga (they rotate often, so ask for seasonal recs!), then hop next door to The Florida Room, where the ‘80s are alive and well. Think neon, old-school arcade machines, and a killer playlist. They were playing Top Gun on the projector when we visited.
📸 Pro Tip: Snap a photo in front of the Pensacola mural outside for the ‘gram!
☕ Where to Fuel Up (Before More Exploring)
Bodacious
@bodaciousshops
Bright, modern, and stocked with everything from oat milk lattes to rooftop views.
Makers Café
@_makerscafe_
Cutest coffee nook with handmade pastries and a sweet little community vibe.
🌮 Lunch Goals:
The Garden at Palafox & Main
@thegardenpensacola
A covered food truck park in downtown Pensacola? Yes, please. This is a one-stop foodie wonderland with rotating vendors, cold drinks, and shady seating perfect for a mid-day break. Great spot to grab something casual while still feeling cool (and delicious).
The Olde English Creamery
@oldeenglishcreamery
If you're wandering downtown and suddenly crave something sweet, run (don’t walk) to The Olde English Creamery. Tucked into the heart of Historic Pensacola, this charming spot serves up more than just tea (though the tea alone is worth the trip). From delicate scones with clotted cream and jam to homemade Shepherd’s Pie and hearty sandwiches, everything here is comforting, cozy, and oh-so-authentic. Whether you're popping in for lunch or booking one of their tea events for the full English experience, this place feels like a warm hug with a biscuit on the side.
📍Don’t forget to check their events page to plan your visit from themed teas to seasonal specials, there’s always something brewing.
🏠 Downtown Must-Dos
Palafox Street
Named one of America’s Best Streets (we agree), this stretch is where you’ll find charming boutiques, art galleries, cafes, cocktail bars, and more. Great for strolling and popping into whatever catches your eye. Most shops open around 10 a.m., so sleep in a little and wander slow.
Pensacola Museum of History + Historic Village
@historicpcola
Included with your pass are multiple museums and a sprawling historic district you can explore at your own pace. Walk through centuries-old homes, step inside art galleries, and learn about Pensacola’s story, from its Spanish roots to Civil War intrigue. Bonus: Your ticket is good for 7 days, so no pressure to see it all at once.
America’s First Settlement Trail
History buffs: this one’s for you. A free, self-guided 3-mile loop downtown that takes you to over 70 historical points of interest. It’s packed with nuggets of info and hidden gems you’d totally miss otherwise.
🔗 See the full map
The Blue Trees
This one’s quick to spot and hard to forget. As part of an international art installation, trees in downtown Pensacola have been painted a vibrant, unmissable blue to raise awareness about deforestation and environmental sustainability. It’s beautiful, bold, and makes you pause for a perfect reminder to look up and think deeper. Don’t miss it while exploring downtown!
✈️ Blue Angels Practice Cruise
If you're visiting Pensacola and don’t catch a Blue Angels practice, did you even go to Pensacola?
One of the coolest ways to experience this iconic aerial show? On the water. The Pensacola Bay City Ferry offers a special Blue Angels Practice Cruise. You’ll board the open-air ferry, cruise the sparkling bay, and get front-row (well…front-bay) seats to see the Navy’s legendary flight team tear through the sky.
Bring a hat, sunscreen, and your best “jaw on the floor” expressions as these pilots don’t mess around.
🛳️ Insider Tip: Seating is first come, so arrive early for the best views.
The crew is amazing and this is such a memorable way to experience one of Pensacola’s most beloved traditions. Trust us, it’s an absolute don’t-miss.
🌊 Paddle the Sabine with Glow Paddle
Let’s end on a high note or should we say, a glow note. 😉 This was one of our favorite experiences of the whole trip: cruising the calm bay in a crystal-clear kayak lit up by LED lights underneath. It’s peaceful, magical, and unlike anything else you’ll do on the Gulf.
🕒 We booked the 7:30 p.m. slot to catch golden hour and the full glow-up… HIGHLY recommend timing it this way for the best content and the dreamiest light.
🛩️ National Naval Aviation Museum
This is not your average museum. The National Naval Aviation Museum is one of the largest aviation museums in the world and it’s right here in Pensacola. With over 150 restored aircraft, immersive exhibits, and simulators that make you feel like you're flying right alongside the Navy's best, this place is a total standout whether you're an aviation buff or just love a good behind-the-scenes moment.
Perfect for families, history lovers, and curious explorers of all ages this is one of those “wow” spots you’ll be talking about long after your trip ends.
Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
Ready to earn some epic views? Just 177 steps stand between you and one of the most stunning panoramic scenes on the Gulf Coast. The Pensacola Lighthouse is a must stop while you're in town not just for the Instagram-worthy views, but for the history tucked inside every step.
Built in 1859 and still standing tall, this historic lighthouse gives you sweeping views of Pensacola Pass, the Gulf, and the Navy base, including a killer vantage point for watching the Blue Angels when they’re flying. But the climb is only part of the experience.
Down below, the Maritime Museum tells the story of life on the coast from lighthouse keepers and shipwrecks to naval legends. It’s the perfect mix of storytelling, sea breeze, and a little workout (your legs will thank you later).
📍Pro Tip: Wear sneakers for the climb 😅
We could go on and on, but honestly? The best part of Pensacola is just being here soaking up the sunshine, laughing with your people, and discovering those little local spots that end up being the highlight of your trip. Whether you’re a beach bum, a foodie, a history nerd, or a little bit of all three, this place just gets it.
Here’s to salty hair, full hearts, and The Way to Beach.
Scott + Ash
*This post is sponsored by Visit Pensacola, thanks so much for sponsoring our work.