Floridays: We love ‘em!

I’ve been to Pensacola a handful of times over the years, but on this visit, I understood why so many travelers come for vacation and end up staying for good. Pensacola offers that rare balance: sugar-white beaches, a vibrant-yet-unpretentious downtown, and a welcoming, small-town feel layered with coastal ease.

Getting There Is Easier Than You Think

For years, I drove to Pensacola from Texas with my family, an easy enough road trip, but this time, I opted to fly. A quick 1.5-hour nonstop on Southwest Airlines (complete with free WiFi for Rapid Rewards members) made the journey seamless. We even landed 30 minutes early! Once on the ground, Pensacola International Airport is small and easy to navigate a smooth start to your getaway.

Top 3 Outdoor Adventures That Define the Destination

1. A Front-Row Seat to Precision in the Sky

A boat excursion with Frisky Mermaid Dolphin Cruises & Tours took us past scenic parks and islands to Sand Island, but the real show was overhead.

Watching The Blue Angels practice gave us a whole new appreciation for their craft. Video Marika Flatt.

Pensacola is home to the legendary Blue Angels, who practice twice weekly (Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m., March through October). Watching these six elite pilots, who represent a crew of 150, perform with jaw-dropping precision (sometimes just 18 inches apart) is nothing short of mesmerizing. After experiencing the awe of that show, I watched their documentary on Amazon Prime (The Blue Angels) and I’m officially a fan.

Nearby, the Gulf Islands National Seashore, one of the most visited national parks in the country, offers everything from camping and historic forts to miles of pristine shoreline.

2. Finding Balance, on the Water

For something truly unique, Pensacola Beach Yoga offers sessions that go beyond the sand (but they also offer yoga on the beach). Their stand-up paddleboard yoga, hosted in front of Key Sailing, invites you to stretch, balance, and breathe while floating on the waters of the sound.

It challenged me in all the right ways and reminded me that stepping outside your comfort zone often leads to the most memorable experiences.

3. Kayaking Along a Coastal Trail

With 93 parks and more waterways than you can count; ocean, bay, rivers, and estuaries, Pensacola is a paddler’s paradise.

We explored the William Bartram Kayak Trail, a three-mile route that winds along the coastline. Most of the journey was calm and peaceful, though a breezy stretch gave us a taste of sea kayaking, just enough adventure to add to the memory box.

Beachfront: Stay Where the Sand Meets the Sea

If your ideal stay involves waking up steps from the Gulf, Fairfield Inn & Suites Pensacola Beach is the bed for your head. With 209 rooms, it’s a family-friendly property that offers multiple pools, a lazy river, and direct beach access.

Connected to the hotel is Fish Heads Bar & Grill, a laid-back spot that quickly came in clutch for an easy lunch and cold beer. Don’t miss the elote bowl topped with blackened shrimp, and here’s a pro tip: grab the collectible 21-ounce cup. Refills are just $5, which feels like a win every time you head back to the bar for a cold beer.

A short 15-minute walk brings you to the Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier, the second-largest pier on the Gulf Coast which is perfect for a sunset stroll or simply taking in the vastness of the Gulf.

A Boutique Stay with Character

Lily Hall was beautifully decorated and made for a cozy stay. Video Marika Flatt.

In downtown Pensacola, Lily Hall is a boutique hotel in a restored church (which, by the way, was a punk venue in between). The rooms are thoughtfully curated, with vintage record players, vinyl collections (mine included Texans Willie Nelson and Christopher Cross), and charming literary touches that make the stay feel personal.

Downstairs, dinner at Brother Fox is an experience in itself. Shareable plates like Pan con Tomate (grilled bread topped with marinated fresh tomato and olive oil), Gambas al Ajillo (garlic Gulf shrimp), and Albondigas (beef tenderloin ground into tasty meatballs) pair effortlessly with a crisp Chardonnay. I sat cozily inside but there’s also a refined patio as another option. 

Around the corner, grab a cocktail at the speakeasy Sister Hen. Look for the red phone booth, pick up the receiver and wait for an invitation. 

Where to Eat (and Linger a Little Longer)

Flip-Flop Dining at Its Best

Dining in Pensacola has a personality most desire; delicious and never fussy. At The Grand Marlin, the concept of “flip-flop fine dining” comes to life.

What sets this restaurant apart is its ever-evolving menu that’s crafted daily based on the freshest available catch. Start with the Maryland-style lump crab cakes and salt-and-pepper calamari, and absolutely say yes to their expertly made dirty martini.

The standout for me was the grouper piccata which was parmesan-crusted and served with sautéed spinach, whipped potatoes, and a decadent house-made brown butter sauce. Pair it with a glass of Hartford Court Chardonnay, and you have one of those meals you’ll find yourself reminiscing about long after the trip ends.

A few more standout spots worth building into your itinerary:

-Crabs on Pensacola Beach – Casual, lively, and right on the sand making it perfect for families.

-Pensacola Fish House – A longtime local favorite with waterfront views and classic Gulf seafood.

-Flora-Bama Yacht Club – Straddling the Florida-Alabama line, it’s equal parts iconic and entertaining with live music 7 days a week.

-Iron – Elevated Southern cuisine with creative small plates and standout wines.

-Bodacious — for a hearty breakfast, don’t miss the Bo Bowl, grits topped with a fried egg.

Pensacola boasts the beauty of the Gulf, an abundance of outdoor adventure, great seafood and a relaxed vibe. 

It’s the kind of place where you can spend the morning paddleboarding, the afternoon on the beach, and the evening savoring fresh seafood with your toes still sandy. And somewhere along the way, you might find yourself thinking: I could live here.

For trip planning, download the Visit Pensacola App and look at the fun events happening year round at www.VisitPensacola.com.

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Cover Photo Marika Flatt.

Marika Flatt, Outstanding Austin Communicator 2021, is the Travel Editor of Texas Lifestyle Magazine. She began her travel writing career in 2002, and can be seen as a contributor on TV shows across Texas, such as Great Day Houston, San Antonio Living, Spectrum News (statewide), Good Morning Texas, KVUE, Daytime, and Studio 512! Marika spent five years as the voice of the “Weekend Trip Tip” on NPR’s Texas Standard pre-Covid. Follow Marika on Instagram.