The National Naval Aviation Museum is recognized as one of the largest aviation museums in the world with over 150 aircrafts and 4000 artifacts on display. Watch swooping fighter planes, biplanes that have survived aerial battles, helicopters, aircraft carriers, and more. You can also find old documents, vintage uniforms, personal letters written during the war, relics, and other memorabilia. Visit the thriving library, which has photographs, books, technical manuals, CDs, and DVDs dedicated to aviation. As if that wasn't enough, you can also shop for clothes, books, and posters at the museum store or catch some entertainment at the IMAX located within the premises. The National Naval Aviation Museum is truly a place that gives you a sky-high experience!
Managed by the National Park Services, the Gulf Islands National Seashore is spread out across state lines, with the Pensacola region housing a good portion of it. This beautiful beach and park provides ample swimming and other water related activities for a decent price. The park is open all throughout the year and provides basic amenities on site.
If being around water is your idea of having fun, then a visit to Perdido Key State Park is a must. Located near the Gulf of Mexico, this beautiful park is home to pristine white-sand beaches and a variety of coastal animals. A great spot for summer recreation, the park is frequented by visitors who want to take a cool dip in the water, go fishing, or simply watch wild animals in their natural habitat. Head to the coast on your next trip to Pensacola and you'll adore Perdido Key State Park.
The brainchild of Dr. Megan Pratt and Jerry Pratt, Pensacola MESS Hall is unlike other science museums that you might have encountered. Drawing from the principles of the Science Saturdays held by the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition, this interactive museum takes math, engineering and science to a more inventive level. Whether a child or an adult, let your curiosity get the best out of you. Engage, reason and solve like real scientists as you experiment with mess kits and other activities. There are also permanent displays explaining scientific ideas in a creative way. Check out their interactive zones to learn about energy, physics, air, water and kinetics. Intriguing, mesmerizing and educative, it is one place where you can go every time and never get bored.
No trip to Pensacola is incomplete without a visit to the fourth tallest brick lighthouse in the country. Built in 1859, this 160-foot landmark has stood the test of time and is now of major historical importance. Climb the nearly 200 stairs to the top and take in panoramas of the surrounding landscape. Then visit the lighthouse museum, which houses replica models of the first lighthouse, as well as other city landmarks. Make your visit even more exciting by booking a history lecture, sunset tour, or a ghost tour that unravels some of the mysteries of this site.
A spectacular part of the mesmerizing Gulf Islands National Seashore, Johnson Beach is a pristine stretch of white sand and turquoise water in Perdido Key. It enjoys lots of seclusion, much to the delight of those in the know, providing just the place to spend a scenic afternoon. Johnson Beach is popular among adventure lovers, particular surfers and other water-sports enthusiasts. If you prefer to keep it calm, you can take breathtaking sunsets from the shore while a cool breeze blows. There are also lifeguards at the beach, making it appropriate for family fun days.
The Lavelle House, also referred to as the Charles Lavelle House, is one of first houses in town offering public guided tours. It was constructed in 1905 and is located in the Historic Pensacola Village. The house consists of varied rooms that are well furnished, and the structure is characterized by a French Creole Period style. An array of tours are arranged for the house and the vicinity. These tours mostly focus on Pensacola’s history as a Spanish Colony. The hanging panetiere in the kitchen and the rope bed are rare sights seen in the house. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on March 11, 1971.
Clara Barkley Dorr House, constructed in 1871 is a section of the Historic Pensacola Village. The magnificent manor is now a Victorian era museum that is managed by the State of Florida.
St. Mary's Episcopal Church is a charming little church which also has a rectory alongside to it. Built between 1875 and 1888, the church has the Carpenter Gothic style of architecture. The congregation continues to hold services and ceremonies to bind the community together. This beautiful church building has be put up on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
Jolly Sailing offers private and shared tours of the Pacific Ocean on their many boats such as the Jolly Mon, JollyDayz, Jolly'Ventures, and Jolly Dolphin. You can experience the beauty of the shimmering blue water on their sunset cruise or head out early morning for a sighting of the friendly dolphins and other sea animals. They also offer snorkeling tours for the adventurous souls. You can bring in your own drinks and food onboard which the staff will be more than happy to serve to you.
Formerly a sand dune area, this beach was formed when Hurricane Opal changed the area landscape. Located on Highway 399, Opal Beach is a beautiful area to spend some time amidst the natural surroundings. The beautiful white sands, blue waters and fresh breeze make up the scenery of the beach. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, fishing, sunbathing and swimming in this area. The beach offers restrooms, pavilions, and open showers for a convenient and fun experience. The beach is less frequented by people and is perfect for those who wish to spend some time in seclusion.
Chase-n-Fins is an adventurous aquatic charter offering a thrilling two hour Dolphin tour in Pensacola Bay and surrounding waters. This machine is a 50 foot twin diesel converted Navy Launch with a capacity of 49 passengers. The deck area is spacious enough that enables the tourists to take perfect pictures. Travelling on Chase-n-Fins is also a very knowledgeable experience where you can learn about Dolphins, the aquatic life and local historical landmarks. Private charters are available for reunions, weddings, school groups etc.