Pensacola: West Gateway To The Sunshine State
Names like “The City of Five Flags,” “America’s First Settlement” and “ Cradle of Naval Aviation” are among Pensacola’s many names. It is known as “The City of Five Flags” for the five governments which presided over the city, while "America's First Settlement" was coined because the island is the first European settlement in the continental US. "Cradle of Naval Aviation," refers to Pensacola being the home of the Pensacola Naval Air Station, which houses the National Museum of Naval Aviation, and is also the home of the legendary Blue Angels. Some people also call Pensacola the “Western Gate to the Sunshine State” because of its location.
Then again, whatever nickname you decide to call Pensacola, the city will surely charm you with its rich culture, pristine beaches, and endless attractions.
Family Fun
Travel to Pensacola with your family and discover many fun things to do together.
Learn about navies and military air power by visiting the National Museum of Naval Aviation. The museum offers guided tours and dynamic exhibits that your whole family will enjoy. Watch films and feel the action at the biggest theatre in Pensacola - the Naval Aviation Memorial IMAX Theatre. If you have kids with you, let them have fun at the Kiddie Hawk children’s exhibit or watch the Blue Angels Air Show and even get to meet the pilots.
Bring your whole family, including the kids, to Fast Eddie’s and enjoy go-kart fun on all of its four tracks. There’s a race track for everyone, so you can bring your little ones and your teenage driver to join you in the game.
At Sam’s Fun City, you won’t run out of fun things to do. Named "Best New Family Fun Park in the USA" by the Leisure & Entertainment Industry, Sam’s Fun City is packed with rides and attractions, including a 200-mile arcade chockfull of games, and a 1,600 square-foot Laser Tag arena.
Pensacola Arts and Culture
Pensacola has a vibrant art scene. The city hosts top arts shows all throughout the year and held every Friday. Art galleries, shops and restaurants remain open late at night. Visitors can enjoy a night full of arts, exhibits, live demonstrations, live music, free food and wine!
Another art event to watch out for is the Great Gulf Coast Arts Festival. This event draws over 150,000 visitors every year from around the country and all over the world to view and/or purchase artworks made by over 200 artists and craftsmen.
Pensacola is home to several galleries and museums. The Anna Lamar Switzer Center for Visual Arts houses a formidable collection of contemporary artworks, plus quality exhibitions and events including workshops and visits from renowned artists.
The Pensacola Museum of Art’s permanent collection focuses on 20th Century paintings, sculptures, and literature. The museum also houses European and American glass art collections and African tribal art.
Pensacola Performing Arts and Entertainment
Pensacola has its own ballet, opera, symphony, and theatre. Visit the Saenger Theatre and watch the best Pensacola performing arts group showcase their unsurpassed talent. Guests who are looking for a trip down memory lane may drop by Pensacola’s historic Seville Square and watch the Pensacola Jazz Fest. Enjoy jazz music performed by local and national musicians all day and night.
Pensacola Sports and Outdoor Recreation
Pensacola’s beaches are some of the best in the world, offering plenty of opportunities for water activities like swimming, fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, tubing, sailing, jet skiing, parasailing, skim boarding, snorkeling and scuba diving.
Pensacola is also home to top golf courses. Visit the Lost Key Golf Club in Perdido Key Beach or the Scenic Hills Country Club in Pensacola and enjoy the challenging holes along with breathtaking views.