Things to Do

1. Pensacola Beach

Overview: Iconic Gulf Coast destination with white sand, emerald water, swimming, and relaxing shoreline access.

Address / Info: 7300 Plantation Rd, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561 

https://www.visitpensacola.com 

Cost: Free; paid parking in peak seasons 

Time 2–4 hours 

Audience All ages 

Accessibility ADA mats at select access points; lifeguards seasonal 

Distance from Hotel ~9 miles (~20 minutes) 

Restrictions / Notes $1 toll (Bob Sikes Bridge, southbound only, cashless); beach flag warning system (double red = water closed); 

    limited lifeguards outside main areas 

2. Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier 

Overview: Iconic Gulf Coast destination with white sand, emerald water, swimming, and relaxing shoreline access.

Address / Info: 41 Fort Pickens Rd, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561  

https://visitpensacolabeach.com/things-to-do-gulf-pier/ 

Cost: ~$2–$3 walkers; higher for fishing  

Time 30–90 minutes 

Audience Families, photographers, anglers 

Accessibility Wheelchair accessible pier   

Distance from Hotel ~9 miles (~20 minutes) 

Restrictions / Notes Subject to weather/wind closures; separate fees for fishing; parking limitations in peak season 

3. Gulf Islands National Seashore  

Overview: Protected shoreline offering quieter beaches, wildlife viewing, and scenic pull-offs.

Address / Info: Multiple access points    

https://www.nps.gov/guis 

Cost: Included in $25 vehicle pass  

Time 2–4 hours  

Audience Nature lovers, families, photographers  

Accessibility Limited at some pull-offs; varies by location     

Distance from Hotel 15–30 minutes depending on entry   

Restrictions / Notes Entry gates close at sunset; weather-dependent access; drone restrictions; some areas lack lifeguards 

4. Johnson Beach        

Overview: Less crowded Gulf beach with pavilion amenities and scenic shoreline.   

Address / Info: 13333 Johnson Beach Rd, Pensacola, FL 32507       

https://www.nps.gov/guis/planyourvisit/perdido-key-area.htm 

Cost: Included with Gulf Islands pass       

Time 2–4 hours       

Audience Families, beachgoers, relaxation      

Accessibility Boardwalk access; restrooms available            

Distance from Hotel ~20 miles (~35 minutes)        

Restrictions / Notes Strong surf conditions possible (flag system enforced); drone restrictions; limited lifeguards    

5. Naval Live Oaks Area      

Overview: Scenic trails, shaded boardwalks, and calm shoreline within Gulf Islands National Seashore.  

Address / Info: 1801 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze, FL 32563      

https://www.nps.gov/guis/planyourvisit/naval-live-oaks-area.htm 

Cost: Included with park pass      

Time 1–2 hours       

Audience Nature lovers, walkers, families    

Accessibility Boardwalks accessible; trails vary          

Distance from Hotel ~10 miles (~20 minutes)       

Restrictions / Notes Park hours enforced; insects/heat considerations; limited services onsite   

9. Fort Pickens  

Overview: Historic military fort with tunnels, coastal views, and beach access. 

Address / Info: Fort Pickens Rd, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561   

https://www.nps.gov/guis/learn/historyculture/fort-pickens.htm  

Cost: $25 per vehicle (7-day Gulf Islands pass)  

Time 2–3 hours 

Audience History enthusiasts, families, explorers 

Accessibility Partial accessibility; uneven surfaces and stairs    

Distance from Hotel ~18 miles (~35 minutes)  

Restrictions / Notes National Park hours apply; occasional closures due to weather or maintenance; same bridge toll applies; drones restricted 

10. National Naval Aviation Museum   

Overview: One of the world’s largest aviation museums with aircraft, simulators, and Blue Angels viewing. 

Address / Info: 1750 Radford Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32508     

https://www.navalaviationmuseum.org 

Cost: Free admission   

Time 2–3 hours   

Audience All ages; aviation enthusiasts, families   

Accessibility Fully ADA accessible      

Distance from Hotel ~12 miles (~25 minutes)    

Restrictions / Notes Located on active military base (NAS Pensacola); ID required (Real ID/passport); 

 public access typically via West Gate (Mon–Fri); subject to base security changes or temporary closures; 

 no drones/weapons  

11. Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum    

Overview: One of the world’s largest aviation museums with aircraft, simulators, and Blue Angels viewing. 

Address / Info: 2081 Radford Blvd , Pensacola, FL     

https://www.pensacolalighthouse.org 

Cost: ~$7–$10    

Time 1–1.5 hours    

Audience Adults, older kids    

Accessibility Tower not ADA accessible       

Distance from Hotel ~12 miles (~25 minutes)     

Restrictions / Notes Same base access restrictions as museum; climb requires physical ability (177 steps); 

 hours vary seasonally 

12. Voices of Pensacola Multicultural Center  

Overview: Multicultural center highlights the diversity of the city through dynamic exhibits.  

Address / Info: 117 E Government St Pensacola, FL 32502     

https://historicpensacola.org/plan-your-visit/museums-properties/voices-of-pensacola/ 

Cost: ~Free–$11    

Time 1–2 hours    

Audience History enthusiasts, families 

Accessibility Fully ADA accessible           

Distance from Hotel ~6 miles (~12 minutes)     

Restrictions / Notes Closed on Saturday and Sunday