Kaitlin’s Guidebook to the Gulf Coast
Food scene
Locally owned family business. Voted Best in Pensacola for catering. This restaurant is NOT to be missed. There's something for everyone. Be sure to try their famous strawberry lemonade, wings, seafood boil, and the "Best of Both Worlds". They feature daily specials as well. Mention you're a 1st time visit and staying with "The Grayes" for an extra treat!
Family Ty's "Good Eats"
40 West 9 Mile RoadLocally owned family business. Voted Best in Pensacola for catering. This restaurant is NOT to be missed. There's something for everyone. Be sure to try their famous strawberry lemonade, wings, seafood boil, and the "Best of Both Worlds". They feature daily specials as well. Mention you're a 1st time visit and staying with "The Grayes" for an extra treat!
Locally owned restaurant known for their tapas. Highly recommend the lamb lollipops, brussels, and fish specials. Only open for dinner. Call ahead on weekends to make reservations and/or inquire about wait times. This place can get a little busy if there’s an event going on downtown.
160 locals recommend
Global Grill
27 Palafox PlLocally owned restaurant known for their tapas. Highly recommend the lamb lollipops, brussels, and fish specials. Only open for dinner. Call ahead on weekends to make reservations and/or inquire about wait times. This place can get a little busy if there’s an event going on downtown.
Local favorite known for their variety of fried seafood. Be sure to call ahead to check wait times if you visit during the weekend in peak season.
292 locals recommend
Peg Leg Pete's
1010 Fort Pickens RdLocal favorite known for their variety of fried seafood. Be sure to call ahead to check wait times if you visit during the weekend in peak season.
Recommend the craft cocktails, burgers, pork shank, & pimento cheese pups!
105 locals recommend
Union Public House
36 S Reus StRecommend the craft cocktails, burgers, pork shank, & pimento cheese pups!
Fish market and gourmet shop. Nothing but the freshest gulf coast seafood!
295 locals recommend
Joe Patti's Seafood Company
524 S B StFish market and gourmet shop. Nothing but the freshest gulf coast seafood!
Main street grouper with the soft shell crab is a must!
18 locals recommend
Alices Gulf Coast Cuisine & Wine Bar
1504 W Intendencia StMain street grouper with the soft shell crab is a must!
The Wine Bar On Palafox
16 Palafox PlBest spot for a charcuterie board!
Dharma Blue
300 S Alcaniz StCozy spot for great sushi
A Pensacola staple. Famous for their steaks and killer burgers. There’s something for everyone here. Call ahead to inquire about wait times.
380 locals recommend
McGuire's Irish Pub
600 E Gregory StA Pensacola staple. Famous for their steaks and killer burgers. There’s something for everyone here. Call ahead to inquire about wait times.
Fabulous smoked old fashioned. I’m a big fan of their apps and desserts. The escargot and gnocchi is something you should try here!
123 locals recommend
Restaurant Iron
22 N Palafox StFabulous smoked old fashioned. I’m a big fan of their apps and desserts. The escargot and gnocchi is something you should try here!
Beautiful view, one of my favorite brunch spots. The lobster fingers are to die for! Sometimes they’ll have a live congo drum player for brunch.
223 locals recommend
The Grand Marlin of Pensacola Beach
400 Pensacola Beach BlvdBeautiful view, one of my favorite brunch spots. The lobster fingers are to die for! Sometimes they’ll have a live congo drum player for brunch.
Graffiti Pizza
210 Palafox PlEast Hill Market
1216 N 9th AveNo frills market with tasty avocado sandwiches & local honey.
Although not the fanciest… their service is superb and you can tell lots of love goes into this cooking!
26 locals recommend
Kingfisher Sandwiches
1500 Barrancas AveAlthough not the fanciest… their service is superb and you can tell lots of love goes into this cooking!
Good for osyters and a beautiful sunset on the beach!
17 locals recommend
Frisky Dolphin Sunset Oyster Bar & Grill
715 Pensacola Beach BlvdGood for osyters and a beautiful sunset on the beach!
The Fishing Hole Restaurant
15 Brent LnUnassuming place with great seafood and cheese grits!
Brother's BBQ
3309 Gulf Beach Hwyright on Pensacola beach and they’ll even serve you from the lounge chairs if you are one of the lucky ones to get their early for one of the few available out back. It sits right on the beach so kids can play on the sand while you relax with a drink or some really good grouper! Although it’s a seafood place, I really like their Casino Burger!
122 locals recommend
Casino beach
41 Fort Pickens Rdright on Pensacola beach and they’ll even serve you from the lounge chairs if you are one of the lucky ones to get their early for one of the few available out back. It sits right on the beach so kids can play on the sand while you relax with a drink or some really good grouper! Although it’s a seafood place, I really like their Casino Burger!
Things to Do
One of the world's largest aviation museums. This is a must see for your visit to Pensacola. My 13 year-old still loves going here. Check COVID restrictions to ensure they are allowing civilians to visit. This has changed a few times during the pandemic. If they aren’t allowing civilians check into gaining access through the “Trusted Traveler’s” program ahead of time.
468 locals recommend
National Naval Aviation Museum
1750 Radford BlvdOne of the world's largest aviation museums. This is a must see for your visit to Pensacola. My 13 year-old still loves going here. Check COVID restrictions to ensure they are allowing civilians to visit. This has changed a few times during the pandemic. If they aren’t allowing civilians check into gaining access through the “Trusted Traveler’s” program ahead of time.
Pensacola Beach
7300 Plantation RoadLaguna's Beach Bar and Grill
460 Pensacola Beach BlvdStroll through the market on Saturday mornings for local products, art and music.
165 locals recommend
Palafox Market
121 N Palafox StStroll through the market on Saturday mornings for local products, art and music.
Monthly event on the streets of downtown Pensacola. Appropriate for all ages. Featuring artists, food trucks, stages & performers. Almost always held on 3rd Friday of the month from 5-10pm. Check www.gallerynightpensacola.org for the latest updates.
33 locals recommend
Gallery Night Pensacola
13 Palafox PlMonthly event on the streets of downtown Pensacola. Appropriate for all ages. Featuring artists, food trucks, stages & performers. Almost always held on 3rd Friday of the month from 5-10pm. Check www.gallerynightpensacola.org for the latest updates.
Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center & IMAX Dome Theater
65 Government StSaenger Theatre
22 S Palafox StAdventures Unlimited Outdoor Center
8974 Tomahawk Landing RdAdmiral Fetterman Field at Community Maritime Park
351 W Cedar StQuietwater Beach Boardwalk
400 Quietwater Beach RdEnjoy free outdoor concerts on Tuesday evenings in May-September. Family friendly. For the most up to date info - look up Pensacola Bands on the Beach.
Gulfside Pavilion Bus Stop Pensacola
20 Casino Beach BoardwalkEnjoy free outdoor concerts on Tuesday evenings in May-September. Family friendly. For the most up to date info - look up Pensacola Bands on the Beach.
Alligator Alley
19950 Co Rd 71Uncle Sandy's Macaw Bird Park
9513 N Palafox StPensacola Bay Cruises
750 Commendencia StFive Flags Speedway
7451 Pine Forest RdLocated in Foley, Alabama. Has an arcade, 2-story laser tag, bowling, & small restaurant.
20 locals recommend
The Gulf Bowl & Captain's Choice Seafood Restaurant
2881 S Juniper StLocated in Foley, Alabama. Has an arcade, 2-story laser tag, bowling, & small restaurant.
A little bit of a drive (about 1 hour) but something to do for everyone! Make reservations at Gather Restaurant nearby if you plan on visiting the casino.
16 locals recommend
Wind Creek Atmore
303 Poarch RdA little bit of a drive (about 1 hour) but something to do for everyone! Make reservations at Gather Restaurant nearby if you plan on visiting the casino.
Cocktails & a Night Out
Seville Quarter
130 E Government StOld Hickory Whiskey Bar
123 S Palafox StThe Kennedy
1 S Palafox StExcellent craft cocktails & a few tapas (try the pigs in a blanket).
Casks And Flights Wine Tasting Room
121 S Palafox StBLEND Lounge
200 S Palafox StWorld of Beer
200 S Palafox StFlora-Bama
17401 Perdido Key DrOdd Colony Brewing Company
260 N Palafox StO'Riley's Irish Pub Downtown
321 S Palafox StIntermission Bar Pensacola Fl
214 Palafox PlPlay
16 Palafox PlCigar Factory Pensacola
14 S Palafox StShopping
Cordova Mall
5100 N 9th AveTanger Outlets Foley
2601 S McKenzie StThe Wharf
23101 Canal RdBass Pro Shops
20000 Bass Pro DrSightseeing
this historical site is a famous fort from the 1800s built to protect Pensacola Bay. Good spot to take the kids to run around while you explore the sites.
394 locals recommend
Fort Pickens
1400 Fort Pickens Rdthis historical site is a famous fort from the 1800s built to protect Pensacola Bay. Good spot to take the kids to run around while you explore the sites.
Fort Barrancas
3182 Taylor RoadGulf Islands National Seashore
1400 Fort Pickens RoadThe Graffiti Bridge
North 17th AvenuePensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
2081 Radford BlvdPerdido Key State Park
15301 Perdido Key DrivePensacola Beach Ball Tower
Fort Pickens RoadPlaza De Luna Memorial Moument
900 S Palafox StBig Lagoon State Park
12301 Gulf Beach HwyVeterans Memorial Park Pensacola
200 S 10th AveJohnson Beach National Seashore
133333 Johnson Beach RdThings to do with Kids
OWA Entertainment Destination
101 South Owa Boulevard 12 water slides, lazy river, 2 kiddie pools.
also has an arcade, laser tag, go-karts, and a few small rides.
35 locals recommend
Sam's Fun City
6709 Pensacola Blvd 12 water slides, lazy river, 2 kiddie pools.
also has an arcade, laser tag, go-karts, and a few small rides.
good arcade, go karts, batting cages, and a small putt-putt.
29 locals recommend
Fast Eddies Fun Center
505 W Michigan Avegood arcade, go karts, batting cages, and a small putt-putt.
Gulf Breeze Zoo
5701 Gulf Breeze PkwyVoted the "#1 Zoo in Alabama" for two years running. Offers animal encounters with kangaroos, monkeys, & sloths.
210 locals recommend
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
20499 Oak Rd EVoted the "#1 Zoo in Alabama" for two years running. Offers animal encounters with kangaroos, monkeys, & sloths.
They offer hands-on activities geared toward S.T.E.M. and is great for killing a few hours if you are near the Pensacola downtown.
29 locals recommend
Pensacola MESS Hall
418 E Wright StThey offer hands-on activities geared toward S.T.E.M. and is great for killing a few hours if you are near the Pensacola downtown.
T.T. Wentworth Jr. Florida State Museum
330 S Jefferson StHere you'll find kayak rentals, new playground equipment, covered picnic tables, pier, walking paths, tennis courts, senior center, boat launch, dog park and Pensacola’s only dog beach.
63 locals recommend
Bayview Park
2001 E Lloyd StHere you'll find kayak rentals, new playground equipment, covered picnic tables, pier, walking paths, tennis courts, senior center, boat launch, dog park and Pensacola’s only dog beach.
Perdido Kids Park
10004 Gulf Beach Hwywell maintained playground, pavilion and picnic tables
geared toward smaller children (<11). They have hands-on exhibits and 2 floors of exhibits about Pensacola’s history
141 locals recommend
Pensacola Museum of Art
407 S Jefferson Stgeared toward smaller children (<11). They have hands-on exhibits and 2 floors of exhibits about Pensacola’s history
good arcade, go karts, batting cages, and a small putt-putt.
29 locals recommend
Fast Eddies Fun Center
505 W Michigan Avegood arcade, go karts, batting cages, and a small putt-putt.
Sky Zone Trampoline Park
5007 N Davis HwyUrban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park
31000 Bass Pro DrThis 20 acre waterpark was a favorite of ours growing up. The also have mini golf, an arcade, a Flowrider surf activity, go karts, and escape room.
204 locals recommend
Waterville USA/Escape House
906 Gulf Shores PkwyThis 20 acre waterpark was a favorite of ours growing up. The also have mini golf, an arcade, a Flowrider surf activity, go karts, and escape room.
located in Foley, AL. They have a decent arcade, 2 story laser tag (which I thoroughly enjoy but will wear you out!), bowling alley & restaurant. Skip the VR activities here, they are pricy and don’t work well.
20 locals recommend
The Gulf Bowl & Captain's Choice Seafood Restaurant
2881 S Juniper Stlocated in Foley, AL. They have a decent arcade, 2 story laser tag (which I thoroughly enjoy but will wear you out!), bowling alley & restaurant. Skip the VR activities here, they are pricy and don’t work well.
Traveler advice
Don't miss
Festivals
Check the local listings for festivals. https://www.visitpensacola.com/events/signature-events/