Explore the Many Sides of Pensacola
You know instantly that you’ve hit the wreck-diving jackpot as soon as you giant-stride into the emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico off Pensacola, Florida. Almost without fail, there’s a dense curtain of baitfish, snapper, cobia and amberjacks swirling about—all before you reach the superstructure of the vessel. And then of course, there’s the heart-quickening payoff as you descend deeper and the outline of a ship begins to take shape.
As exciting as the wreck diving is, Pensacola offers vacationing divers so much more. Our diver’s guide to this coastal city in Northwest Florida and the barrier islands of Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key includes everything you need to plan a dive vacation here. For many, it’s a close-to-home road trip, but for those who need a flight to get here, we promise that the diving is world-class and worth it. Here, you’ll learn what locals already treasure: a vibrant city and beach with an unpretentious, “come as you are” vibe. With so much to discover and love, Pensacola is in a class by itself.
Courtesy of Visit PensacolaThanks to Pensacola's vibrant multicultural history, you'll find a diverse array of cuisines to satisfy any craving after your dive day.
The Way to Dine
Whether you prefer toes-in-the-sand, “come as you are” beach eateries or elegant restaurants, Pensacola is the place to find dining options to match your style, mood and cravings. There are upscale white-tablecloth establishments, open-air bar & grilles with pub fare, farm-to-table experiences, intimate bistros, casual take-out delis, lively breakfast spots, food trucks, cocktail lounges, rooftop bars and craft breweries—and many of them are located on the water or come with a view. And thanks to the area’s rich, multicultural history, you’ll discover every kind of cuisine, locally-caught seafood, French, Spanish, Italian, Caribbean, Mexican, Cajun, barbeque, modern coastal and traditional Southern. Signature dishes and staple menu offerings of the region include grouper sandwiches, spiced Gulf shrimp over cheese grits, raw oysters, burgers made to order, plus “sampler” and “taster” menus that let you nosh on multiple smaller-portion items that the restaurant offers. Pensacola even has a signature drink: The Bushwacker, an adult milkshake that combines rum, Kahlua, creme de cacao, cream of coconut and milk over ice. Like a good wreck dive briefing where divemasters put their individual spin on the vessel’s backstory, local bartenders put their individual twist on this delicious drink, so the ingredients may vary.
Wherever you choose, the food is mouth-watering, the views and ambience are spectacular, and the welcome is warm and genuine. That welcoming vibe is distinctly felt everywhere in Pensacola and is a source of community pride.
Courtesy of Visit PensacolaIf you're passionate about art, theater, and music, downtown Pensacola offers a thriving cultural scene to enjoy during your surface intervals.
The Way to Culture
For those who love art, theater and music, downtown Pensacola has a thriving cultural scene. The city’s energetic visual arts scene includes the Pensacola Museum of Art (which has an interactive space for kids), First City Art Center and numerous downtown galleries. For local theatrical performances, check out Pensacola Little Theatre. The theater is located at the Pensacola Cultural Center, which also boasts a stunning rooftop performance venue—the Top of the Center—that has sweeping views of Pensacola Bay. The Top of The Center features a stage, lounge, bar, catering kitchen, private dining nook and local performances. The Voices of Pensacola Multicultural Center highlights the diversity of the city through exhibits representative of cultural groups that have shaped the city. Pensacola also has its own opera, symphony orchestra and ballet troupe.
Pensacola’s arts scene thrives in galleries, theaters, streets, and historic districts. The city hosts vibrant festivals like the Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival, Foo Foo Festival, and Gulf Coast Jazz Festival, bringing world-class talent to the community. Every third Friday, Gallery Night transforms downtown into a creative hub with local artists, musicians, and vendors taking over Palafox Street. Pensacola’s prolific mural scene showcases striking artworks across the city, from historical tributes to bold contemporary designs. Live music flourishes, from the Pensacola Symphony at the Saenger Theatre to intimate concerts at Vinyl Music Hall to outdoor performances like Bands on the Beach at Pensacola Beach’s Gulfside Pavilion. Whether exploring murals, browsing artisan markets, or enjoying live performances, Pensacola offers an ever-evolving cultural experience.
Courtesy of Visit PensacolaPensacola offers the best surface intervals for history buffs.
The Way to History
A rich history dating back centuries has infused Pensacola with a multicultural identity. Visitors can tour many buildings and see artifacts that are the thread that link the city to its past. Pensacola’s roots date back to 1559 when Spanish conquistador Don Tristan de Luna established the first European settlement in North America. Over the centuries, the flags of Spain, Great Britain, France and the Confederacy and the United States have flown over the city. You’ll feel witness these diverse influences in Pensacola’s architecture and historical buildings. Experience life in the 18th and 19th centuries at Historic Pensacola Village, which encompasses nine acres located within the footprints of the original Spanish and British forts in downtown Pensacola.
Explore the vast brick battlements and labyrinth of arched tunnels of Fort Pickens and learn how soldiers lived in this pre-Civil War-era fort on Pensacola Beach. Fort Pickens, along with Fort Barrancas and Fort McRee were designed to fortify Pensacola Harbor.
You can tour the lightkeeper’s quarters at the historic Pensacola Lighthouse. The National Naval Aviation Museum, one of the largest aviation museums in the world, offers free admission. Veterans Memorial Park honors the area’s fallen heroes. There are 13 monuments, with several sculptures as well as a wall of remembrance.
Pensacola is truly one of the most impressive, inspiring and stirring places for history buffs.
Courtesy of Visit PensacolaPensacola, proud home of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, enjoys the thrill of their weekly practices from March to November and hosts not one, but two spectacular airshows each year.
The Way to Festival
The world-famous Blue Angels dazzle the skies over Pensacola twice a year, with a breathtaking summer air show over Pensacola Beach and the thrilling Homecoming Air Show each November at Naval Air Station. Pensacola’s hometown heroes can also be spotted spring through fall flying in tight formations overhead around downtown Pensacola and Pensacola Bay during practice flights.
Other unique events include the Pensacola Seafood Festival in September; Fiesta Days, which celebrates Pensacola’s founding as the first European settlement; Crawfish Fest, a springtime event featuring crawfish, Cajun food, and live music; and Pensacola’s vibrant Mardi Gras celebration. One of the most famous and wildly entertaining traditions is the Flora-Bama Interstate Mullet Toss, where participants see how far they can throw a fish from Florida into Alabama in a lively beach party atmosphere. With so many events year-round, it’s no wonder Pensacola is known as the “Festival City of the South.”
Discover why this exploration-worthy artificial reef off the coast of Northwest Florida is a favorite among divers.
The Three Mile Bridge Rubble is an amusement park for divers. This maze of bridge supports off Pensacola, Florida, creates a towering artificial reef that draws in snapper, grouper and a host of marine life.
Drop in on this artificial reef off Pensacola, Florida, and prepare to be overwhelmed by schooling pelagic fish.
Set in a choice location, this artificial reef serves up abundant marine life and ideal conditions.
The diversity of life on San Pablo is a constant, and you will never be disappointed by this phenomenal artificial reef habitat.
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