Things To Do: Pensacola

Sports and Activities

Pensacola is an excellent destination for sports enthusiasts and outdoor lovers alike, with endless opportunities for fishing, boating, and water sports, as well as hiking and biking trails, golf courses, and a thriving sports scene. The city is home to several exciting sports teams, including the Pensacola Blue Wahoos, a minor league baseball team, and the Pensacola Ice Flyers, a minor league hockey team, providing visitors and locals with thrilling sporting events to enjoy.

With beautiful beaches, top-rated fishing spots in the Gulf of Mexico, and countless waterways perfect for kayaking, Pensacola offers a variety of outdoor adventures. Additionally, the area boasts numerous parks and nature reserves, making it easy to immerse yourself in nature and explore the great outdoors. Whether you're a sunbather, an angler, a kayaker, or a nature lover, Pensacola is the perfect destination to enjoy all your favorite outdoor activities.

Cafés

Downtown Pensacola is a destination for coffee lovers, offering a variety of local cafes and coffee shops to choose from. Some popular options include The Bodacious Brew, known for its specialty coffee drinks and breakfast items, and The Leisure Club, a stylish cafe and bar serving coffee, pastries, and light bites. The Blend is a cozy cafe that offers coffee, tea, baked goods, and light lunch options, while Pensacola Bay Coffee Company is a unique spot that roasts its own artisan coffee, along with smoothies, pastries, and breakfast items.

Another popular option is Fosko Coffee Barre, a cafe that offers a selection of espresso drinks, tea, pastries, and light bites, while The Drowsy Poet is a coffee shop known for its comfortable atmosphere and a variety of specialty coffee drinks and baked goods. With its diverse options, downtown Pensacola is a great place to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee and soak up the city’s atmosphere.

Restaurants

Downtown Pensacola offers a rich food culture, with a range of local restaurants for visitors to choose from. Hub Stacey’s is a popular choice for relaxed dining, featuring a casual atmosphere and a menu of pub fare, craft beers, and cocktails. New Yorker Deli is a beloved local spot, serving classic deli sandwiches, salads, and sides, as well as breakfast options. Wine lovers will appreciate The Wine Bar, with its selection of fine wines, craft beers, and light bites in a chic and cozy atmosphere.

For those seeking a unique dining experience, SaiBai on Jefferson is a great option. This Thai-inspired cafe and bar offers a menu of flavorful dishes and drinks, as well as a cozy atmosphere for sipping and socializing. The Fish House is an upscale seafood restaurant with a menu of fresh seafood and a stunning view of Pensacola Bay. And for seafood aficionados, Joe Patti’s is a must-visit destination, featuring a large selection of fresh seafood, a deli, and a seafood market. With its variety of options, downtown Pensacola has something to suit all tastes. Visit Doc's Top 10 Restaurants in Pensacola to get an inside scoop on the best local spots.

Bars & Breweries

Pensacola is a vibrant city known for its exciting nightlife and diverse selection of bars and breweries. Whether you're looking for craft beer, cocktails, or a traditional bar experience, Pensacola has it all. Perfect Plain Brewing Company is a must-visit for craft beer enthusiasts, offering a rotating selection of hand-crafted brews, delicious food, and a spacious outdoor patio. Gulf Coast Brewery is also a popular destination, specializing in hand-crafted ales and lagers and featuring a cozy taproom and outdoor seating area. These breweries are a must-visit for those looking to experience Pensacola's thriving craft beer scene.

For those seeking a more traditional bar experience, Pensacola has a range of options to choose from. Cabaret, a lively bar with a rotating lineup of live music and entertainment, is a great spot for those looking for a fun and upbeat atmosphere to enjoy a night out. O’Riley’s Irish Pub offers a cozy pub atmosphere and serves traditional pub fare and a variety of beers. The Fish House is an upscale bar and restaurant with a scenic view of Pensacola Bay, while The Handlebar is a lively bar with live music and craft cocktails. Old Hickory Whiskey Bar is another unique destination in Pensacola, offering an extensive range of whiskey and cocktails in a cozy atmosphere. With so many options available, visitors to Pensacola are sure to find the perfect bar or brewery to suit their tastes.

Music

Downtown Pensacola is a vibrant hub for music, with a diverse and thriving music scene that showcases the city’s musical talent. The area is home to several live music venues, including bars, clubs, and concert halls, which host a variety of performances throughout the week. From classic rock to blues, country to jazz, there is a wide range of music genres represented in downtown Pensacola.

One of the most popular live music venues in the area is Vinyl Music Hall, which features a lineup of national and local acts, as well as a full bar and seating. The Handlebar is another popular destination for music lovers, offering a menu of drinks and a stage for local and touring bands. The Jazz Hall of Pensacola is a historic venue that showcases jazz music, with regular performances by local and regional musicians.

In addition to these venues, downtown Pensacola also hosts several music festivals and events throughout the year, including the Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival, the Pensacola Seafood Festival, and the Pensacola Bayfront Blues Festival, which draw visitors and music fans from around the region. Whether you’re a music lover, a local or a visitor, downtown Pensacola is the place to be for a thriving music scene.

Theaters

Downtown Pensacola is a great destination for those who appreciate the performing arts, with several local theaters offering a diverse range of productions. The Saenger Theatre is a historic venue that hosts a variety of shows, including Broadway productions, concerts, and other live performances. The Pensacola Little Theatre is another popular destination, featuring a range of productions, including classic plays, contemporary works, and musicals.

In addition to these theaters, downtown Pensacola also hosts several smaller performance spaces, which feature local talent and experimental productions. From classical opera to modern dance, there is a rich and diverse range of performance art to experience in downtown Pensacola. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this area has something to offer for anyone who loves the performing arts.

Events

As “The Festival City of the South,” Pensacola is a hub of activity and is home to many exciting events and festivals throughout the year. Some of the most popular events include the Pensacola Seafood Festival, which celebrates the region’s abundant seafood and culinary traditions, the Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival, which brings together musicians and songwriters from around the world, and the McGuire’s 5k, a fun and festive race that raises funds for charity. The annual Pensacola Mardi Gras Celebration is another must-see event, featuring colorful parades, live music, and food stalls.

In addition to these large-scale events, downtown Pensacola is also home to many smaller, community-focused festivals and events. The Pensacola Pride Festival, for example, celebrates the city’s LGBTQ+ community, while the Pensacola Crawfish Festival showcases the city’s love for crawfish and other Cajun-inspired cuisine. Whether you’re interested in food, music, art, sports, or community, there is something for everyone in downtown Pensacola. These events offer a great opportunity to experience the city’s rich culture and traditions, and to make new friends and memories.