Top 10 Things to Do: Fall in Pensacola

1. Visit Pensacola Beach

Although summer may be over, the beach still welcomes you with its tranquil shores and warm sands. Fall is a great time to enjoy the beautiful beaches without summer crowds. Stroll along the pristine white sands, swim in the Gulf of Mexico, or simply relax and soak up the sun. 

Pensacola Beach is open year-round with great local spots like Peg Leg Pete's and Oyster Bar serving up the Gulf Coast's best seafood. Stop by the Gulfside Pavilion Tuesday evenings through October for live music by the best local and regional bands. For more things to do and see at Pensacola Beach, head here.

2. Explore Historic Pensacola Village

Fall is an ideal season to immerse yourself in the rich history of Pensacola. The Historic Pensacola Village transports you back in time with its cobblestone streets, meticulously preserved buildings, and beautifully manicured gardens. Spend hours wandering through the historic district, where you can step inside period homes, learn about the lives of early settlers, and gain insight into the city's architectural evolution. Museums within the village delve deeper into Pensacola's past, making it an educational and captivating experience for history buffs and families alike. 

3. Blue Angels Practice & Homecoming Air Show

Fall in Pensacola brings the thrilling Blue Angels Practice Show, held every Tuesday at the Naval Air Station Pensacola. These sessions showcase the U.S. Navy's renowned flight demonstration squadron, offering breathtaking aerial maneuvers that captivate spectators. You can see them fly from a number of our rentals, namely the BluAngel Bunker and Navy Point Retreat!

In early November, the city hosts the Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show, drawing 150,000-180,000 visitors. This major event celebrates aviation excellence and honors the Blue Angels' storied history. The 2023 theme, "Celebrating Women in Aviation," highlights women's contributions to the field. The show features world-class aerobatic performers and promises an unforgettable experience for all ages, making it a must-see event in Pensacola's fall calendar. 

4. Fall Festivals

Pensacola truly comes alive in the fall with a wide array of vibrant festivals and events that cater to various interests. The Pensacola Seafood Festival is a culinary delight, offering the freshest catches of the Gulf Coast, including succulent shrimp and delectable oysters. If you're a fan of Mediterranean cuisine, don't miss the Pensacola Greek Festival, where you can savor mouthwatering dishes like souvlaki and indulge in sweet baklava.

For those seeking a classic fall fair experience, the Pensacola Interstate Fair promises fun for the whole family with thrilling rides, live entertainment, and a mouthwatering selection of fair foods. Additionally, the city hosts the Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival, where you can immerse yourself in a world of creativity, exploring a wide range of artistic expressions from talented local and national artists. And if you're a food enthusiast, the Pensacola Fall Food Truck Fest is a must-visit. A variety of food trucks converge to offer an eclectic mix of flavors, from gourmet tacos to artisanal desserts. It's a paradise for foodies looking to sample unique and delicious fare.

If you'd like to discover even more fall festivals and events in Pensacola, we've compiled a comprehensive list on our Top 10 Fall Festivals page, where you can find detailed information about each event and plan your fall festival itinerary.

5. Pensacola Lighthouse and Maritime Museum

Ascending the historic Pensacola Lighthouse is a highlight of any visit to the area. The panoramic views from the top are simply breathtaking, allowing you to gaze out over the shimmering waters of Pensacola Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Inside the maritime museum, you can explore captivating exhibits that detail the maritime history of the region. From shipwrecks and naval aviation to the lighthouse's own fascinating history, there's a wealth of maritime knowledge to absorb.

6. Hiking and Nature Trails

Fall is a favored season for outdoor enthusiasts, and Pensacola offers a range of natural wonders to explore. Big Lagoon State Park and Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park are perfect destinations for those seeking to connect with nature. Here, you can embark on well-maintained hiking trails that wind through lush forests and salt marshes. Birdwatchers will delight in the variety of avian species that call these parks home, especially during the fall migration season. The cool, pleasant weather provides an excellent backdrop for outdoor adventures, whether you're hiking, birdwatching, or simply enjoying a leisurely picnic.

7. Oktoberfest

Embrace the spirit of Oktoberfest in Pensacola by joining the festivities at some of the city's beloved breweries. Alga, Perfect Plain, and Gary's Brewery & Biergarten all host their own Oktoberfest celebrations, each offering a unique experience.

At these events, you can indulge in authentic German beers, specially brewed for the occasion, and relish classic Bavarian cuisine such as bratwurst, sauerkraut, and soft pretzels. Live music and a lively atmosphere set the stage for a jovial celebration, making these Oktoberfest events a highlight of the fall season.

But the Oktoberfest celebrations don't stop there. Downtown Pensacola hosts an exciting Pub Crawl during this time, where you can hop from one popular establishment to another, sampling a variety of craft beers and seasonal brews. It's a fantastic way to explore the vibrant downtown scene while immersing yourself in the conviviality of the festival.

Whether you choose to raise a glass at a local brewery or embark on the downtown Pub Crawl, the Oktoberfest events in Pensacola promise an unforgettable experience, filled with camaraderie, great food, and, of course, fantastic beer. It's a festive celebration that captures the essence of this beloved German tradition right in the heart of Florida's Gulf Coast.

8. Golfing

Golfers will appreciate the comfortable temperatures and mild climate that make fall an ideal time to hit the links in Pensacola. The area boasts several exceptional golf courses, each with its own unique challenges and scenic beauty. Marcus Pointe Golf Club offers a championship-caliber course set against a backdrop of rolling hills and water features. Meanwhile, Perdido Bay Golf Club provides stunning views of Perdido Bay and a challenging layout for golfers of all skill levels. Fall golfing in Pensacola is a true pleasure, with well-maintained courses and beautiful weather enhancing the experience.

9. Pensacola Naval Air Station Museum

If you have an interest in aviation and maritime history, a visit to the Pensacola Naval Air Station Museum is a must during your fall trip to Pensacola. This museum, which has been an integral part of the Naval Air Station Pensacola for decades, recently reopened its doors to the public after a period of closure, making it an exciting addition to your fall itinerary.

One of the museum's most iconic attractions is the opportunity to step inside a meticulously restored Blue Angels aircraft, allowing you to experience the cockpit from a pilot's perspective. The interactive exhibits, flight simulators, and educational displays make this museum an engaging experience for visitors of all ages, including families with children.

What makes the museum's reopening in 2023 particularly special is the chance to view new and updated exhibits that highlight the incredible achievements and advancements in naval aviation over the years. It's a testament to the dedication of the Pensacola Naval Air Station in preserving and sharing this important history with the public.

As you explore the museum, you'll gain a profound appreciation for the brave men and women who have served in the U.S. Navy and the significant role that Pensacola has played in shaping the nation's military aviation prowess. The reopening of the Pensacola Naval Air Station Museum in the fall of 2023 provides an excellent opportunity to delve into this fascinating world of aviation history and pay tribute to the heroes who have contributed to its legacy.

10. Fall Dining

 Fall is a time of culinary delights in Pensacola, with local restaurants embracing the season by crafting menus that feature the best of autumn's flavors. Fresh seafood is still abundant, and you can savor dishes like gumbo and seafood boils. Additionally, look for seasonal dishes that incorporate locally sourced ingredients, such as sweet potatoes, pecans, and pumpkins. Whether you're dining on the waterfront, in the historic district, or at a cozy bistro, the fall dining scene in Pensacola is a culinary journey that captures the essence of the Gulf Coast. Head to our Top 10 Restaurants page to check out our picks for local cuisine.