Things to do in Pensacola

Recreational Activities in Pensacola

On this page is listed the things you can do while in Pensacola.

1. The beaches of Pensacola, with their famous sugar-white sand, are the city's most popular attractions. However, while the city of Pensacola is surrounded entirely by water, there are no beaches in the city limits. Instead, you'll have to travel to one of the beachside communities, which are a short drive away. Pensacola Beach is nearby, and very popular with both tourists and locals, with many restaurants, hotels, amenities and shopping, while Perdido Key is just a short drive further, and is more quiet and pristine.
   
   
2. Diving opportunities here are mostly sunken ships, which are not only historically interesting, but provide homes for entire ecosystems. The most popular dive is the newly "reefed" aircraft carrier Oriskany approximately 24 miles southeast of Pensacola Pass; the wreck is nearly a thousand feet long! Another dive includes the USS Massachusetts that was used as a target for artillery fire after being decommissioned in 1919. She sits in 30 feet of water near Pensacola Pass and is known to be an unpredictable dive. For spearfishers, the Russian Freighter is a popular dive, with grouper, snapper, and lobster available. Travelers interested in diving should check with one of the four dive shops in town for more information and for boat charters.
   • Dive Pros, 7203 W Hwy 98, +1 850 456-8845 (merrick@florida-divepros.com, fax: +1 850 456-0025). Summer M-F 9AM-7PM, Sa 7AM-7PM, Su 9AM-5PM; Winter M-F 10AM-6PM, Sa 8AM-6PM, Su 9AM-5PM.
   • MBT Divers, 3920 Barrancas Ave, +1 850 455-7702 (info@mbtdivers.com, fax: +1 850 455-7564). M-Sa 8AM-6PM, Su 8AM-3PM.
   • Scuba Shack, 711 S Palafox Pl, +1 850 433-4319 (info@scubashackpensacola.com, fax: +1 850 465-0040). M-Sa 9AM-4PM, Su 9AM-3PM.
   
   
3. Birdwatchers should check out Big Lagoon State Park, just west of the city, where birds of prey are easily spotted in the dead trees overlooking the water. At Big Lagoon, keep an eye out in early spring after particularly heavy showers, when migrating birds are often forced to land and many unusual birds can be spotted. The University of West Florida's Edward Ball nature trail meanders through swampland, allowing a rare glimpse at wetland birds, such as brilliant yellow tanagers and red-winged blackbirds. And of course, shore birds and seabirds are easily spotted near the coast.
   
   
4. Net Strike Arena, 9760 N Davis Hwy (Follow Davis Hwy NW, away from Pensacola; on left after merge), +1 850 417-7047 (gaming@netstrikearena.com). Tu-Th 2PM-Mid, Fr-Su 2PM-2AM, Mo Closed. The area's premier computer gaming facility, and one of only a few internet cafes. If you are looking to game, this is the place for you. $4-5/hr.
   
   
5. Pensacola Civic Center, 201 E Gregory St, +1 850 432-0800. Large enough to seat 10,000, the civic center in Pensacola attracts bands, live concerts, and conventions. Past performers have included Sheryl Crowe, Kelly Clarkson, Cher and Kiss. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster, but you can save money by picking them up in person, at the box office.

More info on Pensacola available in the Pensacola Tourist Information main page.

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