A Weekend in Pensacola- What to Eat

One of the things I love about Pensacola is the abundance of seafood. In fact, it's really one of my favorite things about the gulf coast, period.

Flounder's Chowder House is a great spot right in the touristy area. It's easy to find; however, the wait times can be a bit crazy. The selection of fresh seafood is really awesome and I've never tried anything here that wasn't absolutely delicious. The restaurant is right off the water and it's really fun and comfortable.

McGuire's Irish Pub is one of the few non seafood places that I really enjoy here. It's got a lot of cool stuff on the walls and the ceiling (like all the dollar bills everywhere). The food is really really good (especially those Boxtys and the root beer if you're not a drinker). This place has even been on the Food Network! You can't miss it; the building really stands out.

I stopped by Jaco's Bayfront Bar and Grille once on a gorgeous day and got to sit in a nice spot overlooking the water. The food is really good and the ambiance was wonderful. I stopped here for a cocktail and some dessert after a lot of walking around the downtown area and it's right by the end of the Palafox Pier.

Al Fresco is the first Airstream food park I've ever been to. I'm a huge Airstream fan (we had one when I was a teenager and I loved it) and I love food trucks. The selection has changed a bit since my last visit but it's a fun spot (lunchtime does get pretty crowded so time appropriately) and it's right downtown! Definitely worth a stop!

The Oar House is a fun place to stop that's a little further from the downtown and beach areas but has a fun vibe. There's a large bar area outdoors and it's right on the water. You can actually take a dinghy over and park it at the dock right outside. There is plenty of outdoor seating where you can admire the boats and the menu is extensive.

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A Weekend in Pensacola- What to Do

I love a good beach. I'm not great at sitting still and just relaxing but I really love the beach. There are plenty of beaches in Pensacola but there's quite a few other things to do if sand isn't really your thing.

The Naval Aviation Museum is a great way to spend a day. It's on the base so you do have to go through security but cabs can go in and out to pick up and drop off. The museum is pretty large and there are plenty of great exhibits for all ages. I didn't get to stay too long because it was a stormy afternoon when I visited but I had a lot of fun. Stop by the Cubi Bar Cafe for lunch; it's a restaurant and an exhibit with lots of cool displays!

I love that Pensacola has a cute, small, historic downtown area. It's easy to navigate and filled with the cutest shops, restaurants, and parks. You can find a ton of historic plaquards for the older buildings and there are even a number of museums in the area. You can also hunt the downtown area for all of the brightly painted pelicans.

In addition to the many nautical things you can do in the Pensacola area, this part of Florida is right next to Alabama. Less than an hour away are a ton of farms which are especially fun in the fall! You can find pumpkin patches, cornfield mazes, and little markets at a number of these spots. 

I know I mentioned having spent most of my time in pensacola on the water and if you're looking for just a little afternoon sailing excursion, companies like Condor Sailing Adventures provide short guided tours so you really don't have to do anything. On the flip side, if you want something more educational or would like an actual lesson, Lanier Sailing Academy offers a variety of options.

A Weekend in Pensacola- Where to Stay

Today I'm sharing my wishlist of places to stay in Pensacola. I typically stayed locally and the one time I had a hotel it was a cheap last minute decision. The rest of my trips were spent sleeping on a boat which sounds great in theory but can be pretty rough when the weather isn't great and you're not feeling so fabulous. I've been thinking about bringing Corey out here for some nautical fun and these three places are definitely on my list of hotel options! They're all relatively affordable and cute!

This Springhill Suites has a lot of that clean white beachy charm I look for in a beachfront property. With multiple pools overlooking the ocean, the complimentary breakfast, and the really pretty balconies, it has a lot of the amenities I look for in a relaxing hotel. Additionally, it's one of the most reasonably priced hotels on Pensacola Beach without sacrificing some quality and comfort. 

I've spent a good amount of time on the water but I've also enjoyed exploring the downtown and historic districts of Pensacola as well. The Pensacola Grand is right in that area, the reviews and prices are good, and it's literally walking distance to a lot of shops and restaurants. 

Paradise Inn has the look of a colorful old school roadside lodge with the added benefit of being right by the water and having good prices. The restaurant and bar are also great places to drink and enjoy the sunset. 

Lastly, Air BnB is always a great option for beach accommodations. They have a great selection of homes to fit pretty much anyone's taste- from beachfront houses to beach condos, and downtown lofts. 
So many great options!

A Weekend in Pensacola- What to Pack

Pensacola holds a lot of weird memories for me. I hesitated in even doing this guide but frankly, I've spent way too much time there to not do one so here we are! 

Most of my time spent in Pensacola was spent on the water on a boat. So this series is going to be a bit more nautical themed. While the enjoyment level of a sailing excursion depends on whether or not you get seasick, it's definitely an experience I suggest trying at least once! Today I'm sharing my packing guide for a trip to Pensacola with some pieces that will definitely come in handy if you plan to do any boating!

This post contains affiliate links and I will receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on my link. As always, all opinions are my own. 

You'll want a good swimsuit, of course. I like this one piece because it covers all the necessary bits and will actually stay still when you're moving around a lot (no wardrobe malfunctions or nip slips). 

Great sunglasses and some awesome sunblock are a big must on the water because that reflection on the water is no joke. I've seen people turn into lobsters without sunblock after just a little time on the water (even when it's overcast). I like Sun Bum a lot and love the look (and price) of these shades. Also- a hat is definitely a necessity on a boat when you're on the open water and don't have any shade to hang out under.

Even in the summer, it can get a little cold on a boat, especially on a cloudy day. Some lightweight pieces with long sleeves help keep you from catching a draft (I've gotten a little bit of a cold from the chill a few times) without making you feel really gross. Plus I love the nautical stripes on this dress!

Clearly, flip flops and a tote bag are essential when you're in a beachy place and these inexpensive pieces are great for getting the job done without spending a lot of cash. Last- if you're not sure how well you handle the water, stock up on some Sea Bands in advance to avoid any unpleasant (and messy) mishaps!

Okay, one more thing that I didn't list in the photo- bug spray! I have gotten eaten alive on multiple occasions by the worst mosquitos. Crazy story- apparently, I'm mildly allergic to the type of mosquitos that live in the Pensacola area. I have swelled up into giant bruises from these bites. So painful! Use bug spray!

Waterproof Bags | Tote | Swimsuit

Sandals | Sunglasses | Hat | Dress

Sea Bands | Sun Bum | Top