Things to do in Pensacola

    Discover amazing Pensacola activities and premium in-home experiences.

    Pensacola, a Gulf Coast gem, invites visitors with its sugar-white beaches and rich naval history. The city’s vibrant arts scene and Southern hospitality provide the perfect backdrop for exploring local seafood flavors or catching live music under starry southern skies. Whether you’re diving into marine adventures or unwinding on sun-drenched shores, Pensacola offers an enchanting escape full of coastal charm.

    Popular Activities in Pensacola

    Dessert Madness: Walking Dessert Tour

    Taste pralines, fudge, and chocolates on a sweet stroll down historic Palafox Street

    4.4 167 reviews
    $40/ person

    Ghosts and Graveyards Tour of Pensacola

    Explore Pensacola's haunted history on a 2-hour riding tour with a cemetery stop

    4.4 167 reviews
    $26/ person

    Pensacola Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Museum Access

    See Pensacola’s top sights at your own pace with narration and entry to Historic Pensacola Village

    4.4 167 reviews
    $28/ person

    North Hill Historic Architecture Tour

    Explore North Hill's diverse historic architecture in 108 minutes with insights from a veteran local realtor

    4.4 167 reviews
    $18/ person

    The Locals Island Charter

    Sail to a secluded beach near Fort McRee for swimming, paddleboarding, and lunch on a private 6-hour charter

    5.0 16 reviews
    $1,344

    Pensacola Bay Inshore Fishing Charter, Private

    Target seasonal Gulf species on calm inshore waters with tackle, bait, and fish cleaning included.

    4.8 113 reviews

    Private Dolphin Tour in Pensacola

    Uncrowded 2-hour private cruise to spot dolphins along Pensacola Pass

    4.8 113 reviews

    Pensacola Gulf Private Offshore Fishing Charter

    Fish Pensacola Pass and the Gulf on a private charter with tackle, bait, and fish cleaning included

    4.8 113 reviews

    Private Shark Fishing Charter in Pensacola

    Target sharks on a private afternoon trip with gear, bait, and fish cleaning included

    4.8 113 reviews

    Parasailing at Radical Rides

    Enjoy a 7–10 minute flight with a boat ride up to 1 hour; ages 5+ can fly

    4.7 948 reviews
    $65/ person

    Jet Ski Dolphin Tour in Santa Rosa Sound

    Ride a jet ski in Santa Rosa Sound to encounter dolphins up close

    4.7 948 reviews
    $348/ jetski

    Pensacola Beach Jet Ski Rental in Santa Rosa Sound

    Ride your own jet ski on Santa Rosa Sound with 30 or 60 minute options

    4.7 948 reviews
    $113/ jetski

    Hourly Kayak Rental in Pensacola Beach

    Rent by the hour from 9am to sunset—first come, first served

    4.7 948 reviews
    $46/ kayak

    Stand-Up Paddle Board Rental in Pensacola Beach

    Paddle at your own pace with hourly SUP rentals available from 9am to sunset

    4.7 948 reviews
    $46/ board

    E-Foil Lessons on the Gulf Coast

    Learn to ride a LIFT eFoil with expert instruction, tailored to any experience level

    4.7 948 reviews

    E-JetCycle Electric Hydrofoil Demo Ride

    Test an electric hydrofoil and feel smooth, stable flight over water

    4.7 948 reviews

    Junior Pass for Tiny Tykes Ropes Course and Splash Pad

    Let juniors enjoy the Tiny Tykes Ropes Course and Splash Pad for 2–3 hours

    4.5 1.1K reviews

    Pensacola Beach 1.5-Hour Fun Cruise

    See Pensacola Beach from the water on a relaxing 1.5-hour tiki boat cruise

    4.9 168 reviews
    $62/ person

    Pensacola Beach Sunset Cruise on a Floating Tiki Bar

    Enjoy a BYOB sunset cruise with island tunes as the captain plays your favorite songs.

    4.9 168 reviews
    $74/ person

    3-Hour Pensacola Beach Floating Tiki Cruise

    BYOB floating tiki cruise with music on Pensacola Beach, available as private or public charters

    4.9 168 reviews
    $114/ person

    Jolly Mon 2-Hour Sailing Adventure

    Sail Pensacola Beach with up to 6 guests and enjoy complimentary beverages

    5.0 1.8K reviews

    3-Hour Jolly Mon Sailing Adventure with Optional Swim Stop

    Sail scenic waters near Pensacola with an optional swim and a chance to spot dolphins

    5.0 1.8K reviews
    $115/ person

    4-Hour Jolly Mon Sailing Adventure

    Sail Pensacola Bay with a licensed captain, with time to swim or snorkel and spot wildlife.

    5.0 1.8K reviews

    Dolphin Cruise and Scenic Pensacola Bay Tour

    Watch dolphins and coastal landmarks on a relaxed Pensacola Bay cruise departing from the beach marina

    5.0 1.8K reviews
    $29/ person

    Pensacola Beach Sunset Sail on the Jolly Mon

    Unwind on a 2-hour sail with cushioned seating, drinks, and chances to spot dolphins

    5.0 1.8K reviews

    Private or Semi-Private Powerboat Dolphin Cruise with Beach Stop

    Spot wild dolphins and relax on a secluded island only reachable by boat

    5.0 1.8K reviews
    $103/ person

    Pensacola Bay Private or Semi-Private Dolphin Cruise

    Spot wild dolphins and coastal wildlife on a 2-hour cruise with shaded seating and a licensed captain.

    5.0 1.8K reviews

    Private or Semi-Private Sunset Powerboat Dolphin Cruise

    See Pensacola Bay dolphins at sunset on an intimate 6-guest powerboat cruise

    5.0 1.8K reviews

    Marine Biology Adventure Cruise in Pensacola Bay

    Join a marine biologist for hands-on marine life encounters on Pensacola Bay

    5.0 3.2K reviews
    $52/ person

    Half- or Full-Day Pontoon Boat Rental

    Set your own schedule with morning, afternoon, or full-day rentals on a deluxe pontoon.

    $349/ boat

    Pensacola Beach Sea-Doo Jet Ski Rental

    Ride a new Sea-Doo on Pensacola Beach with fuel and safety gear included

    Hobie Kayak Rentals at Quietwater Beach

    Paddle top-of-the-line Hobie kayaks from a family-friendly private beach

    $17/ kayak

    Pensacola Beach Parasailing Flight

    Glide 500 ft over Santa Rosa Sound on a 10–12 minute flight with stunning Pensacola Beach views

    Lunch, Dinner and Dolphin Cruise

    Enjoy a catered meal and dolphin watching on a 1.5 or 3 hour cruise for up to six

    5.0 32 reviews

    Learn to Surf in 90 Minutes on Navarre Beach

    Learn to surf in a 1.5-hour lesson, great for families and ages 6+.

    5.0 86 reviews

    Destin Surf Lesson

    Learn to surf with experienced instructors in a 1.5-hour, family-friendly lesson

    5.0 86 reviews

    Pensacola Beach Surf Lesson

    Learn to surf with experienced surfers in a 1.5 hour lesson, great for families ages 6+.

    5.0 86 reviews

    Pensacola Beach Kayak Tour on Little Sabine Bay

    Paddle calm bay waters with a guide, spot marine life, and unwind on a beach stop

    5.0 18 reviews

    Yellow River Swamp Kayak Tour

    Paddle calm channels with a guide while spotting birds, turtles, and alligators

    5.0 18 reviews

    Pensacola Dolphin & Scenic Bay Sightseeing Tour

    Cruise calm Pensacola waters on a covered pontoon to spot playful dolphins and coastal landmarks.

    5.0 3K reviews
    $72/ person

    In-Home Experiences

    Chef’s Table Dinner Experience

    Chef’s Table Dinner Experience

    This casual fine dining experience includes a personalized menu featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients, all plated and served at your table for an evening of true culinary delight.

    5.0 71 reviews
    $199/ person
    Candlelit 5-Course Dinner with Personal Chef

    Candlelit 5-Course Dinner with Personal Chef

    Turn your home into a candlelit dining room with the Elegant Evening Experience—a luxurious multi-course meal curated and served by your personal chef.

    5.0 71 reviews
    $195/ person
    Backyard Seafood Boil with Chef in Destin

    Backyard Seafood Boil with Chef in Destin

    Bring the bold spirit of a classic Southern seafood boil right to your backyard or vacation rental with The Boil Experience.

    5.0 71 reviews
    $195/ person

    Experience the Charm of Pensacola

    Pensacola is a vibrant city where Southern hospitality meets Gulf Coast beauty. Known for its sugar-white beaches and emerald waters, it's a haven for sun-seekers and adventure enthusiasts alike. Visitors can start their day with a stroll along the historic downtown area, dotted with charming shops and local eateries that showcase the city's rich cultural tapestry. With its unique blend of history, from Spanish explorers to Civil War forts, Pensacola offers more than just beautiful coastlines.

    The city's natural surroundings invite exploration year-round. Head to Gulf Islands National Seashore for pristine beaches or take a kayak tour through nearby bayous teeming with wildlife. For those interested in aviation history, the National Naval Aviation Museum is an absolute must-see—it's one of the largest air and space museums in the world! And if you time your visit right, catch the Blue Angels soaring overhead during one of their thrilling practice sessions.

    Pensacola's culinary scene reflects its coastal location with fresh seafood being a highlight on many menus; don't miss out on trying some locally caught grouper or shrimp at waterfront restaurants offering stunning sunset views over Pensacola Bay. Whether you're exploring historic sites like Fort Pickens or enjoying live music at Seville Quarter, this city promises memorable experiences filled with warmth and charm.

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