ICONIC ATTRACTIONS Pensacola Beach & Fort Pickens

Our belOved cOastal beaches With their signature pearly White sands, crystalline Waters, fauna and Wildlife are undOubtedly pensacOla’s signature icOn. The Gulf Coast beaches serve as a temporary home for leatherback hatchlings and the herons, seagulls and eagles that can often be seen surfing the air above the ocean waves. The ivory sand that shines like a gem because of the gems—or quartz—from which the sand was made, and the morning glories that weave themselves through the dunes are just a couple of the many things that have been charming visitors and locals for decades. Pensacola Beach is neighbored on both sides by the remarkably beautiful and biodiverse Gulf Island National Seashore, a 150-mile stretch of protected seashore that runs from Cat Island, Mississippi to Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

Aside from hosting a plethora of unique biological wonders, the beach that we all know and love is also a bustling tourist destination and a go-to spot for summer relaxation. Visitors and locals alike enjoy the many activities the beach offers, including fishing on one of the beach’s many piers, renting a boat and coasting towards the horizon, joining a dolphin tour, attending a wedding and even playing a round of minigolf. Visitors can also indulge in Cajun-style dishes, seafood staples, southern comfort foods or Japanese cuisine at one of the many beachside eateries.

Pensacola Beach also features another legendary Pensacola landmark: Fort Pickens, which was once one of the largest constructed brick structures on the Gulf of Mexico. Made of 21.5 million bricks, Fort Pickens once stood as one of the largest man-made brick structures along the Gulf of Mexico.

Named after Brigadier General Andrew Pickens, who served during the Revolutionary War, Fort Pickens was built to defend the Gulf Coast from overseas enemy attacks and was also the site of the final battle that ridded Pensacola of Confederate soldiers during the Civil War after their consequential failed ambush, the Battle of Santa Rosa Island. This battle resulted in nearly 100 Confederate casualties and 80 Union losses. During the Civil War, Fort Pickens was also one of the very few forts in the South to be and to remain under Union occupancy.

Also, among its other prisoners of war, Fort Pickens once held Geronimo, a leader of the Indigenous Ndendahe Apache people. The fort would also come to be an intermittent stop on the Underground Railroad, acting as a means to freedom for the enslaved people that also helped to build it. Two centuries later, the fortress still stands and draws curious adventure seekers from far and wide with its incredible view, meticulous construction, walkable nature trails and its camping grounds and the occasional Blue Angels practice session. For more information on events, activities and lodging, visit pensacolabeach.com.

Pensacon

201 E Gregory St., Pensacola

Each year in February, Pensacola hosts its own pop culture convention attracting fans, regional media outlets and pop culture enthusiasts from across the country. Hosted at the Pensacola Bay Center, Pensacon provides the chance for fans to meet revered movie and television stars, attend community panels, stock up on merchandise from their favorite pop culture icons and revel in the artistry of cosplay. To learn more about Pensacon, visit pensacon.com.

NAS Museum & the Blue Angels

1750 Radford Blvd., aboard NAS Pensacola

Pensacola is known as The Cradle of Naval Aviation, and the Naval Aviation Museum upholds that reputation by giving visitors a glimpse into the histories of the country’s Navy, Marine and Coast Guard, and showcases the feats of aerospace technology. The Naval Air Station is also home to Pensacola’s legendary and beloved Blue Angels—the infamous Navy flight demonstration squadron that can be seen practicing throughout the year. Each year, The Blue Angels are the stars of two Pensacola air shows that are are must-see, bucket list events. For more information visit navalaviationmuseum.org.

Downtown Pensacola

Serving as the city’s lively cultural hub, downtown Pensacola has no shortage of memorable experiences to offer with its unique bars, restaurants, cafes, boutiques and live performance venues. Appreciate its beautiful 19th century architecture, take in the glistening waters and refreshing air at Palafox Pier, or attend one of the many exciting festivals that take place throughout the year. For more information on events and activities visit downtownpensacola.com.

Blue Wahoos Stadium

351 W Cedar St., downtown Pensacola

Home of Pensacola’s three-time championship winning minor league baseball team of the same name, the Blue Wahoos Stadium hosts the team’s home games, weekly fireworks shows over Pensacola Bay and many other family-friendly events throughout the year.The ballpark serves as a hub for community fellowship, and the team prides itself on its wonderful fan culture. For more information, visit milb.com/pensacola/team/about.

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Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival

311 E Government St., downtown Pensacola

Every fall, hundreds of artists, performers and craftsmen—both local and from across the nation—gather in downtown Pensacola to showcase their work and celebrate the arts. For three days in November, the public is invited to come out and revel in live music and entertainment, flavorful food, and the works of creatives of all ages, skills and backgrounds. Learn more about this award-winning arts festival and some of the featured artists at ggaf.org.