Pensacola Tourist Information and Tourism

(Pensacola, Florida - FL, USA)



Pensacola, the 'City of Five Flags', is a spreading city in the Escambia County area of Florida (FL), situated on the Pensacola Bay's scenic northern bank. Founded in the 1560s, Pensacola was originally a Spanish colonial outpost and today Pensacola is known for its untouched white-sandy beach areas, sparkling gulf waters and wonderful sunsets. Pensacola's historic downtown area is full of sightseeing opportunities and tourist attractions, and much of this district has recently been renovated.

The city of Pensacola is well worth a visit and the city's tourism industry is well developed as a direct result of Florida's wonderfully sunny weather, Pensacola's gorgeous beaches and impressive museums, which include the National Museum of Naval Aviation, one of the best air museums in the world.





There are plenty hotels and accommodation options in the Pensacola area, offering affordable lodging at all levels, including a number of hotels with superb coastal views. Many hotels are located in central Pensacola, and are also fairly concentrated along Pensacola's Fort Pickens Road, the Mobile Highway, North Davis Highway and Pensacola Boulevard. More information about Pensacola Hotels.

Tourism in Pensacola has always been an important part of the local economy and Pensacola actively promotes itself as a major tourist destination. The main tourist information center in the city is the Pensacola Visitors' Information Center, which is situated on East Gregory Street. Full of tourist information about Pensacola's many sightseeing opportunities and popular excursions, this bureau also provides a selection of colorful brochures about tourism and tourist attractions in local districts, including downtown Pensacola, the Gulf Breeze district, the Pensacola Beach area and Perdido Key.

Pensacola has numerous popular tourist attractions, including Five Flags Speedway - a half-mile oval track famous for hosting the Annual Snowball Derby and other racing speedway events; the Historic Pensacola Village - with impressive architecture of great historical significance; the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra - with regular concerts held each season, including performances by world-acclaimed soloists; the Saenger Theater - featuring popular Broadway hits, musicals and dramatic performances; and Pensacola Naval Air Station - registered as a National Historic Landmark, boasting 55 historic structures with information about the city's naval history.

Other main tourist attractions in Pensacola include Barkley House - one of Pensacola's oldest residences, now owned by the State of Florida; Fort Pickens - used during the Civil War, dating back to 1834; Pensacola's Fort San Carlos De Barrancas - a semi-circular fortification originally constructed to defend Spanish Pensacola during the early 1800s; the Big Lagoon State Recreation Area - a beautiful, large park, full of wildlife and a lake suitable for swimming, canoeing and boating; Fort Pickens National Park - home to a number of attractions, including an early 19th-century coastal fortification; and the Pensacola Beach Sunset Pier - the perfect place for a scenic evening stroll. More information about Pensacola Tourist Attractions and Pensacola Landmarks.

Some of the best museums and art galleries in Pensacola include the Museum of Commerce - with a replica of a turn-of-the-century Pensacola street, including shops and businesses; Pensacola's Naval Aviation Museum - the second largest of its kind in America; the Museum of Industry - housing an array of interesting exhibits about early industries in the West Florida region; the Pensacola Historical Museum - with detailed information about the history and heritage of Pensacola city, including changing exhibits; the Pensacola Museum of Art - offering a large permanent collection of art in various mediums; and the University of West Florida Art Gallery - focusing on contemporary art, with many different exhibitions. More information about Pensacola Museums and Pensacola Art Galleries.

Tourist attractions located near to Pensacola include the Beach Marina Fishing Fleet - offering boat trips, cruises, fishing and private charters, close to Pensacola; Bonifay Water Sports - featuring jet-skis, windsurfing boards, boats and other recreational activities; Speedy John's Go-Carts - fast go-cart racing around a banked road track; and the Zoo Northwest Florida - within easy reach of Pensacola, home to more than 900 animals and impressive landscaped botanical gardens. More information about Pensacola Attractions Nearby.

More Pensacola Information / Fast Facts and Orientation