Pensacola Landmarks and Monuments

(Pensacola, Florida - FL, USA)

Pensacola's historical landmarks and most noteworthy monuments are the city's biggest draw cards, along with its beautiful beaches. There are a number of old homes peppered throughout the city, with the largest concentrations being found within the Historic Pensacola Village and at the city's Naval Air Station.

Meanwhile, the defensive structures of Fort Pickens and Fort San Carlos De Barrancas provide excellent sightseeing, offering a reminder of the Civil War period and the days of Spanish rule.

Tourists will find that the Pensacola Lighthouse is a much-photographed attraction, as well as a useful point of reference. Further highlights for sightseers include the Barkley House on South Florida Blanca Street, and nearby McGuire's Irish Pub on East Gregory Street, both of which are within the vicinity of the Veterans Memorial Park.

Lighthouse

Address: Naval Air Station, 191 Radford Boulevard, Pensacola, Florida FL, 90071-1504, USA
Tel: +1 850 393 1561
Standing in the grounds of the Naval Air Station, the Pensacola Lighthouse dates back to 1825, although the current lighthouse tower was built in 1859. At around 52 meters / 170 feet high, the lighthouse is still in operation and has become one of the city's most eye-catching landmarks. With regular guided tours available by reservation, this brick-built lighthouse is a popular attraction. The beach is accessible from the lighthouse and there are several picnic tables within the grounds, making this a place where visitors could spend a whole day.
Open hours: Sunday - 12:30 to 17:30, Monday to Saturday - 10:30 to 17:30
Admission: charge, children under 5 years old go free, discount for children and seniors

Fort Pickens

Address: 1801 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze, Florida FL, 32563-5008, USA
Tel: +1 850 934 2622
Built in 1834, this fort was used during the Civil War primarily as a defense fortification, but also as a shipping port. Named after the Civil War hero, Andrew Pickens, the fort is now part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Having escaped capture by the Confederates, today the fort remains one of the most significant historical military strongholds in the area.
Open hours: daily
Admission: park entry fees apply

Barkley House

Address: 410 South Florida Blanca Street, Pensacola, Florida FL, USA
Tel: +1 850 438 6505
One of the oldest masonry residences in both Pensacola and Florida, this house was originally built by George Barkley, a successful merchant of British extraction, for his wife. With an elevated first floor, the house resembles those from the same period found in New Orleans and Louisiana. Currently owned by the State of Florida and administered by the West Florida Preservation Board, the house is a picturesque sight worth searching out.
Open hours: not open for public viewing
Admission: not open for public viewing

Naval Air Station

Address: 191 Radford Boulevard, Pensacola, Florida FL, 90071-1504, USA
Tel: +1 850 452 2311
A National Historic Landmark, the Naval Air Station boasts an impressive 55 historic structures available for viewing and is home to the famous Blue Angels flight team. Covering over 80 acres / 32 hectares, the station was the earliest permanent naval base to be established in the US and was home to the first navy pilot training center. Built in 1914, the base has rapidly expanded over the years.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Fort San Carlos De Barrancas

Address: Gulf Islands National Seashore, Pensacola, Florida FL, USA
Tel: +1 888 513 4164
Registered as a National Historic Landmark since 1960, this semi-circular fortification made from brick is of significant historical interest. Built to defend Spanish Pensacola in the early 1800s, the fort was later captured by Andrew Jackson in 1814.
Open hours: daily
Admission: park entry fees apply

McGuire's Irish Pub

Address: 600 East Gregory Street, Pensacola, Florida FL, 32502-4140, USA
Tel: +1 850 433 6789
This local attraction is both a pub and restaurant, being extremely well-known in the city for its acclaimed mouthwatering traditional Irish dishes. Capturing the style and atmosphere of a turn-of-the-century New York Irish saloon, the 400-seat pub is the ideal place to relax, dine and soak up some Irish ambiance. One of the most unique features of this public house is that the inside is covered with literally thousands of dollar notes, signed by customers and then stuck to the ceiling and walls.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free, charge for food and drink

Plaza Ferdinand VII

Address: Palafox Street, between Government Street and Zaragoza Street, Pensacola, Florida FL, USA
The Plaza Ferdinand VII is the historic site of Florida's transfer of power from Spanish to US control in 1821 and the area is now a National Historic Landmark. At the same time as the transfer of power, Andrew Jackson was appointed as governor, while Pensacola was made the state capital. The area is now a pleasant park in which visitors can relax, with features including a three-tiered fountain and a plaque commemorating the historical importance of the site.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free