Pensacola Family Fun: Florida’s Gulf Coast is famous throughout the world for its natural beauty, calm waves and white soft sand. The freshness and pleasant atmosphere of the beach mesmerizes every tourist who comes here. But when it comes to spending holidays with kids and family, Pensacola emerges as one of the best options. Here one not only gets a chance to relax on the beach but also gets to witness a unique amalgamation of history, culture and exciting experiences. This is why this place is considered an ideal destination for a family holiday.
Day 1: Arrival and the beauty of Pensacola Beach
As soon as you land at Pensacola Airport, your journey is filled with exciting moments. The airport itself has cockpits of Blue Angels ships for children, in which they can sit and experience being a pilot. After this, we rented a car and headed towards the hotel. After a beautiful drive of about twenty-five minutes, we reached our hotel, Holiday Inn Resort Pensacola Beach.
From the window of our room, there was a spectacular view of the Gulf of Mexico. Such a view that one cannot get enough of seeing. The hotel pool was absolutely safe for children. The zero-entry pool and lazy river made the children very happy. We had lunch at Crabs Pensacola Beach Restaurant, where there was also a play area for children along with delicious seafood. In the evening, we visited the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk. There is a wonderful amalgamation of shops, food places and entertainment here. Dinner was at Flounder’s Chowder House and ice cream from Kilwins for dessert. Finally, the view of the sunset made this day memorable.
Day 2: Blue Angels and National Naval Aviation Museum
The second day started with breakfast at the hotel. After this, we reached the National Naval Aviation Museum. This museum offers a wonderful experience for both children and adults. There are different types of airplanes here, many of which are allowed to be touched and sat in. The children were thrilled with this experience.
At 10:30 in the morning, the practice show of the Blue Angels started. It was very exciting to watch these fighter jets flying in the sky. Their speed and the lines of smoke forming in the sky are mind-blowing. This experience was so special that the children will remember it for a long time. We had lunch at the Cubby Bar Cafe, which was full of decorations depicting naval history. Returning to the hotel in the evening, we watched the sunset on the beach and then enjoyed a movie show by the pool at night.
Day 3: History and Culture
Pensacola is not just limited to the beach. It is one of the oldest settlements in America. On the third day, we decided to take a closer look at the history here. The day started with breakfast on Palafox Street. This street is counted among the top 10 streets of America and the colorful shops and cafes here have their own charm.
After this we reached the Historic Pensacola District. The historical buildings and museums here gave us a glimpse of the past. The children had a lot of fun at the Pensacola Children’s Museum. The children loved the mini supermarket and the train display of the Industry Museum here. In the afternoon we had lunch at the Casino Beach Bar and Grill. It was a wonderful experience to taste Caribbean-style food sitting on the seashore. We spent the rest of the day at the beach and pool.
Day 4: Morning and farewell at the pier
The last day started with a healthy breakfast at Beer Fruit Bowls and Coffee. After this we went to the Pensacola Beach Pier. The 1,471-foot-long pier offers a wonderful view of the sea and the beach. Dolphins and fish are also visible from here. The kids watched the fishermen casting their nets and even dared to touch a fish.
Back to the hotel, we enjoyed the pool one last time and then checked out. While heading to the airport, we had this thought in our hearts that Pensacola is a place that keeps pulling you towards it once you arrive.
Additional attractions and activities
If you have more time, there are many other places worth visiting in Pensacola. The Pensacola Lighthouse and Maritime Museum offer a wonderful view of the entire city. Gulf Islands National Seashore and Fort Pickens are a confluence of both nature and history. For children and youth, Laguna Adventure Park and M.E.S.S. Hall Science Museum also provide a very special experience.
Food and drink experiences
Pensacola is heaven to a seafood lover. This is where you get to taste fresh fish and seafood. Whether it is the restaurants along the beachfront or cafes and bars in the downtown area, they all offer their own distinct flavour and environment. Food here also contributes to the trip being even more memorable.
Conclusion: Pensacola – the dream of family vacations
Our family will never forget this four day trip to Pensacola. Its all-white sand beaches, child-friendly waves, cool museums, historical landmarks and tasty meals all made it special. Pensacola is not a simple beach, it is a combination of history, culture and adventure that draws people of all ages.
When you are coming on a family vacation as well, then Pensacola is certainly the place to visit. It is one place that will make you come back over and over again and leave you full of new experiences every time you come back.
