Explore the Many Sides of Pensacola
You know instantly that you’ve hit the wreck-diving jackpot as soon as you giant-stride into the emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico off Pensacola, Florida. Almost without fail, there’s a dense curtain of baitfish, snapper, cobia and amberjacks swirling about—all before you reach the superstructure of the vessel. And then of course, there’s the heart-quickening payoff as you descend deeper and the outline of a ship begins to take shape.
As exciting as the wreck diving is, Pensacola offers vacationing divers so much more. Our diver’s guide to this coastal city in Northwest Florida and the barrier islands of Santa Rosa and Perdido Key includes everything you need to plan a dive vacation here. For many, it’s a close-to-home road trip, but for those who need a flight to get here, we promise that the diving is world-class and worth it. Here, you’ll learn what locals already treasure: a vibrant city and beach with an unpretentious, “come as you are” vibe. With so much to discover and love, Pensacola is in a class by itself.
Courtesy of Visit PensacolaThanks to Pensacola's vibrant multicultural history, you'll find a diverse array of cuisines to satisfy any craving after your dive day.
The Way to Dine
Whether you prefer toes-in-the-sand beach, “come as you are” beach eateries or elegant restaurants, Pensacola is the place to find dining options to match your style, mood and cravings. There are upscale white-tablecloth establishments, open-air bar & grilles with pub fare, farm-to-table experiences, intimate bistros, casual take-out delis, lively breakfast spots, food trucks, cocktail lounges, rooftop bars and craft breweries—and many of them are located on the water or come with a view. And thanks to the area’s rich, multicultural history, you’ll discover every kind of cuisine, including French, Italian, Caribbean, Mexican, locally caught seafood, barbecue, Cajun, modern coastal and traditional Southern. Signature dishes and staple menu offerings of the region include grouper sandwiches, spiced Gulf shrimp over cheese grits, raw oysters, burgers made to order, plus “sampler” and “taster” menus that let you nosh on multiple smaller-portion items that the restaurant offers. Pensacola even has a signature drink: The Bushwacker, an adult milkshake that combines rum, Kahlua, creme de cacao, cream of coconut and milk over ice. Life a good wreck dive briefing where divemasters put their individual spin on the vessel’s backstory, local bartenders put their individual twist on this delicious drink, so the ingredients may vary.
Wherever you choose, the food is mouth-watering, the views and ambience are spectacular, and the welcome is warm and genuine. That welcoming vibe is distinctly felt everywhere in Pensacola and is a source of community pride.
Courtesy of Visit PensacolaIf you're passionate about art, theater, and music, downtown Pensacola offers a thriving cultural scene to enjoy during your surface intervals.
The Way to Culture
For those who love art, theater and music, downtown Pensacola has a thriving cultural scene. The city’s energetic visual arts scene includes the Pensacola Museum of Art (which has an interactive space for kids), First City Art Center and numerous downtown galleries. For local theatrical performances, check out Pensacola Little Theatre. The theater is located at the Pensacola Cultural Center, which also boasts a stunning rooftop performance venue—the Top of the Center—that has sweeping views of Pensacola Bay. The Top of The Center features a stage, lounge, bar, catering kitchen, private dining nook and local performances. The Voices of Pensacola Multicultural Center highlights the diversity of the city through exhibits representative of cultural groups that have shaped the city. Pensacola also has its own opera, symphony orchestra and ballet troupe.
For a fun cultural experience, search for the pelican statues scattered around downtown Pensacola as well as a few that can be found in Perdido Key, North Pensacola and Pensacola Beach. The “Pelicans in Paradise” public art project celebrates Pensacola’s beloved pouch-beaked birds and the region’s talented artists. Some examples include Tail of Two Cities that represents the flags of the countries that have influenced the city’s history (Spain, France, England and America), Tribute to Our First Nations, which pays homage to Pensacola’s Native American culture, and Mermaids in Paradise, which welcomes visitors to Palafox Pier, which hosts the monthly Art à la carte extravaganzas featuring the work of local artists. There’s even an online Pelican Passport, an interactive scavenger-hunt type experience that allows you to log the statues you’ve found.
Courtesy of Visit PensacolaFort Pickens is the largest of four forts built to defend Pensacola Bay and its navy yard.
The Way to History
A rich history dating back centuries has infused Pensacola with a multicultural identity. Visitors can tour many buildings and see artifacts that are the thread that link the city to its past. Pensacola’s roots date back to 1559 when Spanish conquistador Don Tristan de Luna established the first European settlement in North America. Over the centuries, the flags of Spain, Great Britain, France and the Confederacy and the United States have flown over the city. You’ll feel witness these diverse influences in Pensacola’s architecture and historical buildings. Experience life in the 18th and 19th centuries at Historic Pensacola Village, which encompasses nine acres located within the footprints of the original Spanish and British forts in downtown Pensacola.
Explore the vast brick battlements and labyrinth of arched tunnels of Fort Pickens and learn how soldiers lived in this pre-Civil War-era fort on Pensacola Beach. Fort Pickens, along with Fort Barrancas and Fort McRee were designed to fortify Pensacola Harbor.
You can tour the lightkeeper’s quarters at the historic Pensacola Lighthouse. The National Naval Aviation Museum, one of the largest aviation museums in the world, offers free admission. Veterans Memorial Park honors the area’s fallen heroes. There are 13 monuments, with several sculptures as well as a wall of remembrance.
Pensacola is truly one of the most impressive, inspiring and stirring places for history buffs.
Courtesy of Visit PensacolaPensacola, proud home of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, enjoys the thrill of their weekly practices from March to November and hosts not one, but two spectacular airshows each year.
The Way to Festival
Every November, the Navy’s world-famous Blue Angels perform two thrilling air shows on Pensacola’s Naval Air Station. Pensacola’s hometown heroes can also be spotted spring through fall flying in tight formations overhead all around downtown Pensacola and Pensacola Bay during practice flights.
Other unique events include the Pensacola Seafood Festival in September; Fiesta Days, which celebrates Pensacola’s founding as the first European settlement; Crawfish Fest, a springtime event that features Louisiana crawfish, Cajun food and live music; an annual Mardi Gras celebration, and so much more. In fact, one of Pensacola’s nicknames is “Festival City of the South.”
Discover why this exploration-worthy artificial reef off the coast of Northwest Florida is a favorite among divers.
The Three Mile Bridge Rubble is an amusement park for divers. This maze of bridge supports off Pensacola, Florida, creates a towering artificial reef that draws in snapper, grouper and a host of marine life.
Drop in on this artificial reef off Pensacola, Florida, and prepare to be overwhelmed by schooling pelagic fish.
Set in a choice location, this artificial reef serves up abundant marine life and ideal conditions.
The diversity of life on San Pablo is a constant, and you will never be disappointed by this phenomenal artificial reef habitat.
Contact Information
Visit Pensacola
DIVE PROS
MBT DIVERS
NIUHI DIVE CHARTERS
