Relaxing in Pensacola

The best thing in Pensacola is the beach, but there are also other sights if you feel like getting away from (or can manage to drag yourself from) the water.

Quick Tips:

Make sure you wear sunblock and be very careful about sun exposure. The beaches in Pensacola are almost pure white. And while this makes the beach very scenic and unique it also reflects the sun and increases the chance of sunburn. It is especially important to be careful of sun exposure if you are not used to being in the sun. Any of the locals can tell you that you can get sunburned in only an hour. Also, don't be fooled by overcast or partly cloudy days - you still need the sunblock.

Best Way To Get Around:

A car is needed to get around. The beaches are about a 10 minute drive from the actual town of Pensacola. If you are staying on Pensacola Beach in one of the several hotels you can probably walk to the beach front restaurants and shops. However, as you would expect staying in a hotel that is actually on the beach will probably be more expensive.

If you eat only one meal in Pensacola make sure it is at McGuire's. This famous restaurant serves some of the best food that I have ever had and the atmosphere is not easily outdone. This restaurant serves everything from steak to seafood and traditional Irish cuisine. However, a popular favorite is to have one of their 3/4 pound Angus beef hamburgers. With over 10 different varieties to choose from, it is hard to go wrong with one of their hamburgers. One of the things that you should try with your meal is the Senate bean soup. At only 18 cents a bowl it's worth ordering just for the sake of the price; although, the bean soup is actually quite tasty. (Note: the 18 cent price only applies if it is accompanied by a meal purchase.) For those who enjoy beer, McGuire's brews their own variety and you can see the huge copper vats in the restaurant. One of the most interesting things about McGuire's is the huge number of dollar bills stapled to the walls, the bar, the ceiling, and almost anywhere people can find space. People can write their names and or personal message on a dollar bill and staple it to the wall or whatever room can be found. (Staple guns are provided if you ask.) According to the McGuire's legend, the first bill was stapled behind the bar by one of the original employees. They also claim to have over $250,000 in one dollar bills as decoration.

West of Pensacola Beach is the Gulf Islands National Seashore preserve and at the end of the island sits Ft. Pickens. Ft. Pickens is a 19th century fort that is now open to the public. Most of the fort is open for people to wander through. Some areas are fenced off due to dangerous conditions in the old structures. A great place for families to experience a piece of history and walk in the steps of our country's early defenders. At Ft. Pickens, you can tour at your own pace with a self guided tour pamphlet or you can join in on one of the ranger led walks. Gulf Islands National Seashore encompasses more than just Ft. Pickens. Also included is a stretch of beach and wooded areas. The beaches on the Ft. Pickens side are often much less crowded due to the entrance fee required. The entrance fee is $8.00 per car for a 7 day pass. Or, you can also use a Natural Park pass($50.00 for one year). In the park there are nature walking trails, picnic areas and campgrounds.