This
is the place to hear the roar and view the amazing feats of the famous U.S.
Navy Blue Angels flying overhead. Visitors to Pensacola, Florida
will experience this and a host of other things to do and see from history
and shopping to sports, natural beauty, and attractions.
Conveniently
located and easily accessible at the western end of the Florida Panhandle,
Pensacola lies only five miles inland from the beautiful beaches of the Gulf
of Mexico.
With
a moderate climate year round due to its proximity to the Gulf of
Mexico and its western Florida location, any time of year is suitable for a
visit. Even in January the temperature averages a comfortable 52, with
highs in the mid 60’s. It’s the time of year the Polar Bear Club
holds its annual Polar Bear Dip. If you are lucky enough to be
visiting in November, the famous U.S. Navy Blue Angels, who are based in
Pensacola, return home for their annual homecoming air show.
Regardless of the time of year, there is something worth seeing and doing.
For
a taste of the city, be sure to visit Flounder’s Restaurant. Known for its
kid-friendly atmosphere, complete with a jungle-gym boat outside in the sand
area, surrounded by dining tables along Santa Rosa sound and filled with
antiques from around the globe, this is no ordinary restaurant.
A
must see attraction in the area is the National Museum of Aviation with its
IMAX Theater.
The
Museum displays over 170 vintage aircraft and spans 300,000 square feet.
Combine this with a movie at the IMAX and it makes for a perfect day of
recreation with a historical flare.
No
visit to the area is complete without spending some time at an
amusement park. Sam’s Fun City is conveniently located and
features over 20 rides, go-karts, bumper boats, and mini golf, as well as an
arcade and water park.
Pensacola also is home to many beautiful parks with fountains, play areas
and water access. Feed the ducks at Bayview Park or watch an osprey return
to its nest with a freshly caught fish at Big Lagoon State Park. And
speaking of fishing, the old Pensacola Bay Bridge is one of the longest
fishing piers in the US and for just a small charge; you can fish right in
the middle of the bay.
Downtown is a place for a leisurely walk and for terrific shopping.
Stop at one of the coffee shops, cafes or eateries for lunch, or for an
afternoon latte. The downtown area showcases art galleries featuring both
local and regional art, as well as the traveling exhibits found in the
Pensacola Museum of Art. If antique shopping entices you, antique stores and
flea markets pepper the area from the elegant to the eclectic.
The
city has been given many nicknames over the years; The Cradle of Naval
Aviation, The Western Gate to the Sunshine State, America’s First
Settlement, and the City of Five Flags. All such monikers are fitting
in their descriptions of this vibrant and beautiful place.
Spend some time in Pensacola - you'll see why they say it's where thousands
live the way millions wish they could.
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