Curator’s statement
Pensacola Beach is the perfect beach getaway, just a quick one-hour flight from Nashville. With its laid-back beach town charm, incredible restaurants, sugar-white sand beaches, and plenty of fun activities, it’s an ideal destination for families. Less crowded than many popular beach spots, Pensacola Beach offers the relaxed coastal vibe your family will love.
The Fora Difference
Book with Booked by Betsy to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
Killer perks
Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you
Personalized recs
Customized travel planning for your style
Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay in Pensacola Beach
Unlock perks by contacting Booked by Betsy to book your trip.
Things to do in Pensacola Beach
Fun day at the lazy river!
Hit the beach: Pensacola has amazing white-sand beaches. Spend a perfect day reading on the beach.
Catch a Blue Angel flyover: The Blue Angels fly over Pensacola Beach on select Sundays after shows. It is a neat experience.
Chill out: Relax at the pool or lazy river. Many area hotels have zero-entry pools great for toddlers and lazy rivers.
Boat day: Take a dolphin cruise or sunset cruise or rent a boat and explore the bay. We rented a boat with a slide one day and docked at a sand bar. We loved it!
National Naval Aviation Museum: Check out the Aviation Museum with over 150 aircrafts, a flight simulator, and theater.
Places to eat & drink in Pensacola Beach
Grand Marlin Grouper piccata
The Grand Marlin: My favorite restaurant on Pensacola Beach! The Grouper piccata is amazing. Great drinks and a great praline basket.
Peg Leg Pete’s: A great local seafood joint. The oysters are fresh and the grilled shrimp is to die for. Great bushwhackers also!
Native Cafe: A great local joint for breakfast or brunch. The french toast is perfect!
Crabs: A fun beach restaurant with great sushi. Also has a play area for the kiddos.
The Reef: The best beach burger, spicy cheese curds, and great drinks. No-frills beach eatery with great wings.
Sidelines Bar and Grill: Beach bar and grill owned by Peg Legs with good bar food.
Flounders: Typical big beach bar with an outdoor sand area for kids with a varied menu.
Senor Frogs: Fun, typical experience for those wanting their cheese dip fix.
McGuire's: For a change from seafood, check out this pub. Great food and fun atmosphere.
Bagelheads: Grab a dozen bagels to enjoy for the week! Great cream cheese options as well.
Need to know
Gopher carts run around Pensacola Beach area if you don’t want to rent a car.
Travel Advisor
Booked by Betsy
Elizabeth Trainham
Get in touch with Booked by Betsy
Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Florida page.