PENSACOLA ... FLORIDA'S WARMEST WELCOME
An enchanting array of things to see and do awaits the visitor in "Pensacola, Florida's
Warmest Welcome." From miles of sugar white beaches to historic districts and museums, from
quiet, tranquil waters to exciting night life..Pensacola has something for everyone.
When you think of Florida, you think of beaches and the most beautiful white beaches
in the world can be found on Pensacola area beaches. Composed of 99 percent pure quartz, the
sugar-colored sand covers over 40 miles of beachfront from Pensacola Beach to Perdido Key.
You'll be dazzled by the color of the sea as well. The Gulf of Mexico is like a liquid emerald,
alternately green and blue, a perfect companion and setting for the whitest beaches in the world.
And Pensacola's temperate climate makes our beaches worth visiting any time of the year.
Visit the Gulf Islands National Seashore, a series of natural harbors and waterways
protected by a necklace of tiny islands. Hike across the same sand dunes that Spanish
Conquistadors walked across hundreds of years ago. The Seashore is part of the National Park System
and a wonderful way to enjoy nature.
Water Sports
Miles of shoreline and an abundance of sunshine provide the perfect setting for water sports and
recreation. Deep sea fishing is easy to arrange with a fishing charter from one of several area marinas. Below the
surface, snorkelers and scuba divers find the Gulf a warm host and marvel at the clarity of the water and the
discoveries they can make just offshore. Resting in just 30 feet of water, the USS Massachusetts battleship
recently designated Florida's fourth State Underwater Archeological Preserve. Jet skiing, boating and sail
boarding are favorites in the protected waters of Pensacola Bay. Further inland, take the family for a canoe ride
or tube down refreshing spring-fed waters at Adventures Unlimited.
Campgrounds
Campgrounds are also abundant and most
offer complete camping facilities such as Fort Pickens National Park and Big Lagoon State Recreation Area.
Rich Heritage
Founded over 400 years ago, Pensacola is a city proud of it's rich heritage. The North Hill Preservation
District and Seville Historic District, both listed on the National Register of Historic Places, offer a glimpse of
the past through beautifully restored neighborhoods. Shops, museums and turn-of-the-century architecture make
for a delightful walk through Historic Pensacola Village. The newly renovated T.T. Wentworth, Junior, Florida
State Museum houses historical exhibits and features Discovery!, a hands-on children's museum. Pensacola's
history is unearthed every day at the Fort of Pensacola Archeological Trail Project, which will eventually display
the remains of the forts that once protected colonial Pensacola.
Museums
History of a different sort is found at the National Museum of Naval Aviation where one of the largest collection
of military aircraft and memorabilia is on display. The history of aviation is traced on a full-scale time line from
1911 to the Space Age. And the newly completed west wing which features a seven-story atrium where four blue
angel skyhawks soar in a permanent diamond formation is something not to be missed. For a moving and thought
provoking experience visit The Wall South, located at Veteran's Memorial Park, is the nation's first full-name
replica of the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial in Washington, DC.
Other museums include the Pensacola Museum of Art and Quayside, the South's largest cooperative art
gallery, feature works of local and regional artists.
Arts
The community's commitment to the arts is also apparent through the Pensacola Symphony, First City
Dance, Kaleidoscope Dance Theatre and Pensacola Opera. The beautifully restored Saenger Theatre plays host
to many of these events as well as to nationally known performers and touring companies.
The Zoo
The Zoo, located in nearby Gulf Breeze, has over 700 animals on 50 acres of natural landscapes and
botanical gardens. "The World's Friendliest Zoo", rated in the top 8 percent of zoos in the U.S., has some of the
world's rarest species of animals and birds, and features a pair of exotic white tigers, a Japanese garden, a petting
area, a giraffe feeding station, daily elephant and bird shows and the Safari Line Limited train, which takes
visitors through 30 acres of free-roaming animals in their natural habitat.
Greyhound Track
For even more excitement, try your luck
at Pensacola Greyhound Track for racing action year-round. While there, enjoy dinner at the Kennel Club.
Restaurants
Dining in Pensacola is a special treat. Restaurants offer a variety of menus and prices to suit both palate
and pocket. Fresh seafood is available year-round and the "catch of the day" is often featured. Fresh beef, chicken
and ethnic cuisine is not overlooked in the area with something to please everyone. At many restaurants, food and
fun go hand in hand. Sing-alongs, dancing, and floor shows combine for a unique dining experience.
Special Events
While most of Pensacola's activities can be enjoyed year-round, special events highlight each season. The
Pensacola JazFest is a perfect way to celebrate the arrival of Spring. The Fiesta of Five Flags is a month-long
extravaganza of parades, parties and festivals honoring the founding and history of Pensacola. Fishing
tournaments abound in the summer and the Blue Angles are always welcomed home with a spectacular air show.
In the Fall, food is the main attraction at the Seafood Festival while the Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival attracts
artists and visitors from throughout the South. Lights, decorations and an old-fashioned Christmas Walk usher in
the holidays Pensacola style.
The Pensacola Convention and Visitor Information Center will provide you with all the latest on
happenings in the area. Stop by our office at 1401 East Gregory Street or call 904-434-1234 or 1-800-874-1234.
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