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The Pensacola Bay Area offers visitors the best of both worlds: 52 miles of sun-drenched, sugar-white beaches alongside a historic town rich with culture and Southern hospitality. It’s the perfect blend for an ideal getaway.
With emerald waters and singing sands, it’s no wonder the area’s number-one attraction is the beach. On Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key, visitors can play on some of the world’s most beautiful beaches while being entertained with an array of activities. Located on Santa Rosa Island, one of the world’s longest barrier islands, Pensacola Beach has an old Florida feel with natural beaches, local hang outs, first-rate fishing and historic Fort Pickens. Spanish for “lost island,” Perdido Key encompasses federal and state parks abundant with wetlands, estuaries and wildlife perfect for kayaking, paddle boarding or just taking it easy.
In our neck of the woods, travelers relish the outdoors from the rustic woodlands and creeks of the “Canoe Capital of Florida” to the glistening Gulf of Mexico. The Nature Conservancy designated the Florida Panhandle as a national hot spot for biodiversity, and Gulf Islands National Seashore is the largest national seashore and second-oldest. Ranger-led programming includes snorkeling adventures, barrier island walks and various tours. Plus, Pensacola is home to world-class fishing and scuba diving. The USS Oriskany is the world’s largest artificial reef. Golfers can tee off at nearly a dozen courses in the greater area, including scenic courses along the waterfront such as Lost Key Golf Club in Perdido Key.
Many visitors are surprised to learn that Pensacola is the first European settlement in the United States, founded six years before St. Augustine. Resting on the banks of Pensacola Bay, the quaint downtown takes visitors back in time. The “City of Five Flags,” Pensacola has been ruled by Britain, France, Spain, the Confederacy and the United States. The city’s rich history lends itself to fascinating historical and archaeological sites, allowing visitors to absorb its colorful past. History comes to life in Historic Pensacola Village, Museum of Commerce, St. Michael’s Cemetery, Pensacola Lighthouse and massive, pre-Civil War brick forts. Pensacola also boasts a rich military heritage with Naval Air Station Pensacola, the world-famous Blue Angels and the National Naval Aviation Museum, one of the world’s largest air and space museums.
After a day of sightseeing, travelers can satisfy their appetite at dozens of locally owned restaurants – from fresh sushi bars and Southern cuisine fusion to straight-from-the-docks seafood. Culinary standards reflect the city’s history and cultural influence. Visitors are invited to meet the five Pensacola Celebrity Chefs at their locally-owned, award-winning restaurants featuring exclusive dishes such as Grits A Ya Ya, enticing food lovers to the table. After dinner, visitors can take in a show at a local theatre or art gallery or celebrate with the locals at the many festivals throughout the year focused on everything from jazz music to seafood.
Whether on land or at sea, at the beach or downtown, the Pensacola Bay Area offers something for everyone-all at a great value. For more information call 800-874-1234 or go to VisitPensacola.com.
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