Pensacola Area Guide

Pensacola Area Guide

Pensacola Area Guide

As the westernmost city of the gorgeous Florida Panhandle, Pensacola has become the crowned jewel of the radiantly beautiful Emerald Coast. Home to one of the largest military bases in the world, top-rated educational institutions, and upscale shopping boutiques, the seaport of Pensacola has become synonymous with class, history, and fun!

History

Pensacola is one of the most sought after real-estate markets in the country, and was originally one of the first inhabited settlements as well. The history of the port dates back hundreds of years to the mid-16th century and has changed hands numerous times en route to becoming North Florida’s crowned jewel!

Even before the arrival of Spanish explorers, Native Americans established villages around the fertile coast for thousands of years.

In 1559, Spanish explorer Tristan de Luna established a settlement at Pensacola Bay. This was the first European settlement in the continental United States!

After departing from the area, the Spanish returned in the 17th Century to claim the strategic stronghold of Pensacola once more.

Later in the century, Pensacola became the capital of the 14th British colony, West Florida. The Spanish later joined the American Revolution and in 1779 reclaimed Northern Florida, including Pensacola!

Spain would later renounce their claim over Florida in an 1819 Transcontinental Treaty in exchange for five-million dollars to the United States of America.

Andrew Jackson became the provisional governor and officially made Pensacola a part of America in 1821. The next several years would prove to be an important season of growth for the bustling sea-port.

Pensacola is home to historic districts, lighthouses, forts, and cemeteries. In 1814, it was the site of the Battle of Pensacola. Two decades later, in 1834, Fort Pickens was completed, which holds the distinction of being the only Southern fort held throughout the Civil War.

By 1845, Florida had become an agricultural powerhouse, and was admitted to the Union as the 27th State!

Most of Pensacola was burned during a siege in 1861 by Union Forces, and was slowly rebuilt over the next few decades. Florida was readmitted to the Union in 1868, and slowly rebuilt over the preceding decades leading up to the 1907 completion of the Palafox Historic District.

Gradually, the economy shifted from its agricultural roots to a focus predicated upon the area’s abundant lumber, leading to an increasing trend of diversification and urbanization. Pensacola became known for its delectable seafood, fertile farmland, and bustling sawmills.

Parks and Recreation

The beach wilderness of Pensacola is home to many of the State’s most impressive public parks and recreation areas.

Parks and Recreation Official Site
http://www.cityofpensacola.com

Florida State Parks Official Site
http://floridastateparks.org

http://www.cityofpensacola.com/pages/?pageID=1245
3200 East Lakeview Avenue, Pensacola
Phone: (850) 912-4109

Henderson Beach State Park
The cool jade-colored waters of Destin crash along the sugary white-sands of Henderson Beach State Park, an ideal spot for fishing, swimming, picnicking, camping, and hiking! With over sixty-campsites, multiple pavilions, nature trails, playgrounds, and restrooms located just steps from breathtaking coastal dunes, Henderson is a perfect place to relax or host an incredible event!
17000 Emerald Coast Parkway
Destin, Florida 32541
Phone: (850) 837-7550

Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park
Fred Gannon’s sprawling grounds stretch beneath looming long-needled pines and contain playgrounds, boat ramps, campsites, nature trails, and picnic areas all on the shores of premier fishing spot Rocky Bayou!
4281 E Highway 20
Niceville, FL
Phone: (850) 833-9144

Blackwater River
This favorite destination for fishermen, kayakers, and canoeists features over six-hundred acres of undisturbed sand-bottomed river shores. The cool, clean waters of Blackwater River break at the bases of mighty cedar trees and are ideal for relaxation or sport fishing!
7720 Deaton Bridge Road
Holt, Florida 32564
Phone: (850) 983-5363

Yellow River Marsh Preserve State Park
As one of the last remaining tracts of wet prairie in the state, Yellow River Marsh offers unique opportunities to peer across history and view incredible rare plant and animal species in their natural environments!
County Road 191
Santa Rosa County, Florida
Phone: (850) 983-5363

Lee Square
This Civil War Memorial Park located in the downtown historic district of Pensacola is home to the iconic towering obelisk commemorating American heroics!
Palafox Street
Pensacola, FL

Long Hollow Park
The existence of this park speaks to the committed and visionary citizenry of Pensacola, as it was originally conceived of by a hometown resident aspiring to create a place children could play from a city-owned vacant lot! Today, this beautiful park contains playgrounds, walking trails, water-fountains, and benches all thanks to passionate local Pensacola citizens!
1001 North Guillimard
Pensacola, FL

Attractions and Activities

Historic Pensacola Village
This sprawling historic district is steeped in rich history and contains twenty-seven structures including museums, galleries, and archeological sites. Survey hundreds of Florida artifacts, art pieces, and antebellum architectural works throughout this incredible site managed by the Pensacola Preservation Society!
120 Church Street
Pensacola, FL
Phone: (850) 595-5985 â
www.historicpensacola.org

Saenger Theatre
This prestigious venue has been in operation since 1925 and regularly hosts Broadway productions, ballets, symphonic orchestras, magic shows, musical acts, and much more! Referred to as the “Grand Dame of Palafox Street,” the Saenger is characterized by a rich history and prominent role in area culture.
118 South Palafox Place
Pensacola, FL
Phone: (850) 595-3882 â
www.pensacolasaenger.com

Pensacola Museum of Art
This expansive collection of breathtaking artistic works is currently housed in a converted jailhouse and primarily focuses on visual arts including paintings and sculptures ranging from traditional to three-dimensional, from contemporary and abstract. The PMA is Nationally Accredited and also hosts a revolving set of temporary exhibits.
407 South Jefferson Street
Pensacola, FL
Phone: (850) 432-6247 â
www.pensacolamuseumofart.org

Adventures Unlimited Outdoor Center
Discover the joys of tubing, canoeing, kayaking, or camping while conquering the great outdoors! Adventures Unlimited offers rentals, guides, cabins, campsites, and day trips all on the incredible Blackwater River, providing the unique experience of savoring Florida’s uncorrupted wildlife along its last remaining pristine sand bottomed river!
8974 Tomahawk Landing Rd.
Milton, FL 32570
Phone: (800) 239-6864

Chase-N-Fins Aquatic Charters
Cruise the waterways that beckoned early settlers and experience the allure of the Pensacola Bay and Pensacola Pass while savoring the ocean view of Fort Pickens!
655 Pensacola Beach Blvd.
Pensacola Beach, FL 32561
Phone: (850) 492-6337

National Museum of Naval Aviation
The awe-inspiring modern campus of this official Navy museum houses over seven-hundred aircraft as well as more than four-thousand uniforms and other relics including weapons, medals, and extensive photographic archives! Sink into the cockpit of a flight-simulator, allow your irises to soak in the warm colors of the museum’s seven-story IMAX screen, or simply grab a bite at the incredible on-site café!
1750 Radford Boulevard
NAS Pensacola, FL
Phone: (800) 327-5002

Sam's Fun City
Located in the heart of Pensacola, this family recreation park is a carnival of joyous lights, sounds, and smells! Named the “Top Family Entertainment Center in the World” by International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, Sam’s contains fifteen water slides, bumper cars, arcades, banquet halls, a laser tag arena, and amusement rides!
6709 Pensacola Boulevard
Pensacola, FL
Phone: (850) 505-0800

Blackwater Canoe Rental
Enjoy the thrill of careening down the rushing Blackwater River in a canoe, kayak, or tube on tracts lasting from one half-hour to three days! The beautiful Blackwater River is the only pristine sand river left in the United States, and has therefore been designated by the U.S. Government as a State Forest. There is no better way to enjoy the gorgeous Florida sunshine than surrounded by picnic areas, pavilions, and pleasant aromatic gusts from the cool, refreshing river!
10274 Pond Road
Milton, FL
Phone: (800) 967-6789
www.blackwatercanoe.com

Events

http://www.visitpensacola.com/events/events

http://www.pensacolachamber.com/events