Have you been invited on a Pensacola girls getaway and want to know all of the fun, enjoyable, and downright amazing things to do? Whether it’s for a weekend or a week, here are some fun things to do on a Pensacola, Florida big girls vacation.
Fun Things to Do on a Pensacola Girls Getaway
Here are more than a dozen fun things to do on a pensacola girls getaway. Read on for more information about visiting some of these locales and checking out the special events that offer an eclectic combination of activities for energetic vacationers.
If you’ve never been to Pensacola Beach, or aren’t exactly sure where it is, here are some6187597 locations to help you get your bearings:
34 miles (one hour drive) from Orange Beach, Alabama
440 miles west (6 1/2 hour drive) from Orlando, Fl
120 miles east (1 hour 45 minutes) from Biloxi, Mississippi
Visit the Pensacola Beach
If you’re looking for a relaxing day trip, head over to Pensacola Beach and enjoy some time on the white sand beaches. The Gulf of Mexico is just steps away from where you’ll be sitting and enjoying your snacks or lunch. If you’re up for it, take a dip in that beautiful emerald green water–you won’t regret it!
Explore Fort Pickens
Fort Pickens National Park is a great place to spend the day. Take a guided tour of this historic fort, learn about its rich history and enjoy breathtaking views of Pensacola Bay.
If you’re not feeling up for a guided tour, it’s just as fun to mosey around the buildings as well. We loved checking out the abandoned beauty of the interior portions as well as climbing to the top and seeing amazing views of the water.
Tip: Fort Pickens is part of the State Park, so there is a per-vehicle entrance fee. Happily, the fee is good for seven straight days, so you can visit several times if you’re up for it.
Have a Luxury Private(ish) Picnic on the Beach
Having a luxury picnic compliments of Pensacola Picnic Co. on the last night of our visit was the perfect (and I mean, perfect) way to spend an evening. Everything was set up for us (including food, drinks, the table and cushions – even flowers) so all we had to do was arrive. Not only did we receive countless comments on just how gorgeous it looked, it was fun to sit and watch the live, local band perform.
Of course, you could always ask to have a picnic in a more secluded spot if crowds aren’t your thing.
Take a Nighttime Kayak Tour of Pensacola Bay
If you want to get a different perspective on Pensacola Bay, take a kayak tour. You’ll explore the waters from up close and personal, experiencing the stunning views and wildlife up close.
For me, getting out in the water on a clear kayak (thanks, Glow Paddle!) at night is the way to go. Not only are the kayaks lit up with bright lights, you can rent a two-person kayak to make paddling easier.
Enjoy the Beautiful View of the Water from the Fishing Pier
If there’s one ultimate place to see a perfect view of Pensacola Beach, it’s the fishing pier. Sure, there’s a minimal fee to visit, but it’s worth it to look at the gorgeous emerald green ocean water that’s so clear you can see fish and even dolphins swimming in it.
Check Out the Pensacola Lighthouse
If you’re looking for something to do that’s a little more active and outdoorsy, consider climbing up the 177 steps to the top of Pensacola Lighthouse. You’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of Pensacola Bay and its surrounding islands.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also explore the grounds. There are several buildings on site including an administration building built in 1858 as well as an old keeper’s house from 1852 (now used as an education center). There are also several exhibits about local history available for viewing inside these buildings.
Spend an Afternoon at the National Naval Aviation Museum
The National Naval Aviation Museum is the world’s third largest museum dedicated to naval aviation, with more than 150 aircraft on display and over 800 artifacts. The museum also features interactive exhibits, a 4D theater and a simulated flight simulator. Beginning May 17, 2023, the museum will be fully opened to the public.
Spend a Day at the Pensacola Zoo
The Pensacola Zoo is a great place to spend the day. It’s home to more than 1,000 animals, including North American and African elephants, giraffes, lions and tigers. You can take a ride on the Safari Train or explore interactive exhibits like Gorilla Forest. There are also several additional activities here such as feeding time with a variety of animals or watching sea lions perform tricks for treats!
Take a Stroll Through Historic Downtown Pensacola
You’ll want to spend some time exploring Pensacola’s historic downtown area. The city was founded in 1698 and has been around for over 300 years, so there’s plenty of history to see! Start at the Plaza de Luna, a public space that features an outdoor stage and fountain. Then head over to Palafox Street for some shopping and dining at local businesses like Artful Dodger Gallery or The Fish House Restaurant.
If you’re looking for something more active than just walking around town, try taking a bike ride on one of the many trails throughout Pensacola Bayfront Park or Fort Pickens State Park (both free). You can also rent kayaks from nearby marinas ($20-$30 per hour) and paddle through Pensacola Bay–it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience!
Relax at the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk
You’ll find the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk at the end of Fort Pickens Road, which leads from downtown Pensacola. It’s an easy walk from your hotel (especially if you’re staying on Pensacola Beach!)and offers stunning views of the Gulf as well as plenty of things to do, including:
- Relaxing on one of its many benches
- Walking along the boardwalk to take in all that it has to offer (including shops and restaurants)
- Enjoying a leisurely stroll through their gardens
Additionally, keep an eye out for local vendors that sell their clothing, jewelry, and handmade souvenirs.
Enjoy a Day at the Park
Pensacola is home to several beautiful parks, including Bayview Park and Fort Pickens State Park. You can take a stroll through the picturesque landscape, or enjoy some downtime by the lake.Take advantage of this opportunity to get out into nature and enjoy some fresh air!
Tip: Fort Pickens State Park is much less crowded than Pensacola Beach and it’s also where the locals go to play in the water!
Visit the Five Flags Speedway
If you love watching races, a visit to Five Flags Speedway is the way to go and would make a super fun girls day out. You can:
- Watch a thrilling race.
- Take a tour of the speedway.
- Explore the concession stands.
Enjoy a Meal at a Local Restaurant
When you’re in Pensacola, you have to try the local seafood. The city is known for its excellent restaurants that serve up fresh fish and other seafood delicacies. You can also sample some of the best Southern cuisine around at one of these great spots:
- Tiki Bar & Grill
- The Fish House
- Bamboo Willie’s Beachside Bar – try one o fits famous liquor-infused slushies (it’s famous for its Bushwacker!)
- Papa’s Pizza – On the Boardwalk in Pensacola Beach
- Laguna’s – An open air restaurant, it serves bar-style food with plenty of seafood options.
- Casino Beach Bar & Grill – lots of seafood dishes and bingo (yep, bingo) games once a week.
Go Shopping at the Cordova Mall
Cordova Mall is a shopping center located in Pensacola, Florida. It is the largest shopping center on the northwest Gulf Coast of Florida, and it offers a wide variety of stores and restaurants for shoppers of all ages.
The mall opened in 1971, and it has been renovated twice since then. The most recent renovation was completed in 2008/2009, and it added a new wing to the mall, as well as a number of new stores and restaurants.
Cordova Mall is home to two major anchor stores: Dillard’s and JCPenney. It also has six junior anchor stores: Macy’s, Sears, Barnes & Noble, Best Buy, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Ulta Beauty. In addition to these stores, the mall also has a number of smaller shops and restaurants.
Cordova Mall is a popular destination for shoppers from all over the Pensacola area. It is a great place to find name-brand clothing, shoes, accessories, home goods, electronics, and more. The mall also has a number of family-friendly activities, including a movie theater, a play area, and a carousel.
If you are looking for a great place to shop, eat, and be entertained, then Cordova Mall is the perfect place for you. With its wide variety of stores and restaurants, Cordova Mall has something for everyone.
Here are some of the things you can do at Cordova Mall:
- Shop for name-brand clothing, shoes, accessories, home goods, electronics, and more.
- Eat at a variety of restaurants, including fast food, casual dining, and sit-down dining.
- See a movie at the AMC Classic Cordova 12.
- Play at the Kids’ Cove play area.
- Ride the carousel.
- Take a walk through the outdoor garden.
- Attend a special event, such as a fashion show, a concert, or a holiday celebration.
Take a Sunset Cruise – or a Day Cruise to See the Blue Angels
Pensacola is known for its beautiful beaches, but did you know that it’s also home to some of the best sunsets in the country? If you’re looking for something different than the typical beach getaway, why not spend your time on an open-air boat ride around Pensacola Bay? The views are spectacular and there’s no better way to enjoy them than with friends or family members by your side.
As for the Blue Angels cruises with Pensacola Bay City Ferry, I can only give a huge thumbs up to them. The boats head very close to the shore near their home base a twice a week (weather dependent), the Angles practice their formations and it’s definitely jaw dropping.