The Pensacola Beach center point is approximately the area of Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier and 1 mile south of Gulf Breeze Hospital.
Pensacola Beach has something for everyone. That's what makes it one of my favorite beach cities in the United States. Beautiful beaches with sand that looks like snow, tons of eateries to satisfy every craving, family friendly activities, and great nightlife all abound on this little strip of land. There is something about it that reminds me of a 50's beach town, but it is modern and filled with all the conveniences you need during your stay. Be sure to rent a bicycle and bike past the resort strip. There is a preserved beach area that would be perfect for a secluded picnic. There are plenty of local haunts for adults to play at after the sun goes down. Hint: plan your trip during October/November. The weather is still beautiful and rates ease up dramatically.
The best times to visit Pensacola Beach are April and May. The skies are clear, the temperatures are comfortable (mid-70s to 80s), and the water is warm, making the area ideal for water sports, boating, and fishing. This is shoulder season, so you'll enjoy affordable hotel rates and moderate crowds. There will even be plenty of fun events to attend like Bands on the Beach, Jazzfest, and nightly star-gazing.
Between June and August, Pensacola Beach is flooded with tourists who line the sand, pack the restaurants, and converge on other area attractions. As a result, hotel rates will be high and rooms will be harder to get, so book well in advance. Also, be mindful of summer weather. Temperatures will reach highs in the upper 80s, so you'll want to pack plenty of sunscreen. Look out for great seasonal events like the Pensacola Beach Songwriters' Festival and Air Show.
The fall months (September-November) are characterized by comfortable temperatures, usually between 60 and 80 degrees, and periods of rainfall. If you'd rather not be rained out on any day of your vacation but are set on visiting in the fall, plan your trip in November. Although temperatures will begin dropping, wet season will officially be ending. Because of these weather changes, you may find good hotel deals. And you'll have events like the Pensacola Seafood Festival, Santa Rosa Island Triathlon, and Arts Festival to keep you entertained.
If you visit between December and March, you probably won't spend much time on the beach – temperatures will be between 40 and 60 degrees, after all – but you will enjoy lower hotel rates, fewer crowds, and a bevy of fun events like the Annual Snowball Derby, Lighted Boat Parade, and Polar Bear Dip.
There are many hotels that offer discounts in Pensacola Beach. Springhill Suites Pensacola Beach offers AAA discounts on its studio and suite accommodations, and is located in the center of the community near Gulf Islands National Seashore, Shoreline Park, and Portofino Boardwalk. The fully-renovated guest suites feature breathtaking views, spacious work desks, and a convenient area with refrigerator, microwave, and coffee service. Depending on the room you select, you may even enjoy a private balcony overlooking the hotel's pool or the Gulf of Mexico.
Hotel amenities include three outdoor heated pools, a children's pool, seasonal beach Tiki bar, fitness center, picnic area, and convenience store.
For another hotel with great discounts, consider Courtyard Pensacola Downtown. It offers AAA and AARP discounts to members on many of its rooms, and is located a few minutes north of the community's center. The hotel's 120 spacious guest rooms combine comfort and functionality with Marriott's new, cozy bedding package, flat-screen TVs, and spacious work desks with ergonomic chairs.
The hotel features an on-site restaurant serving breakfast, dinner, and Starbucks coffee, as well as an outdoor pool and fitness center.
If you're looking to get the most value for your money, you'll find many great options in Pensacola Beach. Holiday Inn Resort Pensacola Beach is situated in the heart of the community, and is convenient to regional attractions like Fort Pickens, Gulf Islands National Seashore, and Pensacola Lighthouse. You'll enjoy a comfortable guest room with beautiful views, a 32-inch flat-screen HDTV, iPhone dock, microwave, mini-fridge, and coffee maker. You can choose an inland room with standard comforts, a beachfront room with private balcony, or a family suite with bunk beds, bean bags, and child-friendly décor.
Hotel amenities include a bright, stylish lobby, outdoor and indoor pool, 250-foot seasonally heated Lazy River, two restaurants, fitness center, and gift shop. There's also a game room, fire pit, and beach chair rental service. The hotel even offers a Kids Under 12 Eat Free program in its on-site Riptides Grill restaurant.
For another great value option, consider Residence Inn by Marriott Pensacola Downtown. This comfortable hotel blends the conveniences of home with the services of a hotel for a one-of-a-kind stay that you won't forget. The property is located a short drive away from Pensacola Beach center, but is convenient to Historic Pensacola Village, restaurants, beaches, and shopping. Its spacious guest rooms are available in studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom layouts and feature fully-equipped kitchens with refrigerators, stove tops, and microwaves; flat-screen HDTVs; and free internet access.
Around the hotel, you'll enjoy an outdoor pool, fitness center, gift shop, and picnic area.
Wherever you decide to stay in Pensacola Beach, you'll be near many of the area's most unusual attractions. Historic Fort Pickens is a pentagonal fortress built in 1834, and located on the far west end of Santa Rosa Island. It's one of four forts in the South to have never been occupied by Confederate soldiers during the Civil War and remains a popular attraction for visitors of all ages. Not only is it unique, but it's also located near a beautiful beach, fishing pier, and large campground.
Pensacola Beach is also home to the original Dolphin Cruise boat “Chase-n-Fins.” This aquatic charter is 50 feet in size, with plenty of deck room for walking around and taking photos. It offers two-hour dolphin adventures in Pensacola Bay and surrounding waters, and is perfect for families and solo travelers alike.
Whether you're looking for an affordable hotel in the center of the community or a luxury one that's situated along the beach, you can find the perfect hotel for you, your family, and your wallet in Pensacola Beach.
Below are reviews of the city of Pensacola Beach, FL from an actual visitor's perspective.
The beach and great restaurants
The experience in visiting the other 3 connected Hotels greatly improved our stay. Thus we will spread the word and likely we will return.
Beach was clean and everything in walking distance. Shopping, food, and entertainment
How nice everyone was
I liked the island.
Stayed at hotel
I've come almost every year since 1969. The town has changed “a lot” but it is still my happy place!
Restaurant and clean beaches
Small town feel❣️
Restaurants are terrific! Especially Flounders and The Grand Marlin. Ubers were easily obtainable, and all of the drivers are efficient and friendly.
The atmosphere was relaxing, with excellent restaurants, entertainment, and water activities.
“Small Town Atmosphere”. Reasonable places to eat. Good visitor center. Very clean.
Pensacola Beach is a great destination!
Clean hotel, great parking, nice dining options.
Very foot traffic friendly, nice beaches!
Pensacola Beach is a great destination. People are very friendly, entertainment/dining options are endless and the beaches are very clean and welcoming.
Nice clean area.
THE BEACHES ARE BEAUTIFUL AND WELCOMING!
The sunrise church services at Crabs!
Very clean , love the beach
We love everything about the beach!
Easy to get around, good amount of beach access and parking.Restaurants had friendly staff,good food
Easy to get around, good amount of beach access and parking.Restaurants had friendly staff,good food
Nice beach!
Nice beach!
Restaurants here have a wide variety to choose from. It's well kept, people are friendly.
Many restaurants. Pegleg Pete's is our favorite! Beautiful beaches.
Grand Marlin!
Loved Pensacola Beach area.
Very clean, quiet and friendly staff. Grand Marlin Restaurant. We are always Stat at Hilton and eat at Grand Marlin. We are averaging visits every six to eight visits.
I like Pensacola Beach and hope to return again. We could walk most places and we enjoyed that.
The ocean and the reef!
Love it each time I visit!
The ocean and food!
Beaches and food!
We always love visiting Pensacola. Museums, great restaurants, beautiful beaches, shopping and of course those amazing Pensacola Ice Flyers!
Everything was close to get to. Walking distance.
Everything was within walking distance!
The beach, pier and Shaggys restaurant were fantastic!
The restaurants at Pensacola Beach have great seafood and drinks! The ones we ate at in particular were Peg Leg Pete's, Shaggy's, Whiskey Joe's, Casino Bar and Grill, and in the city of Pensacola, McQuire's Irish Pub!
Beautiful beach, well kept and clean. Love Pensacola Beach area.
The beach is great! Sugar white sand and blue-green water. Gorgeous beach. Good food all over the place. Love it here.
Ocean and views!
Beautiful beach!
Beautiful beach!
Great nightlife with live music! Flounders in my opinion was the very best place to eat.
Close proximity to everything! Clean and beautiful!
The beach!
A great little gift shop and restaurants within walking distance of the hotel. Beautiful sunsets!
Beach
Everyone we encountered on this trip were friendly and courteous to our needs. It was a wonderful experience.
Pensacola beach is gorgeous. Sugary white sand and crashing waves. Must visit. Check out the Native Cafe for breakfast. Shrimp and grits was excellent.
Pensacola beach is gorgeous. Sugary white sand and crashing waves. Must visit. Check out the Native Cafe for breakfast. Shrimp and grits was excellent.
Magnificent beach location.
The quiet ares and scenery were awesome.
Pensacola has an amazing beach and boardwalk with a host of really great seafood restaurants, I especially love Flounder's!!!