Exploring Pensacola, Florida: Top Activities for an Unforgettable Family Trip

This post is sponsored by Visit Pensacola. As always, all opinions are completely my own.
Sun, sand, and so much fun!! My family decided to kick off our new school year with an
amazing getaway to Pensacola, Florida – and WOW! What a hidden gem it is for family travel!
Sharing our full itinerary with you today, so save this post and use it to plan your next trip to
Pensacola, on the Gulf Coast of Florida.

For this trip we were looking for a few things:

• Location must be within 4 hours of our home in Birmingham, AL
• Must have warm weather and beach/waterfront access
• Full of activities for kids of all ages (our four children range from toddler to teen –
  youngest is 4 and eldest is 15)
  

Pensacola, Florida checked every single one of those boxes. We have been to beaches all
throughout the Florida gulf Coast but have never actually visited Pensacola. So when Visit
Pensacola invited us to come explore their beautiful city, our family vote was a resounding YES!
We started planning our itinerary, packed up our car, and hit the road for a quick 3.5-
hour road trip to our destination.

Where to Stay

If you’re looking for the perfect resort hotel, the Holiday Inn Pensacola Beach has everything
you need! We loved how easy it was to just step outside and be right on the beautiful sugar-white
sands of the Gulf. It made our beach days so simple—no need to pack up the car. Just grab the
kids and head to the water! The resort even provides beach towels and complimentary iced
bottled waters on the pool deck near the beach access.

We stayed in the Family Suite, and it was perfect for our crew! The suite featured two private
balconies, giving us amazing views of the beach and bay and plenty of space to relax outdoors.
Inside, the kids loved the bunk beds, which made bedtime so much fun, while the sofa
bed provided extra sleeping space for our teenager. Having a kitchenette was a real bonus—it
made snack time and quick meals super convenient, especially with little ones! The Family
Suite also had an additional bedroom with 2 Queen beds that my husband and I shared.
Seriously, it was like this suite was made perfectly for us!

Outside of our incredible sleeping quarters, the resort pool was an absolute highlight. It was
fantastic – complete with over 200 feet of lazy river and a hot tub. The kids had a blast floating
around with the waterfalls, while we enjoyed relaxing in the hot tubs and in the hammocks
overlooking the beach. And the Dive-in movies? Such a fun way to end the evening! Watching a
movie while floating in the pool under the stars was a real treat for the whole family.

We love the beach, so we took advantage of every possible opportunity to just hang out and relax
in the sand and water. The beautiful beach was just steps away from the resort! And if you’ve
never been to the Florida Gulf Coast, you are in for a treat! It has some of the most beautiful
white sand beaches and clearest water you can find. Each day we rented a set of chairs
and umbrellas from Lazy Days Beach Rentals – this is a vacation perk we always splurge on
versus bringing our own chairs and umbrella from home. It’s nice to not have to do that set up on
our own and keeps us from bringing as much sand home with us when it is time to leave.
Plus, having on-site dining options like Riptides Sports Grill & Beachfront Tiki Bar was were
super convenient, plus kids under 12 eat FREE with the purchase of an adult meal!
This was such a family-friendly perk and, with 3 kids under 12, a definite win for us! There was
also an on-site ice cream shop. We truly could have spent the entire vacation relaxing at the
resort without ever leaving! It was the perfect mix of fun and relaxation for our family, and we
can’t wait to go back.

Must-See Activities for Families

Another highlight of our trip was a dolphin cruise with Jolly Sailing. While we were planning
this trip, we realized that despite our many years vacationing at the beach, the kids had never
been on a dolphin cruise. So, we were all buzzing with excitement as we set out on the water,
hoping to spot dolphins up close. And we weren’t disappointed! Seeing so many dolphins
swimming right alongside the boat was such an amazing experience for the whole family. The
kids were absolutely in awe.

But what really took the day to the next level was the unexpected treat of a Blue Angel flyover!
As we cruised along, we suddenly heard the roar of jets and looked up to see the iconic Blue
Angels soaring overhead. It was such a unique and unforgettable moment that we’ll be talking
about for years to come!

And I can’t compliment the Jolly Sailing staff enough for their attentiveness. Jonnica (our guide)
and Carson (our captain) were both incredible hosts. Jonnica took extra time and answered all of
our kids’ many questions. And Carson let the kids each take turns driving the boat and also
ringing the bell, which I’m pretty sure is a core memory now! Highly recommend Jolly Sailing
& Dolphin cruise on your next trip to Pensacola, Florida.

Our day at Laguna Adventure Park was packed with fun and thrills for the whole family! The
kids couldn’t wait to jump into all the activities, and we started off with zip-lining and the ropes
course, which was an absolute blast. Soaring above the park gave us amazing views and plenty
of adrenaline! After that, we hopped into the go-karts for some friendly competition—everyone
was laughing and having the best time.

For the younger ones, the splash pad was a big hit. Our 4- and 6-year-olds also had a blast on
the kiddie ropes course, which was the perfect size for them since they weren’t quite tall enough
for the full ropes course or ziplines. It was great that there was something specifically designed
for the little ones so they could join in on the fun too.

I really loved that Laguna Adventure Park caters so well to all ages. Whether you visit with
teenagers or little ones, there’s something for everyone. It makes it a great spot for families
looking for variety and non-stop fun. And while we didn’t get a chance to try the on-site
restaurant this time around, it’s on our list for our next visit!

Our visit to Bruce Beach was such a peaceful and meaningful experience. The history here is
powerful – once a shipyard and later a public pool and gathering place for African Americans
during segregation in the 1950s -1970s. I’m reminded of just how recent history that is – both of
my parents were alive during this time. It was interesting to walk the trails and read the signs that
share the area’s story.

With Phase 1 of the Bruce Beach Revitalization Project complete, it’s now a beautiful space with
restored shorelines, walking paths, picnic spots, and a learning garden. We spent a relaxing
morning here, taking in the views and appreciating the blend of history and nature. It’s definitely
a must-see in downtown Pensacola.

Where to Eat – Family-Friendly Dining in Pensacola

We had some incredible meals during our trip to Pensacola, and two spots really stood out for
our family. First, Whiskey Joe’s was a highlight with its laid-back, beachy vibe and wide range
of delicious options. Our server Kendall was fantastic and offered some great recommendations.
I had the blackened grouper sandwich which was so flavorful, while Phillip enjoyed fresh fish
and chips. The kids stuck with their favorites, and all ate burgers. It’s a great spot that
offers something for everyone, and the relaxed atmosphere (there was even a beachfront
playground and volleyball out back) made it perfect for unwinding after a busy day.

Another great dining experience was at The Garden at Palafox, a food hall in downtown
Pensacola. This place was ideal for our family because everyone got to pick exactly what they
were craving. I opted for a teriyaki short rib bowl, while Phillip had a poke bowl. The kids opted
for chicken tenders and fries, but we also saw ramen and boba options. The Garden’s variety
made it so easy for everyone to find something they liked, and the casual setting was perfect for
grabbing a bite after exploring downtown.

Whether you’re looking for a sit-down meal or a place where everyone can satisfy their
individual cravings, Whiskey Joe’s and The Garden at Palafox are both excellent, family-friendly
spots in Pensacola.

More Reasons to Visit Pensacola

Beyond the beautiful beaches and outdoor adventures, Pensacola offers plenty of activities and
attractions that make it a perfect destination for families. This fall, Pensacola is hosting several
exciting festivals that are great for all ages. The Pensacola Seafood Festival is a must-visit for
food lovers, offering fresh Gulf seafood, live music, and family-friendly entertainment. Another
fun event is the Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival, where you can explore art exhibits, enjoy live
performances, and check out the children’s area with hands-on activities.

In addition to these seasonal events, Pensacola has year-round attractions like its museums,
including the Pensacola Children’s Museum, the Pensacola Museum of Art, and National Naval
Aviation Museum, all of which offer engaging experiences for visitors of all ages. Whether
you’re looking for adventure, like zip-lining and dolphin cruises, or a peaceful afternoon spent
exploring historic sites or festivals, Pensacola strikes the perfect balance between excitement and
relaxation. It’s the kind of place where families can make lasting memories, no matter what time
of year you visit.

Conclusion

Our family’s trip to Pensacola, Florida was filled with highlights that we’ll cherish for years to
come! From the fun-filled dolphin cruise and zip-lining adventures to relaxing beach days and
exploring local history at Bruce Beach, Pensacola truly offers something special for every type of
traveler. It’s the perfect destination for families looking for outdoor activities, cultural
experiences, and a mix of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re planning a fall getaway to
catch one of the many festivals or just want to soak up the sun on the stunning beaches,
Pensacola should definitely be on your list!

If you’re thinking about planning your own family trip to Pensacola, I’d love to hear about it!
Feel free to leave a comment or ask any questions about our experience. And don’t forget to
follow along on social media for more travel tips and inspiration from our adventures. We’ve got plenty more to share.