Pensacola is a water Shangri-La. Pensacola was originally the capital of Florida. Founded in 1559, in the year 2009, Pensacola is celebrating it's 450th anniversary. A Spanish sailor first settled in Pensacola, but due to a hurricane leaving devastation, it was abandoned not to be resettled again until the 1600's. Steeped in amazing history, till this day, it is the home of Florida's oldest church, The Old Christ Church and the country's oldest shipwreck, dating back to 1559. Also, St. .Michael’s Cemetery is one of the oldest cemeteries in the state of Florida.
Being one of the oldest cities in the United States and due to the multi-cultural heritage of being ruled by Spain, England and France, there is a delightful cultural diversity present in the arts and cuisine. Pensacola is oftentimes called the Western Gateway to Florida due to the fact that it is a major port and city welcoming visitors from the west.
It is the mainstay the United States Naval and Air Force being recognized as the home of the famous Blue Angels the Air Force's top air squadron. Accompanying this honor, it houses some of the largest aviation museums in the country.
View Larger Map
No wonder it boasts its presence as one of Florida's top vacation rental spots. A beautiful coast stretching 52 miles long with beautiful white sandy beaches adorn Pensacola along with it's wonderful Southern traditional hospitality. You will definitely have an unforgettable vacation.
The Port of Pensacola is Florida's largest deep water port. There are magnamous amounts of covered storage bordering the Gulf of Mexico. It claims to have some of the best rates for storing and dealing with heavy cargo.
This Florida vacation spot is privy to some of the most enjoyable aquatic entertainment. You can rent wave runners, charter a sailboats or even take a deep sea fishing trip along the Santa Rosa Sound.
If you enjoy national parks, Pensacola has many water and nature parks. Big Lagoon State Park is located along the intracostal and has an observation tower in which you can view the 698 acre park which maintains some of the native plants and walking trails. To explore some of the history of Pensacola, dating back to before the Civil War, you can take in the ruins of Fort McRee. Unfortunately, it has worn away with time, but many boaters and snorkelers come and view the fort.
On the eastern segment of Pensacola, is Johnson Beach National Seashore Park which has picnic tables, rest areas, ranger trips which will take you through the wetlands and forests. Explore the wildlife and their habitats through the brush. This park is named after Rosamond Johnson, who at the young age of 17, died for his country, by bringing wounded soldiers to a safe point, not only once or twice, but he crossed the danger zone three times, the last leading to the end of his courageous life.
There is the Audobon Signature Sanctuary, Perdido Key State Park and Tarkiln Bayou Reserve State Park just to name a few of the preserves located in this historic city. There are so many significant trails, historical museums and landmarks that vacationing here can bring you to a better knowledge of the historical role that Florida played in history of the United States.
If history is not your forte, there are plenty of little shops to explore. Some people enjoy renting beach cruises or the large comfortable bicycles to get around and exploring. After working up an appetite, you can satisfy your appetite with a large array of restaurants in the Pensacola Beach area.
Some of the most remarkable chefs as seen on television have restaurants in Pensacola from Jim Shirley at the Fish House, Gus Silivos of Skopelos and many more. There are small sports bars and even the likes of an Irish Pub in McGuire's which proudly serves their own homemade brews and has a choice for you of more than 100 beers.
Pensacola has some of the most beautiful vacation rentals to offer. Homes that range from small cottages right on the Bay or large Gulf front homes. There are also luxury homes that you can rent and kick back and enjoy your vacation.
So enjoy Pensacola which is more than just the sand and surf. You can escape into your next paradise vacation by golfing, deep sea fishing, shopping and just an abundance of attractions that you will never tire of. Choose your condo or beach house from many of the vacation rental spots for the time of your life.