What is the best way to get to your destination?

Getting to Pensacola is easy with direct flights into Pensacola International airport from across the USA, including key hubs such as Atlanta or other Florida destinations including Tampa or Miami. Atlanta is only an hour away. Alternatively, New Orleans is only a three-hour drive, making Pensacola a great add-on for any Deep South trip. 

What are the must-see sights or must-do activities?

Pensacola in Northwest Florida offers customers endless sunshine, sugar-white beaches, clear emerald waters, award-winning restaurants, numerous festivals, two magical islands and rich and extensive history and culture. 

Pensacola is a city with a past that stretches back more than 460 years, when Spanish explorer Don Tristan de Luna y Arellano was lured to its pristine shores in 1559, establishing Pensacola as the first European settlement in North America. This history can be explored today on America’s First Settlement Trail in Downtown Pensacola – a three-mile historical route with 20 stops with QR codes and 70 points of interest. It’s perfect for couples, groups and families.

Pensacola is home to two islands – Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key – as well as a range of districts including Downtown Pensacola and the historic Belmont-DeVilliers district, the heart of the African American community and once known as the Harlem of the South. Across the destination there is over 40 miles of white sands to enjoy with just about every beach activity going – from kite surfing, scuba diving, sailing and not forgetting dolphin tours. Pensacola Beach is also home to Fort Pickens, which dates back to 1834 and is part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore and the Underground Railroad. 

Plus, clients can look up into the blue skies above to spot the USA equivalent of the Red Arrows, the Blue Angels, who are based in Pensacola and put on supersonic air shows regularly from April-November. There are practices on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and two dedicated shows per year. 

Big Lagoon State Park on Perdido Key offers trails and shorelines ideal for hiking, biking, or paddling. Perdido Key State Park which is home to 247 acres of wide-open beaches and dunes. Downtown Pensacola meanwhile is the perfect mix of charming waterfront, main street, shops, restaurants, and museums. 

Families, couples, and travellers of all ages will love the foodie scene of Pensacola. Enjoy seafood on the deck overlooking the Gulf Coast, discover spicy Cajun soul food, homestyle southern cooking or a fusion of everything.

What are the accommodation options?

Pensacola has a range of accommodation on offer, whether visitors are looking for rental accommodation on the beach, boutique hotels in Downtown or larger resorts on the islands. 

Lily Hall was once as Baptist church and then an underground punk venue before being turned into a unique fully-sustainable luxury property located on the Old East Hill in Pensacola within steps of the history, culture, music, and food that gives the City of the Five Flags its name. 

Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Pensacola Beach: centrally located on the beach, this brand-new hotel has 209 rooms with either Gulf or bay views.

Oyster Bay Boutique Hotel: overlooking the waterfront and downtown Pensacola, this recently renovated boutique hotel offers luxurious rooms, intimate spaces, and lavish furnishings as well as shared spaces.

Hilton Pensacola Beach: a recently renovated luxury resort hotel overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, which has 275 modern guest rooms including three-bedroomed suites and oversized beachfront balconies, indoor and outdoor pools.

The Pensacola Beach Resort: recently renovated and formerly known as Margaritaville, ideally perched on Florida’s magnificent Emerald Coast with direct beach access as well as 162 rooms and suites.

When should clients visit?

With festivals and events happening throughout the year, it’s always a good time to visit Pensacola. A great option for customers who aren’t looking to travel in the summer are the shoulder seasons, when the sun is still shining, the water is warm and there is always something to do. Festival and event highlights include Mardi Gras in February, Pensacola JazzFest (April), Pensacola Seafood Festival (September), or for arts and music lovers, Foo Foo Festival and The Frank Brown Songwriters’ Festival (November).    

How long should clients stay?

For any customers looking for a beach holiday, then look no further. Alternatively, Pensacola works in a multi-centre itinerary with our neighbours in the Florida Panhandle or indeed the rest of the state, and is only a six-hour drive from the theme parks of Orlando or the likes of St Pete or Tampa. Clients will need a minimum of two- to three days to experience everything Pensacola has to offer, but we would recommend many more.  

What tools can agents use?

Itineraries are available on the website, as well as a digital insider’s guide.
 

Where can agents find out more?

For further information, itinerary ideas and inspiration please go to our website.

Trade team contact details

Name: Becky Fairlie-Clarke 
Email: becky@magictorchpr.com