Holiday homes & rentals in Pensacola Beach

The Emerald Coast is Florida's giant stretch of pristine beaches and azure waters along the Gulf of Mexico. For those seeking a tropical escape, Pensacola Beach is the place to do it. Either rent a modern, luxurious apartment in the city centre, or opt for a beach house with an ocean view. The best part about staying here is that when you're not soaking up the sun, you can take advantage of all the big city amenities like nightlife and shopping.

Whether you want to step right out into the sugar-white sands and spot dolphins in the turquoise waters; sit on your balcony, sipping coffee while the pelicans dive for their breakfast; or explore the museums and parks in the area, Pensacola Beach holiday accommodation provides the optimal base for a fun family holiday.

Getting to your Pensacola Beach accommodation

Pensacola International Airport is the major airport along Florida's Gulf Coast. While many spring-breakers catch their connections here, your holiday begins with the warm salty air as you step off the airplane. While Pensacola International Airport is a major hub, you will find it simply laid out and easy to navigate.

Nestled between two major interstates and a glorious coastal highway, driving from Pensacola Airport is a breeze. Most Pensacola Beach holiday accommodation can be reached by car within fifteen minutes. Many car rental companies offer convertibles to enhance your beach holiday experience, as well as full-size cars and SUVs to accomodate the whole family. Or if you choose to let someone else do the driving, taxi and shuttle service is also available directly from the airport to your holiday accommodation.

Eating like the locals in Pensacola

Get off the well-worn path in Pensacola, and do like the locals do. Check out Jerry's Drive-In where you'll find classic carhop-style service with amazing burgers and shakes. Otherwise, try some American barbecue at City Grocery. You can't beat their ribs. The craft beer scene in Pensacola is also incredible, so spend some time bar hopping to find your favourites brew.

What weather to expect on your Pensacola Beach holiday

As is evident from the thick tropical foliage spilling from gardens throughout Pensacola, this area is considered subtropical. If your holiday focuses on water sports, then book your Pensacola Beach holiday accommodation for late spring and summer. Temperatures range from 80°F in March up to 95°F in the summer peak of July. Though precipitation is usually at its highest in summer months, storms typically breeze through quickly, leaving you with the glorious Florida sunshine at your Pensacola Beach holiday letting .

Outdoor recreation, such as hiking, biking or golfing, are naturally more enjoyable when you book in late autumn or in the mild winter months, where temperatures can dip down. No matter what time of year you book, Pensacola Beach holiday lettings are surrounded by lush green parks, tropical flowers and of course, spectacular emerald water.

Watersports in Pensacola Beach

By far the biggest attraction in the area are the beaches, which is why it makes sense to book Pensacola Beach holiday lettings to make the most of the beach. More than a beach, this is a barrier island, which means the shallow waters are warm and crystal clear. You can step right out of your Pensacola Beach holiday home and into the sugary sands of the Gulf of Mexico. As a part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, this stretch of sand is protected on both sides, which means its beaches are some of the best in the United States. Beach chair and umbrella service is widely available along the beachfront.

Once you've done your sunbathing, you might want to put on your fins and try snorkeling. The calm waters make this the ideal place for seeing fish in their own territory. At Pensacola Beach's Park East, you will find a line of artificial reefs teeming with wildlife. If you have your scuba certification, you can take a scuba trip to the Oriskany Reef, which is a sunken aircraft carrier 20 miles off shore. Also of interest to divers is the Blackwater Bridge Rubble site or the USS Massachusetts. The clear water of the Gulf makes this an ideal place for underwater adventures.

Cultural highlights in Pensacola

Not only is the landscape lush, but the history is as well. From the multicultural 'Voices of Pensacola' museum to the Museum of Commerce, you can get a feel for the generations that have shaped the Pensacola area.

In addition to putting Pensacola in a historical context, you can find many galleries showing off the work of local artists. From watercolors to wood carvings, you are sure to find something that captures the spirit of the Pensacola Beach area.

Perhaps the most impressive museum is the National Naval Aviation Museum, the largest of its kind in the world. In this museum, the whole family can admire a wide variety of restored aircrafts, flight simulators, a 3D flight show, or a real-life Blue Angels practice.

Holidays with kids in Pensacola Beach

Take the kids for a ride in a flight simulator at the National Naval Aviation Museum. Or you can take a drive down the coast to the Gulf Breeze Zoo, where they can get to know the giraffes personally. The zoo boasts an elevated boardwalk, safari train ride, question and answer sessions with zookeepers, as well as behind the scenes tours. If history is on the books, take the kids to the Pensacola Children's Museum, where they can be introduced to Pensacola history in a hands-on, playful way.

Pensacola Beach holiday accommodation will inspire, enrich and bring together family members of all ages for a holiday to remember.

Getting close to nature in Pensacola

One of the best things to do in Pensacola is to spend some time on the Footprints in the Sand Eco-Trail, where you can see what life is like in the coastal barrier islands. You might even meet dolphins and loggerhead turtles. Otherwise, enjoy the sun and warm waters at Pensacola Beach - sometimes nesting sea turtles pay beach-goers a visit here.

Pensacola Beach

Gulf Islands National Seashore

Preserving natural resources along Mississippi and the Gulf of Mexico barrier islands, the area comprises secluded beaches, historic sites, wildlife sanctuaries and family-friendly attractions.

Pensacola Pier

With miles of emerald green waters, the pier afford views of marine life (dolphins, manatees, sharks, etc), surfers, fisherfolk bringing in their catch and gorgeous sunsets.

Pensacola Lighthouse

A working lighthouse to date, you can climb up the spiral staircase for 360 degree views. Wear decent walking shoes. The Naval Aviation Museum is right across the street.

Fort Pickens

The pentagonal historic US military fort is named after American Revolutionary War hero Andrew Pickens. A must-visit if you're intrigued by stories of the civil war, Native Americans or WWII.

Pensacola Beach

With powder-white sand beaches and crystal waters, Pensacola Beach is a beauty. Consider taking the Footprints in the Sand Eco-Trail where you'll learn to identify sea creatures and shells. Cafes nearby serve delicious gulf seafood.

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