Story by Jan Jacks Potter
Close enough for a road trip but far enough away from the Bayou State to feel like an escape, Pensacola, Florida ticks all the boxes when you’re craving a change of scenery. Its laid-back charm and sugar-white sand beaches coupled with a walkable downtown and an ever-growing food scene make it a getaway that invites you to slow down, savor the Southern hospitality, and enjoy some of the freshest seafood around. The only catch is you’ll be yearning for just one more sun-soaked day.
LAND AND SEA MUST-SEE
PEARL & HORN
CAN’T-MISS BITES: Spanish Live-Fire Cooking
BROTHER FOX
brotherfoxsisterhen.com | @brotherfoxpensacola
Inventive Southern Fare
UNION PUBLIC HOUSE
unionpensacola.com | @uph_pensacola
Outdoor Family Fun
FLOUNDER’S CHOWDER HOUSE
RISE & SHINE
A weekend away would not be complete without a leisurely brunch, and Pensacola does not disappoint. If you love laid-back vibes, fresh espresso, pour-over coffee, and fresh pastries, try Alla Prima Coffee Roaster or Maker’s Cafe & Espresso Bar. You will want to take home a pound or two of the single-origin roasts at Alla Prima. For heartier breakfast options (and afternoon snacks), don’t miss Craft Gourmet Bakery on Scenic Highway. If live music and Southern classics are your idea of the perfect brunch, stop by 5 Sisters’ Blues Café for shrimp and grits with an over-the-top Bloody Mary. Or try local favorite Native Cafe. It has bohemian vibes, and breakfast is served all day. The Gulf Coast Seafood Omelet, filled with shrimp and crab and served with rémoulade sauce, is a fan-favorite for good reason.
NIGHTCAPS: Floridian Glory
THE WELL
Neighborhood Biergarten
ODD COLONY BREWING CO. AT THE BURROW
Whiskey Lover’s Dream
OLD HICKORY WHISKEY BAR
TREAT YOURSELF
Owned by husband-and-wife duo Alex and Ashley Lamonte, Lamonte Gelato is a taste of Italy right here in the States. After the owners spent time traveling through Italy, they came back inspired and started making small-batch, handcrafted gelato with only the finest ingredients in Pensacola. You won’t be able to have just one scoop—each flavor delivers rich decadence and the most delectable texture. The espresso and pistachio combination is an absolute treat, especially when paired with a buttery house-made cone. The decadence continues at Craft Gourmet Bakery. Its Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls are enough to make a pit stop—think buttery spiced filling plus browned butter-cream cheese frosting—perfect for sharing or keeping to yourself. And the Earl Grey Lavender Macarons and handmade croissants are stunning, just like those at a traditional pâtisserie in Paris.
MARKET BASKET
PALAFOX MARKET
CAN’T-MISS CLASSIC
JOE PATTI’S SEAFOOD
PORTOFINO ISLAND RESORT
SALTWATER THERAPY
Pensacola Beach and Gulf Islands National Seashore unfold along miles of protected shoreline bordering the Santa Rosa Sound, the most magical backdrop for your weekend away. With plenty of parking and easy access to the beach, the stunning powder-white beaches and turquoise Gulf waters are some of the best the United States has to offer. With sunscreen and a towel in hand, you can even take advantage of one of the many beach chair rental services, if you like. Find out more at visitpensacola.com/beaches.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Pensacola Crawfish Festival: APRIL 24–26, 2026
This annual event offers huge amounts of Louisiana crawfish, Cajun food (jambalaya, gumbo, étouffée), live music, and family fun. fiestapensacola.org/crawfish-festival
Flora-Bama Interstate Mullet Toss & Beach Party APRIL 24–26, 2026
Billed as the “Gulf Coast’s Greatest Beach Party,” the festivities include live music, a competition of tossing dead mullet fish for distance, and charity fundraising. florabama.com/mullet-toss
U.S. Navy Blue Angels
Pensacola has front-row seats to the U.S. Navy Blue Angels practices, with the Pensacola Beach Air Show in July and the Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show in November. blueangels.navy.mil
