Located in the western section of the Florida Panhandle, Pensacola, Florida is the county seat of Escambia County. Early in its history, the area that would eventually be Pensacola was home to Native American tribes, including a Muskogean-speaking tribe referred to as the Pensacola by the Spanish. Spanish settlements took over the area during the late 16th century and remained until the Spanish ceded Florida to England in 1763. During the late 18th century, Pensacola became a garrison town and a major center for trade. Pensacola became a part of the United States in 1821, and at the time, Andrew Jackson served as the provisional governor.
As of 2021, the population of Pensacola is approximately 54,000. The city is most known for its pristine white-sand beaches and its many historical landmarks. Perhaps the most popular spot in town is Pensacola Beach, which is known for its emerald green waters and the many nearby novelty homes. If you want to cast your fishing line while you're there, head to Pensacola Beach Pier to reel in a few bluefish, pompano, and spotted seatrout. Another beautiful outdoor area is the Gulf Islands National Seashore, which offers lovely opportunities for kayaking, swimming, picnicking, and biking. You could also enjoy the sunshine by heading to Thompson’s Bayou and exploring the Edward Ball Nature Trail.
You should certainly visit a few of Pensacola's fascinating historical landmarks while you're in the city. Some of the spots most worth checking out are Fort Barrancas, Historic Pensacola Village, and Fort Pickens. There are some excellent museums as well, including the Pensacola Museum of Art, the Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum, and the National Naval Aviation Museum.
Before you leave Pensacola, make sure to stop by Palafox Street and the Palafox Market. The bustling area offers a lively atmosphere and boasts quite a few great shops and restaurants. Plus, the market is a fantastic place to buy fresh produce and other delicious food items.
Campgrounds Near Pensacola, Florida
While you're in the Pensacola area, consider staying at the Eagle’s Landing RV Park, which boasts 60 full-hookup RV campsites available for just $28 per night. The campground provides discounts for military members and first responders. A few of the amenities include Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and showers, and there's also a Dollar Store and family-owned cafe right down the street.
If you're looking to camp by the beach, Emerald Beach RV Park is an excellent option. There, you can rent one of the 79 RV campsites for between $50 and $91 per night. The beach is easily accessible, so you can spend your stay swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the gorgeous views. Plus, there are a variety of high-quality restaurants within walking distance of the park.
You could also go with the Destin West RV Resort, which offers 54 full-hookup RV campsites. The park is located on beautiful Okaloosa Island, and there are several kid-friendly attractions only a few minutes away. Some of the amenities you'll have access to are laundry facilities, a pool, a hot tub, Wi-Fi, and a camp store.
State Parks Near Pensacola, Florida
Blackwater River State Park is one of the region's best spots to enjoy outdoor recreation. Situated near the town of Holt, Florida, the park is home to serene hiking and biking trails and a variety of cool wildlife species. The nature area surrounds its namesake river, which is a popular destination for kayaking, canoeing, swimming, and fishing for catfish, largemouth bass, and panfish. For a relaxing experience, simply enjoy a picnic lunch beside the beautiful stream.
Gulf State Park lies on the southern coast of Alabama and features two miles of picturesque beaches. The white-sand beaches are home to a variety of amazing sea creatures and thousands of lovely seashells. While visiting the waterfront park, you could stroll the boardwalks, take your pups to the dog pond, and cast your line for a few bass, speckled trout, Spanish mackerel, and other fish. Other popular activities for visitors include kayaking, paddle boarding, and biking.
Another wonderful option for water-based recreation is Henderson Beach State Park. Situated near Destin, Florida, the park is most known for its towering sand dunes, some of which stand higher than 30 feet. Visitors can play around the dunes, swim in the warm gulf waters, or enjoy a picnic with beautiful views. The park also offers great fishing opportunities and features several miles of trails for hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, and birdwatching.
National Sites Near Pensacola, Florida
One of the most beautiful spots in the Pensacola area is the Gulf Islands National Seashore. In addition to its sandy beaches and gorgeous waters, the site features plenty of interesting history. One of the park's coolest features is the National Naval Aviation Museum, where you can learn about the fascinating history of flight. After you check out the museum, you may want to navigate some of the area's scenic bayous and nature trails. When you're ready to shop or eat, there are quite a few quality stores and restaurants around the seashore.
Any history buff will want to take the time to explore the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail. By navigating the unique trail, you can learn about the events that led to African Americans gaining their voting rights. There are many interesting sites to visit along the trail, including the Selma Interpretive Center, the Lowndes Interpretive Center near Whitehall, and the Montgomery Interpretive Center. You might also want to stop by educational attractions such as the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute, the Ancient Africa Enslavement and Civil War Museum, and the Old Depot Museum.
At the Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site, you'll have the chance to explore the Historic Campus District of Tuskegee University. The university was the dream of a former slave named Lewis Adams and a banker named George W. Campbell. Founded in 1881, Tuskegee University had Booker T. Washington as its first principal and George Washington Carver as one of its teachers. Today, the site is home to the George Washington Carver Museum as well as Carver's former home, "The Oaks." During your visit, you can learn more about Carver's fascinating life through interpretive programs and exhibits.
National Forests Near Pensacola, Florida
De Soto National Forest, which was named for Hernando de Soto, is the largest national forest in Mississippi. De Soto was the first European known to cross the Mississippi River, and the forest named in his honor comprises over 500,000 acres. Featuring beautiful savannas and groves of pine trees, the forest offers lovely scenery and great recreational opportunities. Some of the most popular activities for visitors include hiking, off-roading, fishing, canoeing, and stargazing. There are lots of quality hiking trails to choose from, but you can't go wrong with the Tuxachanie Trail or the Big Foot Horse Trail.
Located near the southern end of the mighty Appalachian Mountains, Talladega National Forest spans just under 400,000 acres divided into three distinct sections. The three areas of the forest are the Oakmulgee District, the Shoal Creek section, and the Talladega section. Each section of the vast forest offers its own unique scenery and recreational opportunities. While exploring the area, you can fish, hike, and observe the local wildlife, which includes foxes, black bears, wild turkeys, and deer. A few of the most popular hiking routes worth visiting are the Skyway Loop Trail, the Pinhoti Trail, and the Coleman Lake Loop.
The Apalachicola National Forest covers almost 1,000 square miles and is the largest national forest in Florida. Visiting this forest provides travelers with the unique opportunity to explore the rare East Gulf coastal plain near-coast pine flatwoods, large stands of baldcypress, and Florida longleaf pine sandhills. Fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and OHV riding are all popular in the forest, and there are areas for still hunting and hunting with dogs. The Fort Gadsden Historical Site is perfect for history buffs, and adventurous travelers can explore the Leon Sinks Geological Area, one of the largest underwater cave systems in the world.
