During summer, we want to maximize our time off, and we love doing that exploring our hometown. Of course, Pensacola area residents love to spend their summers at the beach! But you may wonder, what else is there to do in Pensacola besides going to the beach? We have compiled a list of some of our favorite summer activities for you. From public pools and splash pads to movies on the beach, there is surely something for everyone on this list.
Pensacola Beach, as you can imagine is full of fun activities all summer long. With never-ending entertainment including watersport rentals, dolphin cruises, mini-golf, parasailing and more, then beach offers plenty of options for locals to enjoy.
Pensacola Beach also hosts several events throughout the summer for both tourists and locals to enjoy. During Memorial Day, Pensacola Beach’s Pride celebration kicks off at Park East. For 30 years, this LGBTQ+ celebration is one of the largest events as tens of thousands of tourists flock to Pensacola Beach. Who doesn’t love the 4th of July Fireworks? Pensacola is lucky enough to have a few major fireworks displays. Perdido Key, Downtown Pensacola, and Pensacola Beach. Much like the other events you should plan to arrive early and be prepared for heavy traffic before and after. The biggest event on the beach is the Pensacola Beach Blue Angels Airshow that falls the 1st or 2nd week of July every year. If you are planning to go to the beach on this day, you will need to plan well in advance as the parking lots fill up before sunrise most years. We would also recommend that you pack and be prepared to spend all day at the beach. The airshow usually goes from about noon to 3pm and the traffic before and after the show is intense.
Pensacola also hosts several outdoor music concerts throughout the summer, including Bands on the Beach on Pensacola Beach. Read more about free outdoor music concerts on our blog. In addition to Bands on the Beach, the Santa Rosa Island Authority is also hosting Cinemas in the Sand monthly at the Gulfside Pavilion. Bring your whole family together to catch movies like The Parent Trap, Barbie, and The Secret Life of Pets. Both the Breeze in Gulf Breeze and the Ridge in Pace are also hosting free movie dates throughout the summer.
Ready to explore the terrain of Northwest Florida? We recommend checking off local state parks while doing so! Whether you want to delve into Pensacola’s rich history at Fort Pickens or tube down the Blackwater River, there’s a state park for everyone. Pack a picnic, grab your hiking shoes and venture out to one of Pensacola’s state parks.
Not a beach fan? There are two city pools located in Pensacola. Both pools have outside showers, water slides, restrooms, and zero depth entry pools. Additionally, the YMCA in downtown Pensacola has a large indoor heated pool as well and they offer year-round swim lessons. Check out our blog for more information Pensacola pools here.
In addition to the public pools, we also have several splash pads around the Pensacola area that open in late spring and early summer. Check out our blog for more information on Pensacola area splash pads.
Maybe you’re looking for a place to grab a drink, kick back and relax from that summer heat. Pensacola is full of breweries that offer a wide variety of atmospheres, so there is surely one that will be perfect for you. For a list of the local Pensacola breweries, read our blog here. If you are looking for the most family-friendly brewery, we would have to recommend Coastal County Brewing in Northeast Pensacola. They have a large yard full of family-friendly games to enjoy.
Pensacola is also known for our arts; we have lots of performing arts that you do not want to miss out on. From the Ballet, Children’s Chorus to the Pensacola Opera, there are shows year-round. Some of the biggest shows are in the summertime with the Ballet Pensacola Showcase in May or June. For more information on Pensacola performing arts options and schedules, check out our blog on Pensacola Fine Arts, Theatres and Groups!
While spring is usually the best time for berry picking, you can still get blueberries and peaches from local farms. We would recommend reaching out to these farms, or checking their websites/Facebook pages, to see if they are still open. Nothing is better than some farm fresh berries on a hot summer day! Check out or blog on Pensacola area pick-your-own berry farms.
If you are still looking for more fun ideas, then we suggest checking out the “50 Family Friendly Activities in Pensacola” and see how many you want to add to your summer bucket list.
