Pensacola Beach is one of the most expansive and pristine beaches on the Gulf of Mexico. It’s located on Santa Rosa Island, most of which is included in the Gulf Islands National Seashore. This reserve stretches from Mississippi to Florida and includes 150 miles of undeveloped federally protected sugar white sand beaches and rolling dunes. Pensacola Beach is buffered at each end by white sand beaches in a protected reserve.
With the Gulf of Mexico to the south and Pensacola Bay to the north you can see water on wherever you look almost everywhere on Pensacola Beach. It’s not surprising then that most local activity is focused on getting wet. Tour providers host a wide variety of adventures including dolphin cruises, para sailing and deep sea fishing trips, as well renting kayaks, all manner of boats and wave runners.
Surfing, and it’s associated laid back culture, is one of the key defining characteristics of the local lifestyle. Several surf shops rent equipment, host events, teach lessons and hold camps. Stand up paddle boarding (SUP), the latest craze to hit the beach, is easily learned ‘sound side’ where the water is calm. You can even try your hand at paddle board yoga.
Pensacola Beach, Florida is one of the top year round snorkeling and scuba diving destinations in the US. In 2008, the area was featured in The World’s Best Diving & Resort edition of Sport Diver magazine. You can snorkel right off Pensacola Beach or spend a day exploring the area’s numerous artificial reefs including the world’s largest, the USS Oriskany.
Maybe this will be the vacation to do something crazy adventurous like learn to surf. If you wanna ride the waves these guys are a great resource and are located in the Pensacola Beach Marina. They offer group and private lessons. Family surf lessons would be a great way to create some lasting memories. They also have surf camps for kids in the summer. Read all about the local surf legend who founded this business on our Toes In the Sand Blog.
This funky outfit offers the newest and fastest wave runners on the beach. They also host first class para sailing adventures with experienced and fun local guides. Look for the American flag sail. They offer single, tandem or triple rides that go up 1,400 feet.
Paddle Boarding with Aloha Wine & Liquor
You can rent a ‘beach cruiser’ bike and stand up paddle boards in this funky liquor store owned and managed by Hawaiian native and seriously cool surfer dude Kaipo Robello. He provides paddle board lessons in the calm waters of Pensacola or Sabine Bay that will make this fun sport seem easy. Paddle to one of the local sound side beach bars and stop for a snack and a drink. Get in close to the dock pilings and check out the sea life. At the end of your adventure you can pick up your evening cocktail supplies on your way out the door.
Stand up paddle boarding is as close as you can get to walking on water and its a great way to see the Gulf from a different perspective. If it’s your first time we suggest you learn on what us locals call the ‘flatwater’ on the ‘soundside’ of the island. If you are more experienced give it a go on the Gulf of Mexico. Early mornings on calm days are the best times to see dolphins. This company even does paddle board tours. You can read all about it by following this link to our Toes in the Sand blog.
Pensacola Beach sailing lessons and rentals, fishing & dive charters, pontoon & wave runner rentals.
This super cool locally grown business has a 10,000 square foot facility that includes a skate park on 9th Avenue in Pensacola. They sell custom made surfboards and great gear. They also rent surf and paddle board gear and teach lessons and surf camps on Pensacola Beach. Check them out on Facebook for daily surf updates. Read about owner Sean Fell and local surf culture on Toes in the Sand blog.
Surf Fishing
Visitors to the Gulf Coast will notice many fisherman hanging out all day with a zen like tranquility on the beaches. Surf fishing is a popular Gulf Coast activity. Check out our Toes in the Sand Blog to read about surf fishing for Pampano from the beach and to connect with local fisherman in the Pensacola Forum.
360 Pensacola Beach Observation Wheel
This is Pensacola Beach’s newest attraction. It goes up 17 stories into the sky and you can see Navarre in the east and past Perdido Key in the west. The ride seems to last a long time, more then enough for you to get accustomed to the height and relax. The best part is the private air conditioned gondolas. You can read all about ‘The Wheel’ on Toes in the Sand Blog.
Looking to get out on the water and catch your dinner? Captain Chris Williams is a passionate and experienced fisherman and one of the most expert inshore fishermen in the area. When you take one of his tours he supplies everything you need and you will likely leave with some fish for your freezer. His tours range from family scenic tours to guided fishing tournament adventures. Read about Fish Happens Charters on Toes in the Sand Blog.
Yoga boot camp and pilates on a stand up paddle board in the quiet waters of the Sabine.