Pensacola Family Fun: A Perfect 4-day Trip Itinerary
Paid partnership with Visit Pensacola
Pensacola, located on Northwest Florida’s beautiful Gulf Coast, is one of the most family-friendly destinations for a vacation. From relaxing on the beautiful sugar-fine sand beaches next to the gentle waves of the Gulf to learning about the oldest settlement in the U.S. to high-flying adventure at the National Naval Aviation Museum, Pensacola has it all! Copy our itinerary for the ideal family vacation.
Our Itinerary
I absolutely love the Gulf Coast of Florida for families. The sand is soft, the surf is gentle (no knocking littles down!), and the views are absolutely beautiful! While we’re no strangers to the Gulf Coast, this was our first visit to Pensacola, and we’re already planning our next trip back–we loved it! Here’s our detailed itinerary full of things to do in Pensacola with kids and some great tips to make the most of your own Pensacola Family Fun trip.
Day 1: Arrival, Beach, and Pensacola Beach Boardwalk
Arrival and Check-In
From the moment you land in Pensacola, you know you’re in for an adventure. The airport even has cockpits of the famous Blue Angel planes for kids to explore and get inside right next to baggage claim! After landing, we picked up our rental car, which is essential for getting around and exploring all that Pensacola has to offer, and we headed to our hotel.
After a gorgeous 25-minute drive over two beautiful bridges, we arrived at the Holiday Inn Resort Pensacola Beach, a family-friendly hotel right on the beach. Our room was ready early, so we were able to check in and get settled. Our room was on the seventh floor and featured the most spectacular view of the Gulf of Mexico. I barely wanted to leave that view, but I knew there was so much more to explore.
The room was well-appointed with two queen-sized beds, perfect for our family of four, a bathtub, which is essential for littles, a refrigerator, and a balcony. Being a part of the Holiday Inn family, kids eat and stay free here—a definite bonus for your travel budget.
We were thrilled to get to check in early, allowing us to head straight to the pool, but you can still take advantage of the property as a guest, even if your room isn’t ready. Just ask the reception staff to store your luggage until you can check in, and get changed in the lobby bathrooms.
The hotel pool is ideal for little swimmers, featuring a zero-entry that’s safe for kids to play without worry. The deepest part of the pool is only five feet, and there are fountains in the shallow waters that our boys loved playing in. Additionally, there’s a lazy river where you can float on tubes provided by the hotel. This was the perfect way to relax and enjoy the sun each day of our trip.
Lunch and Afternoon Activities
We grabbed a bite at the nearby Crabs Pensacola Beach, a beachfront restaurant that not only serves delicious seafood but also has a playground, where kids can have some fun while you enjoy your meal. If your family loves eating fish, Pensacola is the perfect place–most restaurant menus feature both local and imported catches. Our older son loved the grouper here, and I couldn’t resist the snow crab legs. Crabs also has a kids’ menu, which our youngest enjoyed.
We spent the afternoon enjoying the hotel’s pool and the beach right outside. The soft white sands and gentle waves of Pensacola Beach make it great for kids to play and for parents to relax. The hotel’s pool and the beach are connected by a short walkway over the dunes, so it is really easy to go back and forth, which the kids loved.
Evening at Pensacola Beach Boardwalk
We explored the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk in the evening. Here, you’ll find a variety of shops, eateries, and entertainment options. We had dinner at Flounder’s Chowder House, another kid-friendly restaurant with a playground. The inside is so eclectic with tons of fun memorabilia lining the walls and ceiling. Our boys even walked around at one point just to see what fun things were there! We were full after dinner, but if you want to treat the family to some sweet delights, head to Kilwins Pensacola Beach on the boardwalk, where you can enjoy ice cream, fudge, and other delicious treats. We also have a Kilwins near our house, and I can tell you that their treats are divine!
Don’t miss the chance to walk along the Boardwalk and shop, listen to live music, and catch the sunset. The best place to watch it is near the Quietwater Beach, which you can’t miss–a huge scallop shell statue/sign points out its location.
Day 2: U.S. Navy Blue Angels and National Naval Aviation Museum
We started day two with breakfast at our hotel, before getting an early start to the National Naval Aviation Museum, a must-see for families. The museum is a 30- to 45-minute drive from the beach area, but it is totally worth it! Our kids absolutely loved the museum—it’s huge, and you can touch almost everything! The interactive exhibits allow children to climb inside some of the planes, making it a hands-on experience. There is also a flight simulator, which looked exciting, but our kids didn’t meet the minimum height requirement.
The museum opens at 9:15 am, so it’s best to arrive early to avoid the crowds. Make sure to plan your visit around the Blue Angels practice, which starts at 10:30 am and lasts about an hour and a half. It’s a spectacular show, but be sure to bring protective ear covers, as the noise can be intense for little ones. The show takes place outside the museum, so make sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, and water as well. You can find more details about practice days on their site.
After the practice, we had the opportunity to meet the pilots and get autographs inside the museum! You can eat lunch right at the Museum at the Cubi Bar Café. The café offers simple options like sandwiches and soups, perfect for a quick family meal. The café is uniquely decorated with plaques from the former Cubi Point Officers’ Club in the Philippines, which closed after the 1991 Mount Pinatubo eruption. These plaques add a touch of naval history, making it an interesting spot to dine during your museum visit.
After exploring the museum, we returned to the hotel to enjoy a casual dinner and watch the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico from the biggest palapa bar on the beach. Pensacola is famous for its sunsets, and wow, they do not disappoint. The best part is that the kids could run around on the soft sand and dip their toes into the gentle surf while we parents enjoyed the colors dancing across the sky.
Once it starts to get a bit too dark to stay out on the beach, you can head back to the hotel for night swimming and a movie right on the pool deck. The hotel provides freshly popped popcorn for guests. While we were there, they showed family-friendly movies like Cars and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The pool closes at 10 pm, so you can even enjoy the movie from inside a tube in the lazy river! The pool lights up at night with changing colored lights. If the movie isn’t your thing, the pool area also features hammocks, swing chairs, and a fire pit for guests to enjoy.
Day 3: Exploring Historic Pensacola
Pensacola is the only destination in Northwest Florida with white sand beaches and a walkable historic downtown just 10 minutes away. So we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to explore the downtown. This morning, we started our day on Palafox Street, one of America’s top 10 streets, filled with shops, restaurants, bars, boutiques, and galleries. Most shops open at 10 am, but The Dog House, a local favorite known for its casual, family-friendly atmosphere, was open for breakfast. We sat outside, where we could really enjoy Palafox Street. The kids especially enjoyed the French toast bites and the doggies strolling up to get some treats and water outside the restaurant.
After breakfast, we headed to the Historic Pensacola District, a great spot full of Pensacola attractions for families. We visited:
Historic Pensacola: Here visitors can explore the rich heritage of America’s first European settlement–founded in 1559–through its 28 properties, museums, and guided tours. The kids especially loved the historic village and kitchen, where they rode a rocking horse carved onsite by hand and helped re-enactors tend to the garden.
Pensacola Children’s Museum, which offers interactive exhibits and hands-on learning experiences for kids, focusing on Pensacola’s 460+-year history. With two floors of activities, including a Colonial Classroom and a Native American Village. Our kids especially loved the Publix SuperMarket exhibit, where they could “shop” in a store just their size.
The Museum of Industry: The Museum showcases Pensacola’s early industries, including fishing, brick-making, lumber, and transportation. The museum is housed in the “Hispanic Building,” constructed in 1884 and featuring historical artifacts like timber processing equipment, a kiln used for brickmaking, and an old fishing boat. Our kids especially enjoyed the train display.
Admission to the museums of Historic Pensacola includes entry to the Pensacola Museum of Art, Pensacola Museum of History, Pensacola Children’s Museum, and others for seven days from the date of purchase. Tickets can be bought online or at Tivoli High House, and admission includes guided tours of historic houses such as Lavalle House and Old Christ Church. Visitor maps are available at all museum service desks. The admission prices are $12 for adults and $7 for children ages 4-14. Children 3 and younger are free.
After our visit, we headed back to the beach area to enjoy lunch at the Casino Beach Bar & Grille. Casino Beach Bar & Grille offers a relaxed beachside dining experience with island vibes, live entertainment, and a menu featuring Gulf Coast and Caribbean-inspired dishes. Located just steps from the beach, it’s a great spot to enjoy panoramic Gulf views, and there was also a giant Connect4 game for the kids to play with. After lunch, we spent the afternoon between the hotel pool and the beach.
Day 4: Pensacola Beach Pier and Farewell
We enjoyed a fresh, healthy start at Bear Fruit Bowls and Coffee at the Pensacola Beach Pier, known for its delicious açai bowls and coffee. We all tried different bases and toppings, but I personally think I chose the best. I went with the coconut base, peanut butter, bananas, chocolate nibs, granola, and Nutella. I am still dreaming about that bowl!
After breakfast, we took a stroll on the Pensacola Beach Pier. At 1,471 feet long, this pier offers views of the Gulf of Mexico and beach and is a nice place for a morning walk. You can also spot local wildlife, including various fish species and dolphins swimming in the distance. Our kids loved watching the fishermen reel in their catches, and our little guy was brave enough to touch one of the fish! Note that there is a fee to access the pier: $2.25 for observers, $7.50 for adult fishing, $4.50 for youth fishing, and children under 6 are free.
Final Moments in Pensacola
Before you leave, take one last dip in the hotel pool. This is a great opportunity to let the kids burn off some energy before traveling back home. The staff at the Holiday Inn made checkout a breeze, and I loved that it’s a little later than some other hotels at 11 am. That extra time allowed us to relax a little more on our last morning. The ride back to the airport takes you past the beach and Pensacola Bay, giving you a perfect opportunity to say “see you soon” to this beautiful, idyllic family vacation spot–I promise you’ll be back!
Additional Activities and Recommendations for Families in Pensacola
The itinerary we followed was designed to make the most of our 4-day trip with two young boys (ages 3 and 5). However, if you have more time or if your kids are a bit older, there are plenty of other activities to explore in Pensacola. Here are some additional activities and attractions that would make great additions to your Pensacola itinerary.
Pensacola Lighthouse and Maritime Museum
While we didn’t climb the 177 steps to the top, we were able to see the lighthouse from outside. Those who make the climb will admire the spectacular views of the Pensacola Pass.
Explore the Gulf Islands National Seashore and Fort Pickens
Located on the western tip of Santa Rosa Island, this national park is perfect for outdoor lovers. It offers overnight camping, scenic trails, and beautiful beaches. Fort Pickens is a massive brick fortress that once housed Union troops and the Apache leader Geronimo. Park rangers offer free tours daily.
Laguna’s Adventure Park
This adventure park offers various activities for kids and adults alike. With everything from go-karts to mini-golf, it’s a fun place to let loose and enjoy some family-friendly excitement.
M.E.S.S. Hall
The Pensacola M.E.S.S. Hall is an interactive science museum that focuses on hands-on learning through experiments and creative problem-solving. It’s a fun, educational experience where visitors get to work like real scientists, developing questions and creating experiments, engaging in complex reasoning and learning science just through tinkering.
Dining Suggestions in Pensacola
Pensacola is a fantastic destination for seafood lovers (like our family!), especially those who enjoy fresh catches straight from the Gulf. With a wide variety of dining options located on Pensacola Beach and in downtown Pensacola, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. While we didn’t get to try them all, here is a list of some additional highly recommended restaurants.
On Pensacola Beach:
- Water Pig BBQ
- Red Fish Blue Fish
- Whiskey Joe’s
- Papa’s Pizza
Downtown Pensacola:
- The Garden at Palafox + Main
- O’Riley’s Irish Pub
- The Wine Bar on Palafox
- Carmen’s Lunch Bar
- Graffiti Pizza
- Jaco’s Bayfront Bar and Grill
- The Oar House (with a playground)
- Lucy’s in the Square
- The Fish House
Final Thoughts
We truly enjoyed our trip to Pensacola, which was the perfect destination for our family of four. The Gulf Coast is friendly for kids, with gentle surf and soft white sand. Pensacola offers so much more than just the beach: engaging museums, unique experiences like watching the Blue Angels, and excellent restaurants to enjoy delicious food. We would definitely love to return to Pensacola for another family vacation!
Ready to Plan Your Trip?
For more information and to start planning your family adventure in Pensacola, visit Visit Pensacola. Make sure to check out their suggested itineraries and family-friendly activity suggestions to ensure a fun experience.
