If you’re looking for a quiet, uncrowded area along the beach, avoid Pensacola Beach proper. Keep heading east toward Portifino (five towers on the north side of the road). After these buildings come into view, keep going east a mile or so. Eventually, you’ll find a pavilion on the south side of the road with a parking area. Enter there, head toward the beach, and enjoy the emerald waters! There is a toll booth that charges $1 to enter Pensacola Beach.
You should definitely check out the pier at the southern point of Palafox. A couple of my favorite places to visit are Fosko’s (for coffee lovers), The Tin Cow (build your own burger), Pensacola Museum of Art (it’s free!), Bubba’s Sweet Spot, and the park.
The museum is free to the public, but be ready to show your ID card at the base’s gate. Activities include flight simulators, IMAX documentaries, and experiencing life on the deck of an aircraft carrier. Of course, roam around multiple rooms filled with planes and other aerial contraptions. Anchors aweigh!
You can arrive at Fort Pickens via car or ferry. If you choose to drive, go toward Pensacola Beach but take a right onto Fort Pickens Road after you pass the toll booth. On the other hand, you can take the Pensacola Bay Cruise that meets at 700 Commendencia Street. Check out the website for departure times and prices.
Cordova Mall is the largest and most upscale shopping center in the Pensacola area. Anchored by Belk, Dillard's, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Best Buy, Bed Bath and Beyond, and World Market, Cordova Mall also features more than 120 specialty stores including LOFT, Chico's, Jos. A Bank, Sephora, The Buckle, and Old Navy.
Located in the historic district of downtown Milton, the boardwalk extends along the Blackwater River which connects a gazebo at the north end and a picnic shelter at the south end.