If you’re ready to feast, be sure to go to McGuire’s Irish Pub. With various locations across the Gulf Coast, none is quite like the original founded in the Historic District. Where it is St. Patrick’s Day all year round, this 650-seat restaurant has a brewery, wine cellar, and a Grand Hall to host weddings, bar mitzvahs, and other events. With tradition Irish music playing, you can enjoy classics like shepherd’s pie, corn beef, and cabbage.
Also known as the cradle of naval aviation, Pensacola is home to the largest naval air station in North America. At this air station, you can visit the National Museum of Naval Aviation, Fort Barrancas, and the tallest lighthouse in the Gulf of Mexico.
With more than 250 full-sized airplanes, an IMAX theatre, and the Apollo 11 Virtual Reality, you can experience immersive, hands-on, and educational time at the Naval Air Museum. During training season, you can see the Blue Angels fighter jets in action while they practice. You can even meet the pilots and get an autograph.
If you’re looking for a workout, you can climb 177 steps to the top of the Pensacola Lighthouse for beautiful views and an overlook of Fort Barrancas, Fort McRee, and Fort Pickens.
These forts from the Civil War era are historic and rumored to be haunted. In 1886, 15 Apache warriors led by Chief Geronimo were held captive at Fort Pickens until they were transferred to other prisons.
During the fall, you can visit the lighthouse for a “Haunted Ghost Tour.” Featured on the Sci-Fi channel show “Ghost Hunters,” you might be able to catch a glimpse of the ghost of the lighthouse keeper.
With snow white sands and emerald waters, Pensacola’s beach is unsurpassed in family fun. With parasailing, jet-skiing, banana boat rides, and dolphin tours, there is much more to do on the beach than just lay around or build a sandcastle.
If you’re looking for a little underwater adventure, try scuba diving off the U.S.S. Oriskany. This sunken aircraft carrier is the largest artificial reef in the world. This is a one-of-a-kind diving experience that people from all over the world travel to.
From food to nightlife to adventure, Pensacola, Florida has something for everyone.