Pensacola Beach, Florida is on the Gulf Coast barrier Santa Rosa Island. This popular beach community is just southeast of the city of Pensacola. With 18 miles of white sandy beaches and an average temperature of 72 degrees, the temperate climate allows year-round enjoyment of the coastal lifestyle.

This award-winning stretch of beach has been nationally recognized in recent years: Trip Advisor’s 2021 Top 15 Beaches in the U.S., Smart Asset’s 4th Most Affordable Beach Town in America in 2021, Trip Advisor’s 2020 Top 4 Beaches in the U.S., Trip Advisor’s 2019 Top 5 Beaches in the U.S., Blue Angels Air Show named a Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event 2019, USA TODAY Voted #1 for Best Florida Beach – Reader’s Choice 2018.

Nature lovers will find plentifully opportunities to enjoy the sun and sand. The Pensacola Beach Footprints in the Sand Eco-Trail spotlights local wildlife such as sea turtles and teaches a variety of nature-based information, like how to identify various sea shells. 

The majority of Pensacola Beach is inside the Gulf Islands National Seashore, providing mostly untouched natural beauty. Opal Beach and Pensacola Dog Beach are popular spots to catch some sun or play in the Gulf. Fort Pickens is located on the west end of the island. It was one of four military forts designed to protect Pensacola in the 1800s.

Pensacola Beach Boardwalk has shops, eateries and, nearby, the Pensacola Beach Pier stretches into the Gulf of Mexico. Popular area restaurants include The Grand Marlin, Red Fish Blue Fish, Crabs and Peg Leg Pete’s. Shopping opportunities include Ron Jon Surf Shop, The International Boutique, Island Trader and Maverick Board Riding Company.