By Arren Joseph-White
Spring break is right around the corner. Some college students like to spend the days off relaxing in the comfort of their homes, but others might use that time to explore outside of their homes. Some want to go out, finding adventures around town.There are plenty of things to do around Pensacola and the surrounding areas. Some people worry about money, but a budget shouldn’t limit you from having a fun time. Depending on your budget, here are a couple of fun activities to try throughout the city.
Under $10:
Pensacola Beach
One of the most popular attractions in Pensacola is its beaches. Though it’s there year-round, spring break is when the weather is the best for outdoor fun. There are a variety of spots to choose from, and something for everyone to do. Each beach has activities from fishing to beach sports, and everything in between.
Pensacola Lighthouse and Maritime Museum
The Lighthouse and Maritime Museum is another wonderful place with a variety of history. The entry fee is $9.50 per adult and is open each day from 9 am to 4 pm. Not only is the museum buzzing with history, but those brave enough to climb the 177 steps of the lighthouse can also enjoy the gorgeous view from the top of the lighthouse. You can also join in on curated tours around the museum and lighthouse to learn more about one of the most beautiful views in Pensacola.
Palafox Market
Spending a morning strolling through the market is a great way to get outside during spring break. Every Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm, downtown Pensacola opens itself to local small businesses at the Palafox Market. There are a plethora of tents, from food stalls to handmade art. Many of the vendors and business owners are willing to chat about the goods they sell, giving wonderful information about their products. The Palafox Market takes place in the Martin Luther King Plaza.
Open Mics
Different venues and event spaces will often put on open mics for small artists to perform. It is a great way to get out into your community and support local artists, or even perform using your own forms of art. Places that put on some open mic nights include Subculture Art Gallery & Event Space, who puts on a poetry open mic night every Tuesday beginning at 6:30 pm. For fans of music, Goat Lips Brewhouse does two musical open mic nights; one on Mondays at 6 pm and another on Thursday at 7 pm.
Blue Angels Practices
The Angels have called Pensacola home since the 1950s, and they practice performances from March through November each year. Watching them practice is free and can be a dazzling experience for all ages. Many gather all around town to catch a glimpse of them. Tourists and residents both enjoy the rushing sights and sounds of the jets. The gates of the Naval Air Station open at 9:30 am and the Angels begin their flight practice at 10:30 am.
Under $20:
Fort Pickens
Pensacola MESS Hall
Pensacola MESS Hall is a fun place for families to go and learn hands-on science for their children. Tickets starting at $15, they often hold tours for groups and they love to show off all fun activities. The staff are happy to converse and provide exercises to help expand young minds and push the limits of imagination.The MESS Hall is located downtown at 418 E Wright Street.
Bird Watching at Uncle Sandy’s
For those interested in owning a bird, or who just want to observe their nature, Uncle Sandy’s Macaw Bird Park is a sanctuary for unwanted parrots. While the space offers a home for the birds, they also use it as an opportunity to educate the public on fun facts about the birds and how to care for them. These beautiful creatures are given the utmost care and attention, waiting for their forever homes at the sanctuary.Their interactive tours are good for bird owners, watchers, and everyday people alike. To find them, they are located on 9513 N Palafox St.
Historic Pensacola
Pensacola’s Historic Village is eight acres of culture and education for everyone. Over 400 years of history is located over starting on 205 E Zaragoza St. It’s an immersive experience that includes the Museum of Art and the Museum of history. People love to surround themselves in the time period, some even dress in costumes and play their part. Those who want specifics of the village can plan tours with the guides to gain more insight on things.
Bamboo Willie’s Beachside Bar
Good Music and even better food can be found at 400 Quietwater Beach Rd, home of Bamboo Willie’s. Not only are the bands good, but there are even opportunities for people to get up and dance to the lively music. Varieties of drinks and food means that there’s something for everyone to enjoy and savor. They also have various events that stretch beyond music and dancing. Bamboo Willie’s is a hot and lively event space, with something always happening.
Pensacola Jazzfest
Annually, Pensacola holds their annual Jazzfest in Seville Square. From April 5-6, jazz lovers and musicians can enjoy the sounds of local bands and even national headliners. The vendors are corporate organizations and local vendors who are all happy to support the expression of music. Seville Square’s historic environment helps to immerse attendees in the music and fun. Jazzfest is the perfect way to spend a spring day.
Under $50:
Fort pickens
A popular attraction at best, Fort Pickens is a historical landmark and a sight to see for those from Pensacola and those visiting. The tickets often range from $15 to $25, depending on the capacity of the vehicle. Things like the cannons and tunnels are delightful to explore; each part of the fort has history embedded into the walls. Not only is the fort itself exciting, but the surrounding beaches are just as fun with plenty of fishing and swimming. If you’re lucky, then the beaches on Fort Pickens are often much more tranquil than that of Pensacola Beach.
Blue Wahoos
The Blue Wahoos stadium, located on 351 W Cedar St, is another iconic tourist spot in town. Other than baseball games, the stadium holds other local events for everyone. The stadium itself seats at least 5,000 people, thus making for lively games and other fun activities. The Wahoos strives to create the best life within the community, thus bettering Pensacola.
Seville Quarter
Pensacola’s local party spot, Seville, almost always has some kind of event. Things span through several courtyards and event spaces, creating a large and spanning spot for shows, parties, and more. Each room holds its own theme, which adds to the charm of the whole space. Seville’s Happy Hour is often its most popular event, and has a variety of drinks for every person’s taste. 130 East Government Street is where Seville Quarter can be found, while The District is located at 123 East Government Street. Both are iconic Pensacola spots for fun parties and lively events.
McGuires Prediction Run
McGuire’s is known for putting on excellent 5k runs, and the Prediction Run is one of them. The race itself is the least of the fun, they often hold parties before and after the race. Those who register and run in the race get a t-shirt at the end of the 5k. People who are active and love to challenge themselves would enjoy this event. Walking or running, one of McGuire’s iconic 5k runs is a great way to get outside.
Dolphin Cruise
This might be a small drive away, but it would be worth it for the sight of beautiful marine animals among the water. The ride is $34 per adult, and is found in Orange Beach. 27212 Marina Rd is the meeting point; from there you climb onto a ferry and can enjoy a narrative tour of the local area while on the hunt for bottlenose dolphins. It is the best way to get up close and personal with the local marine life.
Pensacola is a place full of history, variety, and activity. There is no shortage of activity for anyone. Pensacola is filled with entertaining events and places, unique to every interest. From the Palafox Market to Pensacola Beach, there is something for everyone to do and see, no matter the age or the budget. Now that you have something to do, go out there and explore your options, live in the moment, and most importantly, have fun!