Breeze Flights From Providence, RI to Pensacola, FL From $79*

The Florida Panhandle makes for an unforgettable spot to vacation with secluded white sand beaches and stunning Gulf waters. Pensacola is your gateway to the Panhandle with excellent coastal access and a rich history to explore. Plan your next trip to Pensacola with Breeze. 

Escape to Gulf Islands National Seashore 

Protected by the National Parks Service, the park is made up of miles of remote barrier islands for your relaxation and pleasure. Some areas feature resorts and locally owned condos for easy access to the ocean. Other parts require a bit more effort to see, including driving and hiking, but the effort is rewarded by fantastic views you get all to yourself. You can even camp right on the beach in certain areas. Just remember the efforts of those who came before you to preserve the natural beauty and do your part to recreate responsibly. 

To the west is Perdido Key, offering a variety of beaches with nice, groomed sand, more unkempt, natural formations, along with rocky shoreline. Enjoy the warm sun and swim in the calm Gulf water. Walk the narrow neck of land between Big Lagoon and the ocean out towards Battery Slemmer, the remains of a strategic cannon emplacement near the inlet. At the nearby state park, take the boardwalk to grassy dunes, trees growing in the sand, and a more protected coast. It’s the perfect place to look for herons, egrets, pelicans, and seagulls. 

Pensacola Beach is located to the east. With more development, it’s easy to get right on the water for a tranquil day in paradise. Whether you opt to lie out in the open sun or watch the turquoise shallows lapping from the safety of shade, there’s a place for you on the white sand. While you’re there, stop by Fort Pickens, commissioned by President James Monroe in the 1800s to defend Pensacola Bay. Walk the remains of the stalwart brick ramparts and take in the view of the surrounding dunes rising from the ocean. Nearby in Gulf Breeze, Naval Live Oaks is also worth checking out, with crops of trees growing right on the water’s edge.  

Cruise Downtown Pensacola Like a Local 

The heart of the city, set on the bay, has several cultural sites to explore during your visit. Kick things off in Historic Pensacola Village, a collection of museums, homes, and a church dating to America’s colonial days, some of which you can still tour. Browse a variety of pieces including landscape photography, seashells, abstract sculptures, and modern portraits at the Museum of Art. Meanwhile, immerse yourself in the story of the town’s humble beginnings from its settlement to its involvement as a naval and aeronautics hub at the Museum of History. For a hands-on endeavor into scientific experimentation that’s fun for the whole family, check out the MESS Hall. When you’re ready for a break, stop by Veterans Memorial Park to see the military monuments and lounge by the lagoon. 

Treat yourself to a memorable night out in Pensacola. Palafox Street encompasses the true downtown experience, complete with hot restaurants, boutiques, and pubs for a swanky evening of shopping and dining. Set sail on a sunset and dinner cruise along the bay from the nearby marina or enjoy seafood at a grill right on the water. You can also visit Joe Patti's Seafood, an expansive market, and put together a pescatarian ensemble to cook up on your own. Finally, catch a AA baseball game at the Blue Wahoos Stadium backed up to the waterfront. Take advantage of the surrounding park’s green space and check for seasonal performances at Hunter Amphitheater on the same grounds. 

Discover the Greater Pensacola Area 

Beyond the beaches and city, Pensacola offers several hidden gems to look for. A highlight is the National Naval Aviation Museum, the largest archive of its kind with more than 150 restored aircraft. Explore endless exhibits of fighter jets, prop planes, helicopters, battleship artifacts, submarines, and more in this aerospace emporium. At certain times of the year, you can watch the Blue Angels put on a spectacular air show over the water and around the military station. Across the street, go see the black and white Pensacola Lighthouse and adjoining Maritime Museum. Climb to the top for a lookout over nearby beaches and forested areas. 

Perdido Bay is another enjoyable place to see. Peruse the marshes and dense trees of Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park via boardwalk. On the other side of the peninsula, walk the lowlands of Big Lagoon State Park. Both settings are great for finding sea birds, amphibious reptiles, and rare plant species. If you’re lucky, you may spot some dolphins swimming inland looking for fish. You can also try your hand at kayaking or fishing, and you can even camp there. 

Beat the crowds and book your beach escape with Breeze. Flights to Pensacola are available now.