Drawn by the Pensacola Bay Area’s pristine beaches, groups discover history, culture, and adventure, too
The National Naval Aviation Museum is the world’s largest naval aviation museum and is home to over 150 aircraft. Watch the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, the Navy’s official flight demonstration squadron, practice most Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from March–November.
Take the 3-mile America’s First Settlement Trail through downtown Pensacola and the Pensacola Historic District and discover more than 70 points of interest, including living history interpreters at the Historic Pensacola Village.
The Pensacola Opera performs at the beautiful Saenger Theatre, a 1925 restored vaudeville theater that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Pensacola’s Belmont-Devilliers District was added to the Mississippi Blues Trail in 2018. While there, groups can feed their soul at the group-friendly Five Sisters Blues Café.
Dubbed the Festival City of the South, Pensacola hosts numerous signature events, including the Flora-Bama Interstate Mullet Toss, the Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival, and the Foo Foo Festival.
Welcome to Pensacola, the western gateway to the Sunshine State, where history, adventure, and stunning beaches converge to create unforgettable group experiences. “Whether your group is looking to explore our historic sites, take in a U.S. Navy Blue Angels practice, or enjoy our vibrant downtown and beach areas, Pensacola has something for everyone,” says Kaya Man, director of destination sales and services at Visit Pensacola. “Our team is here to ensure motorcoach operators have everything they need for a smooth and enjoyable visit.”
Discover The Way to Beach™, where every visit to America’s First Settlement promises natural beauty, exploration, endless activities, and vibrant culture that excite groups of all ages and interests.
Pensacola’s Scenic Outdoors
Located in Northwest Florida, Pensacola offers exciting outdoor attractions for the group traveler. Explore Gulf Islands National Seashore—the nation’s longest federally protected seashore—with locations on both Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key, relax on sugar-white beaches, or stroll the 1,477 feet of the Pensacola Beach Pier. Take the Pensacola Bay City Ferry for stunning views or enjoy a dolphin cruise for an unforgettable wildlife experience on the water.
Pensacola Insider
LODGING
Pensacola has a variety of lodging options for motorcoach groups that have ample bus parking and easy-access proximity to I-10. For a description of hotels that offer group-friendly amenities, walkability, and seamless access to local attractions, shopping, and dining, visit visitpensacola.com/groups/group-lodging. From beachfront properties with stunning views, downtown hotels that are within walking distance to historic Palafox Street, and budget-friendly options, there’s something for all groups.
NEW AND NOTEWORTHY
To create a more connected public waterfront, downtown Pensacola’s Bruce Beach Park recently opened and features a new playground, scenic views, and markers to commemorate African American history and heritage. The second phase will include the planting of over 190 trees, the addition of a sand volleyball court, a picnic area, and a kayak launch.
In 2025, the Saenger Theatre will celebrate 100 years of the performing arts in Pensacola. Experience the city’s arts and culture at the Pensacola Opera, the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra, and Ballet Pensacola, all of which regularly hold performances at the historic Saenger Theatre.
America’s First Settlement
Groups can step back in time along the America’s First Settlement Trail, a free, self-guided 3-mile marked path through downtown Pensacola and the Pensacola Historic District. Twenty stops and more than 70 points of interest showcase artifacts from as far back as 1559 and sites from as early as 1756, when the Spanish built Fort San Miguel in what is now downtown Pensacola. The trail runs alongside Historic Pensacola, home to the Pensacola Museum of History, an elaborate Renaissance Revival building with rotating exhibits about West Florida’s history, architecture, and archaeology; the Pensacola Museum of Art, once the Pensacola City Jail and now a modern-day art museum and arts education hub; living history demonstrations at Historic Pensacola Village; historic homes; restaurants; and more.
Cradle of Naval Aviation
Not to be missed is the National Naval Aviation Museum, the largest of its kind in the country. Boasting free admissions and dedicated bus parking, visitors can explore interactive exhibits that showcase the legacy of naval aviation, including over 150 restored aircraft. Groups visiting the “Cradle of Naval Aviation” between March and November can witness the U.S. Navy Blue Angels practice on most Tuesdays and Wednesdays, weather permitting. These aerial demonstrations captivate audiences with breathtaking precision and skill. Plus, visitors can meet the pilots and get autographs after practices on select days. Across the street, the Pensacola Lighthouse and Maritime Museum offers breathtaking views of the Gulf Coast and historical installments.
Festival City of the South
Pensacola is the Festival City of the South, where vibrant events bring the community together year-round. Celebrations like the Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival, Foo Foo Fest cultural festival, Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show, and the Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival showcase the area’s love for arts, culture, and fun.
Pensacola is the only beachfront destination in Northwest Florida with the Big 5: an accredited art museum, professional theater, symphony, ballet, and opera—all within a few short blocks of one another.
Gulf to Table Flavors
Pensacola’s food scene offers a wide range of culinary experiences, from fresh Gulf seafood and Southern comfort dishes to international cuisine. Enjoy everything from casual beachfront restaurants to fine dining downtown, with options to suit every budget. Whether savoring a Bushwacker (Pensacola’s official drink), or local favorites such as Grits à Ya Ya from The Fish House or the Blue Angels Chips from The Grand Marlin, Pensacola has something to satisfy every palate.
For help customizing your motorcoach trip to Pensacola—including group-friendly dining, lodging, and itineraries—visit visitpensacola.com or contact the Visit Pensacola team at (800) 874-1234.
Visit Pensacola | visitpensacola.com, (800) 874-1234
Photo Credit: Visit Pensacola.
