Favorite Beaches
Our home is a 14 minute drive to Gulf Breeze, a 15 minute drive to Pensacola Beach & a 20 minute drive to Perdido Key. Below are some of our favorite beaches!
Gulf Islands National Seashore
Located on Gulf Breeze: Gulf Breeze, FL 32563
Pensacola Beach Park East Snorkeling Reefs
Located on Pensacola Beach: FL-399, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561
Langdon Beach
Located on Pensacola Beach: Langdon Beach, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561
Johnson Beach National Seashore
Located on Perdido Key: 13300 Johnson Beach Rd, Pensacola, FL 32507
Perdido Beach Public Access 3
Located on Perdido Key: 14767 Perdido Key Dr, Pensacola, FL 32507
Breakfast & Brunch Eats
The Bodacious Brew Thru
This is our go-to quick breakfast stop. The drive through makes it so convenient to grab coffee, breakfast burritos & baked goods (cinnamon rolls and muffins). Usually we do this the first morning in town, but it’d also be the perfect pit stop on your way out to Gulf Breeze or Pensacola Beach!
Craft Gourmet Bakery
Located 15 minutes away from the house, we love starting our day here with their delicious coffees and unique gourmet goods.
If you’re in Pensacola to celebrate they also make amazing cakes and baked goods!
Be sure to check out their site!
Another Broken Egg Cafe
This is one of my Aunt & Uncle’s favorite breakfast place!
You can view their full menu here
The Nest General Store
Nestled on Palafox, this general store has one of the best breakfast selections, great coffee & a cute outdoor patio to enjoy.
Our favorites are:
Beet Cured Lox & Bagel
Avocado Toast
Garden Hash
You can order online here!
Cafe Beignets, Perdido Key, FL
If you’re heading out to the Key or out to the Alabama beaches for the day, be sure to check out Cafe Beignets on your way. All I ever want for my birthday on the beach is beignets and these are as close to my dad’s as I’ve ever tried.
Other breakfast places we’ve heard are amazing but haven’t tried:
Ruby Slipper (this is a town favorite but be prepared to wait!)
Native Cafe
Grand Marlin (known for their Sunday brunch)
Scenic 90 Cafe
Bagelheads
Taylor’s Restaurant
Lunch & Dinner Restaurants
The Florabama Yacht Club- Perdido Key
My all time favorite place to grab lunch, a good drink AND relax and let the kids play is the Florabama Yacht Club.
For us, it’s always worth the 30 minute drive because the kids can play on the beach, the food is amazing and the vibe is really fun.
The Mahi Reuben is my favorite go to, the kids love the shrimp plates, and we ALWAYS get the smoked tuna dip to start!
Lillian’s Pizza- Perdido Key
While you’re out on the key be sure to stop in, or take out from Lillian’s Pizza. Growing up my grandma used to always order take out from Lillian’s so these pizzas will forever be my favorite.
The Chicken Ranch Pizza is my favorite!
You can view their full menu here
Jaco's Bayfront Bar & Grille
If you’re looking for a relaxing, kind of upscale restaurant with a unique menu be sure to check out Jaco’s. They have a seasonal menu that we always love to try but some of our family favorites are:
Fried Green Tomatoes
Boston Bibb Lettuce Wraps
The Palafox
You can view their full menu here
McGuire's Irish Pub- Pensacola
This is my Uncle’s favorite spot to grab any meal. Everything on the menu is amazing, the bar is tons of fun and the atmosphere is so much fun.
My favorites are the Blue Angel Chips, Rueben, and their Shepherd’s Pie. If you’re craving dessert be sure to get the Homemade Bread Pudding with Bushmills Irish Whiskey Sauce.
You can view the full menu here!
The Fish House- Pensacola
This is one of our favorite treats whenever we’re in town. I love the sushi and wedge salad but if you’re going for the first time you should try the World-Famous Grits à Ya Ya!
You can view their full menu here
Urban Swinery- Pensacola
Alright, I know putting this one on the list might get me in trouble because they haven’t been open for a few months, BUT I am holding out for them to come back so I have to share this one!
This was my go-to lunch spot every time we were in Pensacola before 2020 happened. Their food was amazing and their service was always friendly so I’m crossing my fingers they make a comeback in 2021.
You can follow them on Facebook for updates on opening! Their sister restaurant is The Global Grill but we haven’t tried it yet!
More Recommended Restaurants:
Shoreline Foods International Market and Deli- walking distance from the house
Flounder’s Chowder House
Peg Leg Pete’s
Grand Marlin
Sneaky Tiki
Shaggy's
Founaris Brothers
Captain Joey Patti's Seafood Restaurant & Deli
Things to Do!
Sometimes you need a break from the beach- whether it’s rain that’s keeping you away or you want to change things up, below are a few of our local favorites!
Corinne Jones Park
This park is within walking distance from our house- yes! even for toddlers. We bring their Strider bikes and take them to and from the park every time we’re in town. The park is clean and friendly for all ages,
Vince J. Whibbs Sr. Community Maritime Park
301 W Main St Pensacola FL 32501
Another close park, this one is located behind the ball park and is great for older kids. Plus, there’s a small gym set up there for parents if you’re looking for one!
Pensacola Children's Museum
115 Zaragoza St, Pensacola, FL 32502
Sky Zone Trampoline Park
5007 N Davis Hwy Unit 8A, Pensacola, FL 32503
Whether it’s a rainy day or you just need a break from the sun, this trampoline park is sure fun for all ages!
Perdido Kids Park
10004 Gulf Beach Hwy, Pensacola, FL 32507
If you’re heading out to Perdido Key Beaches, or just want to get a change of scenery, this is a great place for kids of all ages.
Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
2081 Radford Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32508
This is one of our favorite things to do! Be sure to check out the lighthouse and maritime museum while you’re in town!
Cecil T. Hunter Pool
200 East Blount Street Pensacola, FL 32503
In the case you want a break from the beach and need a pool day be sure to check out Cecil T. Hunter Pool. For hours & admission info check out their website!
Grizzly Axes
6300 N Davis Hwy, Pensacola, FL 32504
A great way to spend an afternoon with family & friends!
Are you looking to see some dolphins? Check out these charters:
Chase N Fins- I’ve heard amazing things about Captn. Charlie
H02 Pensacola- Scenic Bay Tours, Dolphin Tours & more
Pensacola Beach does their Summer Music Series every Tuesday evening from April through October. You can find more information & view the schedule here!
Are you celebrating a birthday, holiday or special event?
I always order our cakes from Craft Bakery (listed above). Be sure to plan ahead and order it a few weeks in advance!
If you’re wanting to do something fun on the beach check out Party Picnic Co!
Fishing Charters:
Our family favorite is Paradise Charters- Captain Justin Simmons- if you are interested in this please contact us and I can give you his personal phone.