Top 12 Day Trips From Pensacola, Florida

1. New Orleans, LA

Popularly dubbed as the “birthplace of Jazz,” the city of New Orleans has so much history, life, and art in its walls and streets. There are numerous bars in this stunning city where you can enjoy live music performances. You can also be awed by the beautiful French architecture in the buildings of the New Orleans French Quarter. The city is also known for its variety of religious beliefs from French, Roman, American, African, and Carribean cultural influences. Some of the points of interest in this vibrant city are Bourban Street, Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, National WWII Museum, Historic Voodoo Museum, garden district, swamp tours, cemetery tours, and so on. You can reach this amazing city from Pensacola in less than three hours (203 miles / 326 kilometers).

2. Tallahassee, FL

Tallahassee is the largest city in the Florida Panhandle region and is the seat of the state governance. A great place to visit from Pensacola, this stunning city has numerous historic sights representing the times of European Colonization, the American Civil War, and WWII. The city’s capitol building itself is a restored architectural piece from history.

Some of the important sights to visit in this amazing city are Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park, Tallahassee Museum, Museum of Florida History, Lake Jackson Mounds Archeological State Park, and Mission San Luis. Pensacola is 196 miles (315.5 kilometers) away from this fabulous city.

3. Perdido Key, FL

Perdido Key meaning “lost island” is an unincorporated community in Florida that is home to a number of pristine beaches. This community offers several interesting things to do. You can check out the landmark oyster bar Flora-Bama, Big Lagoon State Park, Johnson Beach Road, Perdido Key State Park, and beach. Perdido Key is located at just 16.7 miles (27 kilometers) from Pensacola.

4. Pensacola Beach, FL

You can reach Pensacola Beach in less than 15 minutes from Pensacola at just 8.6 miles (13 kilometers) distance. These sugary white sand beaches and clear blue waters attract a lot of people for a peaceful beach vacation.

The mild temperature, stunning ocean views, a wide range of adventurous water sports, and amenity-rich accommodations here might convince you to have it as a destination for a weekend trip from Pensacola. This beach is indeed a great spot to spend a day swimming in the ocean waters and resting on the shore.

5. Hattiesburg, MS

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

A day trip to Hattiesburg offers a variety of options for visitors to enjoy. Start your day with a visit to the Longleaf Trace, a 41-mile (65.98 kilometer) bike and walking trail that offers scenic views of the surrounding pine forests. Next, head downtown to experience the local arts and culture scene. Check out the Hattiesburg Arts Council exhibits and the African American Military History Museum.

Stop by Keg and Barrel, a popular gastropub offering a wide selection of craft beers and delicious food for lunch. After lunch, stroll through the scenic campus of the University of Southern Mississippi, which offers a beautiful lake and plenty of green spaces to relax.

6. Apalachicola, FL

Apalachicola is a charming coastal town in the Florida panhandle that is perfect for a relaxing getaway. Visitors can stroll through the historic downtown area and admire the well-preserved 19th-century architecture or take a leisurely walk along the riverfront and enjoy the scenic views.

The town is known for its delicious seafood, particularly oysters, which can be enjoyed at many local restaurants. For those interested in the town’s maritime history, the Apalachicola Maritime Museum offers fascinating exhibits and the opportunity to see beautifully restored wooden boats up close. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the town’s proximity to the Apalachicola National Forest, which offers plenty of hiking trails and opportunities for wildlife spotting.

7. Blackwater River State Forest

Spanning across 206,900 acres (83,729.5 hectares) of land area, the Black River State Forest is the largest forest cover in the state of Florida, located at 52.5 miles (83.6 kilometers) from Pensacola. This state forest serves as a great camping spot and hiking destination. The Blackwater River flows through this forest and hence there are numerous options for boating, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. You can also check out the Blackwater River waterfalls located inside the state park. With its wide variety of ecosystems and scenic beauty, this place is a true treat to lovers of the wild.

8. Panama City, FL

You can reach Panama City in just a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Pensacola (138.5 miles / 223 kilometers). Panama City is famous beaches with lots of fun recreational activities, such as fishing and water sports. This makes this city one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the United States of America.

Some of the attractions worth checking out in this city near Pensacola include Shell Island, Papa Joe’s Bayside, Panama City Publishing Company Museum, Native Spirit Museum & Gallery, and Panama City Mural Trail.

9. Navarre, FL

Navarre is an unincorporated community in the Santa-Rosa county, located at 22.8 miles (36.6 kilometers) from Pensacola. This beautiful town is lined with sugar-white beaches and several resorts that offer cozy accommodations. You can also check out the lions and rhinos at Gulf Breeze Zoo, enjoy fishing at the Navarre beach pier, try kayaking, snorkeling or fishing at the Santa Rosa Sound, camp at the expansive camping spots on Navarre Beach, and experience Navarre Family Watersports.

10. Fort Walton Beach

Fort Walton Beach is located in scenic Florida Panhandle, close to the Okaloosa Island, just 40.8 miles (65.66 kilometers) from Pensacola. This island is home to dolphins, alligators, and penguins in their natural habitat at Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park. Check out the pre-historic traces at the Indian Temple Mound, and native American artifacts at Fort Walton Beach Indian Museum. Other interesting places to visit are Emerald Coast Science Center, Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier, Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone, and more.

11. Destin, FL

Check out the splendid Gulf of Mexico white sand beaches and golf resorts in Destin, Florida. This coastal town offers stunning nature trails at the Henderson Beach State Park and fun-filled water sports at the Big Kahuna Water and Amusement Park. You can also check out the lively food and shopping scene at Destin Harbor Boardwalk. Crab Island Cruises offers chartered boat rides for sightseeing and marina watching. You can also enjoy the Dolphin Tours and Snorkeling expeditions at Destin Snorkel and learn about the local maritime history at Destin History and Fishing Museum. Destin is located at 47.5 miles (76 kilometers) from Pensacola.

12. Mobile, AL

Mobile is a city in the Alabama Gulf Coast with an amazing port and a stretch of beaches. This city also has several historic sites that are worth exploring. Mobile is located at 58.5 miles (95 kilometers) west of Pensacola. When planning a day trip to this stunning city check out these amazing spots namely Battleship Memorial Park, Bellingrath Gardens and Home, Meaher State Park, and The Fort of Colonial Mobile.

Satisfy your wanderlust in Western Florida

Check out the expansive sugary white sand beaches and historic cities in Western Florida located at an easy commuting distance from the city of Pensacola. There are several lively towns and cities in the Florida Panhandle region that are worth experiencing. These short day trips are definitely a treat to satisfy your wanderlust during your vacation in Pensacola.