What to Do in Downtown Pensacola: A Local Guide

by Stephanie Harrington

Downtown Pensacola is a bustling, vibrant area with music, art, world-class dining, and rich history. Over the past years, the area's rapid growth and expansion has brought in even more opportunities for visitors to explore everything Pensacola has to offer away from our beautiful beaches. At Engel & Völkers Pensacola, we’ve watched Pensacola’s exciting growth from the inside and know everything our town has to offer. In this article, we will go through things to do in Downtown Pensacola and how there’s truly something for everyone.

Key Takeaways

Central to Downtown Pensacola, Palafox Street is perfect for strolling, shopping, and dining, showcasing local businesses and vibrant atmosphere.
Downtown Pensacola has a diverse food scene, from casual breakfast spots to fine dining, with options like Dog House Deli and Restaurant Iron catering to all tastes.
Explore Pensacola’s historical significance through attractions like Historic Pensacola Village, various museums, and Old Christ Church.
Enjoy lively local festivals like Foo Foo Fest and Seafood Festival, along with Palafox Market every Saturday, highlighting community culture and creativity.
Immerse yourself in Pensacola’s vibrant arts scene with concerts at Saenger Theatre and nightlife at trendy bars like Seville Quarter and Old Hickory Whiskey Bar.

Six Things to Do in Downtown Pensacola

Take a walk down Palafox Street. At the heart of Downtown Pensacola is Palafox Street. This historic road was once lined with street cars and has long been the main hub of the downtown area, separating the city’s east and west. Today, Palafox Street is lined with shopping, boutiques, restaurants, historic parks, and more. All throughout the week, you will see visitors and locals alike strolling up and down Palafox’s picture-perfect sidewalks and supporting the local businesses that make Pensacola great. Whether you’re looking to take in the sights or just enjoy a walk, Palafox Street is the place to be when you’re downtown!
Get into Pensacola’s culinary scene. Downtown Pensacola is a foodie paradise. Whether you’re looking for fine dining or unique food trucks, there are more than enough options. Put your morning hunger pains back to bed with breakfast at Dog House Deli, where they are serving way more than just hot dogs. Have a group and can’t decide on lunch? The Garden features a range of food options on a variety of food trucks, meaning everyone can get exactly what they want in a casual, open-air environment. End your evening with an evening to remember at Restaurant Iron, one of Pensacola’s premier fine dining establishments that celebrates the flavors of the region. The best part? This is just one way to do it! You can wake up and try something new every day you’re here. Check out our article that outlines even more great places to eat in Downtown Pensacola.
Get into the history. The ground beneath your feet in Downtown Pensacola has so many stories to tell. As America’s first settlement, Pensacola’s historical significance dates back centuries. You can even get a glimpse back into the old days at the Historic Pensacola Village where reenactors dress in period clothing and give historical accounts to visitors for a totally immersive experience. You can also take in a few museums, including the Pensacola Museum of History, Museum of Commerce, Museum of Industry, and more. Pensacola is even home to one of the oldest standing churches in Florida with Old Christ Church. This beautifully preserved building can be visited throughout the week and is also a popular event venue. For an entire list of historic spots in Downtown Pensacola, visit the Historic Pensacola website.
Take in the local festivals and events. Downtown Pensacola is always bustling with events. From November’s two-week long Foo Foo Fest to our annual Seafood Festival, you’re sure to catch a glimpse of something when you’re in town. Pensacola is also a hot spot during Mardi Gras, when parades of ornate floats weave through the downtown streets and the partying doesn’t stop until the sun comes up. If you prefer something a little more tame, Palafox Market sets up every Saturday morning at Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza and Plaza Ferdinand as an opportunity for local markers, vendors, and artists to share their creations with the community. For a full list of events, you can head over to the Visit Pensacola website to see what’s happening when you’re in town.
Catch a show or concert. Pensacola has a proud history of embracing art, music, and theater. Everything from local to world-renown acts showcase their talents in America’s first settlement. Both a historic landmark and Pensacola’s premier entertainment venue. The Saenger Theatre has been an iconic stage for musicians, artists, and plays. Built in 1925, the Saenger is still Pensacola’s best place for live entertainment. If you are all about music, be sure to check the schedule at Vinyl Music Hall, Pensacola’s hottest music venue that is conveniently located right on the corner of Palafox and Garden. Looking for something a little edgier? The Handlebar has long been a Pensacola favorite for alternative music, routinely hosting both local and touring bands that live on the outskirts of the mainstream.
Experience the nightlife. When the sun sets on Pensacola, downtown flips from a charming, historic small town to a more modern club and bar scene that is perfect for a night of letting loose and imbibing. There are several bars and clubs downtown, including the always iconic Seville Quarter, Pensacola’s most popular night club since 1967. Looking for something a little more laid back with a small group of close friends? Old Hickory Whiskey Bar is a Palafox favorite for craft cocktails and a wall-to-wall selection of over 750 whiskeys! If you’re lucky enough to be in town on the third Friday of the month, you will be in for a treat with our exciting Gallery Night. Palafox closes to foot traffic only from Garden to Main as local artists, vendors, and entertainers line the street and bars bring the party outside for a one-of-a-kind evening that you won’t forget.

FAQ About What to Do in Downtown Pensacola

Q: What are some must-visit dining spots in Downtown Pensacola?

A: Downtown Pensacola boasts a variety of dining options, including Dog House Deli for breakfast, the open-air food truck selection at The Garden for lunch, and Restaurant Iron for fine dining in the evening.

Q: What historical sites can I explore in Downtown Pensacola?

A: You can explore several historical sites, including the Historic Pensacola Village for immersive reenactments, the Pensacola Museum of History, and Old Christ Church, one of Florida's oldest churches.

Q: What events should I look for when visiting Downtown Pensacola?

A: Check out local events such as the two-week Foo Foo Fest in November, the annual Seafood Festival, Mardi Gras parades, and the Palafox Market every Saturday for a showcase of regional artists and vendors.

Final Thoughts on What to Do in Downtown Pensacola

Downtown Pensacola has experienced unprecedented growth in the past decade. The exciting part is that the area continues to grow, meaning more and more exciting things to do and more opportunities for both locals and visitors. Instead of asking yourself what is there to do in Downtown Pensacola, start asking yourself what isn’t there to do here?

About Engel & Völkers Pensacola

Engel & Völkers Pensacola is a real estate agency with an enhanced focus on luxury homes in Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, Downtown Pensacola, Gulf Breeze, Perdido Key, and beyond. We have expert advisors for every neighborhood in the area to help you unlock the luxury lifestyle of your dreams and pair you with the perfect home. If you're searching for a home in Pensacola, see our current listings and connect with one of our advisors today!