6 BEST Places to Stay in Pensacola + TOP Hotels

Florida sure has many hidden gems, and Pensacola is somewhere at the top of that list. I can’t get enough of this state’s wonderful beaches, amazing weather, and natural beauty! If this sounds as appealing to you as it does to me, it’s time to discover the best places to stay in Pensacola. 

To make things easier for you, I compared all the Pensacola neighborhoods and created a list of the 6 ultimate places to stay in Pensacola, FL. 

Downtown Pensacola is my top choice as the best place to stay in Pensacola since it has all the major attractions, great restaurants, and hotels.

I also handpicked the best hotels in Pensacola in each recommended area and in every price range to make your trip planning that much easier. 

Let’s discover this cool city!

Quick Picks for Your Stay

Want to book your hotel ASAP? Here’s a list of the best Downtown Pensacola hotels:

Check out the map below featuring the 6 places to stay in Pensacola, Florida, that I’ll be talking about in this post:

1. Downtown – where to stay in Pensacola for the first time

Traveling to Pensacola, the Westernmost city in Florida? If you’re visiting for the first time, then there’s no better place to stay in the city than Downtown Pensacola! Since it’s located on the waterfront, this bustling area offers the best of both worlds: great attractions plus a fabulous bay area filled with restaurants!

The focal point of Downtown Pensacola is Palafox Place, a commercial area that abounds with bars, restaurants, coffee spots, and cool shops. Here, you’ll also find the Saenger Theatre Pensacola, a historic theater that often has Broadway shows on the schedule – if you have the time, I highly recommend catching a performance! 

Your next stop should be Plaza Ferdinand VII, a lovely little park that features a statue of Andrew Jackson and is surrounded by some great museums. I suggest visiting the Pensacola Museum of History to learn about the city’s history and the Pensacola Museum of Art, which is situated in an old jail and features some really cool collections. 

NOTE: Downtown Pensacola hosts the annual Pensacola Seafood Festival. Each year, during a weekend in September, the Downtown comes alive with the festival – vendors selling fresh and delicious seafood, plenty of arts and crafts, and live music. So, if you plan to visit during the festival, book well in advance – the city is busier than usual! 

The Historic Pensacola Village is another must-visit in Downtown; this open-air museum encompasses 28 well-preserved historic buildings, so take some time to walk around and admire the architecture. And if you’re visiting with kids, you can’t miss the Pensacola Children’s Museum. 

When you need a break from all the sightseeing, the best thing to do is hit the park! Seville Square is a small but lovely park with a picture-perfect gazebo, and Vince J. Whibbs Sr. Community Maritime Park is another small park on the bay that also features a baseball stadium. 

Downtown Pensacola is pedestrian-friendly, so you don’t need a car to explore. However, since the area doesn’t have direct beach access, you still might want to rent a car for ease of access since it’s just a short drive away. 

As I mentioned earlier, although Pensacola isn’t the most popular place to stay in Florida, I still highly recommend booking your hotel in advance, especially in the Downtown area. Please keep in mind that this is the most popular neighborhood, and the hotels in the area sell out super fast! 

Other accommodation options in Downtown

Things to do in Downtown

• Explore the bars and shops around Palafox Place
• Head to Plaza Ferdinand VII and visit the Pensacola Museum of History
• Admire the exhibitions at the Pensacola Museum of Art
• Stop by the Plaza De Luna Memorial Monument (map)
• Walk around the Historic Pensacola Village
• Go on a ghosts and graveyards tour of Pensacola
• Take the kids to the Pensacola Children’s Museum
• Go for a walk in the Seville Square
• Spend your Saturday shopping at the Palafox Market (map)
• Enjoy the views of the bay from Vince J. Whibbs Sr. Community Maritime Park

2. Pensacola Beach – the best place to stay for beach lovers

Florida has so many fantastic beaches, and I’m sure you will never tire of them! Pensacola Beach is set on Santa Rosa Island, 9 miles (14 km) South of the Downtown area, connected by a long bridge across Pensacola Bay. This vibrant area is perfect for people who want to spend most of their time on the sandy dunes at the beach and swimming in the ocean! 

If you’re planning a trip here, you’ll likely want to spend most of your time on the beach – Opal Beach and Langdon Beach are gorgeous white-sand beaches perfect for relaxing and swimming. And if you’re traveling with your furry friend, you’ll be happy to know that you can bring him along and spend a lovely beach day at Pensacola Dog Beach. 

For me, no trip to the beach is complete without checking out some cool bars; here, the best one around is the Casino Beach Bar & Grille, a really laid-back spot serving delicious food and drinks.

If you prefer fishing over swimming, you’ll want to spend most of your time at the Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier. This is a popular spot for fishing for sailfish, but you also might get lucky and spot some dolphins. For those of you who aren’t into fishing, I suggest trying some other water sports, like kayaking or paddle-boarding. 

In the evenings, go for a stroll along the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk; along the way, you’ll find many nice shops and great bars and restaurants, so you’ll be all set for evening entertainment. 

In case you feel like doing something other than hanging out at the beach in Pensacola, pay a visit to Fort Pickens, a historic military fort where you can learn more about the area’s history. 

NOTE: If you’re planning a beach vacation in the Pensacola area, avoid hurricane season (June to November). However, it should be quite safe to visit in September and October, so keep that in mind when booking your trip. 

Prices are higher here than in other parts of the city, but it’s so worth it! Most places to stay in Pensacola Beach are literally 2 steps away from the sandy shores. However, if you want to explore more of the city, it’s best to have your own vehicle; although public transport is available, renting a car gives you more flexibility to explore. 

Other accommodation options in Pensacola Beach

Things to do in Pensacola Beach 

• Spend a relaxing day at Opal Beach or Langdon Beach
• Have some adventures with your four-legged friend at Pensacola Dog Beach
• Snap a photo of the Pensacola Beach Ball Tower (map)
• Enjoy a delicious meal or a cocktail at Casino Beach Bar & Grille
• Fish for sailfish and spot dolphins from the Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier
• Spend your evenings walking around the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk
• Treat yourself to some delicious seafood at Shaggy’s Pensacola Beach (map)
• Learn about the area’s history at Fort Pickens

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3. Gulf Breeze – where to stay in Pensacola on a budget

The town of Gulf Breeze is situated between Pensacola Downtown and Pensacola Beach, FL. This laid-back area is just a short, 15-min drive South of Downtown Pensacola, making it perfect for people who want to check out all the Downtown museums and attractions, but also for those who want to check out Pensacola Beach – a 5-min drive South! 

What’s great about Gulf Breeze is that you’ll find cheap places to stay compared to any of the other neighborhoods. So, if you’re traveling on a budget, stop scrolling and check it out! It’s also a fantastic choice if you want to escape the crowds and have a more relaxing vacation. 

Compared to the other areas featured in this post, Gulf Breeze doesn’t have too many tourist attractions. So, if you want to hit all the Pensacola sights, you’ll definitely need a car. 

Gulf Breeze is also fantastic for people exploring Pensacola’s natural beauty. Naval Live Oaks Nature Preserve is one of the best spots to immerse yourself in nature, and it’s pretty big, so you’ll definitely need a few hours to get around it.

People traveling with kids (or any animal lover, for that matter) should visit the Gulf Breeze Zoo. During your visit, you’ll get to meet over 800 animals, feed the giraffes, and even go on a safari train ride – it’s super cool! 

And if you’re up for a picnic with a view, there’s no better spot than the Shoreline Park Pavilion, stretching along the coast and offering stunning ocean views – perfect for relaxing with your family or significant other! 

Other accommodation options in Gulf Breeze

Things to do in Gulf Breeze 

• Spend a day exploring the Naval Live Oaks Nature Preserve
• Feed the giraffes at the Gulf Breeze Zoo
• Have some delicious Mexican tacos at Tacos Rock Gulf Breeze (map)
• Enjoy a picnic at the Shoreline Park Pavilion

4. Ferry Pass – best area to stay for shopping

Situated a 15-min drive North of Downtown Pensacola, Ferry Pass is a lively neighborhood that’s popular for its shopping options, as well as the bustling dining scene. This is one of the top places to stay in Pensacola if you don’t want to be among the Downtown hustle and bustle, but still have access to many urban amenities. 

Since this is more of a residential area, there aren’t too many cultural attractions, but there are some fantastic places to shop! Ross Dress for Less is a bargain store where you can get great deals on brand-name items, while Academy Sports + Outdoors is your one-stop shop for all fitness equipment and outdoor gear. 

As for dining, Ferry Pass won’t disappoint! The Texas Roadhouse is the ultimate place for a steak dinner, and George Bistro + Bar is a great spot to enjoy a unique take on New American cuisine. 

If you’re still looking for things to do, I recommend a visit to the Dreamland Skate Center, a roller-skating rink that also has a cafe and some arcade games – sounds like a lot of fun! 

NOTE: There are no luxury hotels in Ferry Pass, so if you are a luxury traveler, consider staying Downtown and visiting Ferry Pass to hit all the shops. 

Other accommodation options in Ferry Pass

Things to do in Ferry Pass 

• Do some shopping at Ross Dress for Less and Academy Sports + Outdoors
• Play some golf at the Scenic Hills Country Club
• Have dinner at the Texas Roadhouse or George Bistro + Bar
• Spend a fun evening at the Dreamland Skate Center
• Grab a drink and enjoy the live music at Goat Lips Chew & Brew House (map)

5. Warrington – best place to stay in Pensacola with family

Warrington is a quiet and serene area situated a 10-min drive Southwest of Downtown Pensacola, and the ultimate spot to stay on a family trip to Pensacola. The area offers some great views of the water over Pensacola Bay and Bayou Grande and also provides easy access to many interesting attractions. 

When all you want to do is sit back, unwind, and enjoy a good view, head to Civitan Park – a great spot for a family picnic or even a barbecue. Another activity for the whole family is a trip to the Pensacola Country Club, which features golf and tennis courses, a pool, and a restaurant – just make sure to contact them in advance. 

During your stay in Warrington, you can visit many other cool spots, such as the Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, where you can climb up to the top of the lighthouse and enjoy unparalleled views of the area, and the Historic Fort Barrancas, a hilltop fort offering museum exhibits. 

While you’re in the area, don’t miss the National Naval Aviation Museum, one of the largest aviation museums in the world, featuring many restored aircrafts and offering rides on flight simulators. Best of all – the entrance is free of charge! 

From Warrington, you can easily reach the Big Lagoon State Park – it’s just a 20-min drive away and offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and swimming. 

You can continue your trip to Perdido Key – it’s just a couple of extra minutes away by car – and hit Johnson Beach. It’s a gorgeous beach and a great spot for early-morning snorkeling, but you’ll have to pay a fee to enter the area – more info is available here. 

NOTE: Just like Ferry Pass, Warrington doesn’t boast any luxury hotels. So, if you’re looking to stay in an upscale hotel, your best bet is Downtown. 

Other accommodation options in Warrington

Things to do in Warrington 

• Have a family picnic at Civitan Park
• Spend a day at the Pensacola Country Club
• Go up to the top of the Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum to enjoy the view
• Learn some history at the Historic Fort Barrancas
• Try the flight simulator at the National Naval Aviation Museum
• Plan a trip to the Gulf Islands National Seashore (map)
• Explore the hiking trails in Big Lagoon State Park
• Relax on Johnson Beach in Perdido Key

6. Northeast Pensacola – best place to stay near the airport

Looking for a great place to stay in the Pensacola area near the airport and close to the city center? Then Northeast Pensacola will be perfect for you! This residential neighborhood is located a 15-min drive Northeast of Downtown and is super convenient for people who are in town on a more extended layover or have to catch a late/early morning flight. 

Besides the Pensacola International Airport, there are lots of shops and malls here, so there’s no need to head all the way Downtown for that. However, you won’t find any attractions here; as I mentioned, the area is primarily residential, which can also be fun if you want to get a taste of the local life in this part of Florida. 

TIP: If you’re heading Downtown, go a little out of your way and stop at The Graffiti Bridge – it’s an excellent photo spot! 

Even though there’s not too much to do here, you can always kick back and chill in the Pensacola Aviation Discovery Park, walk along the many trails in Bay Bluffs Park, and spend an entire day shopping at the Cordova Mall.  

So, here are the best Pensacola, Florida, hotels near the airport:

Other options in Northeast Pensacola

Things to do in Northeast Pensacola

• Rest and relax in Pensacola Aviation Discovery Park
• Walk along the trails in Bay Bluffs Park
• Stop by The Graffiti Bridge and snap some photos
• Go on a shopping spree at the Cordova Mall
• Have dinner at the Golden Corral Buffet & Grill or PoFolks-Pensacola

FAQs about the best places to stay in Pensacola

📍 What is the best area in Pensacola, Florida?

Downtown Pensacola is the best place to stay in the city, especially if you’re visiting for the first time. The Downtown abounds with museums, restaurants, and excellent hotels, such as the Lily Hall-A Boutique Hotel and the Hilton Garden Inn. 

🛑 Is it safe to stay in Pensacola?

Yes, Pensacola is a safe place for tourists. However, you should always exercise caution, so it’s better to avoid walking alone at night or in secluded areas. 

🤔 Is Pensacola Beach or Destin better?

Pensacola Beach is not as touristy as Destin, which means it’s more authentic and less crowded. However, Destin offers plenty of things to do, plus many shopping and dining options. 

💯 What are some of the best hotels in Pensacola?

🌊 How far is Downtown Pensacola from Pensacola Beach?

The distance between Pensacola and Pensacola Beach is 9 miles (15 km). It’ll take you around 15 minutes by car to travel from one area to another. 

🏖️ Where to stay in Pensacola Beach?

🏨 What are the best Pensacola Beach hotels with balcony?

🛬 What are the best hotels near Pensacola Airport?

📅 What month is best to go to Pensacola?

The best time to visit Pensacola is from mid-September through October; during this time, the weather is warm, hurricane season is nearing its end, and you can enjoy many water activities.

Final words

We’ve reached the end of this post on the best places to stay in Pensacola! Hopefully, this was helpful, and you already have a list of places to visit in Pensacola, Florida, and your eye on some top-notch hotels. 

But, if you have any trouble trying to choose just one hotel in Pensacola (I understand – been there, done that), so here are my top favorite options in Downtown Pensacola: 

As I mentioned, hotels in Florida and Pensacola, in particular, sell out faster than you can imagine! Make sure you book your hotel in advance – that way, you’ll avoid the high prices or the risk of missing out on your favorite place to stay.

I’m sure this will help you start planning your trip, but hey, if you need any other information about Pensacola or places to stay, just leave me a comment below, and I’ll answer ASAP!

Have fun in Pensacola, 

Hristina

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