Located 340 mi/550 km northwest of Tampa, Pensacola is the largest city in Florida's Panhandle, and it also was Florida's original capital.
Pensacola is known as the City of Five Flags because it has been ruled by Spain, France, Britain, the Confederacy and the U.S.
Pensacola is home to a U.S. Naval Air Station, whose grounds include historic Fort Barrancas. Built by the British in 1763, the fort has been held by three different countries; under the U.S., it guarded the Pensacola Navy Yard. It was restored by the National Park Service in 1980. Also at the base is the National Museum of Naval Aviation, which houses more than 140 restored Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard aircraft.
Make time to visit the city's unusual historic districts: Historic Pensacola Village; the Seville Historic District (1780s-1880s structures with Creole and Victorian influences); the Palafox Historic District; and the North Hill Preservation District (a late 19th- and early 20th-century neighborhood).
Two adjoining city museums—the Museum of Industry and the Museum of Commerce—present a number of interesting exhibits ranging from armor worn by Spanish explorers in the 1500s to horse-drawn carriages from the more recent past. Next door to the museums is the restored Julee Cottage, the 19th-century home of a free black woman that's now a museum dedicated to local African-American history.
One of the town's more distinctive attractions for travelers is the Brownsville Assembly of God, which holds rousing revival services that have brought big crowds to the city. Waits of up to five hours are not unknown for those who are trying to get a seat in the church.
Calendar
Though Pensacola has plenty of beachside festivals and events, the city certainly doesn't limit the fun to surf and sand.
Pensacola celebrates Mardi Gras in a big way, with parades and a variety of festivities over several days.
Music is often a highlight of activities in Pensacola, with the Pensacola Jazz Festival held in Seville Square (April) and the outdoor event Bands on the Beach (May-September).
Events take place throughout the year at the Pensacola Civic Center and Pensacola Heritage Center. Other events include Friday Family Flicks (May-September at Palafox Pier), the Blues and BBQ Festival (May), the Seafood Festival (September), Art & Wine Weekend (October) and the Pensacola International Film Festival (late October/early November) http://www.pensacolafilmfestival.com.
Another interesting event is the Interstate Mullet Toss (April), where participants stand in a circle in Florida for the opportunity to throw a mullet (a fish) for distance across the border into Alabama.
For further events and activities in the city, visit the Pensacola Bay Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. Toll-free 800-874-1234. http://www.visitpensacola.com.
Pensacola is celebrating its 450th anniversary in 2009 with a variety of activities. For more information and a schedule, visit the Web site at http://www.celebratepensacola.com.
