30+ Things to Do Near NAS Pensacola in Pensacola & Surrounding Areas

If NAS Pensacola is your next duty station, you’re in for a treat. Pensacola and the surrounding area are chock full of fun things to do on your day off, no matter your lifestyle. From great restaurants to museums, outdoor adventures, and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

This guide highlights both on- and off-base activities to help you make the most of your time at NAS Pensacola. Whether you are a single service member looking to explore the coast or a military family searching for a kid-friendly weekend excursion, you will find an endless supply of Gulf Coast adventures waiting for you.

Top 5 Military Friendly Activities in Pensacola

Kicking things off, these five activities are military friendly. That means they either offer military discounts, are Veteran-owned, or both! Some of the other restaurants and recreation activities in this guide are also military friendly, but here we highlight a few you definitely won’t want to miss.

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Visit Historic Pensacola

Pensacola is known as the “City of Five Flags” because it’s been ruled by five different governments since its founding in the 1500s. This means Pensacola has a rich history to explore, and Historic Pensacola is a great place to do just that!

The Historic Pensacola campus is home to multiple museums, including the Pensacola Children’s Museum (see below), the Pensacola Museum of History, and the Pensacola Museum of Art. While any of these museums would make for a great afternoon activity, don’t miss a guided tour of Historic Pensacola Village that will let you peek inside the past with special access to historic homes and living history experiences.

One of the best parts? You can buy a ticket on Sunday that lasts the whole week, so you don’t feel like you have to explore it all in one day. They also offer military discounts!

Have Breakfast at Another Broken Egg Cafe

Another Broken Egg Cafe is the perfect place to grab breakfast or lunch with the family. Another Broken Egg Cafe’s Pensacola location was opened in 2023 by a former Army Signal Corp Officer and his wife. Since then, it’s been voted the Best Breakfast of Pensacola and Best of the Bay three years in a row.

Stop by for one of their seasonal options, long-standing specialties, or yummy brunch cocktails. You won’t be disappointed! Plus, you’ll be supporting a local, veteran-owned business. They’ve even been known to provide free meals to service members on Veterans’ Day.

Go to a Pensacola Blue Wahoos Game

Did you know Pensacola has its very own Minor League baseball team? The Pensacola Blue Wahoos are a Double-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins whose regular season runs from April to the end of September each year.

They typically play at home in Pensacola just about every other week, and every Sunday home game is a Military Appreciation Day! Active-duty and Veterans can get free general admission, and kids are invited to run the bases and play catch on the field after the game.

Visit Fast Eddies Fun Center

Fast Eddies Fun Center has it all: go karts, mini golf, an impressive arcade, and a snack bar for when all the playtime starts to make you hungry. Fast Eddies is a great place to take the whole family for an afternoon of fun.

Fast Eddies generously offers a discount for all active duty and retired service members with a coupon that you can print from their website.

Test Your Aim at Grizzly Axes

If you’re looking for a unique activity you won’t find just anywhere, check out Grizzly Axes! Grizzly Axes is the premier ax throwing venue on the Gulf Coast. They also have rage rooms, a messy mural painting experience great for kids, and tons of other yard games available to play.

Walk-ins are welcome at Grizzly Axes, and military personnel can receive a discount on axe throwing.

Top Attractions on Base at NAS Pensacola

If you’re looking for something fun to do while stationed at NAS Pensacola, you may not even need to look off base! NAS Pensacola is home to three impressive museums and historic sites, as well as beautiful beaches and plenty of nature to explore.

Be advised that non-DoD personnel who want to visit these locations must bring a valid REAL ID or US Passport to enter the base, or may be subject to other base access procedures and restrictions.

Check the NAS Pensacola Visitor Information website or contact the Visitor Center for the most up-to-date information.

National Naval Aviation Museum

The National Naval Aviation Museum, located on NAS Pensacola, is the world’s largest Naval Aviation museum. Visitors can see over 150 restored aircraft, learn about the history of naval aviation in the U.S. military, and experience exciting cockpit and flight simulators.

Visit on a Blue Angels Practice Day, and you could see the iconic Blue Angels in action! On certain days, the pilots even come down to the museum to sign autographs.

Pensacola Lighthouse and Maritime Museum

Learn about local maritime history and climb the 177 steps to one of the best views of the Gulf Coast at the Pensacola Lighthouse and Maritime Museum!

The Lighthouse offers haunted tours, moonlit experiences, and is one of the best locations for watching the Blue Angels' flight practice! Just make sure you reserve your spot for these exciting activities in advance.

Historic Fort Barrancas

Take another step into America’s past at historic Fort Barrancas. Finished in 1844 and expanded over decades of use, Fort Barrancas was designed to stop any incoming threat. The Fort only saw active combat during the U.S. Civil War, but it continued to be part of the nation’s coastal defense system until 1947.

The Fort Barrancas Visitor Center and Fort Barrancas are open to visitors on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the last entry to Fort Barrancas at 3:30 p.m.

Blue Angel Park

There’s fun for the whole family at Blue Angel Park! Looking for a quiet and relaxing afternoon? Have a picnic by the playground, enjoy nature on one of the trails, or look for shells on the beach.

Want to do something a little more exciting? Blue Angel Park also has an 18-hole disc golf course and a 35-acre paintball field!

NAS Pensacola Marinas and Beaches

Ocean-lovers can get their fix at one of NAS Pensacola’s most beautiful beaches.

At Barrancas Beach, bring a ball and take advantage of the beach volleyball court or claim one of the covered cabanas and grill out with family and friends.

If you want more of an adventure, visit Ski Beach for paddleboard and kayak rentals. Small watercraft can also be rented at NAS Pensacola Marinas if you don’t have your own vessel to launch from the boat ramp.

Want to know more about the amenities and facilities on NAS Pensacola? Check out our NAS Pensacola welcome guide.

10 Restaurants to Check Out Near NAS Pensacola

The restaurant scene around NAS Pensacola can’t be beat. There’s a little something for everyone, including some great spots for families with kids. In fact, bring the whole crew, furry family included, to a wide variety of great spots with outdoor seating.

Five Sisters’ Blues Cafe - Enjoy Creole-style Southern cooking at its finest while listening to live music at Sunday Brunch, or stop by for a delicious lunch or dinner any other day of the week.

Scenic 90 Cafe - If you love the classics, this old-school 50s diner is the perfect place to grab a reliable, delicious meal in a nostalgic setting.

Peg Leg Pete’s - It’s often busy, but absolutely worth the wait for great seafood and family fun! This restaurant even has a play area outside for the kids to enjoy while you wait for your table.

Taco Rock 29 - Known as the first taqueria in Pensacola, Taco Rock 29 has been serving up authentic, delicious Mexican food since 1997.

Calverts in the Heights - Sit outside on the patio, and enjoy fun lawn games with a stellar view while you wait for your meal.

Whole (Furry) Family Approved Restaurants

Pensacola is a fantastic city for dog-lovers. Between dog parks, dog-friendly beaches, and accommodating restaurant patios, your four-legged family members never have to be left behind.

Below are several pet-friendly restaurants in the areas surrounding NAS Pensacola.

Coffee Cup - Grab breakfast or lunch at this old-school diner, complete with a patio so your pup can come along, too.

The Dog House - This diner is known for its love of dogs - the furry kind and the ones that come in a bun! This is a great, family-friendly spot, especially when that family includes a pooch.

Hot Spot Barbecue - Veteran-owned AND dog-friendly - what more could you ask for? And, they are serving up delicious southern BBQ, of course!

Lucy’s in the Square - This is a charming spot with a great Taco Tuesday deal. Their motto is “Come, sit, stay!” and they hope you’ll do it out on the patio with your furry friend.

Jaco’s Bayfront Bar and Grille: Known as Pensacola’s best waterfront restaurant and bar, Jaco’s serves up fresh coastal cuisine, signature flatbreads, and a creative lineup of craft cocktails. Relax on their dog-friendly patio and enjoy a stunning waterfront view and an unforgettable sunset.

Favorite Activities for Couples and Friend Groups

Whether you are testing the chemistry of a new relationship, spending quality time to reconnect with a long-term partner, or going for a fun night out with friends, Pensacola has something unique and engaging for you to do.

Test Your Puzzle-Solving Skills at Escape on Palafox

Does searching for clues, cracking codes, and solving puzzles sound like fun to you? If you answered ‘yes,’ you have to give escape rooms a try!

Escape on Palafox has three great escape rooms that you won’t want to miss. This experience would be perfect for a group of friends or a double date.

Enjoy a Coffee with a Side of Kitty Cuddles

If you’re looking for a more relaxing afternoon activity, grab a coffee at the Coastal Cat Cafe.

You could just stick with a beverage and a sweet treat, but if you want to meet the kitties, make sure to reserve a spot in advance! You might even find your furr-ever friend, since the cats are all available for adoption from local rescues.

Support Local Artisans and Farmers at the Palafox Market

Palafox Market is a weekly market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays that regularly hosts over 200 local businesses, offering everything from fresh produce to antiques, artisan goods, and much more.

The Market has grown so big in recent years that it’s spread to a second downtown location. You could try to explore it all in one day, but why rush when you could make a relaxing stroll around the Market a regular Saturday thing?

Enjoy Art, Live Music, and More at Gallery Night Pensacola

If the Market sounds great, but you're more of a night owl, check out monthly Gallery Nights.

Once a month, Gallery Night Pensacola takes over downtown Palafox for an evening of arts and culture featuring local artists and performers, local businesses, and more. The goal of these themed monthly events is to “[transform] downtown into a cultural runway—where every street becomes a stage and every moment celebrates creativity.”

Gallery Nights are free to attend and typically held from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the third Friday of each month. See their website for a full yearly schedule complete with each month’s theme.

Grab a Brew at One of Pensacola’s Many Local Breweries

Pensacola has a thriving craft beer scene with more than ten microbreweries. A few honorable mentions include:

• Perfect Plain Brewing Co. and Goat Lips Chew & Brewhouse are known to have great live music.
• Coastal County Brewing is great for dog-lovers; they even have a dog park!

5 Things to Do With Kids Near NAS Pensacola

Families looking to get out of the house and have some fun don’t need to look very hard in the area surrounding NAS Pensacola.

From kid-friendly museums to adventure parks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And don’t worry about the unpredictable Florida weather - many of these experiences are indoors!

Pensacola Children's Museum

The Pensacola Children’s Museum is a great place to take small children on a rainy afternoon. It’s a smaller museum with big opportunities for growth and play. Plus, buying tickets here will get you a discount at the MESS Hall, another great children’s museum in Pensacola.

Ages: 8 and Under

Military Discount? Yes

Hours: Sunday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Pensacola MESS Hall

Mess around with all kinds of fun stuff at the Pensacola MESS Hall! This interactive science museum is great for kids of all ages who love to explore and play.

Exhibits focus on a variety of topics in math, engineering, science, and stuff (MESS)! If your little scientist ends up loving their visit, the MESS Hall also offers school break camps for grades 1-6.

Ages: 3 and up

Military Discount? Yes

Hours: Vary seasonally, see website for more details.

Laguna’s Adventure Park

For thrill-seekers, Laguna’s Adventure Park has it all: zip lining, a ropes course, a climbing wall, a splash pad, and even a go-kart track!

While many of these activities are better suited for older kids and teens (and even have strict height requirements), the Adventure Park has a separate ropes course designed specifically for littles to enjoy! Plus, after a full day of play you can enjoy dinner at the Adventure Park’s restaurant, Baja Coastal Kitchen.

Ages: Any

Military Discount? No

Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Kids Empire

If your kids love to run, climb, and explore, but an adventure park feels a bit advanced, Kids Empire might be a great option!

This massive indoor playground at the Cordova Mall has tons for kids to enjoy, and one low fee gets you access for the entire day. You can even leave for lunch and go back later!

Ages: Any

Military Discount? Yes, if paying in person.

Hours: Monday to Thursday, 10a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday to Sunday, 10a.m. to 10 p.m.

Gulf Breeze Zoo

The Gulf Breeze Zoo features animals from nearly every continent in the world! This is the place to go if you want to do more than just look at animals from afar - the zoo has multiple options for up close encounters with animals like giraffes, rhinos, sloths, and more.

However, these are additional fees for these experiences. Guests can also feed some animals, like camels, Highland cows, and even alligators during certain parts of the year.

Ages: Any

Military Discount? Yes

Hours: Vary seasonally, see website for more details.

Check Out These Pet-Friendly Spots Near NAS Pensacola

Pensacola is a great city for dog-lovers! Between public dog parks and dog-friendly Gulf beaches, your four-legged family members never have to be left behind while you explore the city.

Escambia County Beach Dog Beaches

Location: Beach Walkovers 21E and 28B

Escambia County has two designated dog beaches. Treat your pup to a day in the sand and surf. Be advised that these are on-leash beaches, so your dog must be securely leashed at all times.

Roger Scott Athletics Complex

Location: 2130 Summit Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32504

Roger Scott Athletics Complex has a fenced, off-leash dog park that offers plenty of room to roam. It features running water, ample shade, and a separate designated area to keep smaller pets safe while they play.

Beulah Regional Park

Location: 7820 Mobile Hwy, Pensacola, FL 32526

Beulah Regional Park features a fully fenced dog park that gives energetic working breeds the space they need to stretch their legs. The park includes agility equipment, seating for owners, and surrounding walking tracks.

Ashton Brosnaham Athletic Park

Location: 10370 Ashton Brosnaham Dr, Pensacola, FL 32534

The dog park at Ashton Brosnaham Athletic Park features a double-gated entry system, fenced grassy areas, and separate sections for large and small dogs. You’ll also find water hoses for clean drinking water, doggy bags, and kiddie pools during warmer months.

Bill Dickson Park

Location: 3151 Fenceline Rd, Pensacola, FL 32507

Conveniently located just minutes from the NAS Pensacola back gate, Bill Dickson Park provides a reliable, fenced-in area for an after-work game of fetch.

Don’t Miss These Seasonal Events and Activities Near NAS Pensacola

So far, we’ve covered the fun you can find all year long in Pensacola. However, there are a couple of seasonal activities that we’d be remiss to leave out! Keep reading for some of the best things to do in Pensacola that only come around once a year.

Go to a Pensacola Ice Flyers Game

Did you know you can watch pro-hockey, right here in Pensacola?

The Pensacola Ice Flyers are a professional hockey team that play in the Southern Professional Hockey League. Their season typically runs from October to March or April.

The Ice Flyers host three Military Appreciation Nights each season in partnership with Navy Federal Credit Union. While there is a small discount for military personnel on regular game nights, active-duty and retirees can purchase discounted tickets for their entire party on Military Appreciation Nights.

You might even be able to snag free tickets, since the Ice Flyers donate over 2,000 tickets for Military Appreciation Nights to local VA offices, bases, and military organizations.

Visit the Pensacola Interstate Fair

The Pensacola Interstate Fair comes to town every year in late October. It’s the biggest fair on the Gulf Coast with over 50 rides! Keep an eye on their website for more information on fair dates, this year’s live entertainment lineup, and more.

Don Your Best Cosplay for Pensacon

Lovers of all things science fiction, fantasy, comic books, cosplay, anime, and more will be excited to know that every year in February, Pensacola hosts the premier comic book and pop culture convention on the Gulf Coast.

Lots of local businesses get in on the fun too, from pop-culture themed nights at local breweries to Pensacon tie-ins at Gallery Night Pensacola!

Enjoy a Night Out on Pensacola Beach

Pensacola Beach is the place to be on a summer evening! If you love live music, you’ll definitely want to check out Bands on the Beach, a summer concert series featuring a different local or regional music artist every Tuesday night from April through October.

Pensacola Beach also hosts monthly movie nights from March to October. Check out Cinemas in the Sand for a full schedule of events.

Explore Pensacola’s Fall Festival Season

Pensacola is called the “Festival City of the South” for good reason. Pensacola hosts nine different festivals every fall (ten if you count the Interstate Fair).

Some, like Festa Italiana and the Pensacola Greek Festival, celebrate food and culture. Others, like the Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival, Foo Foo Festival, and Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival, celebrate local artists of all kinds.

Keep an eye on Visit Pensacola’s Fall Events page for more information about this year’s festival schedule.

Check Out These Nearby Day Trips Perfect for a Quick Getaway

Sometimes you just need to get out of town for a change of scenery. Fortunately, NAS Pensacola is centrally located on the Gulf Coast, making it incredibly easy to take a quick weekend road trip to neighboring cities and natural wonders.

Mobile, Alabama

Drive time: 1 hour

• Visit one of Mobile’s many museums. History buffs will love learning about the origins of Mardi Gras at the Mobile Carnival Museum. Meanwhile, the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center is a great option for families with curious children. Last, but certainly not least, art lovers won’t want to miss the European and Asian art collections on display at the Mobile Museum of Art.
• Explore Dauphin Street, full of historic charm, great restaurants, galleries, and shops selling local artisan goods, antiques, and more.

Destin, Florida

Drive time: 1 hour and 15 minutes

• Book a fishing charter! Destin is known as “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” because it has the quickest access to deep sea fishing in the entire Gulf Coast.
• Take a drive down Route 30a to Seaside, FL. Not only is this an absolutely beautiful scenic drive along the coast, but film buffs will recognize Seaside as the filming location for the iconic 1998 film The Truman Show.
• Go on a shopping spree! Destin is also known for its premier shopping centers, particularly Destin Commons and Silver Sands Premium Outlets.

Florida State Parks

Drive time: Varies

• Swim in natural springs that are always a crisp 68 degrees at Ponce de Leon Springs State Park, just under two hours from NAS Pensacola.
• Exploring Florida Caverns State Park is another great way to escape the heat! Just over two hours east of NAS Pensacola, it’s the only Florida State Park where visitors can tour underground caverns.
• Drive about two hours east of NAS Pensacola, and you could see one of Florida’s only natural waterfalls at Falling Waters State Park!

Don’t Miss Out on These Fun Things to Do Near NAS Pensacola

When you think of exciting cities in Florida with lots of fun things to do, you might not immediately think of the small, seaside city of Pensacola. However, Pensacola and its surrounding region have an incredible amount of recreation, dining, and history to offer. We hope that this guide has inspired you to explore it all while you have the chance.