The 15 Best Day Trips from Pensacola, FL

Taking a week-long or even a weekend-long trip isn’t always possible with life’s busy schedule, but getting away for even a small portion of time can be good for you. Pack a bag with some snacks, grab your loved ones for a little getaway, and explore your neighborhoods. Our team at Allen Turner Hyundai has created the ultimate list of the 15 best day trips from Pensacola, Florida.

Pensacola Beach

Pensacola Beach is a 16-minute drive from the heart of the city, and it has picture-perfect white sand beaches and crystal clear water to go swimming in or look for seashells along the shore. Go fishing on the pier or rent a pontoon boat to get out on the water. There are several restaurants to choose from where you can enjoy your meals for the day, such as Water Pig BBQ and H2O Grill.

Gulf Islands National Seashore

The Gulf Islands National Seashore is another beach, a 22-minute drive from Pensacola, where you can rent canoes and paddles. This beach is 4 miles long and on a peninsula in the Gulf coast of Florida. It boasts a more secluded atmosphere while still providing several nearby dining options, including American and Mexican cuisines.

Destin

Take an hour and 15-minute drive from Pensacola to spend the day in Destin, Florida. When you visit this area, you’ll find plenty to do between the white sand beaches, theme parks, zoos, and museums. For outdoor activities, you can go fishing, swimming, boating, and snorkeling. Or take a break from the sun and explore the dining and shopping areas around the city.

Perdido Key State Park

Explore 290 acres of Perdido Key State Park, a 35-minute drive from Pensacola. This park has breathtaking dunes, two miles of white sand beaches, and warm water to relax in while you enjoy the weather. You can also go surf fishing. Additionally, this state park is a home for several endangered animals, like Perdido Key beach mice and sea turtles.

Fort Pickens

Fort Pickens is about a 40-minute drive from the city, and it’s the perfect trip for history lovers. The United States began construction on protecting important waterways along the country’s coastline in 1816. Then, five years later, the government strengthened the protection of Florida’s waterways, especially in Pensacola. Learn about this fort’s history, view wildlife, and go on trail hikes.

Navarre

Take a 40-minute drive from the city to the coastal town of Navarre, known for its clear blue and emerald waters. Go for a swim and spread a picnic on the warm sand. The primary draw of this beach community is to relax, so there are far fewer busy tourist attractions than you may find at other beaches in the area. You can rent a bicycle or bring your own to explore the town’s scenic views.

Fort Walton Beach

Fort Walton Beach is an hour and five-minute drive from the city with white sand beaches and is next to Okaloosa Island. Explore the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, where you can see penguins, dolphins, and alligators. If you’re into golfing, there are golf courses nearby you can use to take a break from the beach.

Blackwater River State Park

Get in the car and head about 40 minutes to the Blackwater River State Park. Here, you can go kayaking in the Blackwater river, typically a transparent golden-brown color with a white sandbar. You can also go canoeing, stay for camping overnight, and have a picnic. Additionally, there are trails where you can take a walk and enjoy the calming atmosphere.

Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach is a two-hour and nine-minute drive from Pensacola in the northwest part of the state. This area is a bustling tourist attraction with plenty to do. You can find many events, eat at delicious restaurants, book massages at spas, and play on the beach. You can also go on dolphin, diving, or fishing tours.

DeFuniak Springs

If you’re looking for a more unique trip, take an hour and 15-minute drive to DeFuniak Springs. You can tour the historic district to learn about the area’s history and architecture. Spend some time at the round lake for enjoying a picnic, going fishing, or taking in the scenic views. Coming during the holiday season? Be on the lookout for holiday-themed events to attend with your family.

Gulf Shores, Alabama

Spend the day in Gulf Shores, Alabama, which is only about an hour’s drive west of Pensacola. Here, you can relax on the beach or go golfing for quieter activities. But if you’re seeking more thrill, check out the zip-lining opportunities over the dunes. Visit The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo for a hands-on experience with kangaroos and sloths.

Grayton Beach State Park

Grayton Beach State Park is an hour and 40-minute drive from the city, and it offers something for nature and beach lovers. The beaches are pristine, with breathtaking views for you to soak up rays on the sand or swim in the water, while the lakes at this park provide excellent fishing and paddling opportunities. You can also take a walk through the coastal forest and admire the nature views of scrub oaks and magnolias.

Tallahassee, Florida

Tallahassee, Florida, is a lengthier day trip at an almost three-hour drive, but it’s worth it. While you’re here, you can explore the city, eat at delicious restaurants, find tourist attractions, and go shopping. If you’re into hiking, there are over 700 miles of trails throughout the town to have adventures on. Other outdoor activities include paddling and biking trails.

Mobile, Alabama

Take a 53-minute drive from the city to explore the coastal town of Mobile, Alabama, which is home to the original Mardi Gras. During your trip here, you can go on sightseeing tours, live music dinner cruises, and play at several beaches. There’s plenty of art and museums to view, including watching symphony and ballet performances.

New Orleans, Louisiana

If you don’t mind the drive, a New Orleans, Louisiana, trip is about three hours from Pensacola. Go on ghost tours, eat delicious beignets, and explore many colorful areas, like the French Quarter. There’s quite a lot of art in New Orleans for you to enjoy, from museums to art galleries to live music on the streets.

Did we miss your favorite day trip to places around the Pensacola, Florida, area? Contact us, and tell us about it. Here at Allen Turner Hyundai, we care about our customers’ opinions and would like to hear your thoughts about our list.

road trip interior by kaluci is licensed with Unsplash License