One of the things that Pensacola beach is known for is its bright white sand. Since Pensacola does not have its own beach, I usually drive across the bay just to enjoy and relax along the scenic shoreline in the resort’s community.
Every beach has its peculiar features but one thing remains common and that is the miles of sand that everyone loves. Fort Pickens Gate Park is very calm although isolated and there are a lot of restaurants and shops which line the very lively Casino beach.
There are undeniably several beaches which you can choose from. From beachfront bars, unending nightlife, and the top class seafood restaurants, Pensacola beach remains one of the best vacation destinations. Does Pensacola Beach have clear water?
Activities to engage in while in Pensacola Beach
You can get a different view of the skyline on one of the Pensacola Bay Cruises. You don’t have to worry about getting to The Boardwalk as there is a free shuttle service in the area.
James P Morgan Park & Botanical Gardens
James P Morgan Memorial Park and Botanical Garden is located just north of Quietwater beach after you cross the bridge onto Pensacola Beach from Pensacola. If you would like to relax and forget about life’s daily hustle and worries, this is a great spot to do so.
The James P Morgan Park and Botanical Garden have beautiful scenery filled with southern love oaks, century plants, and rosemary shrubs. In this place, you will be able to explore and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Also, you can learn about the flowers and birds in the park thanks to the educational signs.
Macaw Bird Park
Another amazing location in Florida that you cannot afford to miss is Macaw Bird Park. This is a family-friendly and fun place just on the city’s northern outskirts.
Macaw Bird Park is home to over a hundred exotic birds of different sizes, colors, and species. It is a fifteen minutes drive from downtown and can be considered a tranquil aviary sanctuary.
This park was founded officially in 2013 but had existed for years before then, thanks to Uncle Sandy, who started taking in abandoned and injured birds after his retirement.
Since then, these leafy green grounds have served as a home to many colorful parrots, peacocks and macaws.
During your visit to this park, you’ll learn about the birds’ personalities and some of their habits.
You may even be opportune to catch some birds dancing or singing. With permission, you can feed and stroke some of the friendlier residents and take a picture or two of their pretty plumage.
Fort Barrancas
Fort Barrancas lies facing both Fort Pickens and Fort McRee. This is another big battery that has been built to protect Pensacola Bay. It is on top of a lofty hill that overlooks the shimmering waters below.
From the walls of Fort Barrancas, the amazing view will take your breath away.
Surprisingly, the strategic setting of the Fort Barrancas inspired everyone from the British and Spanish to the US to erect a fort in the same spot.
The first fort dates back to 1698, while the current one and its staggeringly thick walls were constructed in 1844 when the States was fortifying its major ports.
Visitors can amble and explore the huge interior at its sprawling hillside site and at the top of its well-preserved fortifications. You can learn more about the fort’s role during various conflicts at the visitors’ center. You will also be able to see maps and memorabilia all featured.
Big Lagoon State Park
The Big Lagoon State Park houses impressive landscapes, nature, and scenery. Here, you can engage in hiking, biking, fishing, canoeing, and boating to view the amazing wildlife.
This park was set along the large lagoon with the same name and has tidal marshes m, wetlands, beaches, coastal scrubs and flat woods.
With its diverse ecosystems, there are many animals that live in the rugged reaches alongside flocks of migratory shorebirds and slow gopher tortoises.
Other activities that you can engage in include:
- swimming in the lagoon
- tanning at the beach.
- picnic and camp at the pristine park
Seville Historic District
If you are a history lover, then the Seville Historic District is a great place to delve deeper and learn more about Pensacola’s past. This large area contains several museums, important landmarks, attractive architecture, and beautiful buildings.
The Seville Historic District is also known as the Historic Pensacola Village and lies between Seville Square and Plaza Ferdinand VII.
At Seville Square, a lot of community and cultural events of the city take place. Some of these may include:
- Seafood festival
- Jazzfest
- Great Gulfcoast Art Festival.
Overall, there are about thirty historic buildings to explore alongside the museum. You’ll be able to see different things ranging from industry and commerce to art and history. With the artefacts, exhibits and reenactors, the life used centuries ago in Pensacola are highlighted.
Blue Wahoos Ballpark
The Blue Wahoos Ballpark is a walkable distance from the district and one of the city’s major attractions. This open-air arena has been set in a particular spot with minor league baseball games, concerts and other events.
In 2012, the multi-use stadium which is a defining feature of the Vince J. Whibbs Sr. Community Maritime Park was constructed. You can marvel at the perfect view over the pitch and bay in this stadium. You can see the Blue Wahoos Players and their opponents at a closer angle.
Although it is relatively small, the ballpark’s atmosphere is amazing. During the sun warmer winter months, many Major League Baseball teams come down to Florida to play and practice for the new season.
FAQs
Does Pensacola Beach have clear water?
Pensacola Beach is generally known to have some of the clearest water on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Its shiny blue-green waters are simply perfect for swimming, and sunbathing. The beautiful view of the water is one of the reasons you need to come to Pensacola Beach.
Why is Pensacola Beach water so clear?
Pensacola beach brags of its beautiful clear emerald green waters and white sand. The color of the water is as a result of the nature of the sand which is made up of almost pure quartz.
Why is the water brown in Pensacola?
If you notice that the water in Pensacola is brownish, this may be as a result of the runoff from all the heavy rain which may be experienced along most of the panhandle: