Downtown Pensacola

Parks - Downtown Pensacola houses seven parks today, and has another on the way that will open the waterfront for enjoyment. Whether you want to relax over lunch, enjoy a good book, get the kids out of the house, or stand in the place where Florida began (Plaza Ferdinand is where Andrew Jackson’s inauguration as Florida’s first military governor and the exchange of flags between Andrew Jackson and Jose Callava took place making Florida the 24th state in the Union), one of downtown’s parks has the perfect place for you. Click here for Park Locations

Project Greenshores – Project greenshores is a habitat-restoration project along downtown Pensacola's waterfront, and attracts large numbers of waterbirds, gulls, tern, and cormorants. Located on the northwest side of the Pensacola Bay Bridge, sometimes more than 300 birds are seen at one time. http://www.dep.state.fl.us/northwest/ecosys/section/greenshores.htm

Walking & Running – If you’ve spent any time downtown, you have seen the steady flow of runners and walkers on the sidewalks throughout the day. Looking for a direction to run? No problem- Downtown Pensacola is the headquarters for the area’s joggers, walkers and anyone who wants to be! Visit Running Wild at 106 Palafox Place or www.werunwild.com for information about jogging clubs for every day of the week, The Pensacola Marathon, My First 5K, and the Emerald Coast Racing Team.

Public Fishing – Downtown’s proximity to the waterfront makes it a prime location for fishing. At the Southern-most extremity of Palafox Street stands Plaza de Luna, which fronts onto Pensacola Bay. The park is open 24 hours, and fishermen are welcome to enjoy the view while reeling in dinner.

Special Events – If you can think of an event, it’s probably happening in Downtown Pensacola. From Gallery Night and the Pensacola Wine Festival to car shows and antique fairs, it’s here. Visit the Events Calendar for a complete list.

Pensacola Cultural Center – The cultural center is the area’s leader in quality community theatre and is one of the oldest continually producing community theatres in the Southeastern United States. Home to the Pensacola Little Theatre and Ballet Pensacola, the Cultural Center is a hub of constant performance-related activity downtown. www.pensacolalittletheatre.com

Saenger Theatre – Pensacola’s own Saenger Theatre is currently under renovation. Historically an outlet with more than 200 days of programming yearly, after it renovation it will boast more than 300 days of activity including a national Broadway Series, as well as the hometown favorites Pensacola Opera, Ballet Pensacola, Pensacola Children’s Chorus, Pensacola Symphony, and much more. Stay tuned for the progress of one of Palafox Place’s greatest icons. www.pensacolasaenger.com

Pensacola Civic Center – The Civic Center is home to Pensacola’s hockey team, the Ice Pilots, in addition to its revolving features of national music acts, monster truck rallies, circuses and ice skating tours. www.pensacolaciviccenter.com

Music and Nightlife – Downtown’s arts and cultural environment also nurtures a great music scene, nightlife, and the most popular place to watch sporting events in town. For a complete list of musical performances, nightclubs and restaurants visit our Things to Do section

Shopping – We are known for our customer service in Downtown Pensacola, and are the best location for independent, one of a kind retailers in the area. Visit our Shopping section for a full list of our restaurants and retailers.

Historic Pensacola Village - a complex of late nineteenth century homes, several museums and the Colonial Archaeological Trail. The Village includes homes such as the Lavalle House, the Dorr House, the Julee Cottage and other historical homes. The Museums include the "Museum of Industry, Museum of Commerce, T.T. Wentworth, Jr., Florida State Museum. The Colonial Archaeological Trail begins with an exhibit telling you about the British Fort site and it's history then your led to a Garrison Kitchen, then a government house, a British well sight and other excavations. Visit www.historicpensacola.org for an online tour and overview.

Downtown YMCA - There’s something for everyone at the Y – with more than 20 programs including aquatics, yoga, day camps, scuba lessons and gymnastics.
Located at 410 N. Palafox St., Pensacola, FL 32501 – (850) 438-4406

List of Downtown Marinas:

Baylen Slip Marina, Inc.

Harbour Village at Pitt Slip Marina

Port of Pensacola

Sports & Recreation