Historic District

The Historic District is Downtown Pensacola’s largest, covering nearly fifty blocks. Visitors to this authentic part of downtown are beckoned to savor the French Creole, Spanish Colonial and British Arts and Crafts influenced architecture and atmosphere that abounds.

A tour of the twenty-seven properties that comprise the Historic Pensacola Village (website address), part of a larger National Register Historic District, is not to be missed. Many of the structures and house museums are decorated in authentic period style and staffed by interpreters or reenactors in period dress. Explore the footprint of where the British Fort of Pensacola once stood; and don’t miss a chance to stand in historic Plaza Ferdinand, designed by the Spanish, where General Andrew Jackson accepted Florida from Spain and first raised the American flag over this land. Or visit the interesting eight acres of St. Michael’s Cemetery (website address), one of the oldest cemeteries in Florida, in use since the 18th Century. History of a more recent nature can also be seen at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Plaza on North Palafox Street or in Veterans Memorial Park along Bayfront Parkway/Main Street.

The historic Saenger Theatre, originally built in 1925 and located on the block bounded by Palafox Place and Intendencia Street, was recently the recipient of a multi-million dollar facelift and expansion. As a result, it now offers the largest concentration of ballet, symphony, opera, dance, chorus, and comedy performances along the Gulf Coast. Among its 200+ nights of live performances each year are a six-show traveling Broadway series that is not to be missed.

While history abounds around every corner in this district, Pensacola’s retail heartbeat, with dozens of unique locally owned and one of a kind stores, is concentrated around Palafox Place and Palafox Street. The myriad of specialty shops found here reflect Downtown’s unique blend of past, present and future. Beautifully restored historic commercial buildings are filled with a shopping haven for the newest styles in clothes, the latest “it” bags, unique home goods, antiques, and loads of local art. The five local jewelers in the Historic District create most of the made to order jewelry in the region as well as offer the latest styles from many of the best names in jewelry and timekeeping fashion; the six art galleries showcase paintings, sculpture, and photography from artists local and international; and upscale instruments line glass windows near the latest kitchen gadgets. Whether looking for Manhattan-style fashion or handcrafted works of art, this area of downtown has something for every wish list.

On Saturdays beginning in the late spring and running throughout the remainder of the year, amble through the Palafox Market (www.palafoxmarket.com), an open air public market located under the magnificent oaks in Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza to view a weekly showcase of local offerings by dozens of local farmers and artisans. Find the freshest fruits, vegetables, and baked goods as well as a wide range of hand-crafted items and art, all grown or created by the person selling it.

With shopping bags full and an empty stomach, don’t forget to leave time to grab a taste of local flavor in one of Downtown Pensacola’s more than two dozen cafes and restaurants. From oysters and soft-shelled crab to gourmet pizza and Creole pastas, your mouth will rejoice in the flavors you encounter. Afternoons or evenings almost year-found are great times to dine outside at New York Nick’s, Hopjacks Pizza Kitchen, Ragtyme Grill, The Leisure Club, Breaktime Café, Sluggos, or Global Grill. For a more unique application of open air dining, try the second floor balcony at Helenback Café overlooking bustling Palafox Place.

A great place for that after dinner live entertainment and adult beverage would be one of the Historic District’s eight bars. The largest and oldest is Seville Quarter, home to Rosie O’Gradys, on Government Street, with eight distinct rooms – each with a different theme and musical offering. Or check out one of the district’s newest entertainment venues, Vinyl Music Hall at the corner of Garden and Palafox Streets, where big name touring performers play to a more intimate setting several nights each week.

When your day is just about done, walk on over to one of Historic District’s most convenient and trendy boutique lodging properties, Sole Inn and Suites, on North Palafox Street for some much needed shut-eye. Or try the new Lee House Bed and Breakfast overlooking Pensacola Bay.