Waterfront District

The picturesque old coastal town of Pensacola is flanked by water to the east and to the south. Along the southern shores of downtown is where the Waterfront District can be found. The Port of Pensacola offers seven berths allowing for docking of most ocean-going vessels. Many a local, as well as visitors, can be seen watching the container vessels and occasional tall ship dock and depart.

Just outside the gates of the port are some of the most quintessential Pensacola restaurants bestowing local flavor and color to their patrons. The Fish House and Atlas Oyster House, located in a massive historic canning factory, offer signature seafood dishes like Grits a YaYa with waterfront dining and live music right on Pensacola Bay.

To the west of the Port at the southern terminus of Palafox Street is Plaza de Luna, named for the Spanish explorer who first set foot on the shores of Pensacola in 1559. This spectacular waterfront park is a great place to watch the ship traffic at the port, let the kids frolic in the interactive fountain, toss a fishing line, or simply watch the sunset over Pensacola Bay. Late afternoons on Thursdays from April through September are even more special as free live music fills the air until right before sunset.

Just a couple of blocks north of Plaza de Luna is the New World Inn, a charming boutique hotel with individually decorated rooms and a quiet atmosphere reminiscent of a less hurried time. Adjacent to this location is 600 South, a perfect place to enjoy fine wine and authentic Italian cuisine indoors or outside in the spacious courtyard.

At the westernmost edge of the Waterfront District is the home of Pensacola’s Community Maritime Park. The facility hosts a sports stadium, wharf, public marina, and an outdoor amphitheatre. The parks is also home to Pensacola’s minor league baseball team, the Blue Wahoos.