Summer in Pensacola: How to keep yourself entertained in summer heat
We’re well into summertime and at this point, you might be out of ideas on things to do.
For locals, it’s easy to get caught up in routine and just plain forget that there are so many fun things to do. And visitors might feel like they won’t have enough time to do it all.
From splash pads and community pools to zip lines and wall climbing, here’s our big list of summertime fun to be had in Pensacola.
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Head to the pool
There are two pools within city of Pensacola limits, the Cecil T. Hunter Pool, 200 E. Blount St., and the Roger Scott Pool, 2130 Summit Blvd. Both offer swimming lessons that are administered by the YMCA of NWFL. The pools are opened seasonally, from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend of each year.
Admission to the Cecil T. Hunter Pool is $2.25 for adults, $1.50 for seniors (50+), $1 for children ages 3-17, and free for children 2 and under.
Admission to the Roger Scott Pool is $4 for adults, $3.50 for seniors (50+), $3 for children 3-17, and free for children 2 and under. Hours of operation for both pools are available at the city of Pensacola's website.
Cool down at a splash pad
If you’re looking for aquatic fun without the crowds and the cost, a splash pad is the perfect answer. Legion Field, 1301 W. Gregory St., and Plaza de Luna, 900 S. Palafox St., are both open mid-March through October from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Bayview Outdoor Pursuits Center
The Bayview Outdoor Pursuits Center opened in 2021 and promises affordable short-term and extended rentals for a myriad of outdoor activities. You can rent single kayaks, tandem kayaks, SUPs, pedal boats, beach cruisers, camping gear and more. Gear can be rented out by the hour, a half day, a full day or five days.
For more info: https://www.cityofpensacola.com/3264/Bayview-Outdoor-Pursuits-Center
Take an art walk with ArtVenture Pensacola
Pensacola has a huge collection of public art — from sculptures downtown, midtown and at Veterans Memorial Park, to murals and our famous Pelicans in paradise. ArtVenture Pensacola has created a series of interactive maps that explore the history and story of each. Here’s the list: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/collections/09a96d2a83e549248237b7929e92868c?item=1
Movies in the Park
Bring your blankets and chairs out for a family-friendly movie underneath the stars. Pre-show activities begin at 6 p.m. and movies kick off at sunset. Free parking, snack concessions and local food trucks are available. Movies are shown with grass seating only. The next movie is Space Jam: A New Legacy on July 22.
Blues on the Bay
Pack your coolers, bring your lawn chairs and head over to the Hunter Amphitheater for the Blues Angel Music's Blue on the Bay concert series. Concerts are free and open to the public. The next concert is Goldmine on July 24.
Explore Pensacola Parks
Here’s a fun trivia fact: There are 93 parks and open spaces within city of Pensacola limits. Listing all of them would be a bit too much, but here are a few shoutouts. The Community Maritime Park is home to the Blue Wahoos Stadium, a fitness court and a lovely view of Pensacola Bay. Gonzalez Court and Moreno Court are both home to early learning parks. And Bayview Park has outdoor rentals, playgrounds, a dog beach and barbecue pits. Here's a full list of parks: https://www.cityofpensacola.com/Facilities?clear=False
Pensacola Beach
Pensacola Beach is an ecosystem of fun all its own — from enjoying its pristine beaches to taking a zip line tour along the coast — there’s plenty of entertainment to be found. Here is the quick rundown:
The Beach
Pensacola Beach is essentially what puts the city on the map. A resort community, Pensacola Beach is located on the Gulf Coast carrier island of Santa Rosa. It’s notable for its pristine, white-sand beaches, the boardwalk, local eats and local wildlife. It’s the perfect place to kick it on a vacation when you’re taking some R&R in between everything else available to do at the beach.
Pensacola Beach Boardwalk
The boardwalk is the go-to destination for food, local souvenirs, bars and live music. Some places, like Flounders, offer outdoor dining nearly right at the soundside shoreline, allowing kids to play in the sand and playground while adults enjoy food and drinks.
Laguna’s Adventure Park
The rebranded Laguna’s Adventure Park is packed with fun things to do if you’re looking to take a break from the sand. There’s the splash pads, mini golf course, go karts, wall climbing, rope course and the recently debuted zip rail, which is now the region’s longest zip line. It rises 47 feet above ground level and stretches over 1,200 feet overlooking the Santa Rosa Sound.
For more info: https://lagunaspensacolabeach.com/park-activities
Take a cruise around the bay
Frisky Boat Tours, Premier Dolphin Cruises, Jolly Sailing and Dolphin Cruise, Pensacola Bay Ferries and more offer family-friendly water adventures on pontoons or tritoons for half a day or up to seven days. Boats can be rented for private use or with guidance. And there are also private dolphin and sunset tours. Unique dolphin tours that allow you to catch a glimpse of the Blue Angels practicing are also available.
Fishing charters
Several companies, like Hot Spots Charters, offer inshore and offshore fishing trips year-round. Packages are purchased in advance and include tackle, rods and wheels, licensing, live bait, ice and fish cleaning services. All anglers need to bring is food and drink.
Parasailing
Looking for a unique and memorable view of Pensacola Beach? Try parasailing. Key Sailing and Radical Rides offer trips that will take you about 500 to 600 feet above the water, giving you a birds-eye view of the beach and an unforgettable experience.
Footprints in the sand eco trail
The Footprints in the Sand Eco Trail is an educational journey that teaches you all about local plant and animal life with signs posted all across the beach. Many of the signs include QR codes that can be accessed to learn about the dangerous journeys sea turtles face, help you identify sea shells and more.
For more info: https://visitpensacolabeach.com/wp_2017/eco-trail/map.php
Blue Wahoos
The Blue Wahoos, entering its 10th season, is a Double-A affiliated baseball team and its stadium has been named the “Best View” in Double-A baseball thanks to its stunning Gulf Coast backdrop. From April to Sept. 18, you can catch a home game and experience good food, good fans and good baseball.
For more info: https://www.milb.com/pensacola/schedule/2022-07/list
UWF trails
UWF has an extensive set of trails that range from casual nature trails to more involved cross country trails great for running and biking on. The Edward Ball Nature Trail, accessed behind Crosby Hall, Buildings 10 and 11. It’s a half-mile boardwalk through Thompson Bayou.
The West Campus Trails is about 600 acres of challenging biking and hiking trails. Hikers be careful, trail etiquette dictates that pedestrians yield to horses and cyclists yield to foot traffic and horses.
There are three main campus scenic trails that range between one and two miles.
For more info: https://uwf.edu/academic-engagement-and-student-affairs/departments/recreation-and-wellness/outdoor-adventures/uwf-trail-maps/
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Summer in Pensacola: How to keep yourself entertained in summer heat
