
Visit the museum for a look at Pensacola’s rich history that spans more than 450 years. The Pensacola Museum of History sits due east of the plaza. Here are a few highlights to see in each direction. When you have time to visit at night, come back to this block to try Jackson’s Steakhouse or O’Riley’s Irish Pub.įrom here, you can choose your own adventure by continuing north on Palafox or exploring areas to the east or west. Listed on the National Register of Historical Places, the park is named for King Ferdinand VII of Spain, and features a bust of Andrew Jackson, the first territorial governor after the land was ceded to the United States. The magnificent cover of oaks provides shade when it is hot out. Stroll through the lawn, which includes a fountain similar to one in Seville, Spain. Plaza Ferdinand occupies the east side of the next block. After you cross Main Street, stop into shops like Bubba’s Sweet Spot, Pure Pilates, Bodacious Brew, or Carmen’s Lunch Bar & Tapas. Spanish-influence is seen in much of the architecture here, too. Besides the views of Pensacola Bay, you can see boats in the adjacent marina and shipyard, as well as a bronze statue of Don Tristán de Luna y Arellano, the Spanish explorer who led the effort to establish America’s first settlement in what is now Pensacola in 1559.Īs you head north on Palafox, take in the beauty of the moss-covered oak trees and crepe myrtles that line the sidewalks.

This is also a good place to begin a walking tour, as there is usually parking available at the pier, along the street or in a nearby lot. At its southernmost point are the Palafox Pier and Plaza de Luna. Palafox Street is the central thoroughfare running north and south through the city. If you can spend a day or two in Downtown Pensacola, here are some of the places to visit on your walking tour. From the bustling city center to the waterfront along Pensacola Bay, there is something to experience at every turn. Other special events and festivals attract guests to the Downtown area throughout the year. Monthly Gallery Night celebrations and the weekly Palafox Market, held on Saturday mornings, have helped bring locals and visitors outdoors to enjoy life in the city.
