Pensacola Beach - Santa Rosa Island, Florida

Address:Santa Rosa Island, Florida

Just five miles south of the city of Pensacola on the island of Santo Rosa lay the turquoise waters and powdery white sands that make Pensacola Beach so popular not only with Florida natives, but with visitors from around the world. The currents can be strong and the tides high, perfect for catching waves. There's great surf, bright sun, and lots of stuff to do that will appeal to both kids and their parents who have their own inner child itching to get out!

In addition to the fantastic green waves, perfect for a day of surfing, the water provides a haven for those who want to toss a line into the Gulf and see what comes up. There is a huge assortment of fish that make this place their home, and you can even take a boat out to the middle where the best catch is to be found. The Gulf Pier is a 1,471 feet pier on Casino Beach and is one of Pensacola's many piers and boardwalks that allow for scenic walks on the water with lots of stuff to do. It's a great place to come for fishing, but you'll have to pay an entrance fee, and if you happen to reel in a shark you'll have to return him to his ocean home. There are also dolphins, crabs, manatees, and rays down below.

Casino Beach, named after the famous old casino the beach was best known for way back when for the many social activities and dances it hosted. It's now home to the Gulfside Pavilion, which holds free and exciting concerts that are worth catching. It's also the beach that attracts the most crowds of all the Pensacola Beaches.

A great place to bring young children is Quietwater Beach, and the whole family will love the Quietwater Beach Boardwalk. It's a fun place to spend your time when you need a break from the beach. There are fun beach shops and restaurants, with a beautiful view of the sparkling Gulf. People line the boardwalk applying fake tattoos and offering hair braiding and wraps, which kids will especially enjoy.

Most of the beaches at Pensacola Beach are free and there are food and restrooms aplenty. Lifeguards are always on duty. There are plenty of accommodations surrounding the beach, and most places boast rooms with a great view of the water. After watching a gorgeous sunset (the sunrises are also incredible if you happen to be up at that hour), you can head north 5 miles to the city for some amazing food, with freshly caught seafood a specialty. There are bars, lounges, clubs, and always something fun going on. Just come on down and see what awaits you.

Before a visit to Pensacola Beach, be sure to check ahead as Pensacola can get quite rainy at times. When all is sunny though, you won't find a more temperate, relaxing and invigorating place to take in a much deserved break with the whole family.