free things to do in pensacola

Are you planning a trip to the western part of the Florida Panhandle? You will want find some great free things to do in Pensacola and Pensacola Beach! Pensacola sits on the far northwest side of Florida and is surrounded by water from the Escambia Bay. In this part of Florida, you will find the white sandy beaches of the Gulf Coast.

1. Big Lagoon State Park – $6 per vehicle

Photo courtesy of Visit Pensacola

Visit Big Lagoon State park for opportunities to watch birds, ride a paved bike trail, paddle, or take a hike. The trails and boardwalks here are the best attraction if you are looking to see wildlife – alligators, osprey, armadillo, and maybe if you’re lucky you can catch a swimming swamp rabbit. Also, it’s a must to climb the observation tower!! Below shows a picture of one of the paddling routes. If you have a boat, you can also launch it here. The entrance fee for the state park is $6 per vehicle.

free things to do in pensacola
Photo courtesy of Visit Pensacola

2. National Naval Aviation Museum – FREE

National Naval Aviation Museum – Photo Courtesy of Kristin Schultz

Are you or your children history, military, or aviation enthusiasts? Even if you aren’t, everyone has something to enjoy at this free naval museum. The museum contains a plethora of authentic, enormous aircraft exhibits. Click here for a map of the facilities. There are also several ticketed attractions at the museum, but those are totally optional. The best thing? If you visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday during the months of March – November, you might get to catch the Blue Angels practicing above the museum!

3. Pensacola Beach Boardwalk – FREE

Want to take a relaxing walk in the evening and maybe dine or shop? Walk the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk. Experience great views of the beach (or take a trip down there to watch the sunset!) There are also playgrounds for the kids along the boardwalk and it’s dog friendly. Bonus: there is a free trolley you can ride around town.

4. Bike at UWF Trails or Muscogee Mountain Bike Trail – FREE

Muscogee Mountain Bike Trail – Photo Courtesy of @850TrailBuilders

University of West Florida has over 20 miles of off-road trails to ride. The trail system contains two loops. First, the main loop, colored green, red, and blue. The second loop, the games loop, labeled with pink, purple, and orange. The trail is a good route for an intermediate rider. There are some areas with roots, sand, and small hills.

For another ride, check out the Muscogee Mountain Bike Trail. This project is still in the works, but has some great trails already made. From their website: “The trail system will feature a double track perimeter loop system with offshoots to various trails that are out and back. There are 2 parking areas along River Annex Road. Development is currently underway, and new trail sections are being built each week. There are currently about 8 miles of trail that have been cut. Most sections need to be ridden in, and with the help of our volunteers, will soon provide a unique riding experience in our region.”

5. Colonial Archeological Trail

Grab a brochure here and walk around to view all the outdoor exhibits from Pensacola’s past. Some of the exhibits include Fort George, St. Michael’s Cemetery, and the Barkley House. If you want to take your visit up a notch, purchase the pass to Historic Pensacola, which includes all the historical museums in the area for seven days straight.

Admission: Provides entrance to the Pensacola Museum of Art, the Pensacola Museum of History, the Pensacola Children’s Museum, and the museums of Historic Pensacola Village for seven (7) days from the date of presentation at a service desk. Tickets may be purchased online or at one of their service desks in the Tivoli High House Shop, the Pensacola Museum of History, the Pensacola Children’s Museum, or the Pensacola Museum of Art. Adults: $12, kids: $7 for a 7 day ticket.

6. Gallery Night in Downtown – FREE

Photo courtesy of Visit Pensacola

For a fun and free way to immerse yourself with art, music, and food, mark your calendar for the next gallery night in downtown. Gallery Night happens once a month on a Friday evening, and each event has a theme! Listen to one of the live bands on the stage, grab dinner at a food truck, and browse the latest local art in the area all in one place. Click here to view the schedule for 2024.

Hope you found something for you on our list of free things to do in Pensacola and Pensacola Beach! For more free things to do in Florida, visit our page on what to do in Tallahassee.

Map of Free Things to do in Pensacola