Veterans' Memorial Park in Pensacola

Once Tropical Storm Ida passes through on Tuesday, the weather will be perfect for visiting the Pensacola Bay Area for Veteran’s Day and on through the weekend. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s, lodging rates are low, and there are plenty of activities from visiting Veterans Memorial Park to watching the Blue Angels Homecoming Show.

Veterans’ Memorial Park along Pensacola’s waterfront features The Wall South: The Florida Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the nation’s only permanent replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Also featured are the WWI and WWII memorials, honoring those who served their country.

Long known as the “Cradle of Naval Aviation” for its role in training military aviators, and home to the Navy’s Blue Angels, Pensacola’s military history took root long before airplanes first crossed its skies. On Friday and Saturday, feel the roar of an F/A-18 engine as they watch the Blues perform their final show of the season. Afterward, check out the 150 vintage aircraft inside the National Naval Aviation Museum and learn about the heroes that flew them.

For more military history, visit our two brick fortresses occupied during the Civil War. Fort Barrancas, across the street from the museum, was used by Confederate soldiers while Fort Pickens, at the western tip of Santa Rosa Island, was occupied by Union troops.

Come salute our veterans in the Pensacola Bay Area!

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10 Accommodations with Indoor Pools in Pensacola

While the Gulf waters are still a warm 72 degrees in November, many travelers prefer to swim in indoor pools. Lucky for them, many of our hotels offer great options. Fall and early spring is Pensacola’s off season, so hotel rates are exceptionally good. Here is a top 10 list of indoor pools:

1. Portofino Island Resort & Spa on Pensacola Beach
2. Hilton Pensacola Beach Gulf Front
3. The Beach Club on Pensacola Beach
4. Courtyard by Marriott on Creighton Road
5. Fairfield Inn on Davis Highway
6. Perdido Sun on Perdido Key
7. Eden Condominium on Perdido Key
8. Lost Key Golf and Beach Club on Perdido Key
9. Mirabella on Perdido Key
10. Spanish Key on Perdido Key

Do you know of more? Leave us a comment on our blog.

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Ghost Hunting at the Pensacola Lighthouse

On this eve of Halloween, it’s only fitting that we announce the Pensacola Lighthouse will be featured on Ghost Hunters. The popular show, now in its 5th season, will air at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 18 on the SyFy channel.

Legend has it the Pensacola Lighthouse is haunted by former lightkeepers and their children. Visitors can tour the lighthouse from May through October for a chance to encounter their wandering spirits. The journey to the top of the lighthouse is spooky in itself. Visitors climb a dark and narrow spiral staircase up 150 feet under the omnipresent eye of gargoyles as the light from above cast eerie shadows.

The Pensacola Lighthouse has extended its hours this weekend to include tours on Friday and Saturday evening from 6-10:30 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 7 and up.

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Holiday 3-1-1 on your way to Pensacola

Holiday travel is just around the corner. Here are a few things to keep in mind before your flight to Pensacola.

3-1-1 for Carry-ons =  3 ounce bottle or less; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3 oz. container size is a security measure.

Consolidate bottles into one bag and X-ray separately to speed screening.

Be prepared. Each time TSA searches a carry-on it slows down the line. Practicing 3-1-1 will ensure a faster and easier checkpoint experience.

3-1-1 is for short trips. If in doubt, put your liquids in checked luggage.

Come early and be patient. Heave travel volumes and the enhanced security process may mean longer lines at security checkpoints.

Declare larger liquids. Prescription medications, baby formula, juice and milk (when traveling with an infant or toddler) are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint.

TSA working with our partners. TSA works with airlines and airports to anticipate peak traffic and be ready for the traveling public.

Arrive 2 hours Early

Added requirements of safety and security are imposing new constraints on users of the United States' air transportation network. To ease any inconveniences we offer the following tips to make your trip as pleasant and efficient as possible.

The TSA, as part of its commitment to customer service, has launched "Prepare for Takeoff," a passenger education campaign. The campaign, a collaboration with the aviation, travel and tourism community, includes educational materials, ticket inserts and a new website, www.tsatraveltips.us

Most importantly, all passengers should give themselves extra time. Most air carriers are closing ticket counters 45 minutes before departure so arrive early or you may miss you flight. Please exercise patience.

Every procedure is undertaken to unsure your travel is safe, secure, and efficient. To confirm any new procedures, please check websites for airports you will be using.

For questions on permitted or prohibited items, please call the local TSA office at 850-430-2220.

For more travel tips visit www.flypensacola.com

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Christmas Packages and Holiday Deals in the Pensacola Bay Area

This holiday season, escape to Perdido Key or SANTA Rosa Island for a family-friendly holiday weekend at a great value. Local accommodations are feeling the Christmas spirit with free nights, free excursions and generous lodging rates starting at $49.99.

Holiday Specials

• Two-night Getaway at Portofino Island - Stay in a luxurious two-bedroom condo with views of Pensacola Bay, Gulf Islands National Seashore or the Gulf of Mexico. Enjoy free golf, deep-sea fishing, and other amenities including a water taxi and indoor pool. Price is $500. (850) 454-2341
• Christmas in Downtown Pensacola - Spend Christmas at the Courtyard by Marriott in Downtown Pensacola. Relax on our beaches, explore historic downtown Pensacola, dine on coastal cuisine, and spend quality time together. Price is $99. (850) 439-3330
• Nina and the Pinta Tall Ship/Small Price - Enjoy an overnight stay at the Red Roof Inn before exploring the beautiful tall ships Dec. 23 through Jan. 3. Price is $49.99. (850) 476-7960
• White Christmas in Perdido Key - Plan a family vacation in Perdido Key, along the sugar-white shores of the Gulf of Mexico. Stay three to five nights and get a night free, or stay seven nights and get two nights free. Prices are $155-$335 per night. (800) 523-8141
• New Year’s Eve for Two in Downtown Pensacola - The Courtyard by Marriott is offering an overnight stay, two admissions to Seville Quarter’s New Year’s Eve Gala, complimentary shuttle to and from the party, a morning after survival kit, breakfast and late checkout. Price is $189. (850) 439-3330
• New Year’s Eve on Pensacola Beach - Join the fun, festivities, and fireworks this New Year’s Eve on Pensacola Beach. Book a Gulf-view room at the Hampton Inn Pensacola Beach Gulf Front and receive champagne and party favors. Offer valid Dec. 31-Jan 3. Price is $110. (850) 932-6800
• New Year’s Eve in Downtown Pensacola - Stay overnight at Sole Inn and Suites and walk to the street party downtown. Plus, enjoy complimentary happy hour and breakfast. Price starts at $99. (850) 470-9298

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Rainy Day Pensacola

While Pensacola is blessed with 343 days of sunshine, visitors will occasionally see some rain. But not to fret, there are plenty of indoor activities to keep busy. Here are 10 ideas to have fun while staying dry:

1. Explore the National Naval Aviation Museum and watch an IMAX movie
2. Catch a dolphin show at Gulfarium
3. Shop for bargains at the Tanger Outlets
4. Find your inner artist at the Pensacola Museum of Art and Quayside Gallery
5. Learn about Pensacola’s history at the T.T. Wentworth, Jr. Florida State Museum
6. Play games at the arcade at Tiki Island, Sam’s Fun City or Fast Eddie’s
7. Take a cooking class at Distinctive Kitchens, the Fish House, or Jackson’s Steakhouse
8. Plan a progressive lunch or dinner on Palafox Place in Downtown Pensacola
9. Take a driving tour of North Hill Historic District featuring beautiful architecture
10. Spend an afternoon at Cordova Mall

How do you like to spend your rainy days in Pensacola? Share with us in our comments.

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Camping This Fall in the Pensacola Bay Area

Temperatures at night are cooling, yet the water temperatures are still nice and warm, making camping along our waterfront ideal. Pack up your friends or family and bring along the marshmallows and hotdogs for a fun-filled camping weekend in the Pensacola Bay Area.

At Big Lagoon State Park and Fort Pickens, you can fall asleep to the sound of waves lapping the shore. Walk right outside your tent to plenty of activities, from swimming, hiking and boating to seashell searching and wildlife watching. Both campgrounds have water, electricity, dump stations, restrooms and showers. Leashed pets are also welcome.

Come experience our natural paradise without the frills—you’ll spend less money and fewer resources while still having a ball.

More great waterfront sites:

• Adventures Unlimited
• Blackwater River State Park
• Lake Stone Campground
• Navarre Beach Campground
• Pensacola RV Park
• Perdido Cove RV Resort and Marina

Full listing of amenities in Pensacola

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