Pensacola/ Gulf Breeze
Enjoys four seasons, with summers getting slightly humid, but the ocean breezes offer substantial relief.
Play, dine, and live by beautiful beaches
On the Panhandle, you'll find the city of Pensacola, Florida, in Escambia County. Pensacola's population comes in at about 54,000. A three-mile bridge takes you to Gulf Breeze, which approximately 6700 people call home. Both young families and retirees reside in Pensacola and Gulf Breeze, and it's also home to many military families who especially appreciate the historical and patriotic features of the neighborhood.
The neighborhood enjoys four seasons, with summers getting slightly humid, but the ocean breezes offer substantial relief. Winters are generally mild, with highs in the 60s and rarely any sightings of snow. The temperate climate also makes the area desirable to snowbirds.
WHAT TO LOVE
• Access to gorgeous white sand beaches with clear turquoise water year-round
• Small town feel
• Excellent school systems (public and private)
• Abundant activities for all interests, including watersports, outdoor activities, and nightlife
LOCAL LIFESTYLE
During the tourist season, the Pensacola and Gulf Breeze area come alive. Typically, the tourist season lasts from late March until after school begins in September. For the rest of the year, the pace of life slows down to very relaxed.
Many sites and attractions require a car to get from point A to B, but in the day of Uber and other car services, it doesn't present a problem for those who don't own a car. This neighborhood also celebrates and acknowledges military pride.
DINING, ENTERTAINMENT & SHOPPING
You can't spend every minute at the beach. Fortunately, Pensacola and Gulf Breeze offer plenty of options for dining and other activities. Water Pig Restaurant, located on Pensacola Beach, prepares slow-cooked barbeque daily and plenty of homemade sides. You may also enjoy a hand-crafted libation as you gaze at the ocean. Restaurant Iron specializes in fine dining southern food. The adventurous young staff at this unique restaurant use locally grown herbs and vegetables to create their culinary masterpieces. George's Bistro and Bar brings Southern charm to a whole new level. They cater to families, business dinners, and couples looking for a romantic dinner.
If you like Italian food, cross the bridge to Gulf Breeze. Here you'll find Lillio's Tuscan Grille. They use the freshest ingredients to transport your taste buds to Italy. If it's steak you're craving, you'll find Miyako Steakhouse of Japan also in Gulf Breeze. The patrons here say the food never disappoints. In addition to steak, they also offer sushi and seafood.
The area offers plenty of the chains you're used to for shopping, but for a memorable shopping experience in Pensacola, don't miss the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk. The collection of shops also provides dining and entertainment options right on the waterfront. If you're in the Gulf Breeze area, Dolphin Square offers everything you need for the beach and many options for gifts and souvenirs.
THINGS TO DO
The location on the Panhandle offers a wide variety of boating and watersport activities. But, if you're seeking a more urban adventure Palafox Street in Pensacola offers everything from history, music, theater, fine dining, and other cultural experiences. The American Planning Association named it one of the top 10 ideal streets in the country.
For a wild adventure, you won't find anything better than Gulf Islands National Seashore's protected park. Here you may also visit the Gulf Breeze Zoo. On the raised boardwalk, you will see animals such as giraffes, hippos, alligators, gorillas, and more roaming freely.
