Dreamscapes Travel & Lifestyle

N estled in Florida's Panhandle, Pensacola is known for its award- winning beaches, seaside charm and delectable coastal cuisine. For culture and sporting enthusiasts discover more than 460 years of history, festivals galore, the arts and year-round sporting events. Here are five ways to beach in Pensacola this winter: SUGAR-WHITE BEACHES AND CLEAR, EMERALD WATERS You haven't truly experienced Pensacola until you dig your toes into the sugar-white sand of its world-famous beaches. Feel the daily stresses wash away as you watch the waves roll in along Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key. The beach vibe is super chill. Come as you are and hang out with the locals at beach bars and restaurants. These picture-perfect beaches are accessible with ample parking. You can even leave the car behind and take a boat ride aboard Pensacola Bay Cruises to take in the stunning views of this beautiful coastal city. 460+ YEARS OF COLONIAL HISTORY Pensacola is unique among beach destinations because it is a city with an old soul. Its roots date back to 1559 when Spanish conquistador Don Tristan de Luna established Pensacola as the first European settlement in North America. Over the centuries, the flags of Spain, Britain, France, the Confederacy and the United States have flown over the city. You'll feel the sense of community pride for the diverse cultural influences that are reflected in Pensacola's architecture, cuisine and festivals. OUTDOOR ADVENTURES Escape the everyday on plenty of multipurpose trails. There's even the Florida Panhandle Ship- wreck Trail for diving! Fishing is an outdoor lifestyle, but you don't have to be a pro to fish in this area. Book a Gulf charter for deep-sea fishing or spend a relaxing afternoon casting from shore. There are also ample opportunities to surf, scuba, sail and swim, or take a dolphin tour for close-up encounters with some of the area's most popular beach residents. DELICIOUS COASTAL CUISINE Pensacola's unique coastal cuisine draws on the city's colonial roots and proximity to the teeming fisheries of the Gulf. Whether your dining style is toes in the sand, grouper sand- wich in hand, an elegant waterfront restaurant with chef-crafted cuisine, trendy downtown dining, or something in-between, Pensacola is the place to satisfy those seafood cravings. Find everything from Spanish and French flavours to southern Cajun cooking. Depending on your choice, the cuisine can be decidedly upscale, but the atmosphere is always unpretentious and welcoming. ARTS & CULTURE Pensacola is revered as a must-see destination for cultural happenings. There's the Pensacola Opera, Pensacola Symphony Orchestra, Ballet Pensacola, the historic Saenger Theatre and the accredited Pensacola Museum of Art. Pen- sacola's thriving visual arts scene includes the First City Art Center, downtown galleries, and an eclectic local theatre scene highlighted by the Pensacola Little Theatre. Follow the America's 1st Settlement Trail for a walk through history along a 4.8-kilometre marked path through Downtown Pensacola. Year- round festivals, including the Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival and Foo Foo Festival, celebrate everything from the arts and music to seafood and aviation. Quite possibly the best aspect: it's sophisticated but not intimidating, meaning anyone and everyone can easily attend. DREAMSCAPES FALL/ WINTER 2023 28 Travel Planner For Pensacola trip planning VisitPensacola.com 5 Reasons Why PENSACOLA IS THE WAY TO BEACH DS BY MADELAINE LAFRAMBOISE PHOTO: VISIT PENSACOLA

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