PENSACOLA BEACH. Nestled between sugar white sand dunes and bordered by emerald waters is Pensacola Beach on Santa Rosa Island. First discovered by Spanish explorers, it is rediscovered daily by visitors from across continents. Sun-seekers can mix and mingle at one of several popular beaches or select an isolated stretch of sand to call their own.
Pensacola Beach, part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, offers miles and miles of unspoiled sugar-white sand, sailing on crystal clear water, a wide variety of restaurants and nightlife, and a strong flavor of history. This all comes with a minimum of fuss or traffic in the beach community, which has a mellow blend of neighborhoods, recreational opportunities and lifestyles.
Pensacola Beach is on a barrier island that once was a federal preserve and even today retains a strong emphasis on nature. Much of it is protected from development, preserved by a determination to maintain its natural beauty for generations to come.
At the west end is Fort Pickens with its own incredible history. The fort area is also popular with campers whose tents and recreational vehicles can be seen year round.
Elegant fine dining, casual cafes, neighborhood pubs, and unique retail and souvenir shops are located in the heart of Pensacola Beach. A multitude of special evens, from an annual Snow Fest to the Blue Angels Beach Show, fill the calendar with happenings. An extended pier gives fisherman a good angle on the Gulf, while local businesses rent bicycles, scooters, jet skis, and other transportation. Bicycle paths funnel bike-riders, joggers, and in-line skaters, giving spectators an ever-changing parade of people to watch.
Quaint cottages, gulf-front hotels, and a growing number of luxurious homes provide a variety of vacation retreats and year-round housing on beautiful Pensacola Beach.
For more information about Pensacola Beach please call 1-800-635-4803.
PERDIDO KEY. Close by is an island with its own pristine white beaches and emerald waters that is connected to both Florida and Alabama by bridges.
Perdido Key, fifteen miles west of Pensacola, has become a popular destination for people who appreciate the quiet pace of the barrier island. High-rise condos and stylish vacation homes overlook the Gulf and Old River, while beach-oriented shops and a handful of memorable old-time nightspots keep the good times rolling for natives and visitors alike.
Perdido Key is also a part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore and offers the Perdido Key State Recreation Area and nearby Big Lagoon State Park where a 40 foot high tower lets you see birds and other creatures in a habitat of woods and marshes. Campgrounds, hiking trails, and picnic areas await the real outdoors family while and outdoor amphitheater hosts concerts all summer long.
Today, with its measured population, building, and economic growth, Perdido Key on the Gulf of Mexico is the perfect setting for your vacation. It offers a selection of superior accommodations, dining in quaint restaurants and shopping in fun and memorable shops.
Watersports abound on the key, from windsurfing to jet skiing to water skiing on the smoother waters of the intracoastal waterway. And should you tire of these activities or the beach and the sand, there's always deep sea fishing, diving, hiking, camping, golf, tennis and music to entertain the whole family. For more information about Perdido Key please call 904-492-4660.