With white sandy beaches set against the clear blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico, you'll be pretty sure you're in paradise. From a boardwalk full of shops and restaurants to an eco-trail you can share with sea turtles, the entire island is full of the laid-back magic that beach vacations are made of. Pick a Pensacola vacation rental on the Gulf or by Pensacola Bay, and end each day with a cold drink in hand, looking out for dolphins, wondering if it's possible to just never leave.
Though the Pensacola Beach Pier is a notable fishing post, at 1,470 feet long, it's also one of the longest piers on the Gulf of Mexico. The nearby Pensacola Naval Aviation Museum, just a short drive onto the mainland, might attract any history buffs in your crew, as will Fort Pickens. This ruined pre-Civil War fortress was in use through WWII, and is located in the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Book a Pensacola Beach vacation rental right on the coast to fully experience the area's top attraction: the crystal clear waters of the Gulf.
A stroll along the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk will introduce you and your crew to all the shops and restaurants you'll need, plus an amphitheater featuring live music and regular festivals. Take a free trolley ride around the whole of Santa Ana Island, or book a dolphin-watching tour if the season is right. Opt for a hike or bike ride along the Pensacola Beach Eco-Trail, keeping an eye out for the wildlife that shares the island with visitors, or spend a night under stars and away from your Pensacola Beach vacation rental at 1 of the nearby campsites.
Summers in Pensacola Beach are notoriously hot and humid, though that doesn't deter most people—it's still one of the region's peak travel seasons. Late April through May, and September through mid-October bring more moderate temps and smaller crowds, all with conditions that will still let you enjoy a dip in the Gulf. Winter in the Panhandle can be surprisingly chilly, but prices are lower and crowds are practically non-existant. Hurricane season lasts from June through November, so be sure to keep an eye on the forecast.
Pensacola Beach is situated on the narrow Santa Rosa island, which features 22 miles of white, sandy beaches and is 1 of the world's longest barrier islands. Pensacola Beach is blessed with the clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico on 1 side, and the bay on the other. The nearby Opal Beach is part of Gulf Islands National Seashore, and visitors looking to fish will enjoy a day on the Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier and Observation Post. The Pensacola Beach Eco-Trail is an ideal place to spot some local wildlife, including sea turtles.
The nearest airport is in Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (DSI), located 40.7 mi (65.5 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that's convenient for your trip, you could also fly into Pensacola Intl. Airport (PNS), which is 10.4 mi (16.8 km) away.
Pensacola is filled with amusements for kids of all ages. Vacation rentals are available near fun locations like the Gulf Breeze Zoo, an attraction with hundreds of animals, train rides, and a wildlife preserve, and Naval Live Oaks Nature Preserve, a reserve with hiking trails through coastal wildlife habitats. Kids will like the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center, a turtle sanctuary with exhibits, and Navarre Beach Marine Science Station, a unique beachside center with marine science.
If you’re looking for a couple’s retreat, the peaceful shores of Pensacola Beach are perfect. Vacation homes can be found near romantic places like Quietwater Beach Boardwalk, a boardwalk with an amphitheater, a sandy beach, trendy restaurants, and a variety of shops, and Opal Beach, an idyllic white-sand beach with picnic areas and calm water. You may also enjoy the Casino Beach, a busy beach area with a pier with restaurants and amusements.
Whether you want an intimate escape for you and your boo or somewhere spacious to fit friends and family, you'll find some top vacation rentals in and around Pensacola Beach. Here are a couple to get you started:
For even more great options, use the search bar at the top of the page to find the perfect Pensacola Beach vacation rental for you.
Those chores can wait, because weekends were made for having fun. Take time out at one of these weekend getaways in and around Pensacola Beach and make the most of all the exciting things to do nearby:
Studio apartments are hard to beat when it comes to convenience and location. Escape to one of these studio apartments for rent in or near Pensacola Beach and experience a taste of the vibrant local culture:
With the money you save on your studio apartment, you can afford to explore even more of Pensacola Beach. Cultural attractions like Quayside and Pensacola Museum of Art will help you get a better feel for the character of this destination.
Whether you're looking for a studio apartment for two or a guesthouse with room for the whole family, there's no shortage of short-term rentals in and around Pensacola Beach. These properties make the perfect base for a short and sweet stay:
Forget chocolates and roses. Sometimes all you need is to escape for a weekend, just the two of you. At Vrbo, we've got romantic getaways in and around Pensacola Beach that would make even Cupid envious. Here are some to tempt you:
Peep these large group vacation rentals in or near Pensacola Beach and don't worry about leaving anyone off your invite list:
If you're organizing a celebration and your guest list features dozens of names, there's no need to stress about finding someplace big enough for everyone. We've got large vacation rentals in and around Pensacola Beach perfect for family getaways, wedding receptions and more. These are just the start:
Nothing spells fun like a pool. Dig out your inflatable swan and check out these houses in or near Pensacola Beach that come with this vacation essential:
Not sure what the weather is like in Pensacola Beach? It has a humid subtropical climate, with average temperatures in summer ranging from 75 ºF to 90 ºF. If you're seeking a little more inspiration on where to stay in this amazing destination, use the search bar at the top of the page and adjust the filters to check out our entire range of Pensacola Beach vacation rentals.
You'll always have more fun sharing those precious memories with the folks closest to your heart. Whether you're planning a family break or taking time out with good friends, Vrbo has a large vacation rental that's just right for you. These are two of our best in and around Pensacola Beach:
If you'd love to do some sightseeing, there are lots of family-friendly attractions close by to put on your wish list. Pensacola Beach Pier, Sam's Fun City and Pensacola Children's Museum are great places to start.
Add a dose of grandeur to your getaway by staying somewhere with a private indoor pool. These large houses in or near Pensacola Beach have a swimming space that's all your own, as well as ample room for whoever you're inviting along:
Use the search bar at the top of the page and adjust the filters to find more outstanding Pensacola Beach vacation rental options for your next big getaway.