4 Best Places to Stay in Pensacola

Florida sure has many hidden gems, and Pensacola is somewhere at the top of that list! I can’t get enough of this state’s wonderful beaches, amazing weather, and natural beauty!

In this post, I’ll point you to the best places to stay in Pensacola! Downtown is my top choice as the best place to stay in Pensacola since it has all the major attractions, great restaurants, and hotels.

However, in this post you’ll find 3 more areas perfect for beach lovers, those traveling on a budget, or if you want to stay near the airport; Pensacola Beach, Gulf Breeze, and Northeast Pensacola.

I know I mentioned this place is not as touristic as other cities in the state. However, trust me when I tell you that no place in Florida remains untouched by visitors. That’s why I recommend booking you hotels in advance. Otherwise, you’ll risk losing your favorite spot.

But enough about that now, I’m ready to have some fun and discover this cool city!

Let’s head to the beach!    

If you are in a hurry

I know many of you will want to book your hotel ASAP, so here’s a list of the best accommodations, all located in Downtown Pensacola

Check out the map below! It will help you visualize all the areas to stay in Pensacola that I’ll talk about in this post:

1. Downtown – where to stay in Pensacola for the first time

Hola traveler. Today we’re traveling to Pensacola, the westernmost city in Florida! Ready to discover one of the state’s hidden gems? If you’re visiting for the first time, then there’s no better place to stay in the city than Downtown Pensacola!

Since it’s located on the waterfront, the area offers the best of both worlds, great attractions, plus a fabulous bay area filled with restaurants!

The area is pedestrian-friendly, so you don’t need a car if you want to explore Downtown Pensacola. However, since the area doesn’t have direct beach access, you still might want to rent a car to reach the beach, just a short drive away.  

You’ll find so many hotel options in this area, most of them are located within walking distance from the attractions (yay) and offer all the facilities you need! As I mentioned earlier, although Pensacola isn’t the most popular place to stay in Florida, I still highly recommend booking your hotel in advance, especially in the Downtown area as this is the most popular neighborhood and the best hotels here sell out super fast (trust me).

Other accommodation options in Downtown

Since Downtown Pensacola is pretty big and it has so many amazing accommodations besides the cool hotels above, I thought I would add 4 more options for you. These holiday homes are perfect for bigger groups or families who need more space.

• Luxury: Reus Retreat – With a modern design, equipped with plenty of facilities like a kitchen and a living area, this house can fit up to 6 people and is set not too far from the attractions and restaurants. 
• Mid Range: The Artist Cottage – Your home away from home! I love the outdoor terrace of this house which can fit between 4 to 6 guests. Enjoy your breakfast there, or make a barbecue with all your friends! The accommodation has a well-equipped kitchen and a living room. 
• Budget: Cozy Home – This place will offer you a comfortable stay in Pensacola! Featuring all the facilities you need including a washing machine and free wifi, the accommodation has a simple yet chic design and it can fit up to 6 guests.  
• Budget: Sunday House – Such a cute house! I love its decor, it feels so homey, not to mention the fabulous patio where you can chill and enjoy the sun. Great for 3 people, the accommodation is not too far from the attractions, and it has a kitchen, a living room, and free wifi. 

Things to do in Downtown

• Catch an exhibition at Pensacola Museum of Art
• Explore the Old Pensacola Village
• Go for a walk in the Seville Square
• Learn new things at Pensacola Museum of History
• Enjoy dinner with a view at The Fish House
• Shop for souvenirs in the Palafox Market
• Catch a sunset near the Harbor area

2. Pensacola Beach – the best place to stay for beach lovers

Florida has so many amazing beaches and I’m sure you will never get tired of them! Pensacola Beach is set on Santa Rosa Island, 9 miles (14 km) away from the Downtown area, connected by a long bridge across Pensacola Bay.  

This area is perfect for people who want to spend most of their time on the sandy dunes at the beach and swimming in the ocean! There are many fantastic hotels in this part of Pensacola and you don’t have to search too long for some unique beachfront hotels!

Prices tend to be a bit higher here than in other parts of the city, but it’s so worth it! Most likely, you’ll stay at an accommodation that’s literally 2 steps away from the sandy shores.

You’ll find all the restaurants, bars, and cafes around Casino Beach. This bit of Pensacola Beach is usually the most crowded, but it’s where you’ll find all the entertainment!

Now let’s check out the best Pensacola Beach hotels:

Other accommodation options in Pensacola Beach

Things to do in Pensacola Beach

• Check out the Pensacola Beach Ball Tower
• Go for a swim at QuietWater Beach
• Have a drink at Casino Beach Bar
• Catch a sunset near Little Sabine Bay
• Enjoy a walk in the beautiful Park West
• Visit the Gulf Islands National Seashore
• Grab a quick lunch at Laguna’s Beach Bar + Grill

3. Gulf Breeze – where to stay in Pensacola on a budget

This area is set between Pensacola Downtown and Pensacola Beach, FL, which makes it perfect for people who want to hit the beach but also visit all the attractions and museums in the city center.

What’s great about Gulf Breeze is that you’ll find cheaper places to stay than you’d find in any of the other neighborhoods. So if you’re traveling on a budget, stop scrolling for a bit and check it out!

Surrounded by the beautiful Pensacola Bay, Gulf Breeze is also a great spot for families. It’s pretty chill, meaning you won’t have to face lots of crowds and the hotels are amazing!

There are some family-friendly places to check out here like the Gulf Breeze Zoo, which is pretty big and hosts lots of cute animals like giraffes, zebras, and alligators! Even if you don’t stay in this area, I think it’s worth visiting the zoo, especially if you’re coming with the kids!

Gulf Breeze is also fantastic for people who want to explore Pensacola’s natural beauty. Besides the beach, this town offers other unique spots that I’m sure people who like outdoor activities will love. Naval Live Oaks Nature Preserve is one of those spots, and it’s pretty big so you’ll definitely need a few hours to go around it.

Other accommodation options in Gulf Breeze

Things to do in Gulf Breeze

• Spend a fun day at Gulf Breeze Zoo
• Go hiking in the Naval Live Oaks Nature Preserve
• Sunbathe on Oriole Beach
• Grab dinner at Mariachi’s Mexican Grill
• Play some golf at Tiger Point Golf Club

4. Northeast Pensacola – best place to stay near the airport

Looking for a great place to stay in the Pensacola area near the airport while also being pretty close to the city center? Then the Northeast part of the city will be perfect for you!

This part of the town is not as touristic, meaning you’ll definitely won’t run into many tourists. However, it’s very convenient for people who want to be close to the Pensacola International Airport for a layover.

There are lots of shops and malls here so there’s no need to head all the way Downtown for that. However, you won’t find anything important in Northeast Pensacola in terms of attractions. As I mentioned, the area is primarily residential, which can also be fun if you want to get a taste of the local life in this part of Florida.  

If you do want to visit some museums, you’ll need to reach the city center, which is set a 10-minute drive away. And if you want to take a short trip to the beach, the shores are located a bit further away, but with a car, you’ll get there in 15 minutes if there’s no traffic.  

Other options in Northeast Pensacola

Things to do in Northeast Pensacola

• Shop until you drop in Cordova Mall
• Take a trip to the Downtown area
• Spend a fun night at Cordova Lanes Bowling Center

Frequently asked questions about hotels in Pensacola

🤔 Is Pensacola Beach or Destin better?

Pensacola Beach is not as touristic as Destin meaning it’s more authentic and not as crowded. However, Destin offers plenty of things to do plus many selections for shopping and dining. 

🛑 Is it safe to stay in Pensacola?

Yes, Pensacola is a safe place for tourists. However, the city is not so touristic so it’s better to avoid walking alone at night or in secluded areas. 

🌊 How far is Downtown Pensacola from the Pensacola Beach?

The distance between Pensacola and Pensacola Beach is 9 miles. It’ll take you around 15 minutes by car to travel from one area to another. 

🏖️ Which are the best beachfront hotels in Pensacola Beach?

Conclusion

Florida, you’ve done it again! You’ve offered us yet another fantastic holiday destination that everyone will fall in love with! I hope this post helped you decide which are the best places to stay in Pensacola!

We’ve gone through basically all the main areas in the city, and I’ve offered a list of hotels, from most to least expensive, plus a short list of things to do in each of the neighborhoods!

I’m sure this will help you start planning your trip, but hey if you need any other information, just leave me a comment below and I’ll answer ASAP!

Somehow I already know that many of you will have trouble trying to choose just one hotel (been there, done that) so here are my top favorite options in Downtown Pensacola

• Holiday Inn Express – A fantastic luxury option with an outdoor pool, fire pits and comfortable rooms that have an elegant design
• Courtyard by Marriott –  This mid-range hotel offers a swimming pool with comfortable sun loungers and a restaurant

As I mentioned, make sure you book your hotels in Pensacola in advance! That way, you’ll avoid the high prices or the risk of missing out on your favorite place to stay.

Enjoy your trip in this amazing city, I’m sure you’ll come back more relaxed, with tons of pictures and in need of exploring more places in Florida, because let’s face it, this state has it all!

Safe Travels,

Victoria