Favorite Pensacola travel destinations
Compiled by Magi Thomley Williams, photo by Getty Image
“The Panhandle Butterfly House is a wide-open space in Milton that allows us to get up close and personal with some of nature’s most beautiful creatures. We get to learn about their critical role in nature and what we can do to help them survive by providing native plants and avoiding pesticides. They also have nature trails, so you can try to spot some pollinators on your own. I enjoy visiting alone or with friends.” — Vickie Jacob
“When my grandchildren are in town, we love to visit the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center. The exhibits are wonderful learning tools, including a visit to Sweet Pea, the resident sea turtle. Other exhibits include jellyfish, salt marsh life, tortoises, the invasive lionfish and an artificial reef. We try to schedule our visit to enjoy one of the in-depth experiences, such as the shark school, marine mammal school, the seashells or animal care experience. The girls learn so much and leave as wonderful environmental ambassadors.» — Charlotte Cheney
“Thirty years ago, my brother treated our mom to her very first live opera performance of Madame Butterfly at the Boston Opera House. She was hooked! Fifteen years later, my sister and I started a tradition, right here in Pensacola — taking our mom to church, lunch and the Sunday matinee at Pensacola Opera. We enjoyed nine seasons of Pensacola Opera with her, and she loved every minute of it. The last time I saw my dear sweet mom was at the 2019 production of Romeo & Juliet. She died 3 days later. Pensacola Opera connects me to my mom and always will. The tradition continues though there are some changes; now my brother joins us, we dress up on Friday evenings and celebrate our mom at Pensacola Opera! Pensacola Opera is a treasure for Pensacola residents and out-of-town guests.” — Lynn Hart
“My husband and I chose to live in Pensacola after retiring from the Navy because it’s like being on vacation every day. With so many things to do and all the history in the local area, one of our go-to local attractions is the Pensacola Lighthouse and Maritime Museum. The lighthouse has been standing for over 160 years, and the historic First Order Frensel Lens is original to the lighthouse. The lighthouse itself is open to the public and visitors can climb the 177 stairs to the top to take in a beautiful 360-degree view. A recent addition to the lighthouse and museum is a mid-19th century homestead which was discovered and recreated with the help of various grants. The Hart Homestead, named after Charles Hart, an African American enslaved laborer, serves as an archaeological park with outdoor exhibits featuring oral histories from his descendants and historical documentation. Their website offers information on special events which include watching the Blue Angels practice from the top of the lighthouse, ghost tours, sunset and moon climbs.
The National Naval Aviation Museum, one of the largest in the world, and the National Flight Academy, an immersive STEM education program, are down the road from the lighthouse and a must for locals and out-of-town visitors.” — Commander Jody King, Nurse Corps, US Navy Retired
