Fascinating history might not be the first thing you associate with family vacations in Florida, but Pensacola is most certainly not your average Florida vacation.
Historic Pensacola Village makes history fun on family vacations in Florida
In fact, it’s the first European settlement in North America with an enthralling past that spans over 460 years. And, although it was discovered by Spanish Conquistador, Don Tristán de Luna, in 1559, the flags of France, Britain and America have all been planted here over the years. So it almost goes without saying that you’ll find a broad mix of cultures and influences everywhere from its food to the people lucky enough to live here.
Although what may really surprise you is how well Pensacola handles the history. Don’t expect dry and dusty. It’s definitely an education, but making that as much fun for families as the spectacular beaches, wildly beautiful state parks and colourful year-round festivals, is a matter of local pride.
Visiting Historic Pensacola Village
Add centuries of history to family vacations in Florida
Pensacola really is a city that wears its history on its sleeve. If you want to see how that plays out, head to Historic Pensacola Village and all you have to do is stroll around. Thirty buildings here are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, you’re walking on traditional brick pavements, and all around you life is being lived as it was in the 18th and 19th century.
Really experience what went on in the olden days
It’s fascinating to meet costumed locals and find out how day-to-day tasks were carried out before the existence of all the things we take for granted. Of course, this extraordinary way of experiencing the past first hand, is also great fun for kids.
And you can all take your time: ‘One Ticket, Seven Days to Explore’ isn’t just great value, it lets you discover Historic Pensacola Village at your own pace, and makes sure you miss nothing. Although some visits you might want to prioritise.
Getting interactive on America’s First Settlement Trail
What not to miss in Historic Pensacola
- Julee Cottage was originally owned by Julee Panton, a freed black woman who bought the house for $300 in 1805. Julee ran a business making candles and pastries, however, it’s also believed she helped many slaves to freedom in the years leading up to the American Civil War. A tour of the cottage with a costumed living history guide is great for older kids.
- The Pensacola Children’s Museum covers two floors and specialises in learning through play. So kids can look forward to interactive experiences of everything from Native American culture and colonial classrooms to sailing on a traditional tall ship.
- Don’t miss Quina House. Dating back to 1810, it’s Pensacola’s oldest building still in its original location, and furnished just as it would have been back in the day. Another great tour to take.
- If you drop in on the Appleyard Storytelling Cottage you can hear all the best Pensacola tales told by the city’s premier storyteller, John Appleyard.
- Pensacola Museum of History gives you an insight into the people, places and events which shaped the city. So it’s the perfect place to start a self-guided tour of Historic Pensacola.
- America’s First Settlement Trail covers the entire history of Pensacola in one family-friendly walk. It’s three miles long, but even younger kids will be happy to keep up and easily distracted by the 70-plus points of interest and 20 stops along the way.
- Drop into the Belmont-Devilliers neighbourhood to see why it earned a marker on the historic Mississippi Blues Trail. The entire trail has over 200 markers, each recognising a significant spot in the southeast US which has added to the understanding of the country’s blues history, and Pensacola’s marker is one of only two in Florida.
