Pensacola Beach

Pensacola Beach is the hub of Santa Rosa Island, first discovered centuries ago by Spanish conquistadores. Santa Rosa Island offers miles of unspoiled white sand, blue-green water, numerous restaurants, and a taste of history.

Much of this barrier island is protected from development. The Gulf Islands National Seashore keeps beaches accessible to the public and preserves the area's environment and history.

The central business district, Pensacola Beach offers restaurants, shops and entertainment. The calender is filled with special events, from a rollicking Mardi Gras to stylish wine-tastings, scrumptous food fetes and a Bushwacker Weekend. Restaurant menus are a marvelous mix - from elite dining to down-home cooking - and nightclubs keep a steady beat. Public pavilions provide free jazz, blues, rock and country music several nights a week during warm weather.

Sun-seekers can mix and mingle at popular beaches or, if they prefer, they can claim isolated stretches of sand for themselves.