By: Amy Minchin, Visit Pensacola
Did the heat leave your family stuck inside this summer? Get outdoors in the Pensacola Bay area this fall to cure your cabin fever. Here's our 10 "must do's."
Visiting the Pensacola area this fall? Don’t think you’ve missed out on everything this beach town has to offer just because the summer is over.
With a little help from Mother Nature, temperatures will be cooler, and the timing could not be better. Those of us who have been indoors dodging the heat can break out and enjoy the great outdoors again. Plus, several popular annual events take place outdoors during fall.
Here are 10 ideas – in no particular order – for an autumn outdoor adventure with your significant other or family:
1. EXPLORE 4 DOWNTOWN BIKE ROUTES
Take a leisurely ride through the streets of downtown Pensacola this fall. On these bike routes, you'll explore 460 years of history, take in the views of Pensacola Bay, discover shopping, work up an appetite to visit a local hot spot and much more. If you want a guide you can also find downtown bike tours are available.
Discover where you can take a tour or rent a bike.
2. GO PADDLING
The area’s beaches are less crowded this time of year. There are so many areas to paddle from the beach, saltwater marshes to cool flowing rivers in the Pensacola area. If you need some ideas we have lots of them available for you here.
3. STROLL THROUGH PALAFOX MARKET
Walk under the canopy of crepe myrtle trees that align Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza in Downtown Pensacola on any given Saturday morning and you’ll find dozens of lively farmers and arts and crafts vendors selling organic goods at the weekly Palafox Market.
4. SIT BACK AND ENJOY THE RIDE
Take to the waterways this October to watch dolphins dance in the waves or to cast a line. The Pensacola Bay Area offers many opportunities to get on the water with a guided captain. Ready to book your tour then check out the dolphin experiences and fishing charters available this fall.
5. HIKE, BIKE AND EXPLORE
The area’s beaches are less crowded this time of year and the days are mild making it the perfect time to explore the great outdoors. From Perdido Key to Pensacola there are saltwater marshes, pine forests and rivers to satisfy any outdoor craving. Start planning your outdoor adventure here.
6. FALL FARMS AND DOWNTOWN TOURS
It’s fall y’all. The pumpkin spice is brewing. Pull the flannel shirts and scarves out of your closet, and enjoy the fresh air at one of the area’s local farms and other local fall attractions. During the month of October, visit Holland Farms and Sweet Season Farms in Milton for corn mazes, photos, pony rides and more. Visit their websites for details and activities. In downtown Pensacola For a spooky good time, Historic Pensacola’s Haunted House Walking and Trolley Tours are another great option. Stroll or roll through the historic district with a costumed guide. Rent a ghost meter to use during the tour if you dare. For spooky stories of Downtown Pensacola’s supernatural and dark side take a guided haunted segway tour with Emerald Coast Tours.
7. SAMPLE FOOD, ART AND MORE
Savor delicious seafood, enjoy various musical acts and immerse yourself in historic downtown Pensacola during the Annual Pensacola Seafood Festival, produced by Fiesta Pensacola. This festival is one of the largest arts and crafts fairs in Northwest Florida with more than 150 artisans and craftsmen who travel from around the country to participate.
8. PITCH A TENT
The Mystic Springs Recreation Area in McDavid offers primitive camping options on weekends including a large group campsite for up to 25 campers. Located about 35 miles north of Pensacola, the camping area overlooks a crystal clear spring great for swimming or launching a boat or canoe to fish in the Escambia River. Additional accommodations and RV hookups are available at Lake Stone Campground in Century. The 100-acre campground and boat ramp totals 77 campsites with views of the freshwater lake.
9. HOLD ON TIGHT AND TAKE IN THE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF THE MIDWAY
Can you smell the funnel cake? The annual Pensacola Interstate Fair returns in October, featuring more than 60 rides, live music performances, plus entertaining and educational exhibits. Not to mention the fair food! It’s fun for the whole family.
10. TRICK-OR-TREAT AMONG WILD ANIMALS
On each of the last three weekends in October, the Gulf Breeze Zoo hosts Boo at the Zoo, where families can enjoy all the fun of Halloween night, complete with costumes and candy while observing and learning about hundreds of animals. Vendors and community groups form a trick-or-treat trail between animal exhibits, so there is something to see at every turn. Special admission rates apply.