You’ve come to Pensacola and you’re looking for the instagrammable pics? Here are the best places to take pictures in Pensacola. After all, memories are the best kind of souvenir!
PENSACOLA BEACH
Let’s just start with the obvious. This is the reason you came here. Pensacola Beach has some of the finest white sugar sand around and with 8 miles of beach running parallel to emerald green water, you’re sure to find a good spot to take some memorable pictures! The 1471 ft long Pensacola Beach Fishing Pier makes an especially nice backdrop.
FORT PICKENS
Located in Gulf Islands National Seashore, Fort Pickens is frequently missed by visitors. This Civil War era fort, completed in 1838, was named for Brigadier General Andrew Pickens, a Patriot who fought with distinction in South Carolina during the American Revolution. It was designed to unleash a ring of fire from 5 walls with enough casemates made to hold up to 200 cannons.
Fort Pickens is famous for holding Geramino and his men captive. They were originally captured in Arizona but shipped by rail to Florida. They were intended to go to St. Augustine but the Pensacola government petitioned to have them moved to Fort Pickens as they could be “better guarded.” The real purpose was unfortunately to make them a tourist attraction.
All tainted history aside, you can can take some really great pictures here. The architecture and patina on the brick makes even the most amateur photographer look like a rock star. You can get a one week vehicle access pass for $25. The pass gives you the added benefit of access to less crowded beaches.
PALAFOX STREET
Previously listed as one of America’s great streets and originally named George Street after King George III, Palafox is the “heart” and gateway to Pensacola. It was built after the Civil War as a main commercial hub for Pensacola as the city became one of the largest exporters of yellow pine and red snapper. It is the core of the Downtown area and as such hosts multiple local events including Gallery Night and FooFoo Fest.
The Spanish Colonial influence is obvious and you might think for a second you are in New Orleans. There are multiple bars, restaurants, breweries, and art galleries to explore with murals, Pelicans in Paradise, and pop up art work to photograph along the way.
BREWERIES
Hear me out. There are several local breweries employing awesome artwork to attract the masses. I can honestly say the beer is worth the trip alone but why not take some cool pictures too?
Emerald Republic
Emerald Republic is the little brewery that could…and does. They’ve come back from nearly nothing after having significant weather related damage. What’s most impressive is they’ve had to do it more than once! The owner Phil has a bit of a dark side and its reflected in the brewery’s aesthetics. It’s almost entirely black and white with a nod to fantasy/sci-fi with murals inside and out.
Odd Colony
There is a really cool vintage vibe here reminiscent of the dark version of fairy tales. Think Brothers Grimm. The antique couches are pretty fantastic and pair well with the animal skulls and dark walls.
ALGA
Originally this building was a restaurant but when the owners Brett and Thomas converted it to a brewery, they thankfully kept the fantastic postcard mural and added a few more murals while they were at it. One of the bartenders does graphic design and you can see his imprint everywhere if you care to take a closer look. This brewery is a neighborhood favorite and a little reminiscent of Cheers….everybody knows your name.
JETTY IOT MURAL
The building located at 3500 Barancas Ave may be worth a visit. The entire front of this very LONG co-working space is covered in a beautiful local themed “Live, Work, Play, & INSPIRE” mural.
MAMA AND PAPA’S TACOS
This not-so-little Mexican restaurant is a recent addition to the Pensacola food scene. Why would I send you here for photos? Well its covered in great murals highlighting the beach and Pensacola in general. Plus they serve complimentary bean dip with chips and salsa. Win-win.
