One Of America's Best Beaches To Visit In 2026 Is A Florida Gem On The Gulf Coast

With more miles of coastline than almost anywhere else in the contiguous United States, many of Florida's most popular tourist attractions are its beaches, which can make it hard to try and narrow down which ones to visit. Thankfully, there's a sandy stretch of white sand and turquoise water that shines a little brighter than its neighbors: Pensacola Beach. Located on the gorgeous Florida island gem of Santa Rosa, Pensacola Beach ranks among the best beaches in the U.S. — earning a spot on both Tripadvisor's 2025 Traveler's Choice Awards and Condé Nast Traveler's 38th Readers' Choice Awards. Better yet, it's also easy to access: this Gulf Coast haven is located just one hour outside of Mobile, Alabama.

A worthy addition to the list of popular Florida attractions visitors can't miss, Pensacola Beach stands out because of the sheer number of things to do on the sand, around Pensacola Bay, and in the town of Pensacola itself. Perhaps the best places for undersea exploring are the reefs located off the shores of Park East, Casino Beach, and the north side of Park West — so go ahead and grab some gear. Additionally, the fairly calm water at Pensacola Beach, especially during spring and summer, means kids and beginner snorkelers can get up close and personal with local marine life too.

Meanwhile, those who prefer to stay dry can still enjoy the water by taking a dolphin cruise around the bay. One of the most popular tour companies in town is Condor Sailing Adventures, and they offer daytime and sunset cruises aboard unique sailboats that are steady enough to reduce seasickness.

One of the biggest landmarks right on the sand of Pensacola Beach is the nearly 1,500-foot-long Pensacola Beach Pier. Aside from showing off the beautiful Floridian water, you're also likely to spot wildlife like dolphins, rays, sharks, and even crabs. Look to the skies, too, as birds seem to enjoy this pier just as much as humans. 

Another reason to look to the skies at Pensacola Beach Pier is to soak in the amazing sunset views. And for those who like to keep busy, just a few feet from the pier is Sandy Toes Beach Service, where you can rent umbrellas, chairs, and body boards for the perfect beach day in Pensacola.

Pensacola Beach has long been important to the United States military. At the western point of the island that the beach calls home is Fort Pickens. Fears surrounding the colonial desires of European powers drove the U.S. Army to build this structure in the 1830s, and Fort Pickens became a safe place on the Underground Railroad. However, the site also carries a darker and more troubling history, as it once held Chiricahua Apache tribespeople who were imprisoned there after the Civil War. A visit to the fort today keeps the memories of these people alive, educating visitors on the fort's past technological uses and the stories tied to its complicated history.

The Florida Panhandle is a Gulf Coast gem brimming with amazing seafood, and Pensacola Beach is no exception. Enjoy crab, lobster, calamari, shrimp, and more at The Grand Marlin — all with views of the waterfront. But don't let the fancy setting fool you — there are plenty of laid-back options nearby. For something more casual, try the seafood options at the locally owned Native Cafe or Shaggy's Pensacola Beach, winner of Best Seafood Restaurant and Best Casual Dining in VIP Pensacola Magazine's Reader Choice Awards. The restaurant is also walking distance from the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk, so you can easily stroll after your meal. This lively part of Santa Rosa Island also features boutique and surf shopping, easy beach access, ocean views, and even more restaurants.

Finally, a particularly unique draw for Pensacola Beach is the high volume of nearby bookstores. This love of reading, along with its annual Books By the Bay Festival, even led publications like Explore to put Pensacola on their list of the best U.S. cities for book lovers in 2024. Popular stores in town worth checking out include Open Books and Bodacious Bookstore and Cafe, both located in downtown Pensacola. And what better way to relax by the water than with some great finds from a local bookstore in your beach bag?